Chapter 23
23
J ordan’s eyes flew open. She wasn’t sure what had woken her up, but her body was tense. Rhys sat up next to her. It was pitch-black in the room, but she could feel his eyes on her.
“What’s wrong?” Rhys asked.
“Did you hear that?” she whispered.
She strained to hear what had pulled her from sleep. The sound of Honor growling outside their door was enough to send her and Rhys flying out of bed. Jordan stood, reached inside the nightstand, and took her loaded Glock out. Her training immediately kicked in. Thankfully, she’d had some sense to throw some clothes on before she’d fallen asleep. A cami and shorts was what she was going to wear to confront whoever had dared to enter this house.
Jordan immediately crept to the door, gripping her weapon tight. It felt good to hold her baby again. Rhys moved silently next to her. He put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her back.
“Where the hell do you think you are going?” He went to the door and looked back over at her.
Jordan’s eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and she could see him staring at her.
“Seriously, Rhys? You do know what I do for a living, right?” She smirked.
“Don’t care. Get behind me,” he replied.
He opened the door, and Honor met them there. There was a small night-light in the hallway that Jordan had placed there so Honor could see. Rhys had tried to talk her out of it, but on the nights Rhys allowed Honor to stay out of her crate, she usually slept outside Nova’s or their bedroom.
“Honor. Come.”
The command kicked in for the dog. She was now in work mode. Honor must have picked up on their emotions and knew this was not fun and games. She immediately went to Rhys’s side as they silently walked down the hall. Rhys paused outside Nova’s room and placed his ear to her door. He slowly opened it and peeked inside. Jordan held her breath until he closed it and then motioned toward the stairs.
Jordan rested both hands on her gun, readying herself. They crept down the stairs and through the living room toward the front door. It almost reminded Jordan of the formation she and the SWAT team took when they approached a building. Even inside they worked with pristine precision to clear a building.
Rhys held his gun true as they stood in the living room. Jordan strained to listen. The house was quiet, and the only sound greeting her was the hum of the fridge from the kitchen.
Was the sound she had heard just a part of her imagination? She was beginning to feel a little stir-crazy. She needed to go back to work. She had a doctor’s appointment coming up, and if he cleared her, then she would be good enough to return. No light desk duty. Back in the trenches where she thrived.
“Maybe it was nothing,” Jordan whispered. But her gut was screaming that she had heard something and it wasn’t her imagination.
Rhys lowered his weapon and turned to her.
“Then why was Honor growling?” he asked.
That was a good question. She didn’t growl for no reason. Jordan eyed the dog who stood by Rhys, waiting for a command.
He glanced down at Honor. “Honor. Search.”
The dog immediately trotted out of the room and disappeared into the dark house. Jordan stepped over to Rhys, the sense of unease continuing to wash over her.
“I don’t like this,” she said. Her heart pounded. Searching an unknown house didn’t bother her at all, but knowing that they were having to walk through their home with guns drawn didn’t sit right with her.
“I know.” Rhys kissed her forehead and moved over to the front window. He paused and cursed. He turned and dove for her. “Get down!”
The front window shattered. Rhys’s body slammed into Jordan’s. The air escaped her lungs as they landed on the floor with a thud. Honor’s barking filled the air. The dog ran back into the room. She didn’t hesitate and headed for the window. Honor went soaring through the air and disappeared through the destroyed glass.
“Honor.” Rhys rolled off Jordan and stood all in one motion with his gun pulled. He strode to the front door and was out it in a flash.
Jordan pushed off the floor and winced. The ache in her back and side began to set in again. She assessed the room and grew tense. The floor was covered in glass and debris. There were two large bricks that had been thrown through the window. She went over to them and bent down by them. They were heavy-looking, and one of them had a piece of paper on it.
Jordan pulled the paper loose from the rubber band that kept it in place. Ice filled her veins at the message.
You lied and will pay, bitch .
He was coming for her. Panic set it. She had to get outside. Rhys and Honor were already out there, and for all she knew, Bravon’s men could still be out there, too. She rushed over to the front door, ignoring the little pain she felt from stepping on shards of glass with no shoes on.
Jordan aimed her gun. There was no telling what she would encounter outside. She didn’t hear Honor barking or growling. Fear set in. Had they been attacked and were lying out on the ground, unconscious?
Bravon was going to have to be dealt with.
This was getting too close to home. Nova was asleep right upstairs. Jordan snuck out of the front door and stood on the porch. Rhys stood in the center of the driveway while Honor trotted back toward the house. The dog must have tried to chase down the vehicle.
“Go back inside, Jordan,” Rhys snapped.
