Page 56 of Protect My Heart

“Doc?” Jim whipped around and sprinted back to the living room, gun at the ready.

Huddled on the floor between the couch and the coffee table, she had Tig in bear hug. Her face ashen and her knuckles had turned white. He scanned the room. Nothing.

She pointed to the door. Her voice shook. “I saw a person pass the window.”

The fine hairs on his neck stood at attention. He slipped the curtain back an inch. Shadows moved around the corner. “Something’s definitely out there.”

The sound of the garage door opening had him stiffening. “Who has the code?”

“No one.” Wide eyes blinked back at him. “Only...”

Her words faded as he swiftly moved to the back door. He crouched behind the pantry cabinet and waited. Gun up, ready for intruders.

A hand touched his arm. He spun and just as quickly dropped his arm to point the barrel at the floor. “Jesus, Doc. You trying to get yourself shot?”

“I thought you might need help.”

He raised a brow. “Really?”

Her face was pale, and Tigger stood at her side, her hand fisted in his fur.

She gulped. “Sure.”

The doorknob slowly turned. Jim pushed her behind him. Tig growled. The door pushed open. One inch. Two. Jim’s heart thumped. It sounded like a Black Hawk chopper in his ears. Sweat slicked his palms but his grip never loosened. His finger tapped the side of the trigger guard. Come on, come on. One more inch.

The door finally swung open.

“Police. Show me your hands.”

A pair of hands entered first. Coral tipped nails and a diamond ring with enough sparkle to blind him for a few seconds had Jim lowering his gun.

“Don’t shoot.” A head with perfectly coiffed sable hair entered next.

“Mami.” Doc pushed Jim’s arm down until the gun pointed at the floor and crossed to hug the woman.

“Jesus H.” His heart beat still thundered in his ears. He holstered his gun and rubbed his hand over his face. “Sorry, ma’am.”

He almost shot Doc’s mom. Not a good way to make a first impression. A moment later a tall gray-haired gentleman in khakis and a gray peacoat walked in. This must be CJ’s uncle. He had the Whittier green eyes. Sharp, shrewd, all business.

“Lizzy.” Walt Whittier’s eyes softened as he pulled Doc in for a hug.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?” She pulled back and took their carry-on bag from him.

“When Rosa told me what was happening with you, I cancelled my meetings for the week and we hopped on a plane.” His gaze slid from Doc to Jim then down to the gun. “Looks like it was a good move.”

“Mami, Walt, this is Detective Jim Swenson. CJ’s partner.”

Jim had seen that disapproving look before. A flash of his high school girlfriend, Kari, when they told her father their big news. Kari’s dad wore that same scowl. But Jim wasn’t eighteen, and he hadn’t knocked up Doc. God, he hoped not. The image of a brown-haired little boy with Doc’s nose and curls had his heart skip.

“So, you’re the man protecting our little Lizzy?” Walt’s face softened and he offered his hand. “Walt Whittier. I owe you for keeping her safe. Let me put my briefcase in the office and get us a drink and you can fill me in on the situation.”

“Walt, I’m sure Detective Swenson has things under control.” Rosa stepped up, wrapped her arms around Jim’s waist, and held him tight. The first couple seconds, Jim stood straight and stiff. He patted her back.

Rosa squeezed him tighter, and continued to hug him. “We are blessed the Lord sent you to watch over Elizabeth.”

For a little thing, Doc’s mom had serious strength as she held on and showed no signs of letting go. He continued to pat her back as his eyes darted to Walt, his face was blank. Okay, he wasn’t giving anything away. Jim’s eyes tracked to Doc.

She mouthed, “Sorry. She’s a hugger.”