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Jacques

Page 57

by Elle James

“We’ll be around if you need anything,” Remy said. “We’re here to protect.”

Danny nodded. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d have done without Jacques and the rest of your team.”

Jacques got out of the SUV first and helped Danny to the ground.

She pasted a smile on her face and strode toward a tall man with the same auburn hair and similar green eyes. He wore khaki slacks, a white polo shirt and a navy blazer.

The man’s face split into a grin. When he held open his arms, Danny ran into them and hugged him for a long time.

Anton and Remy got out of the vehicle and stood to the side, out of the way of the reunion, while Beau left to park.

Jacques followed Danny but gave the siblings room for their reunion.

Danny finally stood back and stared up at her brother, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. “We can’t go this long between visits. I’ve missed you.”

“I agree,” her brother said.

She turned to Jacques and held out her hand.

He took it and stepped up beside her.

“This is Jacques Jardin, my...friend,” she said. “Jacques, this is my brother Caleb.”

Jacques shook the man’s hand, glad Danny’s brother had a firm, strong grip. “Nice to meet you. Danny’s told me about you. Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your years of service.”

Caleb’s brow twisted. “You have the lead on me. Danny hasn’t told me anything about you. It helps when we talk more often.” He glanced at Danny. “I hope I don’t have to retire again before you come to see me.”

“The road goes both ways,” she said. “Now that you’re retiring, you should find more time to come to Louisiana to visit me.”

Caleb cocked an eyebrow. “You do realize I’m going to work here in the DC area as a government contractor, don’t you?”

Danny sighed. “I don’t suppose you’ll ever move back to Louisiana, will you? I really like the town I live in. The people are wonderful.”

“And give up the energy and excitement of city life?” He shook his head. “I might not move back to Louisiana, but I promise to come more often to visit.” He turned toward the hotel. “Are we having lunch in the hotel restaurant?”

Danny stiffened and shot a glance toward Jacques. “In a few minutes. I wanted to talk with you in a more private place.”

Her brother’s brow dipped. “Anything wrong?”

Danny nodded. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

Remy waited at the door and motioned with a lift of his chin for them to follow.

Jacques cupped Danny’s elbow. “Let’s take it inside.”

“Now you’re worrying me, Danny,” Caleb said, following Jacques and Danny into the hotel.

“I’ll explain in a minute,” Danny assured him.

A couple of yards ahead, Remy led the way, turning into a corridor.

Jacques followed, guiding Danny.

Remy paused in front of a door, tilted his head to the right and then moved on as inconspicuously as he could.

Jacques stopped at the room Remy indicated, opened the door and stood back as Danny and her brother walked in.

Inside the small conference room was a table with eight chairs on wheels.