Jenna’s Protector (Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists: CHARLIE Team #4)

12. Carter

TWELVE

Carter

As we finish our pizza, I’m reluctant to end our time together. An idea forms in my mind, and I clear my throat.

“Jenna, would you mind if we take a bit of a drive?”

“I’d love to, but what about my store?” Her eyes meet mine, curiosity sparking in their depths. “I should be getting back soon.”

“It wouldn’t be for too long,” I assure her. “Unless… Do you need to be back right away?”

“I can call Malia in to cover.” She hesitates for a moment, then smiles. “Where did you have in mind?”

“I want to check in with Blake about your sketches.”

“How can Guardian HRS help?” Jenna’s brow furrows slightly.

“I’m hoping I can get time on Guardian HRS’s computer systems. Beg, borrow, or steal,” I explain. “They might be able to locate some of the places you drew.”

“My sketches aren’t that good…” Jenna tilts her head, confusion evident in her expression.

“Blake mentioned Guardian HRS used photographs before to identify where hostages were being held. With the level of detail in your drawings, I’m hoping we can do something similar.”

“Really? That’s possible?” Her eyes widen in surprise .

“Their tech is far beyond anything we have at the station.” Enthusiasm creeps into my voice. “I’m planning to convince, connive, beg, and borrow if I have to, just to get a little time with that computer system.”

Jenna looks appropriately impressed and amazed. “Wow, I had no idea technology like that existed outside of movies. Do you think it could work?”

“It’s worth a shot.” I temper my own excitement. “If anyone can find these places, it’s Guardian HRS. So, what do you say? Up for a little road trip?”

“Absolutely. Let me just make that call to cover the shop.” Jenna’s smile broadens, lighting up her entire face.

As she steps away to arrange coverage, my anticipation surges—not just for the potential breakthrough in the case but for the chance to spend more time with her.

I pull out my phone and dial Blake’s number. He picks up on the second ring.

“Yo, bro! Howzit hanging?” Blake’s voice booms through the speaker.

“A little to the left, as usual. How’s it swinging on your end?” I can’t help but grin.

“Can’t complain, dude. What’s got you calling your favorite bro?”

“You’re my only brother. Need a favor, man. Got some sketches that might help with a case.”

“Oh ho, the small-town cop needs the big guns, huh?” His smirk is practically audible. “Bring ‘em over. I’ll see what I can do.”

We chat for a few more minutes, trading barbs and catching up. By the time I hang up, Jenna returns, a smile on her face.

“All set,” she says. “Let’s hit the road.”

The California coastline stretches before us, an endless expanse of blue meeting the rugged cliffs. The sun sits high in the sky, casting a golden glow across the water. Jenna sits beside me, her hair whipping in the wind from the open window. The salty tang of the ocean fills my nostrils, mingling with her light perfume—a subtle, floral scent that embodies her essence .

Max’s head pops up from the backseat as we drive along the coastal road, his nose twitching at the salty air. Jenna reaches back to scratch behind his ears, earning a contented groan from my loyal companion.

Jenna’s gut-wrenching task of confronting the demons of her past and reliving the horrific memories that have haunted her for so long shows her incredible strength and resilience. The fact that she’s willing to put herself through that, all in the name of helping others, is awe-inspiring.

My heart aches for her, knowing the pain she must be enduring. I wish I could take that burden from her.

The past few days have been a different whirlwind for me. The investigation has given me an excuse to spend more time with Jenna, savor her company, and get to know her. Every moment we share, every conversation we have, only intensifies the feelings growing within me.

I’m captivated by her, drawn to her strength, intelligence, and beauty, both inside and out. I’m falling for her hard and fast, and the realization thrills and terrifies me.

Even as I enjoy Jenna’s company, guilt gnaws at me, a constant reminder of what I’ve asked her to do. I hate dredging up her painful past, forcing her to relive those horrific memories. It feels like a betrayal, a selfish act, even though it’s necessary for the investigation.

Seeing her struggle, I’m overwhelmed by my desire to protect her. I want to wrap her in my arms and promise that nothing will ever harm her again. The intensity of my emotions catches me off guard, but I can’t deny their truth.

Jenna shifts in her seat, drawing me out of my thoughts. Her green eyes meet mine, a silent question in their depths.

“You’re awfully quiet,” she murmurs, her voice almost lost in the rush of the wind. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just thinking.”

“About the case?”

“Among other things.” Mostly about her. How I want to hold her, be more than just the guy asking her to dig up painful memories.

“I want to thank you for everything you’re doing.” I reach out and grasp her hand. “It’s not easy facing your past like this.”

“I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t believe in the cause.” Jenna’s fingers intertwine with mine as if we’ve been holding hands for years. “Those girls… They deserve justice. They deserve to be found.”

Her words echo my thoughts, and a surge of admiration rushes through me. Despite everything she’s been through, Jenna’s strength and compassion shine through.

She’s a survivor, a fighter.

The road curves ahead, hugging the cliffside as it winds toward our destination. The Guardian compound is still miles away, and my heart races with anticipation as we draw closer.

Blake’s offer lingers in my mind, a tantalizing possibility. The resources, technology, and sheer scale of the operation are enough to make any cop drool. Yet, even as I consider the prospect, my thoughts keep circling back to Jenna.

What would she think if I joined the Guardians? Would she see it as abandoning our small town? Or would she understand the need to do more, to make a more significant difference in the world?

