“Thank you. Love you.”
“I know,” she replied, hanging up.
Cannon sighed and rested his head on the back of the sofa once again. It had been one hell of a day, but he had a feeling thatthis was only the beginning. He thought about what Nahla said when he suggested she drop the story for her safety.
That’s not happening. People are depending on me to follow this through.
He pegged her as the ambitious type, but when she said that, it sounded like this was more than just another story to her. She felt an obligation to the people who had been hurt, and he could respect that. He could even resonate with it in a way.
The determination and purpose in her tone made him a little uneasy, though. She was going to test every rule he had set. He knew that.
The problem was that he didn’t think he minded that.
Nahla shut her bedroom door softly behind her and leaned against it. Exhaling, she pulled her phone out. She needed answers, and there was only one person who could give them to her. Once she unlocked her phone, she realized the very person she wanted to call had already called her several times.
“Nahla? I’ve been calling for hours. Are you okay?” Mr. Hill asked as soon as he answered the phone.
“Yes, I’m fine, . . . kind of. Someone through bricks through my window tonight.”
“What the hell? Where are you? Are you still home? Are you safe? I’m coming to get you.”
“No, I’m not home anymore. Cannon was actually at my house when it happened and has taken me somewhere else. Apparently, he insists on protecting me.”
“Really? Well . . . you’re definitely in good hands. I trust him with you.”
“Why?” Nahla asked. What did Mr. Hill know about this man that made him so sure?
“He’s got a lot of experience keeping people safe. I have first-hand references, and I know you’ll be fine in his care.”
“This is too much,” Nahla said, her tone low.
“I know, which is why I need you to listen very carefully.”
Nahla stilled, hearing the shift in his tone.
His next words surprised and annoyed her at the same time.
“You’re officially on leave until this is sorted out.”
Nahla blinked. “What?”
“You heard me. I was already feeling nervous about it, but this is getting dangerous.”
“Mr. Hill, no. Absolutely not. I’m not giving up my story.”
“I’m not asking you to,” he said calmly. “But I am telling you to prioritize your safety while you continue investigating.”
“But—”
“No buts, Nahla.” His tone softened but didn’t budge. “I hired Porter because I suspected things in Lyle would escalate, but I thought I was overreacting. I had no idea it would be this soon or this violent.
“If Mr. Porter is willing to protect you for the time being, we’re going to take him up on that.”
Nahla inhaled deeply. When she exhaled, it was slow and shaky. She was overwhelmed and upset, but she knew he was right.
“Do you hear me, Nahla?” Mr. Hill asked.
“Yes,” she whispered.