“Not a fucking chance,” she replied smoothly. She was a trained SWAT officer and she was more qualified than Rhys to be out here searching for the intruder. She walked slowly to the top of the porch stairs. Off in the distance twinkled the taillights of a vehicle speeding down the long driveway toward the highway. She didn’t relax. Just because one vehicle was leaving, didn’t mean someone hadn’t stayed behind to finish the job.
“Jordan, stay in the house with my daughter. Please.”
Jordan froze where she was. That last word—please—caused her pain in her heart. Rhys was asking her to protect his child. She looked his way and nodded. She would never want anything to happen to Nova. Jordan spun around and went back in the house. She froze at the sight of Nova standing at the bottom of the stairs.
“What the heck is happening down here?” Nova whispered. She moved over to where the light switch was on the wall.
“Leave the lights out,” Jordan said. She rushed over to Nova’s side and kept her gun down in what would be considered a casual hold, but it was anything but that. Jordan was still prepared if she needed to be. “If someone is out there watching us, we don’t want them to see us.”
“What?” Nova’s voice shook.
Jordan grabbed her into a one-armed hug. The younger girl trembled but held on to Jordan. She pushed away and turned to the living room. She motioned to the window and floor. The large bay window was wide open, glass on the floor.
“Who would do this to our house?”
“Don’t worry, Nova. Your father and Honor are searching the outside.” Jordan motioned for Nova to follow her.
They went into the kitchen away from the wreckage. Jordan was still on alert as she leaned back against the island.
“Does this have to do with you and why you moved in with us?” Nova asked.
Jordan blew out a deep breath. She hadn’t thought of what she would tell Nova if she ever asked the real reason why she’d been staying here.
“Yes,” Jordan replied. She had to be honest. She refused to lie to Nova. The girl was young, beautiful, but not a dummy. She would have figured it out eventually. “I promise no one is going to get hurt.”
“Are you sure you can promise that?” Nova’s voice was low.
Jordan hated hearing the fear in Nova’s voice. This girl should be living her best life right now. On break from school, about to go sailing off to Europe. She shouldn’t have a care in the world and she damn sure shouldn’t have to worry about a deranged gangster trying to harm her family. Jordan had sworn she would protect Nova at all costs, and she would do that.
“No, I can’t, but I will do my damnedest to ensure no one will be.” Jordan moved over to the patio door and peered through it. The lights were off, and the yard was bathed in darkness. There were so many places someone could hide out there. Worry set in. Were Rhys and Honor okay? She wasn’t used to sitting inside while someone else took care of business. Jordan was used to doing things on her own, and currently she felt like she was dying a small death while waiting.
She loved the adrenaline rush when in formation with her team. She missed it desperately and couldn’t wait to get back to it. With all of her training, it was hard to shut it off. She was irked that she was to stay in the house, but it was the way he had asked for her help. There was something in his voice that had given her pause.
“Shouldn’t we be calling the police?” Nova asked.
“We are the police,” Jordan replied automatically.
Nova snorted behind her. Jordan’s lips curled up in the corner. At the moment, she needed to interject a little humor into the situation. Not seeing any movement, she glanced over her shoulder at Nova.
“I’m serious, Jordan. Backup. Don’t you need backup?”
The idea of having to ask for help again almost had her breaking out in hives. Jordan sighed and remembered that she hadn’t grabbed her phone. She took another peek at the backyard and didn’t see anything.
“I need a phone. I left mine upstairs,” Jordan said.
Nova reached in her back pocket and pulled her phone out. She handed it to Jordan.
Jordan swallowed hard and took it. She hesitated, unsure who she should call. If she called it in to the station, then their secret would be exposed. By noon, the entire precinct would know of her relationship with Rhys.
Or she could just call in all the guys. They would be here in no time.
But this was getting bigger than she and Rhys. She needed to ensure that no matter what happened to her that Rhys and Nova were protected.
There was no hiding what Bravon was trying to do to her.
She slid her fingers along the glass on the screen then punched in a telephone number. She hit the speaker button. It rang twice before it was answered.
“Columbia Police Department. How can I help you?”
Rhys and Honor stalked into the room. Jordan’s eyes connected with his. Her gaze didn’t stray from Rhys. He went over and grabbed Nova in a one-armed hug. The sight of Nova going into his embrace broke something in Jordan. He kissed top of his daughter’s head.
“It’s okay, cupcake,” he murmured.
“This is Officer Jordan Knight,” Jordan announced. She had sworn she would do everything in her power to protect this family. She stood straighter. “We need assistance. Please send a squad car.”
“Dad, is everything going to be okay?” Nova asked. She frowned up at him.
Rhys didn’t like the fact that his daughter was scared. This shit was way too close to home. He’d be damned if anything happened to her. He pulled her in close and tucked her blanket around her. They stood in the front yard while it was swarmed with police. The moment Jordan had called this in, everyone had come out in full force.
