Chapter 29
29
Landon drove to work later that day, and his mind filled with thoughts of Noel. He'd only stopped by his house long enough to change into clean clothes. He hadn't spent the whole night with someone in a very long time and wasn't ashamed of feeling glad that she hadn’t either. It felt easier to start something without the residual emotions of a recent someone. Waking with her this morning had been how he'd like to start each day.
But then, in truth, it hadn't all been about the sex. His concern yesterday started from the moment Mike collapsed to the terror he’d felt when a man held a gun on Noel. It continued on the plane flight back to Montana, and wanting to protect her when they were at the Fugate Ranch. Last night, he just wanted to care for her—ensure she was fed and rested. Spending the night was a privilege. Sex before he left was a bonus.
Soon, he was at the compound. He greeted Mary and returned his equipment to Bert, offering thanks for having the foresight to make sure he’d been well taken care of. He greeted the Keepers as he walked into the main workroom, knowing some were in the field on other missions. Moving to Logan, he shook his boss's hand and asked, "Anything new?”
“Devil and Frazier have filled us in on everything beyond your report,” Logan said. “We’ve checked with the Jamaican police, and they have Horticia under arrest and they’re still actively searching for Roger. Word is, he may have taken a boat from Jamaica to one of the islands. Pamela didn’t return to the resort house, spending last night with her latest fling. With the children's safe return to Stan, our part of the mission is officially complete.”
Landon’s eyes narrowed. “And what about the person who sent Mike to kill Pamela?”
Logan’s gaze held steady. "Officially, that falls outside our mission parameters, especially since the Fugates, who hired us, haven’t been told anything yet. “But,” he added, “we’re aware there are risks if it gets out that Mike shared something with Noel before he died. We won’t leave that loose end hanging for her… or for you.”
Landon tilted his head back, closing his eyes as he absorbed the information, steadying his breathing. He knew Logan wouldn't leave any of the Keepers vulnerable, nor anyone they cared about. Dropping his chin, he looked back at him. “I’m sure it’s already been reported to you, but I want you to hear it directly from me. I’ve started a relationship with Noel. It’s new, but I want her protected.”
Logan’s lips quirked upward, and his nod carried a hint of amusement. “Devil may have mentioned this to us.”
Landon turned, giving Devil a dry, pointed look. “Relationship counselor and matchmaker, huh? You’re one crazy bastard.”
Devil’s laughter echoed through the room, joined by the others as they shared a rare moment of levity. “What can I say? I’m a man of many talents.”
As the laughter faded, Landon walked over to Devil and Frazier, getting back to business. “What’s our progress?”
Sadie swiveled her chair to face him. “It’s more tangled than we thought. We’re combing through Mike’s calls and emails. Recently, most of his communication was with Stan and Thurston, but there’s a good amount from Margaret about the kids. And going further back, he was actively managing a plethora of details on the ranch.”
Todd snorted. “Plethora.”
Sadie shot a narrow-eyed gaze at him before tossing a pen at his head. “That means a shit-fuck-ton, for those of you with limited vocabularies.”
The others chuckled at the levity as Todd ducked the flying pen.
She continued, “We’re also scanning for coded messages that might have slipped through. And I’m digging into the cell towers that may tell us who he talked to on his burner phone.”
Landon swung his head around to look at Logan, his face set with resolve. "I know whatever we find can simply be turned over to the Bureau, and nothing may happen. That's fine with me. All I care about is that no one comes after Noel.”
Logan nodded his agreement, and Landon sat down at his station. He began the mundane assignment report that needed to be completed, along with his timesheet and expenses for Mary. He wanted to ditch the paperwork and just start helping the others. But having worked for the government, he was used to protocol. Even with LSIMT, accountability had to take place. After years working for the FBI, he was used to the activity and completed his reports quickly.
After a lunch brought in from the local bar, he looked down as his phone vibrated and smiled. “Hey, Noel. How are you?”
“I'm fine. Actually, after this morning, more than fine.” She laughed, and his cock stirred.
He considered taking the call outside or moving the conversation to a more professional topic. He didn't mind his cock looking forward to being with her again, but he didn't want to be tenting his pants around his coworkers.
“Are you at work?” he asked.
“Yes, just checking in. I’ve finished writing my report and am going to court tomorrow for the meeting with the judge about Pamela.”
Even though Pamela was a shit mom, Noel didn’t take her duties lightly. Nor was she so cavalier that she wouldn’t be bothered about her decision. “How do you feel about your report and recommendations?”
She hesitated, then sighed, and he could already see her actions and mannerisms in his mind. Tension lines would bracket her downward-turned mouth, and her shoulders would slump for a moment. Then she’d steel her spine and be resolute. Her words didn’t surprise him.
“If I hadn’t been in Jamaica, maybe I wouldn’t feel so strongly, but… after seeing everything firsthand, I’m firm in my recommendation. Limited supervised visitation for Pamela. Always with someone else present.”
I think you're doing the right thing,” he said, his voice low with conviction. “At least, that’s my opinion, for whatever it’s worth.”
“I don’t mind your opinion, Landon,” she replied with a soft laugh.
His mind flashed with more of what he’d like to contribute, but he kept his tone steady. “So… when can I see you again?”
“Anytime you want,” she replied easily.
He’d asked her the same question that morning before he left her apartment and had received the same answer. He hadn't been sure if the hours between then and now had made a difference, but there was no coy pretending with Noel. She said what she thought and gave honest answers. He appreciated that more than she could realize. “I’d love to see you tonight, but I know things might be tight with your report and the early meeting tomorrow.”
She groaned. “You’re right. I’m wrapping up the report today and meeting with my supervisor this afternoon to finalize my recommendations. Then tomorrow’s the court date. I’ve also heard the Fugate family’s attorney wants a copy of the report this evening—they’re pushing for Pamela’s visitation rights to be restricted.”
“Sounds like Stan and the family aren’t holding back.”
“Absolutely not.”
He hesitated, then plunged ahead. “We’re looking into the situation with Mike, trying to find out who sent him after Pamela. It’s technically outside our mission… but it doesn’t sit right with me.”
She went quiet, understanding the implications immediately. “Whoever that is… if they realize Mike told me something before he died, it could come back on me, couldn’t it?”
He sighed, wishing he could shield her from even the thought of danger. “Yes. I hate the idea of you being alone tonight. Why don’t I come down and stay with you?”
Her gentle laughter filled the line, easing his worry. “Sweetie, I’ll be fine. I’ll lock up, finish my reports, and settle in. Don’t worry.”
“Noel…” he said, still reluctant, but she laughed again, light and untroubled.
“Okay, Landon. If you happen to show up, I sure as hell won’t kick you out!”
He chuckled, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. “All right, babe. I’ll see you tonight.”
When he disconnected, he glanced up to find the other Keepers grinning at him, their expressions unashamedly amused. Shaking his head, he barked, “Back to work, all of you.”
Laughter sounded out in the room, and even though everyone got back to what they were doing, he couldn't keep the smile off his face.