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

28. Jenna

TWENTY-EIGHT

Jenna

My last customer lingers well past closing time. Thirty minutes pass, and Walt finally tells him it’s time to pack things up and leave. Walt’s imposing presence and stern tone make the customer uncomfortable.

Sensing the tension, I quickly fill a to-go cup and hand it to my customer with a smile and apology, hoping to smooth things over and ease some of Walt’s intensity.

Fortunately, my tactic works, and my customer leaves after giving me a pretty nice tip. Once he’s gone, however, I let out a heavy sigh.

My shoulders sag with exhaustion and the lingering unease that has become my constant companion. At least that one stranger who gave me the creeps is no longer in town. He must have been just a regular guy in town for some conference.

Totally innocent.

I move through the familiar motions of closing up the café, wiping down tables, and switching off lights, but my mind is far away, tangled in the nightmares that seem to plague me.

As I’m finishing up, my phone buzzes. It’s Carter letting me know he’s running late. I send a quick reply, telling him I miss him.

I glance over at Walt, who stands by the door, his keen eyes scanning the street outside. He’s supposed to be on a date with Malia tonight, but our last customer’s extended stay made him late.

I bite my lip, torn. I don’t want to ruin his night, not when he finally asked Malia out. They’ve been dancing around each other for days, their simmering attraction clear in every glance, every smile, and every lingering touch.

Making a decision, I walk over to where Walt stands. His brow furrows in concern as he looks down at me.

“Everything alright?” he asks.

“Yeah, I’m just about done here. You don’t have to wait.” I manage a small smile.

“Not leaving you alone, sweetie.” He hesitates, glancing at his watch and then back at me. “I don’t mind walking you home.”

“You don’t have to do that. You should go. Have a great time with Malia.” I appreciate his concern, but it’s clear how much he wants to be with her.

“Carter would have my hide if I left you unprotected.” He shakes his head, but his wistful glance outside says he wants to be with Malia, not stuck guarding me.

“I won’t be unprotected,” I assure him. “Max is here, and he won’t let anything happen to me. Plus, Carter just texted. He’s on his way.”

As if on cue, Max trots over, his tail wagging as he leans against my leg. I reach down, scratching him behind the ears, taking comfort in his solid, steady presence.

“I should wait until Carter gets here.” Walt’s gaze flicks between me and the street, but his eagerness is palpable.

“It’s fine,” I insist. “Carter will be here before you know it. Besides, you and Malia deserve some time together, and I don’t want to be the one to make you late. I’ve got this. Nothing is going to happen to me. I’ll lock the doors behind you and finish cleaning up. What could happen?”

He hesitates, but the lure of a night with Malia must be too strong to resist because he finally nods, a grin splitting his face.

“Alright, but you call if anything feels off, you hear? Call me when Carter gets here.” His shoulders relax slightly, and a grateful smile spreads across his face.

“Aye aye, Captain. I’ll report in promptly.” I snap to attention and give a mock salute.

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Just make sure you do.”

“I will. Now go before she thinks you stood her up.”

With a ruffle of Max’s fur, Walt heads out, the bell jingling cheerfully as the door closes behind him. When I don’t immediately lock the door, he raps on the glass, making the entire door shake. I shake my head, roll my eyes, and turn the lock with an exaggerated flair. Walt, ever protective, checks to ensure the door is locked. I grin when the lock holds.

“Go. I’ll be fine.” I give a little finger wave followed by a shooing gesture.

Walt returns a flagrant eye roll, but there’s a spring to his step as he leaves for his date with Malia.

I focus on the simple, repetitive tasks of cleaning, letting the familiarity soothe my frayed nerves. The hum of the refrigerator, the clink of mugs as I stack them, and the soft thump of Max’s tail against the floor are the sounds of a normal day.

A normal life.

I glance at the clock, frowning. Carter should be here by now, but the minutes tick by, and there’s no sign of him, no familiar silhouette outside the glass, and no comforting jingle of the bell above the door.

Not that there would be a jingle with the door locked.

I pull out my phone, checking for missed calls or messages, and see a message from Carter. He’s running late.

I’m just about to call him, when a sudden knock makes me jump.

Max is instantly alert. Instead of his tail wagging, a low growl rumbles in his chest as he stares at the front door. His body is tense and ready. Ready to protect.

I peer through the glass and see a ghost from my past.

“Sophia?” Her name falls from my lips, barely more than a whisper.