over.”
Gigi frowned. “But Owen will be here.”
“Owen won’t sleep unless someone he trusts is keeping watch. Otherwise, he’ll remain alert to protect you.” She shrugged. “It’s how they work, Gigi. Get used to it.”
“I wish this level of precaution wasn’t necessary.” Gigi dropped her voice. “Owen didn’t sleep at all last night while I was in the hospital. Based on the amount of coffee he’s consuming, he’s running on fumes. He has to be exhausted, and so am I.”
“Your body is still healing from the accident.”
“Maybe. From what Owen told me about his training at PSI, he’s been going non-stop since he left Maple Valley, and now he’s on guard duty plus continuing to work as a deputy. I’m concerned about his health and safety.”
“David doesn’t need much sleep,” Emma said. “I have a feeling Owen and the rest of the Montgomery brothers are the same. Their military training taught them to operate on a few hours of rest for days at a time. David told me he went without sleeping for three days once on a SEAL mission. Owen and his brothers can handle the stress and lack of sleep, Gigi.” She laughed softly. “You and I, on the other hand, are delicate flowers compared to them.”
Gigi rolled her eyes. Emma had run from men who wanted to kill her for more than a year, and Gigi was no shrinking violet herself. If there was any way for her to assist in bringing Toni home safely, she’d do it. The two of them were anything but delicate flowers.
A knock sounded on the back door.
Gigi started toward the door, but stopped when Emma caught her arm, eyes wide in alarm.
“It’s too soon for David,” she whispered. “What if that’s the kidnappers?”
“They wouldn’t knock on the door.”
“Ask Owen or Caleb to answer it.”
Remembering the worry in Owen’s eyes minutes earlier, Gigi changed direction and headed to her apartment. Poking her head inside the doorway, she said, “Someone’s at the back door.” Owen would want to check the visitor’s identity. There were perks to dating a deputy. Security was one of them along with those sizzling kisses.
Owen was on his feet in an instant. “Stay with Caleb,” he ordered.
As Owen left the sitting room, Caleb set aside the laptop and stood with a big black gun in his hand. Oh, boy. Where had the gun come from? Stupid not to realize Caleb was armed. The Montgomery brothers were cops. They were always armed.
Stomach churning with sudden nausea, Gigi edged closer to the door until Caleb motioned for her to step back and positioned himself in front of her, becoming a living wall of protection for her.
Fear for Emma’s safety sent cold chills racing up her spine. “Emma’s still out there,” she whispered.
“Owen will take care of her. My job is to protect you.”
Seconds later, she heard the rumble of male voices. Gigi frowned as she listened. The other voice seemed familiar. Who was he? Did another person come to the B & B, hoping for a room overnight? If so, he was out of luck. Every room was occupied.
Owen pushed the door open a moment later, smiling. “Jackson Conner is here. He brought your phone.”
She grinned as the medic appeared in the doorway and nudged Owen aside. “Great to see you again, Jackson. Welcome back to Archer.”
He shook Caleb’s hand, then kissed Gigi’s cheek. “Thanks, sugar. I understand you were in a car accident last night. Were you injured?” His assessing gaze swept over her.
“Sore muscles and a slight concussion to go along with a few stitches.” Gigi tapped the side of her head near her injury.
He lifted his hands. “May I?”
“Of course.” She turned her head for Jackson to check the cut.
Soon, the medic lowered his hands and stepped back. “Looks good. The person who stitched your wound did a great job. Are you experiencing headaches?”
Owen’s eyes narrowed when Gigi hesitated. “Why didn’t you say anything, G?”
“Wouldn’t do any good,” she replied, her tone tart. “I don’t want to take medicine that knocks me out.” Not when she might have to run.
“I can give you a mild pain reliever.” Jackson folded his arms. “My teammates and I take it when we have to stay alert on missions but need to manage pain. The medicine is a staple in our mike bags.”
“Sold. Thanks, Jackson.”
“No problem. I’ll get my bag from the SUV.”
Owen wrapped his arms around Gigi and held her close. “I wish you had told me about the headache. My brothers