by Nan Dixon
“Great. My dad made a big Jenga set.” Josh waved his hands around. “I told him I’d stack the blocks.”
“Go.” Courtney set out the blank cardboard crowns she’d found. Then the glue, glitter and paint. She wasn’t sure how many kids would attend the party, or if the activity was age-appropriate for all of them, but she’d wanted the day care to be part of the Fitzgerald House celebration.
As much as she hated to admit it, she’d found her purpose in Savannah. Found her calling. Her father might not think running a day care was worthwhile, but when Josh and Issy hugged her, when they learned something new, or even when they did something sweet for each other, her life had meaning.
“I like seeing you smile.” Kaden’s deep voice had her looking up and taking a foolish step toward him.
Darn her stupid body for wanting to touch him. “I didn’t know I was smiling.”
“You were.” His smile disappeared. “I’d like to introduce Agent Reynolds.”
She hadn’t noticed the man standing next to Kaden. The replacement. Kaden was really leaving. This was what she wanted...right? “Hi. I’m Courtney. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Boyd.” The agent shook her hand and kept holding it. “I’m sorry you were hurt.”
She pulled her hand back at the same time as Kaden bumped Reynolds’s shoulder. Had Kaden told the agent he shouldn’t mention the injury? Did they think she was weak? “I needed to keep Issy safe.”
Boyd stared at her. “Kaden was just going to show me the day care’s security. Would you like to finish the tour?”
“I’ve got this handled,” Kaden growled. “Follow me.”
“Good, I found you, Courtney.” Nathan stuck his head through the courtyard gate. Issy was perched on his shoulders. “Any chance you can watch Issy? Daniel and I are picking up the beer kegs and Cheryl is putting the finishing touches on the cake.”
“Absolutely.”
“Thanks.” Nathan set Issy on her feet. “We shouldn’t be gone long.”
“Don’t worry about the time.” She held out her hand and Issy smiled at her. “What about Josh?”
“He’s helping Bess set up the games.”
“Issy, will you move the beanbag chairs into the classrooms from the activity room? I thought we would have tours today.”
“Yes, Miss Courtney.” Issy slipped past Kaden and Agent Reynolds, and headed inside the day care.
“Is the security system off?” Kaden’s voice was sharp.
“For the party.” She grabbed the door handle, but he stopped her.
“Reset it.” His voice was so deep and serious, a shiver slid down her back. “Now.”
“I want the staff and their family to tour the center.” Courtney set her fists on her hips.
“At least have it on while you’re alone,” Kaden insisted.
“Fine.”
“Don’t be so intense, Farrell,” Boyd teased.
“Wait. What do you know?” She shifted so she could see Issy through the windows. “Has Heather been spotted?”
“Not Bole.” Kaden reached for her, but she ducked away. “I’m worried.”
He was doing it again. Keeping things from her. “Why?”
“One of the cars parked in the square this morning was registered to a Salvez.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Boyd stepped closer to Kaden. “Is it Hector?”
“A Michael Salvez. Roger’s checking to see if they’re related.”
Courtney pressed her hand to her chest. Issy was safe, dragging beanbag chairs into each of the rooms. She wouldn’t let her out of her sight. “Have you told everyone?”
Kaden shook his head. “I don’t know yet whether anyone should be concerned.”
“But you’ve warned Nathan and Cheryl and the Fitzgeralds?”
“I’m waiting on confirmation whether this Salvez is connected to Hector Salvez.”
She poked him in his chest. “Tell everyone, or I will.”
“I will.” He rubbed where she’d jabbed him.
“Do it.” She fled into the center. Punching in the code, she reset the security system.
If she hadn’t asked, would Kaden have told her anything?
He was making the same error again. He didn’t learn from his mistakes. She couldn’t trust him. He didn’t know how to be part of a team. It was good he was leaving.
And once he was gone, she would concentrate on her day care.
