Somebody to Hold (Tyler Jamison #2) - April Wilson Page 0,71

Chad to finance his getaway, Chad balked. The two fought, and Chad killed Sean. Chad then sold Layla up the chain to Johnson. We got to those girls just in time, Tyler. Johnson had planned to move all twelve of them out of the city last night.” Jud pauses. “You did good work yesterday, Tyler.”

“Thank you,” I say, although I’m under no mistaken impression that my actions last night will change the outcome.

“You saved those girls—all of them. But I’m afraid that’s not going to matter when it comes to the consequences of violating the terms of your suspension. Internal Affairs is already writing you up. There’s nothing I can do, Tyler. The rules are clear, and my hands are tied. I’m sorry.”

“I expected as much. Hey, I did what I had to do, and I’d do it all over again.”

“Your dad would be so damn proud of you, son.”

“Thanks. That means a lot, Jud.”

“You’ll always be family to me. So, ponder what you’re going to do next. It sounds like it’s time for a career change.”

I smile at Ian, who’s sitting across the table from me, listening to my half of the conversation and trying to figure out what’s being said. I extend my arm across the table, and Ian smiles as he takes my hand. “Thanks, Jud. I appreciate everything.”

“You’re in trouble because of what we did, aren’t you?” Ian asks when the call ends.

“Yes.”

He squeezes my hand. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. I knew the choice I was making.”

“Are you going to lose your job?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

Ian looks shocked. “I—god, I don’t know what to say. I—”

“You don’t have to say anything, Ian. I don’t regret any of it. You’ll always come first. Jobs are replaceable, you aren’t. Your sister isn’t.”

* * *

That evening, we return to the hospital to visit Layla, who has been moved into a private suite in the psych ward. As we approach her room, I’m not surprised to see Jason Miller standing guard outside her door.

I’m glad Martin took my advice and hired one of Shane’s guys. Former military, former paramedic, now a bodyguard, Jason has all the skills needed to keep Layla safe and healthy. Plus, he’s young enough—in his late twenties—that he’ll fit in well with the college crowd. He looks the part, too, with his fit, tattooed body, short dark hair and trim beard.

“Good to see you, Jason,” I say, offering him my hand.

“Hello, Tyler.”

While Jason and I shake hands, Ian peeks inside Layla’s room. The door is partly open, and I can see Martin and Ruth seated beside Layla’s bed. Layla lies motionless beneath the covers as she stares at the ceiling. Even from here, I can see that her face is covered in bruises. I hate to imagine what those bastards did to her.

After introducing Jason and Ian, I nod in Layla’s direction. “So, it’s official? You’ve been assigned to protect Layla?”

Jason nods. “As of oh-three-hundred.” He smiles ruefully. “Unfortunately, my new client refuses to let me step foot inside her room.”

Ian fights a grin. “Don’t take it personally. She’s been through an awful ordeal, and I don’t think she trusts anyone outside of family right now.” And then Ian leaves us to join his sister.

“She’ll come around,” I tell Jason. “Just give her time.”

Jason nods. “Don’t worry. I’m a very patient guy, and I have all the time in the world.”

When I join the Alexanders, I find Ian sitting on his sister’s bed, holding her hand. I notice the tray of untouched food on the dinner cart beside her bed. Ian tries to coax Layla into taking a bite of something, but she refuses.

I stand at the foot of her bed and take in a very bittersweet scene. I know her family is overjoyed to have her back, but they’re clearly concerned about her state of mind.

Ian catches my gaze and shakes his head as if to say she’s not okay.

“Hello, Layla,” I say quietly.

She responds by closing her eyes, shutting out everyone in the room. This bruised and battered young woman is nothing like the bubbly Layla I’ve come to know.

Martin catches my gaze and nods toward the door. I follow him out into the hallway, and he closes the door behind us.

“She’s having a hard time processing what happened to her,” he says in hushed tones. “She remembers going to Sean’s apartment. She said he and Chad got into an argument, and when Sean demanded money from him, Chad shot him right in front of