Witness Pursuit (Bodyguards #1)

Tyler snorted. “Then we run checks on Taita and each of his family members. We’ll see if the leak to the reporter came from them. Perhaps they’re that angry.”


“It’s an angle we should look at.” Brigs glanced at her. “Ben won’t stop until he finds who leaked your information, but those journalists are tight-lipped on their sources. Ben told me he has to look at sending you deeper within The Program. The killer came after you a year ago, uncaring who he took out to get to you. If it was done once, it can be done twice, particularly after what’s happened today. If the killer wanted your name, after the newspaper article, it just got a whole lot easier.”

“I understand.”

Tyler swallowed. “Is Ben talking re-identification?”

“Yes. It’s the only way to give Lydia and Saria complete anonymity. To physically change their appearance, and then have them assume the life of another in a safe location. It’s the only avenue remaining.”

She closed her eyes and dragged in a deep breath. She could do this. After a year, it was time to move on. Being Lydia Sands wasn’t an option with a killer on the loose who had direct access to her name.

She eyed Tyler. “I’m so tired of running. This past year, there hasn’t been one detective who’s discovered any motive for Johnny’s murder. My life is stagnant. It goes nowhere. So does Saria’s. She’ll have a degree soon, and nowhere to go to use it.”

His fingers dug into hers. “The option has only just been put before you.”

“There are seven billion people on this planet, and I could live just about anywhere on it. I’ve always held off on the thought of a new name and undergoing full re-identification because I thought Taita’s case would be solved.” She turned to Brigs. “I’m with Ben on this.”

His gaze held deep compassion. “Twins are too noticeable together. You and Saria would be separated.”

Her hands shook, and she clasped them together, thinking only of her sister. “But we’d have a life to live as we don’t have now. Saria would want that, as I do.”

“You can’t come into contact with anyone who knew you in your past life. You’d have to be absolutely certain this is the path you want to take.”

Tyler caught her shoulders and turned her toward him. “It’s too sudden.”

“No, whether I’ve had a year to consider this, or a day, my desire remains the same.” She eased up and paced the room. “My sister’s life is precious to me. Both of us want to live. I’ll speak with her.”

Tyler let out a low growl as he joined her and took her elbow. “Excuse us, Brigs. This won’t take long.”

“You can’t change my mind.”

He led her from the room, pulled the office door shut and checked both directions of the passageway. “I need more time to see if I can expand on your options.”

“I’m out of options.”

He stroked her cheek. “I’ll come up with something, and in the meantime you’ll stay here. I want you to move in with me.”

“What? Tyler, you can’t ask me that. You have your family to think of. No.” She stepped back. “I won’t pull you into my problems. We’ve already discussed this.”

He took a jagged breath. “Will you give me some time?”

“Don’t ask that of me. I’m going to make that call now, and you can’t stop me.” She fled. Her decision was made. She’d speak to Saria and Ben, and set into motion what had to be done.



Tyler returned to the office, ticking over all possible avenues open to him. “She’s very stubborn.” He sat with Brigs, and dropped his head into his opened palms. “I have no recollection from the time she and I first met, except emotionally I’ve retained what was forged between us. I can’t let her go.”

“You’re in deep with her.” Brigs squeezed his shoulder. “Mate, I’m sorry.”

He raised his head. “Then arm me with as much information as you can. Whatever you haven’t told me about her case, I need to know.”

“Let’s start.”

An hour later, his mind reeled with all he’d taken in. Brigs had warned him throughout the telling that so far, no concrete leads had come from any of the information he and Ben had gathered, although with the new information at least he had a wider grasp.

“Why don’t we break from this until morning,” Brigs offered as he rose to his feet.

“Sure. I’ll show you to your cabin.” As it was, he needed to see Lydia. She hadn’t agreed to move in with him, but she was.

After entering her deserted room, he grabbed her bag, which she’d tossed her clothes into that morning then left Brigs to settle in so she couldn’t escape back to it.

Down the hallway, she walked toward him then slowed as her gaze dropped to her case in his hands. “What am I going to do with you?” She shook her head, tut-tutting under her breath.

“You’d already packed.” He slid a hand around her waist and led her to his room. “I’m simply moving your belongings from one room to another, and I’ll show you exactly what you can do with me.” He closed his bedroom door and flicked the lock.