Page 44 of Knight Watch

“They’ll try to blame it on either a past trauma or your childhood history. However, there is no way to change their minds with a full-frontal attack. My initial instinct is to bury them in paperwork until you guys finish what you started and get what other evidence you need to bring them down. I’ll hold the dragons at the gate in the meantime.”

James whistled. “One woman alone against Rutherford’s army?”

Frida arched an elegant eyebrow at him. “They are bullies. The best way to beat them is to stand up to them.”

Shane nodded. “I understand what you’re doing, Frida. If we can find proof that this list of terrorists is directly linked to Rutherford, the spotlight will shift from Sydney to him.”

“Precisely. I have a couple of valuable connections at the FBI and CIA who can act quickly if I have the right kind of information and proof. And I fear that in your case, Sydney, time will be of the essence.”

Mason looked around the room. “You’ll need some form of protection, Miss Montalvo. I don’t think it’s just his lawyers you’ll be up against.”

Frida nodded. “That’s very kind of you, but I’m fine and don’t need protection.”

Cain shook his head. “They’ve been cunning and dangerous from the beginning. There’s no need to tempt another attack.”

“I think Sydney needs more protection and help than I do. You don’t know me, but I’m not weak or powerless. Shane can vouch for that. Also, having people following me around will put too much importance on me, thus making me a target. So I respectfully decline your offer, and thank you for your concern.”

Cleo popped her colorful head in. “The lawyers are here wanting to be buzzed in.”

Frida looked around and waited.

Kingsley’s attention was focused on Sydney. In the end, it was her decision.

Her blond head lifted, and she reached for the papers. After a cursory look she nodded. Without a word, the attorney gave her a pen so she could sign them.

It immediately galvanized the brown-haired beauty who gathered her papers in a briefcase and handed Cleo a business card. “Tell those gentlemen that the meeting has been rescheduled for an hour from now at my office. The address is on the card. And if they don’t like it, I’m giving you permission to kick their asses. And if they sue, I’ll defend you for free.”

Cleo’s eyes shone with wickedness as she disappeared.

Most of the team dispersed, while James and Mason talked to Shane and Emme about Frida’s protection. Kingsley believed that the effort was noble, but he guessed futile. Although he knew that Shane and Emme were smart enough to act and protect their friend if need be.

As calm returned to the room, he couldn’t help but put his hand on Sydney’s shoulder as a reminder of his unfailing support. Her small, cold one covered his.

Frida got to her feet and hesitated for a second before turning to them. She took a few steps and glanced around confirming they were alone. She replaced her glasses on her nose and licked her lips. “Sydney, don’t despair. This agency and the people in it are good people. Shane helped me years ago when I thought I wouldn’t survive. You see, I know all about bullies, danger, and constant threats. I was born in the most dangerous part of Los Angeles, in the middle of a gang war. I’ll skip the gruesome details, but it was only when I stood up and decided that I wanted a different life that I discovered I had the power to grab it. Friends and allies then appeared in my life, like what’s happened with you now. The stars align when you’re on the right path.”

Sydney, the gorgeous soul that she was, didn’t say a word and took Frida in her arms. The lawyer seemed surprised for a moment but returned her hug in earnest.

With one last wink, she grabbed her satchel and disappeared.

Kingsley couldn’t wait a second longer and engulfed this fierce, blond warrior—his warrior—in his arms. He buried his nose in her hair and sighed when she circled his waist with her arms in return.

It took a long moment before he found the strength to let her go. Tilting her face to his, he let his fingers traced the lines of her face. As he hoped, it brought a blossoming smile, erasing some of the worries he hated to see there. “She’s right, you know. You were placed in my path too, Syd. The entire team was, but I’m the luckiest of them all. I’m ready to fight by your side. All my skills, my experience, and my hardships led me to you.”

Sydney cupped his bearded cheeks to pull him down to her mouth where she kissed him sweetly. A whisper of a kiss, but genuine and sincere. As it always did, the undeniable chemistry between them turned into a flame. Kingsley was always amazed by the instant hunger he had for her touch, for her body, but most of all for her courage and her mind. Deep inside his heart, he vowed to protect her from harm with everything he had, until his very last breath, because living without her wouldn’t be living at all.