“No, Rex never is,” I said grimly. “He’s escalating.”
Emerson leaned her back against the dock post of the person stationed next to her. She threw her head back and watched the seagull circle out on the water.
“You did good back there,” I said, moving toward her.
She let me wrap a firm hand around her waist. “I almost fell.”
I must have missed that.
“But you didn’t.” I let the corners of my lips tip up, hoping to help her mood. “You kept moving, and we made it here safely.”
Emerson looked at me, really looked at me, like she was trying to drill through my eyes right to my soul. Her shoulders drooped, and she relaxed into my hold.
“I’m really glad you’re here, Knox. Thank you.”
I held her gaze, hoping she understood what I meant when I said, “Me too, Emerson.”
The door to Calder’s shop opened, and he stepped out. Our little moment together would end soon.
Regardless of what happened next, I knew—absolutely knew—that Rex was far from done.
He wouldn’t give up without a fight, but neither would I.
And this time I wouldn’t let him live to see another one.
“It’s operation ‘save the world,’” I said to Calder as he approached us.
He lifted his left eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“It’s about time. Someone has to do it.”
Calder smirked. “I thought you were out of that game.”
I lifted my shoulder. “Sometimes things change.”
“I guess when it’s important enough they do,” he said, tilting his head toward Emerson.
She met his gaze head-on. “What in the world are you two talking about?”
“Nothing, darling.” Calder laughed. “He’s stationed off the coast. I’ve had eyes on him all week.”
“On who?” Emerson asked.
I gave a quick headshake to Calder. Emerson didn’t need to be involved in this. “I’ll put a plan together. Round up a crew.”
Emerson scoffed. “Crew for what? Why do I feel like you’re leaving me out?”
“Because we are, darlin’,” Calder answered.
She twisted away from me and crossed her arms. “Absolutely not. There’s no planning or crews without me involved. This is my life and no one else gets to risk anything for me.”
“You really going to fight about this?” I asked her.
She gave me a quick jerk of her head. “Not giving in one inch.”
Calder’s eyes widened, and he bit his lips together. It didn’t help him hold back the smirk.
“Okay, I’ll make you a deal,” I said to Emerson and waited for her to look at me before I spoke again. My heart thumped in my chest. What would I do if she laughed at my next request? I’d still help her, of course, but then I’d have to slink my way out of South Carolina in shame. I’d never hear the end of it from Calder or his crew. “If I let you help on the operation and we take care of Rex, then you’ll move with me to Alaska.”