And maybe her heart would heal.
* * *
KADEN CLENCHED HIS hands into fists so he didn’t grab his grandfather’s elbow as they moved down the ramp and into the courtyard. At least their slow pace allowed him to scan the crowd.
Issy played a beanbag-toss game with Nathan. Cheryl and Josh stood next to the drink station. He checked off all the Fitzgerald sisters.
Boyd was walking the perimeter and checking for the Land Rover Kaden had spotted this morning.
Where was Courtney? His heart picked up extra beats. Back at the day care? He wanted his eyes on her. Once he got his grandfather settled, he would pin down her location.
Staff and guests filled the open spaces and spilled over the walkways. No Bole or Salvez among them.
His facial recognition software had buzzed with false alerts for the last half hour. He was tempted to turn off the damn thing, but the last time he’d ignored an alert, Courtney had been injured.
“How’re you doing?” he asked his granddad as they hit the walkway.
“Great.” But Granddad leaned hard on his walker.
Bess met them near the fire pit and gave his grandfather a hug. “Nigel, I’m so glad to see you up and about. We’ve set up a place of honor for you.”
She parted the crowd and made space for Nigel’s walker. Staff and guests called his name.
It was obvious Granddad was loved and respected. Kaden couldn’t have been prouder.
Bess led him to a chair set next to a low wall. “We thought this spot would protect you from people tripping over your leg and hip.”
It would. Chairs fanned out so people could visit.
“Perfect.” Nigel sank into the chair with a smile as Liam approached. “Thank you.”
“What can I get you to drink?” Kaden asked.
“I’m on it.” Liam went and quickly returned with a tumbler of amber liquid. “Jameson neat, right?”
“You’ve got a great memory.” His grandfather took the glass. “Thank you.”
Liam tapped his glass with Granddad’s. “Sláinte.”
“Cheers.”
“Not too many of those,” Kaden warned him. “We don’t want you breaking your other hip.”
Granddad grinned. The staff descended to welcome him home.
Kaden slipped back, letting the ladies give hugs and the men shake his hand. Every now and then, Granddad would look at Kaden and smile or touch his heart.
If this had been an FBI gathering and he’d been injured, would people flock to greet him? He didn’t think so. What did that say about his life?
He was doing important work by getting drugs and drug dealers off the streets. But he hadn’t made connections with his teammates. Being in the Bureau was highly competitive, everyone climbing to the top, trying to get the tastiest assignments.
“You’re scowling.” Courtney stopped next to him. “What’s wrong?”
He’d been checking the crowd, but she’d come up behind him. How could he keep anyone safe if he couldn’t stay aware of who was around him? “Nothing.”
“Kaden, not everything is a state secret.” She crossed her arms, her body language icy. “It’s good to see Nigel.”
“It is.” He huffed out a sigh. “Does he look tired to you?”
“Maybe.” Co
urtney stared a bit longer. “But I see a man who is happy and well-loved. I also see a man who cares so much about his grandson that he keeps checking to make sure you’re still here.”
How could he have ever thought Courtney was shallow? He’d been the one who was shallow and thought all she cared about was how she looked. She’d proved him wrong. “You’re amazing...and right.”
Granddad waved and touched his chest.
“Why is he doing that?” Her arms dropped like she planned to run to his grandfather’s aid. “Is he having chest pains?”
“No.” Love for Granddad and Courtney flooded his body. “It’s our signal. When we’re in public, it’s his way of reminding me that he loves me.”
“Oh. Oh.” Her blue eyes shimmered. “That’s...beautiful.”
His chest tightened at the sight of her tears. “I don’t want you to cry.”
She pulled her sunglasses down from her head and covered her eyes. “Don’t worry about it.”
Granddad waved them over and Courtney couldn’t leave Kaden’s side fast enough. Marion and Amy stood and gave them their seats.
“How are you doing, Mr. Ganders?” Courtney asked.