His gaze landed on Jordan speaking with her SWAT team. Honor must have become an honorary member of their team. She sat at Jordan’s feet. It was as if the dog had sensed that something or someone was targeting her new human.
“Yeah, of course it will be,” he replied gruffly. He squeezed her tight.
“Are you sure I should go on the cruise? Maybe I should stay?—”
“No,” he cut her off sharply. He turned her to him and stared deeply into her eyes. This little girl—young woman—meant everything to him. She was right. This was an opportunity of a lifetime, and he didn’t want her to miss it. What twenty-year-old could boast that they’d traveled the Mediterranean Sea? Not many. He never wanted her to miss out on any chances like this. He’d see to it that she’d have enough spending money. Sara Beth had taken her shopping, and she’d gotten everything she would need for her trip. “You are going to go. Jordan and I will be fine. We want you to have fun.”
“But how can I have fun if I’ll be worried about you two?” She arched an eyebrow.
Rhys sighed and brought her into his arms. Hers wrapped around him tight. He kissed her head. This kid was something else. The bond between her and Jordan was deep.
“We will be fine. I promise,” he said. “We will make a way to check in with you. How about that?”
“I guess that will be okay.” She pulled back with a lopsided grin. “Not sure how much that will affect my cellphone bill, but maybe not by phone. Maybe email?”
Rhys barked a laugh. He hadn’t considered the cost of her on open waters and the bill that could come with that on her cell. He nodded in agreement. They watched a few guys board up the front window. The department had really showed up and helped out.
“What the hell is going on here?” a familiar voice spoke up from behind Rhys.
He turned to see Zayden ambling over to him. He was decked out in his K9 fatigues and held Duchess on a leash. He had a deadly focus as he took in the scene.
“Oh, you know. Another day at the office,” Rhys drawled.
“You think they will let me inside?” Nova asked. She grimaced and hopped around in place. “I really have to pee.”
“Of course they will. Go ahead and go in.” Rhys gave her a gentle push.
She gave a wave to Zayden and jogged over to the house. The few officers standing near the front door moved aside and allowed her in.
“We usually don’t bring our work home,” Zayden said. He slapped Rhys on the shoulder and stood by him. Duchess, quiet, took in the scene and sat at her handler’s feet.
“There’s a first time for everything,” Rhys said. He’d dealt with his share of bad guys in all the years he’d been on the force, but he’d never had anything spill over onto his home life. Sure, threats sent to the precinct or promises made when he arrested a punk, but never anyone coming this close to his family.
“What do you need?” his longtime friend asked. Zayden was no stranger to the craziness of their job. His attention went to the SWAT team. “What are they doing here? What the fuck happened?”
Apparently, it was time for Rhys to put Zayden out of his misery. Jordan’s gaze landed on him. She was still dressed in what she had thrown on last night before she had crashed into bed. She had tried to argue with him and say she wasn’t sleepy, but the moment her head had hit the pillow, she was out like a light. That woman was so damn stubborn.
Rhys gave Zayden a rundown of the events of the night. Zayden narrowed his gaze on Jordan then glanced back at Rhys. Jordan broke away from the SWAT guys and began making her way over to him and Zayden. Honor trailed along at her side, still not letting Jordan out of her sight.
“You and Knight?” Zayden grinned. He chuckled then fell into an all-out laugh. He shook his head and slapped Rhys on the shoulder again. “Man, good luck with this one.”
“You talking shit, Gipson?” Jordan smirked.
She came over to Rhys who opened his arm. She slid under it and wrapped hers around his waist. He gave her a tight squeeze and kissed her forehead. Honor sat at their feet without needing to be told.
It felt damn good to be able to claim his woman publicly in front of the whole damn world.
Well, maybe not the world at the moment, but the precinct. Word would get around after this morning. So now anyone who was sniffing around Jordan would know that she was, in fact, taken, and if they had something to say about it, they could come see him.
“Not at all, Knight.” Zayden chuckled again. He stared at the two of them and shook his head. “How did we all not see this?”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out.” Brodie joined them.
He and Zayden shared a brotherly hug. The two had similar features. Zayden was the elder brother and had about an inch on Brodie.
“What up, Duchess?”
Duchess immediately stood and wagged her tail at the attention. Brodie gave her a good rub on the head.
“Well, it was no one’s business,” Jordan quipped.
A small smile lingered on her lips. She glanced up at Rhys, and he had the sudden urge to take those lips in a kiss. But that would be for later. Because he wasn’t going to be able to stop once he started.
She sighed and suddenly went serious. “Mac doesn’t think we should stay here.”
“I’m not leaving my fucking home,” Rhys growled. He tightened his hold on her. There was no way in hell they were running him out of his house. He didn’t care who he’d have to face, they were not leaving.
Jordan nodded and gave him a soft pat to the chest.
