“I don’t trust the cops,” Sandrine says. “And I certainly don’t want a system that notifies them if it’s someone on their payroll who is the threat.”
“You have specific cops you don’t trust, or it’s more of a general statement?” Kev asks.
“Boston has an extensive criminal history I’m fully familiar with. I know all the criminal organizations operating in our jurisdiction have cops on their payroll in most districts. That’s enough suspicion to tell me we need to steer clear of local police.”
“I understand, and it’s undoubtedly a problem, but I still need to examine your security to ensure it’s fit for purpose. We can’t take any chances. I know you are already worried, and I don’t want to add to it, but I won’t lie to either of you.” His gaze bounces between Selena and Sandrine. “These criminals tend to target the families. Using them to force their loved ones into backing down. If we go after Lawrence, he will be gunning for Selena, and that means you are at risk. A new high-tech monitoring system connected to a private security firm is my recommendation.”
“Let Keven check out the house, Mom. Please.”
Sandrine nods. “Of course. I’ll do whatever is needed.”
“With your permission, I would like to install tracking devices on your cells, phones, and cars. I will monitor it, and I’ll also install the app on Kent’s and Keanu’s cells and computers so they have access to your whereabouts at all times.”
“Do it,” Selena says, removing her cell from her pocket and handing it to Kev. Sandrine does the same.
“Both of you too,” Kev says, opening his palm as he drills a look at Kent and me.
“I also have some security chips I’d like you to embed in your shoes and on jewelry.” He eyes Selena’s necklace. “You can add one to that, and maybe your watch, Sandrine.”
Some might think this is overkill, but I trust my brother. This isn’t his first rodeo, and I’ll do whatever he says if it keeps Selena and her mom safe.
Kev gets to work, making all that happen while Selena and I head to the kitchen to make coffee.
“Are you okay with all this?” I ask as I grab five mugs from the overhead cupboard.
“Yes.” Selena pours water into the coffee machine. “I feel safer knowing someone knows where I am all the time.”
Most people resent having bodyguards, and tracking devices, but I can understand why Selena feels comforted with the protection. And I’m glad. Because I didn’t want to fight with her about this.
I rub my sweaty palms down the front of my jeans, holding Selena’s gaze as I make a suggestion. “I was also thinking maybe you should learn to use a gun.”
Her face drains of blood, and she shakes her head repeatedly. “No.”
“You need to know how to defend yourself, and—”
“I know how to defend myself, K. I’ve been attending self-defense classes since I was fifteen.”
I know that. But it’s not the same. These guys shoot first and ask questions later. I’ve no doubt if they can’t take Selena they’ll kill her. Because she’s a liability. A witness to their crimes and their depravity. Someone who can put them all away.
I walk toward her, invoking all my willpower to gently hold her to me when I want to crush her to my chest and never let her go. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, and I’d feel more reassured if you had a gun and you knew how to use it.”
My brothers and I all know how to handle a firearm. Dad brought us to the gun range as soon as we were old enough to learn. We’ve grown up with a spotlight on our family. Dealt with crazies and death threats and stalkers, and knowing how to use a gun is survival one-oh-one.
Faye, Cheryl, and Eva have all been kidnapped and held at gunpoint. I’m not overreacting. Being associated with me brings its own special brand of crazy. Add this very real threat to the mix, and I’d feel more assured knowing my girl can defend herself in multiple ways.
“I can’t do it, K. I saw too much violence on that island. Saw girls I’d grown close to shot at point-blank range when they tried to escape or merely because they had outgrown their usefulness.” She peers up at me with tears in her eyes. “Sometimes, they made us put on these shows, and if we didn’t perform exactly as they had scripted it, they tortured us using weapons.” A strangled cry escapes her lips as the horror of her words settles in my stomach like a dead weight. “Knives, guns, and other implements of pain,” she adds.
Her many scars resurrect in my mind’s eye, and I hold her closer, shutting my eyes as if that will ward off the pain. “I’m sorry,” I croak. “I won’t suggest it again.”
We hug it out in the kitchen until I feel her relaxing against me, and when we’re composed enough, we return to the others. They have been quietly talking while we’ve been in the kitchen. Sandrine questions me with her eyes, and I offer her a reassuring nod.
She never has to worry.
I’ve got our girl.
Always.
“All the tracking devices are in place,” Kev says, handing Selena her cell and her necklace. I put the tray of coffees down on the coffee table and slip my phone back in my pocket. “Keanu knows how to insert these in your shoes.” He passes a box of silver chips to me. “I’ll come by one night this week to install the new security system.”