“Nigel.” He took a sip of the glass in his hand. “And I’m plenty relieved to be out from under the watchful eyes of the nurses.”
Her dark eyebrows arched over her glasses. “Are you sure you’re supposed to be drinking?”
Granddad winked. “I’d rather talk about you. First you’re opening a day care right here on the property and then you’re a hero for keeping my Issy and Josh safe.”
She blushed. “Anyone would have done that.”
“Maybe. But it was you, Courtney Smythe.” Granddad took her hand and kissed her fingers. “I can’t wait to hear children’s voices in the courtyard. If I were a little more nimble, I would have asked Kaden to show me the new space.”
“You would have critiqued the quality of my work,” Kaden joked.
“I would have helped put the place together.” Granddad nodded at Courtney. “Tell me your plans.”
She scooted her chair closer.
Kaden’s phone buzzed in the pocket of his shorts. He tensed and Courtney frowned at him.
Roger. Finally. “I need to take this call.”
His superior didn’t say hello. “The SUV is registered to Hector’s second cousin. He’s in the family business.”
“Hell.” Kaden held his breath, searching and finding Issy with her family by the fire pit and Courtney sitting next to his granddad. His exhale didn’t release the tension stiffening his back. He moved away from the crowd hovering around the food and looked for a quiet spot.
“Is the Land Rover still there?” Roger asked.
“Boyd is checking.” Kaden connected Boyd to their call.
“I’ve searched the streets surrounding the B and B and the parking lots,” Boyd said. “Not here.”
“Stay sharp,” Roger said. “It’s too much of a coincidence that the car was parked near the B and B. This is our chance. I feel it.”
Kaden wanted to shut down the party, herd everyone into Fitzgerald House and lock them in the ballroom.
He told Boyd to meet him next to the fountain, dialed Nathan and gave him the same instruction.
Moving next to Courtney, he whispered, “The Michael who owns the Land Rover is related to Hector.”
Her face went pale. “Thanks for letting me know.”
He hurried to the fountain where Boyd already waited. Nathan arrived with Daniel, Gray and Liam.
“What’s going on?” Nathan asked.
The men stood in a semicircle around him as he introduced Boyd. “He’s my replacement.”
“But Issy is used to you,” Nathan said. “Knows you.”
“We’ll transition and expose her to Boyd.” The idea of Boyd playing Quarto with Courtney, Issy and Josh made his gut ache.
“Is that all you needed?” Nathan asked.
“No.” Before he could explain, the alert buzzed. Kaden checked. Courtney and Issy were moving around the patio.
“There was a car parked in front of the B and B this morning. It’s registered to Heather’s partner’s cousin.” Kaden looked at the men.
“Is Heather here?” Nathan pushed back his cap.
“I’ve just patrolled the parking lots and streets. No sign of the Land Rover, Bole or Salvez.” Boyd held up a hand. “But the streets are packed. It doesn’t mean anyone who left this morning would get a parking spot near the B and B.”
“I’d like to shut this party down,” Kaden said.
“So would I.” Gray sighed. “But Abby and her sisters would have my head. This is the staff party.”
“Can you ask her?” Kaden checked for alerts. Nothing.
“I’ll ask,” Gray said. “But unless you spot Issy’s mom on the property, I’m guessing she won’t kick everyone out.”
“Maybe the kid’s safer with all these people around,” Boyd said.
“Could be.” Kaden hated Boyd calling Issy “the kid.” He held up his phone. “Here’s what Bole and Salvez look like.”
“Send me the pictures,” Liam said.
He sent them to everyone.
“Boyd, keep patrolling the streets,” Kaden instructed.
Boyd raised an eyebrow. “For some reason I thought you were my backup.”
Granddad’s words echoed in his head. Do you really think some agent who hasn’t been with Issy or Courtney for the last two months will do the job I know you can do?
“Not until I leave. Right now, I’m in charge.”
