Kyle and Camo flanked Shelly. Ben followed them in, catching Kyle’s eye. The look they exchanged said everything—cop abuser, sabotaged car, scared victim. Kyle gave a slight nod. He understood what Ben was about to do.
Inside, Kyle led them to a quiet office and closed the door. Camo settled himself in the corner closest to Shelly. The dog had a protective streak that rivaled any bodyguard.
“First things first—you’re safe here,” Kyle said. “Our facility is secure. Second, I’ve already contacted Sergeant George Williams with Lyons PD. He’s a good man and he’ll get this sorted.”
“But Dex is a cop,” Shelly said. “Won’t they protect him?”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” a new voice said from the doorway.
Ben turned to see Sergeant Williams. Behind him stood Ben’s best friend, Shane.
And beside Shane stood a woman who never failed to take Ben’s breath away.
Charlie King.
Her gaze met Ben’s, and like clockwork, he forgot to take his next breath until she looked past him at Shelly, her expression all-business.
“Ma’am, I’m George Williams,” he said, stepping into the room, Charlie and Shane following. Charlie was shorter than Shane by a couple of inches, but at over six feet, she stood taller than George. Ben noticed her stooping ever so slightly as she glanced at the officer, as if to make herself smaller.
Ben’s heart clenched with sympathy. He knew exactly how that felt.
“Kyle filled me in,” George continued. “I want you to know that badge or no badge, Dexter Morrison doesn’t get a pass for hurting you.”
Shelly’s eyes welled up again. “You believe me?”
“I do,” George said simply. “And we’re going to make sure he can’t hurt you again.” He turned to Charlie. “This is Charlie King. She’s the best bodyguard here at Watchdog and she’s gonna keep an eye on you.” He nodded at Shane. “Shane Foti here’s not half bad, either,” he said with a smile.
Ben watched the tension drain from Shelly’s shoulders. She’d been carrying the weight of this alone for so long, convinced no one would help her. Now she was surrounded by people who would.
Charlie smiled warmly as she reached out to shake Shelly’s hand. “You’re safe with me, Shelly. I swear it to you upon my honor.”
Ben drew a quick breath in surprise.
Did she just quote…?
Behind Charlie, Shane smirked at Ben with a look in his eyes that saidSee? I told you so. Shane had served with Charlie in the Navy as SWCCs. A few months ago, he’d called out Ben’s crush on her, and gave Ben some intel on Charlie for him to use to get over his nervousness and finally ask her out. Intel that Charlie herself had just confirmed—she was also a big fan of theLegends of BattleLoreseries.
I owe Shane lunch.
Kyle caught Ben’s attention and jerked his head toward the door. Ben followed him into the hallway.
“Good work bringing her in,” Kyle said quietly. “How’d you find her?”
“Broken down on the side of the road. Soon as I saw the look in her eyes, I knew something was off.” Ben scrubbed a hand over his face. “Bastard sabotaged it. Wanted her stranded. At best.”
Kyle’s expression darkened. “And dead at worst. Morrison’s going to regret that.”
“Yeah, he is.” Ben glanced back at the office where George was taking Shelly’s statement. “A couple of Morrison’s buddies rolled by in their cruiser, undoubtedly hoping to find her in the ditch. God only knows what they would’ve done if she’d been alone. She needs serious protection until Morrison’s in custody.”
“Already handled. I don’t like to pick favorites, but George wasn’t wrong when he said Charlie’s the best. Shane’s on standby if we need extra security, and no one’s getting into the safehouse here. Morrison won’t get within a mile of her.” Kyle clapped Ben on the shoulder. “You did good, brother.”
Ben nodded, but his jaw was still tight. Shelly was safe for now. But Dexter Morrison was still out there, still wearing a badge, still thinking he could get away with it.
That’s going to change.
“Keep me posted,” Ben said. “If you need backup?—”
“You’ll be my first call,” Kyle promised. “I’m sure you’ve had a long day. Why don’t you head home?”
