pinch of guilt plagued her. It was obvious Trevor had romantic feelings toward her, feelings she didn’t share. It would be so much easier if she did. He was a handsome guy with a caring demeanor, and their families were close. On paper, they would make a great couple. But Addison had learned the hard way forcing a relationship was a mistake.
It could leave you bleeding and bruised.
Nine
The explosion, and the conversation with Trevor, left Jason with a sour taste in his mouth. He spent most of the night keeping watch over Addison’s house between bouts of fitful sleeping. Nightmares stalked him. At dawn, he gave up on getting any rest at all and started praying.
Lord, have I been arrogant? Am I a fool to believe I can protect Addison?
The incident in Afghanistan haunted Jason. He and Connor had been sweeping the outside of a building when the explosion happened. A car bomb. The vehicle had been parked on the street between several others. The explosion had shattered Jason’s world in less time than it took to draw a single breath. Three of his teammates died.
Mentally, Jason could accept it wasn’t his fault. He’d been following protocol. But emotionally…the what-ifs plagued him.
Why, God? Why? And what do I do now?
The answer to his last question was simple. Unavoidable. Jason couldn’t leave Addison to fend for herself. The threats against her were increasing. Trevor didn’t seem to accept or understand the gravity of the situation. It didn’t matter if Jason was nervous about protecting Addison. He didn’t have a choice.
A Marine always answered the call to duty.
Connor whined and nudged Jason’s arm. Then the dog licked his elbow. Connor had an innate ability to read Jason’s emotions. He was more than a companion; he was a fellow soldier and survivor.
Jason stroked Connor’s soft fur. “Don’t worry, buddy. We’ll keep her safe. I know how much you care about her.”
He didn’t want to think about—couldn’t even consider—how much he cared about Addison too.
A knock came on his front door. Jason rose and crossed the room on quick strides. A glance through the window confirmed his suspicions. Kyle and Nathan stood on his porch.
Jason opened the door and greeted his friends. “We don’t have long to chat. We’re supposed to report to Addison’s house immediately for breakfast before church service. What have you found out about Michael McCormick?”
After speaking with Trevor, Jason took matters into his own hands. First, he contacted his friend, Texas Ranger Grady West. Grady made a phone call to the Knoxville Police Department offering his help on the case. The chief of police refused. Without hard evidence there was corruption or some kind of cover-up going on, Grady couldn’t force matters. Texas Rangers could only work specific cases dictated by statute or by invitation from local law enforcement.
Jason’s next calls were to his military buddies. Nathan and Kyle were experienced soldiers with extensive training. Gathering intel on Michael—and any other suspects that arose—was child’s play for them.
Nathan’s mouth was set in a grim line. “Michael doesn’t drive an SUV with a decal in the front. In fact, he doesn’t have an SUV registered to him at all. He owns a Tesla and a Land Rover. I also verified his attendance at the party. His alibi holds.”
“So maybe Michael isn’t behind the attack against Addison after all.” Jason frowned. “Addison created a list of other people who’ve made threats against her. I think we should do a preliminary check on them too. I don’t want to miss anyone.”
Nathan nodded. “I’ll start on it today.”
Kyle tucked his hands in his jacket pockets. “I’m still working on the surveillance video. You should have it by tonight.” He tilted his head, his steady gaze locking on Jason. “How are you doing? After yesterday?”
After the bombing. Jason could lie, but there was no point. These were his friends. If anyone could understand what he was going through, it was Kyle and Nathan.
Jason blew out a breath. “She could’ve died, guys, and I led her right into the danger.”
“Baloney. Addison was the one who suggested following Michael to his car.” Kyle lifted his brows. “If you hadn’t been there with Connor, she wouldn’t have known about the bomb.”
“Kyle’s right,” Nathan said. “You saved her life. God placed you right where you were needed.”
Were his friends right? Had God placed him in Addison’s life to protect her? Jason hadn’t considered it from that point of view, but maybe he should.
“Come on.” Jason held the front door