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“I’ll think about it, and we’ll have to see what your dad says.”
“I already talked to him. He thinks it’s a great idea.” She grins brightly.
I start to question that premise when I hear the doorbell ring, and I frown, looking to Lizzy for answers. She shrugs like she doesn’t know who it could be, and I wipe my hands and make my way to the door.
Peering out the small window, I see a man in a security uniform from the company that my father hired to install the cameras and monitor the property. True to his word, they were ready to go the moment we set foot back in Ohio, and for the last week, they’ve been diligently assembling everything to the specifications my father’s security team outlined.
“Hello. Is there still more work?” I ask through the door before I unlock it; I’m more cautious than ever.
“Hello.” The man offers me a warm smile, and his blue eyes light with the greeting. “Beatrix, I don’t know if you remember me. I’m James Sharp. I worked with your father out in Seattle. He hired my team to set everything up for you, and I just wanted to come by personally and take a final look through everything to make sure it’s all been done correctly.”
I tilt my head and study his face for a moment before the recognition comes. He’d been part of my father’s security team years ago. He’d always been funny and had been one of the good ones. He had helped me sneak away from a function or two for a breather when I couldn’t take any more of my father’s political contacts asking me how my classes were going or what colleges I had applied to.
“Yes!” I smile. “I remember you. It’s been a while. Sorry to be so standoffish. I’m just trying to be extra careful about things right now,” I explain as I unlock the door and let him in.
“Absolutely. From what your father said on the phone, it sounds like you can’t be too careful. I’m just glad my team and I can help with everything.”
“We appreciate it so much. You’re welcome to check in on things. I assume you know where everything is.”
“Yes. I’ve got a map here and some notes.” He holds up his phone.
“I’m just making dinner at the moment, but please let me know before you go.”
“That sounds perfect. Thank you, and again I’m sorry for interrupting,” he apologizes again, and I shake my head to let him know he’s fine before he takes off down the hall to check the cameras and security alarm.
When I return to the kitchen, Lizzy’s already got a bunch of the vegetable prep going and most of the spices we need pulled out of the cabinet. I take up my spot beside her and start working on the next steps.
“So?” she asks expectantly, her question returning me to our previous conversation.
“I’ll talk to your dad about it. I can’t make any promises, but if nothing else, I can premake a batch of cupcakes you all can take down with you.”
“Okay. But I want you there.” I can hear the disappointment in her voice.
“We’ll see,” I say, and we return to fixing up our taco dinner until we’re interrupted by James again.
“Hey,” I greet him as he stands at the edge of the kitchen.
“All done. Everything is up and running and looks great.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you checking everything. I know my dad and brother will be relieved.”
“The man of the house too, I assume?” James’s brow furrows in question.
“Yes. Him too.”
“Cooper’s great. We’ve done some work with the stadium lately to help them harden some of their offices and tech equipment just in case. You never know in this era. But we’ve done a few trainings with the players so they’re ready.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that. Well, that’s good. Such a small world.”
“It is. Speaking of…” He reaches into his pocket and extracts a business card. “Here’s my information. My personal number is on there. If you need anything, day or night, you just call or text me. I loved working for your dad, and I just want to be sure you’re taken care of while you guys work through this. Anything at all, just get in touch.”
“Thank you.” I wipe my hands and take the card from him, following him down the hall as we walk to the front door. “If anything comes up, I’ll definitely be in touch. Between us, I think this is all a lot of overreaction for something relatively minor. But I guess it can’t hurt.”
“It never hurts to be extra cautious.” He gives me a soft smile. “Glad we can give you all some more peace of mind. Like I said, anytime. Have a good night!”
“You too!” We say our goodbyes, and I head back to the kitchen. I’d never admit it to any of the men in my life, but I am secretly grateful they care enough about me to be this protective. I know I’m lucky to have so many people looking out for me, including Cooper.
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