Cobb (Lighthouse Security Investigations #9) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,58

Laurie Mitchell, a nurse, and Mario Rodriguez, nurse’s aide. Right now, I don’t fuckin’ trust anybody.”

“How’s Josie,” Tate asked, his voice soft and full of concern.

Cobb knew his friend was trying to diffuse his anger, and he focused on breathing. “Concerned. Upset. Hiding it behind getting really quiet. It doesn’t help that I lost my shit. I wanted to talk to you all first, and then I’ll sit down and see how she is and let her know what’s happening. She’s smart and doesn’t fall apart. She wants to know what the plan is.”

“Somebody out there is nervous,” Mace said. “Somebody’s got money tied up into this and thinks Josie can blow everything.”

Cobb turned away from the window and sat on the edge of the bed. “We’re working with the local police on the side. I’m getting her car picked up and the detectives can send somebody around to the shop. Whoever did this is following her, but they don’t know she’s called in reinforcements. All they know is that I’m her boyfriend and bookkeeper. We’re not dealing with someone who’s got intel at their fingertips… it’s pettier than that.”

“Have you talked to her father?” Mace asked.

“No, not in the past couple of days. I need to. There’s something I need to tell him, but I don’t want any ears around. I’m going to make a trip to his home, and Josie will come with me. I don’t want it at his office. Do you have anything on Carmen Martinez or Tahoma Starr? Or for that matter, those asshole friends of Bert?”

“Yeah, Rick and I have started digging. I’ll send you what we’ve got,” Josh replied.

“Right now, I want to see to Josie. Make sure the solid I’m getting from her is really solid and not just an act.”

With good lucks ringing in his ear, he disconnected. He stood for another moment as he walked back over to the window and peered out. He wanted to get to Josie but needed a chance to pull his tangled thoughts together. Glancing back at the closed bedroom door, he punched a few buttons on his phone, let it ring twice, then disconnected. A moment later, Tate returned his call. He knew when Tate received a call on his personal phone he would have excused himself from the group and gone somewhere private to answer.

“How the fuck do you do this?” he asked.

Tate chuckled. “Hell, man, I don’t even have to ask what you’re talking about. So, you’ve fallen for the mission?”

“I was in the fuckin’ grocery store talking about cookies and learning what the hell BOGO is when somebody was outside slashing her tires.”

“Yeah, and if you’d sat outside and stared at her car, how do you know someone wouldn’t have followed her inside?”

Sighing, he scrubbed his hand over his face.

Tate continued, “I repeat. You’ve fallen for the mission?”

“Yeah. I just… I didn’t expect… she’s not like what I thought she’d be. We… she… oh, hell, she’s special.”

Now, Tate’s chuckle turned into a bark of laughter. “Are you okay with that? If so, then I don’t see the problem. It’s not like it hasn’t happened with everybody else.”

“Yeah, but each one of you fell for someone who was in a place in their life to make the move to Maine. Her life is here. Which means when the mission is over, we won’t be together. But honestly? I’ll deal with that when it comes. My main concern right now is keeping her safe while playing house.”

“Look, Cobb, we’ve all done dozens of security details for people and kept things strictly professional. Just because it’s become personal doesn’t mean you’re any less competent. You just have to stay vigilant and keep your mind on her safety. Falling for her doesn’t negate your ability to do that. You’re the most thorough of all of us. If we can do it, you can, too.”

Sucking in a deep breath, he let it out slowly, his friend’s words moving through him. “Thanks, man. I think I just needed to hear that.” Disconnecting, he slid his phone back into his pocket and walked toward the door, halting as his hand rested on the doorknob.

He’d seen many of the Keepers fall in love, manage to complete their missions, and figure out ways for the relationship to move forward when the mission was over. Having witnessed wonderful relationships in his family, he knew he could handle the emotions. And Tate was right, he was focused and methodical and would work