Would it take me away from her?

Now, that’s the real question. The thought of being separated from Jenna, of not being there to protect her, gnaws at me. We’ve only just begun to get to know each other, and I don’t want to give that up.

“Penny for your thoughts?” As if sensing my inner turmoil, Jenna squeezes my hand.

I glance at her, surprised by the gesture but grateful for the contact. “Just wondering what you’d think if I took Blake up on his offer.” A wry smile tugs at my lips.

“What offer?”

“He thinks I should become a Guardian like him.”

Jenna is momentarily quiet, her gaze distant as she stares at the ocean .

“I think,” she begins slowly. “That you have to do what feels right for you. If joining the Guardians is what your heart tells you to do, you should listen.”

The car falls silent, a comfortable silence filled with unspoken understanding. As we continue down the winding road, the sun rises high into the sky, and a sense of peace washes over me. The tension in my shoulders eases, and my breathing slows.

“You asked me what I thought about you joining Blake’s organization, but what do you think about it?” Jenna’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

“Blake’s always been the daredevil. Even as a kid, he was the one climbing the highest trees or jumping off the pier. He’s an adventurous individual…” I pause, thinking about my brother. “He’s the kind of person who doesn’t think twice about the unconventional.”

“Unconventional?”

“Joining a private security firm. Guardian HRS is more than that, but it’s still kind of on the edge of things.” I shake my head, knowing I’m explaining this wrong.

“What does that mean?”

“It’s not part of the military. Not part of the police force. Not along any conventional protect and serve organizations. I think some of them are deputized Federal Marshals, but I could be wrong about that.” I shrug this time, still not expressing myself well. “I guess I like to play things safe.”

“Safe?”

“Go with the standard way of doing things.” A nervous chuckle escapes my lips. “I’m more grounded. I want to make a difference in my community and help people. That meant becoming a cop or a firefighter. Blake shares that passion, but he wants more action and more suspense. Higher stakes.”

“Do you ever regret not following Blake into the Navy?” Jenna nods, a thoughtful expression on her face. The question hangs in the air for a moment.

“Sometimes,” I confess, the words heavy with a truth slowly growing inside me. “Especially with cases like this. I’m hitting a wall, and I can’t help but wonder if I’d be more effective with the Guardians’ resources.”

“You’re making a difference. Never doubt that.” She squeezes my hand. “But just because something’s comfortable isn’t always a good reason not to consider changing things up.”

Her touch sends a jolt of electricity through me. We’ve been dancing around this growing connection, the lingering glances and subtle touches, but with the case consuming my thoughts, I haven’t had the chance to explore what it could mean.

After an hour or so of driving, we pull up to the gates of Guardian HRS. A familiar figure strides out to meet us.

“Welcome to the Guardians.” Blake, my mirror image, grins widely as he opens the gate, waving us through. “Park your car over there. We’re taking alternate transportation.”

I park the car, and we climb out. Max bounds ahead to greet Blake, his tail wagging so hard his whole body shakes.

“Hey, boy.” Blake ruffles Max’s fur, laughing. “Well, well, Carter. You didn’t tell me you were bringing such a hottie. Way to go, bro.”

“Blake, this is Jenna, and Jenna, this is my incredibly tactless twin brother, Blake.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jenna blushes but extends her hand.

“The pleasure’s all mine.” Blake winks, shaking her hand. “Seriously, Carter, how’d you always land the pretty ones?”

“We’re working on a case together, you idiot.” I roll my eyes. “Try to behave, will you?”

“Ah, you know I never behave.” Blake cups his mouth in a mock whisper to Jenna. “I’m the black sheep of the family. Walk on the wild side and all that. And hey, if things don’t work out with Carter, I’ve been told I’m a lot of fun.”

“Knock it off, Blake. Jenna’s with me.” My jaw tightens.

“Alright, alright,” he chuckles. “Message received loud and clear.” Blake holds his hands up, backing away with a massive smirk.

Jenna’s eyes widen at my possessive tone. A faint blush creeps up her cheeks. She glances at me, and a small, pleased smile tugs at her lips. Her hand brushes against mine, sending a reassuring warmth through me .

I cringe inwardly, pissed at myself for revealing my feelings like that.

“Relax, bro. Just having a bit of fun.” Blake laughs, clapping me on the back. He throws an arm around my shoulders and gives me a squeeze before playfully shoving me away.

“Just keep your hands to yourself.”

“No promises,” Blake grins. “Now, let’s get this show on the road. Hop in the golf cart. It’s the best way to get around.”

We climb into the cart, and before I can stop him, Max leaps onto the seat next to Blake like he was invited. His nose twitches wildly with curiosity.

“Looks like I’ve got a co-pilot,” Blake laughs. “Ready for the grand tour?”

“Damn, Max.” I look at my loyal dog and shake my head. “Traitor much?”

Secretly, I don’t mind Max taking shotgun. It means I get to sit in the back with Jenna, and I’m all for that. The golf cart has narrow seating, which means from knee to hip to shoulder, my entire body gets to press against Jenna’s soft form.

“Max seems to love your brother.” Jenna nudges me with her shoulder.

“He does, but still…” Max should’ve waited for me to give the command, but he does love Blake.

“Keep your arms and legs inside the moving vehicle at all times.” Blake pretends he’s a tour guide. “And buckle up. You’re in for the experience of a lifetime.”