"Ana, I am so proud of you. I know your mum is too. She's here, darling, looking down on all of us."
"Aw, Daddy, thank you."
"Of course. Give me a hug and we'll see you in two weeks."
"Daddy, can you and Duncan take care of Maya? You should have Maya tell you about her job." She smiles slyly at me. She reminded me when we were getting our hair done that I still hadn't told James about my new position. I know he will worry more than before. I planned on telling him via text or right before I boarded the plane tomorrow.
"Of course, darling, I'll make sure she gets to the airport. Duncan, would you like to join us for a drink?" Ana and I both look at James and Duncan.
"Yes, sir, I'd like to join you." Duncan looks a little shocked.
"Okay, off with you two lovebirds. Take care of my girl, Jonathon." James pats Jonathon on the shoulder.
"Yes, sir." He smiles. His smile gives me chills.
"Love you, Maya. I'll call when we get home, text me when you land." Ana hugs us each.
"Yes, Ana, I'll text when I land. We'll discuss Christmas when you get home. Love you!" I don't want to let her go. I feel like something isn't right and I want to just hold on to her. We smile at each other and she turns with Jonathon to leave.
CHAPTER TEN
MAYA
James and Duncan lead me to a table in the bar area where it's quieter. James watches as Duncan pulls out my chair.
"So, Maya, what's going on with your job?" James starts as soon as we're seated. No “Hello, how are you,” just right into it. He knows I'm a police officer and he knows about my special training, but this man is a very protective father figure. How will he react to my latest job choice?
"Um, okay, James, please don't freak out," I start.
"Why would I freak out, darling?"
"Because ever since my parents died you've tried to fill in for them. I know you want me here instead of the States. I know both you and Ana hate me being a police officer. But?—"
"Can I get you all a beverage from the bar?" A server walks up and interrupts our conversation.
Thank goodness. I need this distraction.
The server is trying to get Duncan's eye, and I want to claw out her eyes. Where did that come from? I don't do jealous, and I really don't care who he sleeps with next. Well, maybe I do.
"He and I will have a scotch. What about you, darling?" James asks, looking at me.
"I'd like a bourbon, if not, Jameson is fine." She leaves to get our drinks, adding a swing to her hips.
"Stop stalling, Maya," Duncan says. Of course, he'd notice that.
"So... I've been with Metropolitan Police for almost two years now. Because of my background, the extra training sessions I've taken, and my additional knowledge and skills, the captain of the Emergency Response Team approached me back in February. While in the interview, they also asked me to double over in the Special Services Units. They want me to do both with my skills. That's how Duncan and I met actually. I was on a call that he was at." I turn and smile sweetly at Duncan. I know I'm bad.
"What!" James blurts out, so much for English manners. "Greg promised me he would keep you from danger. He said he would make sure."
"Excuse me?" The hairs stand on end on my neck. How could they do this to me?
"Don't get in a fit. I asked Greg not to interfere with your job, just to make sure you were always protected."
"Dammit, James..." The server returning interrupts me.
I take a hefty swallow of my drink as I watch both men stare at me. Avoiding their gaze, I look down to see a message on my napkin.
You left my rose at the bar last night. I took it to your room. What did you think?
