The sounds of the lively city came from all around while Janie waited for her friend’s response. When she did, Devon’s tone held a gentleness that hadn’t been there before.
“I know you want to help this girl, Janie.” Her sincerity was clear. “And that big heart of yours is one of the reasons I love you so dang much, but you went through hell with your last story. Between being followed all the time, and the threats?—”
“I know.” Janie cut her short. “But I’m being careful.”
I called Emmett when that car was tailing me, didn’t I?
“‘Careful’ is subjective,” Devon quipped beforereleasing a sigh. “I just don’t want you having to constantly be looking over your shoulder.”
“I know. And I appreciate that. Truly.”
Devon wasn’t wrong to be worried.
The intimidation tactics implemented by those being investigated because of her had been terrifying, at times. But if she’d let the fear drive her from uncovering the truth back then, those responsible wouldstillbe stealing millions from her city and state. And there was more on the line with this one than taxpayer dollars.
“A woman’s life is at stake,” she reminded her friend.
If it hasn’t already been lost.
For the next several seconds, the phone grew quiet to the point she had to check to make sure Devon hadn’t hung up.
“You promise you’re being extra careful?”
The question made Janie smile, knowing it stemmed from concern for her safety. “I have a literal team of people watching out for me.” She sidestepped a teen who was looking down at his phone. “All former special ops, I might add. Plus, I already told you I was being careful.”
“You didn’t promise.”
She felt her brows rising high on her brow. “Seriously?”
Naturally Devon refused to budge on the matter. “Yes, seriously. I want to hear you say it.”
“Fine.” She chuckled. “I promise to be careful.”
“You’d better be,” her friend warned. “Because if something happens to you, I’ll be on the next flight out there just so I can kick your ass.”
Janie’s laughter escaped into the afternoon air as shemade it to her car. “I’m always careful.” She grabbed the key fob from her purse.
Devon huffed out a sarcastic breath with a chuckled, “Liar.” But then, “You need help with anything, you know I’m here.”
“I’m not dragging you into this one any further than I already have, Dev. Besides, Emmett and his team have everything covered.”
“Oh, yes. Let’s talk aboutEmmett.” Devon said his name with a seductive, throaty drawl.
Janie slid behind the wheel and shut her door with a stern, “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“You know exactly what.” She started the car. “Emmett is my point of contact for the team. That’s it. Nothing more.”
“Mmm hmm.”
“I’m serious.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
After a slight pause in conversation, Devon came back with a teasing, “But you wish it was more.”
