I feel a little bit more secure knowing he’s already setting that in motion.
But I won’t feel happy until that pervert director Clive Lawrence is rotting in a jail cell. Or rotting in the ground. I’m comfortable with either outcome as long as he’s off the streets and the threat is over.
Although, he isn’t the only one we need to worry about.
But dealing with one pervert at a time is all we can do.
And we have no leads on Freddie, the bastard who kidnapped Selena and forced her into a nightmare. If that’s even his real name. The authorities involved in the case at the start investigated, but they didn’t have a huge amount to go on. Selena wasn’t able to tell them much, because she was so traumatized and her kidnappers went to great extremes covering their tracks.
Sandrine cusses, and if the situation wasn’t so serious, I’d laugh, because I’ve never heard her use profanity. At all. Like ever. “He’s not getting away with this, sweetheart. I don’t know how yet, but we are going to ensure he pays for what he did to you. And he’s not getting near you or any other child ever again.” Her voice resonates with steely determination, and I know she means every word.
“No cops, Mom.” Selena shakes her head, sending strands of silky white-blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders. She dyed her dark hair blonde after we broke up, and I can guess why. But I love it on her. And she’s so gorgeous she can pull off any look.
Sandrine sighs, clenching and unclenching her hands in her lap. “I hate to agree, but for now, that’s the best course of action.” I’m sure she’s well aware how cops can be compromised and she’s not going to take any action that might place her daughter in more danger. “I have a few trusted contacts I can reach out to. We need a plan, but it has to be a smart one.”
“Keanu’s brother Keven works with the FBI,” Selena says. “And he might be able to help us. But I’d prefer if we didn’t do anything tonight. I need to talk to Denise.”
Sandrine nods. “I can take you tomorrow after work. If I didn’t have this high-profile case, I would bring you first thing in the morning.”
“I can take her,” I blurt.
“I can go by myself,” she says, thrusting her head up and her shoulders back, but I’m not sure I’m believing this show of bravado. “And I’ve already arranged a session in the morning.”
“I don’t want you going anywhere by yourself,” Sandrine says.
“I agree.” We trade another shared look. “And just to be up front, I’ve arranged for a security detail for both of you. Keven is setting it up right now. Bodyguards should be in place by midnight. You will both have twenty-four-seven protection.”
Two pairs of wide eyes meet mine, and I hold their gazes with an unapologetic one. “That’s the only way I’m letting either of you walk out of here tonight.” Although, if I have my way, Selena won’t be leaving anytime soon.
“Thank you.” Sandrine reaches across us, squeezing my free hand. “There is no one I trust to look after my daughter more than you.”
A lump the size of a ball lodges in my throat. “I would die before I let anything happen to Selena.”
“I know, son.”
Selena presses a quick kiss to my cheek, surprising the hell out of me. Her eyes are brimming with emotion. “I don’t deserve your loyalty, but I’m grateful, and I won’t turn it down.”
“Good.” My eyes lower to her mouth, and I want to kiss her so badly. “So, it’s settled. I’ll take you to Denise in the morning.”
“What about your classes?” she asks.
“I can afford to miss a couple lectures.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
I’m relieved she’s not fighting me on this. “And,” I continue while I’m on a roll. “I’d like to suggest you stay the night here. I’d prefer to keep you close so I know you’re safe.” I glance at Sandrine. “We have a guest bedroom if you would like to stay too. Selena can take my room, and I can sleep on the couch or bunk in Kent’s room.”
“I don’t want to put you out,” Sandrine says. “And we can return home once the bodyguards are in place.” She looks at Selena. “Selena might prefer the familiar surroundings of home.”
“I want to stay here,” she murmurs, looking sheepishly at her mom. She twists her head around, her eyes boring into mine. “I feel safer with Keanu.”
I press a kiss to the top of her head. I can’t help it. I just need her close. And I’m glad she feels safe with me. That she’s letting me protect her.
“Okay, if that’s what you want.” Sandrine stands, pinning eyes on me. “While I would like to take you up on your offer, I know it’s not necessary. That you’ll keep her safe. I’d prefer to go home and make a few tentative inquiries.” She holds up her hand as Selena opens her mouth, to protest, no doubt.
“Sweetheart.” She crouches down in front of her daughter. “I will respect your wishes, and I won’t make any plans until you have spoken with Denise and decided what you want to do, but it can’t hurt to explore our options. I won’t mention any specifics. I’ll just sound out a few of my contacts.” Her eyes flit to mine. “Then, maybe, we could meet Keven tomorrow night, and we can discuss the best way of handling this situation.” Her eyes return to Selena, sheltering a world of pain. “I need to do something, Selena. You are my daughter, and I won’t see those monsters cause you any more pain. We need to act fast. To put measures in place to properly protect you.”
“Okay, Mom.” Selena stands, kissing her on the cheek.