Boyd opened his mouth, but Kaden shot him the same look he used to intimidate interrogation suspects.
“Fine,” Boyd said. “You know the territory.”
“Good. I’ll check the parking lots.” Kaden couldn’t stand around and eat as if everything was normal. “Everyone keep your eyes open. If you spot them, call me. Don’t engage.”
For once Kaden wished the alert would buzz.
* * *
COURTNEY ASKED NIGEL, “Can I get you anything else?”
“I could use one of Abby’s brandy pecan bars.” Nigel winked.
“My brother’s favorite.” Courtney pushed out of the chair and headed over to the food tables. Abby and Bess manned the incredible spread. “Nigel would like a pecan bar, but when I’m done, do you need any help?” Courtney asked as she moved through the line.
“I think we’ve got it covered, but thanks. You’ve done so much already.” Abby whispered, “The people who toured the day care are excited. I think there’ll be a few more registrations.”
“Martha was giving one more tour.” Each day she liked her assistant more and more.
“The school buses will have to make a stop at the day care soon.” Abby handed her a plate with the pecan bars.
“I called the school district last Friday.” Courtney couldn’t hold in her smile. “The woman in charge will call me back on Tuesday.”
“You’re way ahead of me.” Abby took her hand. “I’m so glad you’re my sister-in-law.”
“Me, too,” Courtney choked out. For the first time ever, she belonged.
“Hungry people behind you,” Marion called from the line. “Stop the gabbing and start the grabbing.”
People laughed. But it wasn’t at her. It was with her.
“You okay?” Bess asked.
“I’m better than okay,” Courtney said. Inside, she was as warm as a fire during a blizzard. If her relationship with Kaden had been real, everything would be perfect.
She sat on the patio floor and watched Nigel devour two bars. Cheryl came over with Issy and Josh. “Nathan’s missing. Do you mind if Issy and Josh sit with you? I have to bring over the cake.”
“Not at all.” Courtney held out her arms and Issy sat on her lap, Josh at her feet.
Nigel patted his leg. “Issy, I don’t think I’ve had a hug from you.”
The little girl scooted off Courtney’s lap and let Nigel lift her up.
“I wonder where Kaden is,” Courtney said. She hadn’t seen him for a while, not that she was keeping track. But he hadn’t eaten. And she wanted an update on the Land Rover.
“Probably with the other men.” Nigel waved his hand. “A group of them headed to Fitzgerald House. Could be they’re smoking cigars.”
“Yuck,” Issy said.
“They smell good,” Josh protested.
“Hopefully they’ll keep the stink away from the food,” Courtney said. If that’s what they were really doing.
“Can we toast marshmallows?” Issy whispered.
“Yeah!” Josh agreed.
She took the kids over to the fire pit.
After making s’mores, Issy asked, “Play Jenga?”
“Sure.” Courtney cleaned off the toasting forks and placed them back where others could use them. “Josh, are you coming?”
“I’m going to make more s’mores,” he said.
“I’ll keep my eye on him,” Dolley volunteered.
“Thanks.” She and Issy headed to the patio outside the Carleton House library, where the giant game was set up.
They played as a team against Daria, Courtney’s newest student, and her mother, Maggie.
Daria tugged on Courtney’s shorts. “I like my new school, Miss Courtney.”
“It was fun having you there Thursday and Friday.” And on Monday there would be another new student. She was ready, she hoped.
“Let’s try this one,” Courtney said, testing a block.
Issy, her tongue caught between her teeth, pushed out the piece while Courtney held her up. It wasn’t the safest, but it allowed Issy to be part of the game.
“You put it on top.” Issy handed her the block.
“I don’t know. It’s pretty wobbly.” She set the piece in the only available spot. The blocks swayed and finally tumbled, the wood clattering to the stone.
“Noooo,” Courtney said. “I’m sorry, partner.”
“It’s okay.” Issy patted her hand.