Witness Pursuit (Bodyguards #1)

“I won’t.” Her words were muffled into his black-checked shirt. “Thank you for looking after me the way you have.”


A tear escaped Ronson’s eyes as he patted her back. “You’re family, and no matter where you are, never forget I’m here for you.”

“C’mon.” Tyler took her hand. “Let’s feed you so we can leave.” He led the way to the kitchen. “What would you like?”

“I don’t think I can eat, not right now.”

“For our little one, you have to.” He hauled out a chair from the table for two tucked in the corner under a wooden shuttered window and sat her in it. From the pantry he chose a box of cereal and set it on the table. He fetched bowls and milk, returned and took a seat.

“You haven’t been to see your brothers. Now you’ll miss your flight.” Her hands twitched in the folds of the tablecloth.

“Hey, don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t help it.” She left her seat and slid onto his lap. Pressing her lips to his, she kissed him as her tears fell. “I love you, Tyler, more than my own heart can even stand. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long.”

“As I love you. We’ll sort this.” His chest tightened painfully, almost squeezing in on itself.

She was his life, and he’d never allow the killer who was after her to take her. No one would ever harm her again. Cupping her face, he kissed her back, losing himself in the taste of her. “You’re mine.”





16




All the way to the hospital, Lydia puzzled every possible angle open to her. Sure they had more leads now in Johnny Taita’s case, but that wouldn’t stop Gilchrist from seeing her moved again before the day was out. And she was committed to making certain Tyler didn’t lose his brothers.

Gunnar met them at the main entrance. He remained behind her, Ben ahead, and Tyler and Brigs hemmed her in on either side as they strode in.

Gunnar would be the perfect addition to her plan. At first she’d thought to get Gilchrist alone, but Tyler was too smart not to know she’d try that. No, Gunnar was Gilchrist’s partner, but not her handler. If she could get him on her side, she might be able to convince him to move her on his own, and leave Tyler behind. She had to speak to Gunner, and without Tyler catching on.

In the wide corridor to the elevators, people darted out of their way. She would too if these four fierce looking men strode her way. They were all outfitted in black, and she wore the bulletproof vest Tyler had insisted on underneath her shirt.

Gunnar pressed the button for the top floor and they traveled up. The doors swished open, and a uniformed officer stepped forward to check them over. He nodded at Gunnar and sent them through.

When they passed the nurses’ station, Gunnar stopped and faced them. “We can’t commandeer an entire ward, but we’ve got Ladd Hyena and Drake secured in separate rooms at the end of this corridor. Hyena has an officer posted inside and outside his room, and Drake has a guard with him. Only legitimate visitors who have family can get into this ward, but as you can see, it’s fairly clear.”

She rubbed her arms as she checked out the waiting room. A woman in her mid-forties sat hunched in a metal-legged chair, her head between her palms. An officer sat beside her.

Tyler pressed a hand to the small of her back then ran his thumb over the vest under her shirt. “This is where you’ll wait.”

“Sure.” She hadn’t expected him to let her anywhere near Hyena. She turned to Gunnar. “Who’s she?” For some reason, even with her face downcast, the woman with the dark messy hair looked familiar.

“She’s Drake’s mother and she arrived from Wellington this morning. We let her in to see her son, although the reception didn’t go well. Drake screamed at her to leave. A detective’s chatting with Drake now, and then coming back to question her. An officer is sitting with her because of the earlier disturbance. Every precaution is being taken.”

“Drake said he doesn’t want anything to do with his mother. She gave Hyena Drake’s address.”

“Yes, the lady’s already admitted to that, but she said she had no idea why Hyena wanted it. She said Drake was Kern’s boy, not hers. She thought she was being helpful. A detective will interview her formally, and she’s agreed to wait.” Gunnar looked over her shoulder. “Ah, here’s Gilchrist.”

Gilchrist strode toward them, extending his hand to Ben. “Good to see you. I can only say I appreciate your team’s arrival, no matter it took me by surprise. All issues aside, it’s my client’s safety that comes first, and we have Ladd Hyena under heavy guard. He’s woken, and his doctor has confirmed he’s of sound mind to be interviewed. We’re all set if you’d like in.”

“Yes we would.” Ben turned to Gunnar. “Do you mind if we commandeer you to keep an eye on Jenna? There’s no one else we trust.”