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She noted that Elijah hadn’t answered her question about school—and that his father had opened his mouth before abruptly closing it. There was disagreement there that she’d tackle later. “Luckily for you, I can cook. I’ve been taking lessons lately from another one of my friends who co-owns a restaurant here in the Quarter. My food’s not as good as hers, but we’ll be just fine.” She tilted her head. “Do I pass muster?”
“I might need help with my homework. Can you do math?”
This was another interview question, she was certain. A kid in the math club was unlikely to need help with his homework. “Yes. Before I was a bodyguard-slash-investigator-slash-part-time-music-teacher, I was a full-time middle school math teacher.”
He blinked. “Seriously?”
“Seriously. I can take a test later, if you need proof. In fact, we can take the same test and see who wins. Loser buys cupcakes. And I won’t let you win, I promise.”
He regarded her steadily, then stuck out his hand. “You’re hired.”
She shook his hand, pleased that she’d won him over. Elijah Cardozo fired up all her protective instincts. But, of course, the boy’s father had the final say. “Thank you. Let me work out the details with your dad and then we’ll see where we go from there.”
His tense shoulders relaxed a fraction. “Thank you, Miss Sorensen.”
“You’re welcome. And my friends call me Val.”
He nodded once. “Thank you, Val.”
The Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 9:15 A.M.
Thank you, Val.
Kaj Cardozo closed his eyes at his son’s sober gratitude, trying to control the fear that clawed at him from the inside out. Someone touched my son. Someone tried to take my son.
Val Sorensen came recommended by Burke Broussard, and Broussard Investigations had a stellar record for closing cases. They got justice for those who’d been long denied. They also specialized in personal protection, which was why he was here.
Kaj had seen Burke in action, had witnessed his dedication and integrity.
Burke Broussard hires capable people. Which includes Val Sorensen.
Kaj had been chanting those words in his mind ever since he’d made the call to Broussard the night before, asking for this appointment. Right after he’d left his pregnant sister’s home, trying not to hold his son too tightly.
Genie had been amazing, protecting Elijah, incapacitating his would-be attacker. His son was still here because Genie had saved him with her quick thinking. And her Taser.
If Genie hadn’t been so vigilant... Kaj drew a deep breath, determined not to have a panic attack where Elijah could see him. He couldn’t think that way. It wasn’t good for Elijah.
Nor for me.
“Hey,” Val said softly right next to his ear, and the scent of vanilla filled his head. “Breathe, Mr.Cardozo.”
Kaj’s eyes flew open, and he shuddered out a breath when he saw the woman take the seat beside him, sweeping her hair over one shoulder in a practiced way. He’d noticed her hair the first time he’d seen her at a party back in the summer. It was long and white-blond, nearly the same color as his had been as a child, the same as Elijah’s was now. She was smiling at him, sympathy in her blue eyes.
“Elijah’s here,” she murmured. “He’s here and he’s okay. Scared, but okay.”
“And we’re going to keep it that way,” Burke added.
Kaj scrubbed his palms over his face. “Okay. What’s next?”
“That depends on you.” Val glanced at Elijah, who sat watching them warily.
Kaj tried to smile, but his mouth wouldn’t curve. “You okay over there, kiddo?”
Elijah rolled his eyes, and that very genuine preteen gesture finally prodded a smile onto Kaj’s face. “I’m fine, Dad,” he said, his tone dripping with condescension. “Are you?”
Yes, Kaj started to say, then shook his head. “Not really. But I will be.”
