Chapter 4
CHAPTER
FOUR
Max stood near the kitchen island, laughing at one of Tink’s legendary stories from their SEAL days. It was good to be among friends, toasting to new beginnings now that he had joined Tink’s security firm.
The aroma of fajitas and other Mexican dishes filled the air, mingling with the sound of clinking glasses and laughter.
Being around Tink and his other former SEAL teammates brought back many memories.
Max heard Tink’s wife, Mary Beth, greet Casey. He turned toward the front door, and his smile faded as he watched Casey walk through the door and hug Mary Beth. Her usually bright eyes were clouded, and her face pale. He knew that look—a mix of shock and fear. Something was wrong.
“Excuse me,” he muttered to Tink, already making his way towards her.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Max said softly, greeting her with a hug and kiss on the cheek. “You okay?”
Casey looked up, her eyes meeting his. She seemed on the verge of tears for a moment, but then she took a deep breath and tried to smile, but it was a weak attempt. “I’m…I’m fine,” she lied, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Max wasn’t buying it. “Come on. Let’s step outside,” he said, guiding her toward the back door that led to the backyard patio, away from the curious eyes of their friends.
Tink’s house was bustling with chatter and laughter, but none of it seemed to register with Casey, and she seemed to be really shaken up. Max kept a protective arm around her, feeling her shiver under his touch.
Once they were outside, the cool evening air enveloped them. Max led her to a quiet corner, his hands gently rubbing her arms in a comforting gesture. When she first refused to meet his eyes, he gently cupped her face, drawing her eyes to his. “Talk to me, Case. What happened?”
She took a shaky breath, trying to gather her thoughts. “When I was walking to my car, someone was following me.”
Max’s jaw clenched. “Who?”
She hesitated, biting her lower lip. Max suddenly got a bad feeling about her answer. She swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. “Michael.”
Michael? Was that name supposed to ring a bell? He looked at her to ask her who Michael was, but then the name sent a jolt through him. It hit him. It couldn’t be.
Max’s eyes widened, a flash of anger crossing his features. “Michael? As in your old friend Michael?” He asked just to clarify.
Max felt a surge of protectiveness, his mind flooding with questions. “Did he hurt you? Did he touch you? What did he want?”
Casey nodded, her voice shaky. “Apparently, he’s a doctor at the hospital.”
“What?”
“Yeah, a surgeon.”
He listened as she explained how when she got to work, Tracy and another nurse were gushing over a new doctor, and when she saw him from a distance, it freaked her out, and she ran, then how she tried to avoid him all day.
Max was beyond concerned. What were the chances that the son of the man who put Casey through hell landed in her hospital?
“Why didn’t you call me?” he asked and saw guilt in her eyes.
“What good would that have done? He works there, Max.”
“I don’t like how he followed you outside,” Max stated, running his hands through his dark hair.
“God, Max. His eyes and voice reminded me so much of his father.”
Max’s jaw tightened. “What did he say to you?”
“He acted like we were old friends catching up,” she said, shaking her head as if trying to make sense of it. “But there was something in his eyes, Max. Something was off. He wasn’t the same Michael I knew as a kid. He was different. Scarier.”
Max pulled her into a tight embrace, his protective instincts kicking in. “You’re safe now. I’m here, okay? He’s not going to hurt or bother you.”
Casey nodded against his chest. “I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. Not after what his father did. And now, I have to work with him.”
“Max’s hand stroked her hair, trying to soothe her. “You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. If you want to leave that hospital, we’ll figure it out. Your safety and peace of mind are what matter most.”
She pulled back slightly to look at him, tears brimming in her eyes.
“But I love that hospital. Plus, we decided this was where we would settle down because we both love the area. I still have a few months before I can resign my commission and retire, go private with my own practice, or volunteer my time with Alex’s clinic.
I just…I don’t know what I am right now,” she said, pressing her five-eleven frame against his six-two body, and Max wrapped his arms around her.
“Then we’ll ensure you’re safe while you do what you love,” he reassured her. “I won’t let him or anyone get close enough to hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I love you,” she said, melting into his arms, seeking solace in his strength.
After a few moments, the patio door slid open, and Tink stepped out, concern etched on his face.
“Everything alright out here?”
Max looked at Casey, silently asking for permission. He smiled when she nodded.
“Casey ran into an old acquaintance at the hospital,” Max began carefully. “Michael Knox. He is a doctor that just started there.”
Tink’s eyes widened slightly, recognizing the gravity of the name. “Knox? As in…?”
Max nodded. “His father was the one who…” Max trailed off, not wanting to voice the horrific details.
Tink nodded, understanding. He approached them, placing a reassuring hand on Casey’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Casey. That must have been a shock and upsetting.”
“It was,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Like I told Max. I never expected to see him again.”
Tink exchanged a glance with Max. “If there’s anything you need—security, surveillance, anything, you just say the word. We’ve got resources, and we look after our own.”
Max nodded appreciatively. “Thanks, Tink. I’ll let you know if we need anything.”
Tink gave a firm nod. “I know you will. But remember, you’re done with the government, so no more going solo or having to handle anything on your own.” Tink smirked. “Plus, we can stretch the rules a bit.”
Max grinned. “That is true,” he replied, grateful to be finished with the military and government agencies and all the bureaucratic bullshit that went along with it.
Casey managed a small smile, looking between the two men. “Thank you, Tink.”
He gave her a reassuring smile. “You’re family, Casey. We protect our own.”
Max kissed her forehead gently. “How about we get you something to eat and try to enjoy the evening?”
She offered him a small smile. “Okay.”
As they headed back inside, Max squeezed her hand, a silent promise that he’d do whatever it took to keep her safe. No shadows from her past would harm her as long as he was around.
First thing on Monday, he was pulling a complete background on Michael Knox. Max didn’t know what it was, but he knew the bastard showed up for a reason.