“I know. I already told him that,” she said.
“Then you need additional security,” Mac’s deep voice came behind them.
The rest of the SWAT team joined them. Apparently, Mac had been notified of what had happened, and the entire team had showed up. Rhys had known they were a close-knit group, but this completely proved how close they were. Declan, Ashton, Myles, Iker, and Zain were all there in full force. Even dressed in their fatigues with weapons. These men were ready for everything. Rhys could appreciate that Jordan had a team that had her back.
“Mac, that is not necessary,” Jordan said.
“And what happens when they come back? This is a big property. You wouldn’t be able to see them coming,” Ashton pointed out.
Murmurs went out around the group.
“So what? Y’all are going to sleep out on the property at night?” Jordan snorted.
“Hell, this would be better than where I had to sleep when I was overseas,” Myles muttered. The big guy scanned the lush green acres that surrounded them.
Rhys was proud of the property he had obtained. He was in love with it and the farm. He’d worked damn hard to afford it, and it had been everything he’d wanted in life.
“Shit, I know that’s right.” Declan snickered. “Hell, soft green grass versus the deserts of a foreign country? I’d take this any day.”
It wasn’t forgotten that some of these men before him had served their country. Rhys was thankful for all they had done, and now they continued to serve by joining the police force.
“It’s truly not necessary,” Rhys said.
“Now, Rhys, I know you are not used to how we work,” Iker chimed in. He motioned to the group. “This here is family, and we are not going to take no for an answer. Jordan is a part of our family, and since you are with Jordan, that means you’ve inherited every crazy son of bitch standing here. We aren’t going nowhere.”
Nods went around. Rhys glanced down at Jordan who gave a defeated shrug.
“They are crazy and will do it anyway,” she said.
She pulled away from him, and he instantly missed having her pressed against his side. She tucked a few strands of her hair that had fallen loose behind her ear.
“You better believe it,” Zain said.
Jordan’s future brother-in-law came over and gave a gentle punch to her shoulder. He grinned and dodged her attempt at a punch. “There’s no way I can go home and tell Omara we aren’t doing anything to protect her sister. So if I have to sleep on your front porch, I will.”
Rhys ran a hand along his face. He grimaced at the amount of stubble that greeted him. He knew when he was fighting a losing battle. These men meant well, and if it meant Jordan was protected, then he’d have to agree.
“Fine, but you don’t have to sleep out in the elements. I have guest bedrooms, and there are a few out in the barn, too.”
“The barn will be fine for me. No way in hell I want to hear Jordan at night.” Iker coughed.
Chuckles went around the group. Jordan’s mouth fell open in shock. She flipped Iker off.
“The barn is too good for you, Baldwin,” she muttered.
Rhys smiled and tugged her back to his side. He slid his hand down her arm and entwined their fingers together.
Baldwin had a point. The barn may be the better place for them. At least with Nova, she was a few doors down. They had mastered the quiet sex where they wouldn’t disturb her sleep or give her nightmares. Rhys was sure his daughter didn’t want to hear her dad having a little fun with his girlfriend.
“All right, everyone, we need to be serious,” Mac said, waving a hand.
The sergeant did have a twinkle in his eye and tossed Jordan a wink. She grinned at Mac and leaned into Rhys. He had almost missed the small action because Mac became the bulldog sergeant that everyone knew him to be.
“We need to be on alert. Brodie has been working with the Gang Unit to find out everything we know about Bravon and his whereabouts. Jordan, how has he contacted you?”
“Besides the bricks through the window? My cellphone,” Jordan said.
“The next time he contacts you, we need to know ASAP,” Mac growled.
The intensity of his glare would make a weaker man fall over in fear. Rhys was glad he was on Mac’s side. Hell, the entire SWAT team was fierce. He’d had the pleasure to work with them on quite a few missions, and Rhys had the utmost respect for all the men standing around them.
“We are available to help as well,” Zayden said. He folded his arms. All joking had left the K9 sergeant.
Rhys gave Zayden a nod. He knew without his friend saying that the entire K9 team would be on hand.
“So does this mean I can come back to work?” Jordan asked, breaking the tension.
“Nice try, Knight,” Declan said. He leveled her with a hard gaze. “When is your doctor’s appointment?”
“In two days.” Jordan groaned.
“Then we’ll see what the doctor stays. Not a day before that.” Mac ran a hand through his dark hair before settling his hands on his waist. “I need you at one hundred percent, Knight.”
Jordan nodded.
Rhys was proud of her. She was an integral part of their team, and he agreed. He wanted her at one hundred percent, too. He hated to see the little grimaces or fleeting pain expressions she tried to hide from him.
“Got it, Mac,” Jordan said. She cleared her throat and pushed away from Rhys and pointed at her team. “When I come back. Be prepared.”