Witness Pursuit (Bodyguards #1)

“Who the hell is after you? You can’t give me bits and pieces if I’m to protect you.”


“You’re not protecting me, you stubborn mule.” She swung around and finished packing her bag.

He would protect her. No one else but him would. He left, heading directly for the control room. Ben would give him the answers he sought. He’d hammer it out of him if he didn’t.





6




Lydia had five minutes max before Tyler realized she had the battery. Once he’d disappeared down the corridor, she snuck out her door then raced to his room. She slid the battery underneath his pillow where he’d find it after he bunked down that night and not a minute sooner. Yeah, that would make it too late for him to find out the information he wanted. She’d be gone before he did.

Only what to do about their imminent arrival at Resort Island? She’d have to stay on the ship after it berthed. That was a given.

She sighed.

Why couldn’t her life be easier? Why couldn’t the Force’s detectives have hunted down the man who’d killed Johnny Taita by now? They’d had a year and her testimony, but still no workable leads. Hers was the most stagnant case ever.

Bile rose in her throat as she made her room, an ill feeling that doubled after Tyler stormed in.

“Lydia Sands. Battery now.”

She backed away until she knocked into the wall.

“I know what you’re trying to do.” His breath rushed in and out over tight lips.

“Too bad. You’re not getting the battery.”

Something beeped from his shirt pocket. He fished out a small black pager and read the screen. “That was quick. I told the captain to use the ship-to-shore radio to call Ben. It’s not private, but that won’t stop me from getting the information I need.”

“No. No. No.”

With a shake of his head, he stalked away. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

Breathless, she rushed after him. “My case is super-sensitive. Ben won’t talk about it over a radio.” All the way to the control room she pled and when he stopped, she bumped into his back.

Her heartbeat tripped into high gear as the captain held out the RT.

“Ben Hammers is waiting, sir.”

Tyler thanked him and grasped it. Pressing the receiver button, he muttered, “It’s me. We need to talk.”

“We’ll talk, but don’t be too hard on her. She’s scared, that’s all.” At least Ben ultimately understood her.

“She stays here, and I won’t waver on that.”

“Nonnegotiable, eh? Okay, expect B. We’ll play this hour-by-hour. If things change, she returns.”

Hey, hey, that was not the answer she wanted. So much for Ben understanding.

“How bad? I’ve gotta know.”

“A storm brewing. She needs to stay in one…piece.”

Tyler tucked her in front of him. His heat flooded her. “Got it. We’ll speak later.” He whispered in her ear, “Piece is a gun.”

“I did say super-sensitive.”

“Yes, you did.” Turning to the captain, he handed back the receiver. “Thanks, Cam.”

He led her to the deck, to a deserted spot under the eaves, and turned her by the shoulders so she faced him. “Are you ready for fight number two? Because I want all the details of your case, and I want them directly from you.”

“You are so obstinate.” She stroked his jaw, not sure how much longer she could hold out, particularly since Ben had said she’d stay. “I don’t want to involve you.”

“You don’t have a choice. I’m invested because I can’t let you go, and this is more than about last night.” He captured her hand and drew it tight against his chest. “Something tells me I’m yours. I’ve felt that way since the beginning. I mean it, Lee. The feeling is imbedded so deep within me, I can’t explain it any other way. For my sake and yours, give in.”

Her heartbeat plowed to a stop. Obviously contact with Ben would come once they reached land. And well, the truth would surely make Tyler walk away. His safety was all she cared about. Maybe making him hate her was the only way.

“I can’t believe I’m going to tell you this, but the sat battery is under your pillow. Ring Ben, and then let me go.”

He caught her between him and the wall as she tried to back away. “Now we’re getting somewhere, and I’m starting to see how your tricky mind works. Either you just took the first step in trusting me, or you want me to disappear.”

“I’ve always trusted you, since the first time you saved my life. And yes, I want you to disappear. The sooner, the better.”

“What do you mean I saved your life?” His gaze narrowed, his hands spread flat on the wall either side of her head.

“A year ago I worked for a politician by the name of Jeffrey Lawntree.” He had to release her. It was the only way.

He didn’t move, barely even breathed. “I see. Keep going.”

“You know the name?”