“Tired. I can tell he hasn’t had enough sleep, which means he’s probably eating nothing but takeout. I feel so helpless, Laz.”
“Hey, this is what they do. This is their job. Except now their job has taken on a whole new meaning because you and Jack are the ones they’re trying to protect.”
“I’m sorry Red got roped into this.”
Along with Jack, the rest of the guys were putting in extra hours, pulling in favors, making the most of every resource and contact they had. Someone out there wanted to hurt their own, and that included Fitz, who’d become a member of their family. Jack, Joker, and the Kings weren’t going to stop until whoever was responsible was brought to justice. While the police ran their investigation, the Kings ran their own.
“Red loves you, just like the rest of the guys. Colton and I are frustrated too. At least Colton can throw his money around. What the hell can I contribute?”
Fitz narrowed his eyes at Laz. “You keep me from going out of my mind with worry, and I think everyone would agree how absolutely critical that service is.”
As much as Fitz had wanted to stay with Jack after the night his salon went up in flames, he needed some time alone, and although being with Laz wasn’t exactly time alone, his best friend understood what Fitz needed. The moment he’d arrived, Laz had taken one look at him, hauled him over to the balcony overlooking the ocean, brought him a soft blanket and a cup of tea. He hadn’t even asked Fitz what was wrong, just gave him some time to himself to process things, then returned to check up on him. Fitz had promptly burst into tears again before getting ahold of himself long enough to tell Laz what happened.
That night, Fitz fell asleep on the balcony, stars in the sky, a cool breeze, and the sound of the ocean. The next morning Red fed him, hugged him—which in itself was amazing because no one hugged like Red—and assured him everything would be okay. Fitz had learned a long time ago that there was nothing wrong with letting those who loved you take care of you when you needed it, so he soaked up all the love and affection. It also made him miss Jack, his smile, his kisses, the way he made Fitz so damned happy. He’d never laughed so much in a relationship the way he did with Jack. Even while at work he’d send Fitz the most ridiculous memes, or photos and short video clips he’d sneak of the guys getting up to mischief.
“I know I’ve asked you this a hundred times, but how are you really holding up?” Laz asked softly, tapping his foot against Fitz’s.
It was surreal. Fitz glanced at the couch in the living room, where Saint sat doing something on his iPad. During the course of his career, Fitz had been around plenty of people who had bodyguards, but he’d never expected to be one of those people. True to Jack’s word, Fitz often forgot Saint was there. The man was silent, speaking only when it concerned his job or when Fitz spoke to him. When Fitz left the house, Saint remained close, which should have freaked Fitz out, but Saint had a calming vibe that went a long way to help. He was a big guy, almost as big as Red, with beautifully tanned skin, stunning hazel eyes, and dark hair. It was easy to feel safe with him around.
“It’s weird,” Fitz replied. “It’s one thing to know what Jack does for a living, and another to experience it. I mean, I know he works mostly behind a computer, but he’s still out there working cases like this, doing surveillance, putting himself in danger.” He moved his gaze to Laz. “How do you do it? I know Red does a lot of risk assessments, but he still works some of the protection jobs with Ace and King, or events with Joker and Lucky.” They might all head their own departments, but Jack had explained to Fitz how he, Joker, and the Kings often worked on jobs with one another, especially when it was a big event or protection job that required elements from several departments.
Laz shrugged. “It’s who he is. I have to trust in him and his skills.”
“Trusting Jack or the rest of the guys isn’t the problem. It’s everyone else I don’t trust.”