“No.” She moved to the island and wiped the counter, her mouth turned down at the corners. “Not by blood, anyway. We worked together for years. He retired, then his wife died… It just made sense for him to come here.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.”
Razorback leaned back in his chair, hitching his thumb on his belt loop. “It must be especially difficult with the timing of your attack, and that open window isn’t likely to make you feel better.”
She eyed him pointedly. “Selena, would you excuse us, please?”
The girl packed up her crayons and drawings and hopped off the stool, leaving the room. Jackie crossed her arms. “I’d appreciate it if you would not say things like that in front of my daughter. She’s frightened enough as it is.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” He shook his head. “I’m not used to being around kids.”
She looked away and he had the distinct impression she was battling tears. Why, he had no idea—but women were often a mystery to him. “So this man, the intruder, why do you think he wanted to hurt you?”
“I have no idea.”
“Miss Desjardins, the truth would go a long way toward keeping you safe.”
She lifted her head, one eyebrow cocked. “You think I’m lying.”
Damn it, maybe he should have let Sloan do the talking. Now she was going to clam up like a virgin in the backseat of a Buick.
In for a penny, in for a pound.
He took a deep breath. “Stranger-instigated crimes are rare. Even when they occur, every one has a motive, whether it’s robbery, burglary, or sexual assault. Were you assaulted?” he asked as gently as he could.
“No.”
“Was anything taken?”
“No.”
“Is there anyone who might want to hurt you?”
For a moment she said nothing. “Yes.”
She looked at the ceiling. “Who it is, and why they want to hurt me, is none of your business. I’m not asking you to hunt them down or clear my good name. Just keep my daughter and me safe. That’s all. You don’t need to know everything to do that, do you?”
“It would help, but no.” He was impressed with her honesty, hadn’t expected it, and had the unwelcome thought Jackie Desjardins might be chock full of surprises.
She pushed off the counter she’d been leaning on. “You should get some sleep. I put you and Sloan upstairs in the bedroom next to mine. It was Bill’s, so it still has his personal items, including guns. I’m guessing you don’t mind.”
“Nope.”
“There are guest cabanas, but honestly I’d much rather have you close by.”
Razorback nodded. “No problem.”
“There are clean towels in the hall closet, extra blankets in the chest at the foot of the bed.”
She looked so tired in that moment, he felt a wave of sympathy for whatever it was she was going through. At the very least, she’d lost a dear friend. “This hasn’t been easy on you.” He stood, straightening to his full height. “We’ll protect you, Jackie. You and your daughter. We’re here, we’re Navy SEALs, and we’re going to keep you safe.”
“Maybe. Or maybe safety’s just an illusion.” She crossed to the door leading outside, turning back to give him a sad smile. “I have some work to do. Sleep well, Ian.”
7
The afternoon sun beat down on Jackie’s shoulders, her knit pants rolled up high onto her thighs, sweat sticking her tank top to her back. She’d returned the morning after the storm no worse for wear, begging for food as always. Jackie wiped her brow with the back of her hand, palm fronds scraping her face.
