“Tell me when. Maybe we can find somewhere we can fling some arrows too.”
A day spent shooting guns and learning archery with Matt sounded like the perfect distraction to take my mind off recent events.
Chapter 24
Matt
It didn’t matter how many times I told myself the date wasn’t real, or reminded myself that her brother would be nearby, I still looked forward to a night out with Madi.
Sure, I’d be on high alert, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy myself. Since I wasn’t supposed to look like I was on duty, enjoying myself worked in our favor.
It occurred to me that whoever was stalking Madi, most likely Paul, now knew that her boyfriend was also her bodyguard.
“Will that make them more or less dangerous?” I asked the hanging plant on the porch as I scanned the street.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. Jay’s name flashed across the screen.
“Robinson.”
Jay skipped the small talk. “Doug’s setting up comms, you want one?”
Hell no. Fake or not, I didn’t want Madi’s brother listening in on our date.
“No. The distraction could cause an issue.”
“Is that the only reason?”
Did I detect a hint of humor in his voice?
“Yes, listening to chatter will be disruptive, and then I’ll look like her bodyguard, not her date.”
“Fake date.”
That fact was solidified in my mind, so I didn’t need him to keep reminding me.
“We can’t sell it if I look like I’m listening to someone else all night.”
“You ever have to observe and collect in a hostile environment?”
Busted. Of course I could have an earwig and pretend like I didn’t. Of course I could listen to the SSI team and Madi at the same time. It was a skill you learned, or you found yourself nose-deep in shit without a rope.
My silence was my answer.
“Just wanted you to know that I’m not buying the bullshit you’re selling.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Remember, even if I can’t hear you, I’ll be close by.”
“I’ll treat your sister with the utmost respect.”
The words weren’t said to appease him; they were a vow.
Whether I was protecting her body at dinner, or tying her hands with a red scarf after ripping her clothes off, I did it with the utmost respect.
“Good to hear.” Someone called his name in the background. “Get back to work.”
The call disconnected.
