LITMIR.BIZ

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resented him, there’d been a time when she’d truly believed she would love him forever.

      She sighed.

      Cody was dead, but she was alive. There had to be a reason for that, and she wouldn’t waste the second chance she’d been given.

      She glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table. It was midnight in Lakeview, but only nine in Spokane, Washington. Morgan took a deep breath, lifted the phone and dialed her parents’ number.

      FOUR

      Jackson loosened his tie as he stepped out of the sanctuary and joined the crowd lining up to offer Jude and Lacey congratulations. The wedding seemed to have gone off without a hitch, but it wasn’t the beautiful bride or peacock-proud groom that Jackson was anxious to speak with. Morgan was several guests ahead of him in line, her bruised jaw and swollen lip only partially camouflaged by makeup. Despite the obvious injuries, she walked with her head up and her shoulders back, her quick stride seeming to dare people to take a second look.

      For his part, Jackson didn’t need a dare to want to look again. Glossy black hair, pale blue eyes, slender figure encased in a curve-hugging dress. Even without the bruises, she was an attention grabber. What man wouldn’t take a second look?

      As he watched, Morgan offered Lacey a hug, said something to Jude and then hurried toward the exit. Jackson stepped out of line and followed. He and Jude had spoken at length before the wedding, and Jackson knew what his friend expected. Twenty-four-hour guard until the men who’d attacked Morgan were caught. Jackson didn’t have a problem with that, but he was pretty sure Morgan would.

      The day had the crisp, cold feel of late fall, the clear blue sky and bright sunlight belying any danger that might lurk nearby. Jackson followed Morgan across the parking lot, wondering if she realized how vulnerable she was. Despite the nearly overflowing parking lot and the buzzing crowd of people exiting the church, Morgan made an easy target. Buildings, trees and even cars were perfect hiding places for a sniper, and she was doing nothing to escape notice, nothing to keep her out of the line of fire.

      He picked up his pace, reaching Morgan’s side as she opened the door of a beat-up Chevy.

      “Heading over to the reception?”

      She jumped, whirling to face him. “Jackson, what are you doing here?”

      “Same thing you are. Attending a friend’s wedding.”

      “You know that’s not what I mean.”

      “If you’re asking why I’m standing here talking to you, I’d think the answer was obvious. I’m following through on a promise to a friend.”

      “You weren’t serious about that.”

      “About making sure you stay safe until Jude and Lacey get back from France? Sure I am.”

      For a moment she said nothing, then she shook her head, her eyes flashing with amusement. “I’ve got to admit, I’m surprised. I thought it was all just an elaborate scheme to put Lacey at ease.”

      “I don’t lie and I rarely scheme. Especially not when it comes to people who trust me. Lacey and Jude are both concerned about you. If it helps them feel more at ease, helps them enjoy their wedding and honeymoon, I’ve got every intention of following through on my promise to keep you safe.”

      “That’s going to be difficult to do, considering that I’m going to be in Washington.”

      “Not so difficult if I’m in Washington with you.”

      “But you won’t be. My plane leaves in an hour and a half, and I’ve got to get going or I’ll miss it,” she said, shifting in her seat and closing the door.

      Jackson didn’t bother trying to stop her. No way did he think she’d change her mind and invite him along on the trip. Then again, there was no way he was going to break his word to Jude. He’d told his friend that he’d keep Morgan safe. That’s exactly what he planned to do. Whether she liked it or not.

      He crossed the parking lot and hopped into his Mustang, reaching for his cell phone as he pulled onto the road behind Morgan’s car. He’d planned on returning to New York on Sunday, but his plans had changed and his boss was going to have to be informed. He dialed quickly, waiting impatiently for Kane Dougherty to pick up. Owner of Information Unlimited, Kane had founded the business two years ago and pulled Jackson on board shortly after.

      “Dougherty here.”

      “It’s Jackson.”

      “I thought you were at a friend’s wedding.”

      “It’s over.”

      “And you felt compelled to check in with me?”

      “I ran into some trouble.”

      “If you’re going to ask me to bail you out, forget it. I’ve got plans.”

      “No need to post bail, but I’m not going to be back Monday like I’d planned. I’ve got some personal business to take care of.”

      “When will you be back?” Kane asked, not demanding further detail. That was no surprise. Kane was a tenacious investigator but never stuck his nose into his employees’ business.

      “A week or two.”

      “You going to be able to work the cases you’ve been assigned, or should I call someone in to cover for you?”

      “There’s nothing on my docket that I can’t work on long-distance,” Jackson responded as he pulled into the airport parking lot and followed Morgan to the long-term parking garage. If she knew he was following, she gave no indication of it, just drove slowly through the crowded lot until she found an empty spot.

      “That’s fine then. I may have another case for you this week. You want it, or do you want me to pass it on to Skylar?”

      “It depends on the case.”

      “It’s another missing person case. A mother looking for a son she lost contact with a dozen years ago. Lady has just been diagnosed with cancer.”

      “I should be able to handle things from Washington.”

      “Washington?”

      “I’m flying there in an hour.”

      “Check in with me Tuesday. I’ll update you on the new case then.”

      “Sounds good. Talk to you then.” Jackson hung up and pulled into a parking spot a half dozen yards away from Morgan. She seemed completely oblivious to his presence as she yanked a small rolling carry-on case from the trunk of her car and started walking toward the airport terminal.

      Jackson had a feeling she wasn’t. She’d survived a brutal attack, escaped two armed men. There was no way she didn’t realize she’d been followed from the church.

      He covered the distance between them quickly, saw her tense as he matched pace with her shorter stride.

      “Need some help with the bag?”

      “No. And I’d appreciate it if you’d stop following me.” She didn’t bother looking his way, just kept focusing straight ahead, her silky hair swinging as she moved. It was touchable hair. The kind Jackson could imagine running his fingers through if he let himself.

      “That would make it a little difficult for me to do my job.”

      “You don’t have a job. At least not one that involves me.”

      “I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree on that,” he said, smiling as she glared in his direction.

      “Has anyone ever told you that you’re infuriating?”

      “My sister used to.”

      “She doesn’t anymore?”

      “If she were still alive she probably would.” And after two and

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