“Really?” Connie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How had she missed that?
Her dad laughed. “Yes, really. I know it’s hard to believe, but now that we’re older and wiser, we’ve been able to leave the past in the past. Did you know she was married again?”
Now Connie was the one laughing at how surprised he sounded. “Yeah, I guess third time’s a charm...or is it four times now? I can’t keep up, but she finally seems happy.”
“Yes, she does. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for both of us. Actually, for all of us. Sweetheart, I’m really glad you called. You know, your sister calls me at least once a week.”
Connie grinned. “Is that right?”
“Yes, and maybe you can call me a little more often than you do now. Or I can call you.”
“I plan to do better, Dad, but you can always call me whenever you want. Do you have a computer?”
“Yes.”
“Then maybe me, you and Erica can video-chat sometimes.”
“That sounds great! I’d love to see you girls, but you’ll probably have to walk me through it. I’m not really into all of this tech stuff.”
They talked for a few minutes longer before ending the call, and Connie felt encouraged that they were on the right track in mending their relationship. She didn’t expect everything to be perfect, but as long as her father knew that she loved him and there were no hard feelings, it was a good place to start.
CHAPTER 22
Connie was going crazy with being cooped up in the safe house for the last few days. Her patience had never been that great, and knowing that the authorities hadn’t located Daniel Atkinson wasn’t helping. The only thing that was keeping her going was talking to her sister every day and being at the house with Trace, even though lately she was probably getting on his nerves.
“I don’t know how people deal with having someone shadow them 24/7. This type of life is not for me,” Erica said.
“Yeah, me, either.” Connie loved her job and was glad the company could provide a needed service, but her sister was right. Having someone constantly in your face for the main purpose of keeping you safe took some getting used to.
Thankfully, the setup was a little different for her and Trace. He was staying vigilant, but their time at the house was giving them a chance to get to know each other better. That was good for the most part, but Connie was getting frustrated with all of the waiting.
“I might be tired of my human shadow,” Erica continued, “but Nakia is crazy about Hudson. I have to give him credit. He’s extremely patient with her, trying to make it seem normal that he’s hanging around.”
Her niece loved everyone, but Connie couldn’t deny that Hudson was one of the good ones. Their gentle giant was how Trinity referred to him. Hudson had played one year in the NFL, but then a kneecap injury ended his career. Considering he used to tackle people for a living, and the football league considered him one of the most dangerous players on the field, his soft-spoken manner was disarming. He had a kind and easygoing personality as long as he wasn’t crossed.
Connie had only witnessed one time when he snapped, and that had been when he was accused of stealing from a client. The client had threatened to get the police involved. Hudson had been livid. He didn’t calm down until Connie assured him that she and Trinity believed him.
Days later, the client had called to say that they’d made a mistake. Their drug-addicted son had stolen the jewelry. When he called months later, requesting another security specialist to travel with him, they’d decided that LEPA wasn’t a good fit for his needs. They took protecting their clients seriously, but Trinity had created a family-like environment for everyone who worked for her. Supporting and backing their team came first.
“So how are things with you and the stallion?”
“Stallion? Really?” Connie laughed, something she realized she hadn’t been doing much of lately. “That’s what we’re calling him now?”
“Hey, with the way you describe him, I picture this amazingly powerful, virile man who can’t be tamed.”
Connie thought about that for a minute. Amazing, powerfully built and virile...yes. But untamable probably wasn’t a good word. She would never try controlling Trace. Besides, she would never have to. He was the perfect gentleman, and always conscious of her feelings and needs.
“He’s great,” Connie said, instead of sharing everything she was thinking. “I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through this past week and a half without him.”
“I’m glad he’s been there for you. I’m still looking forward to meeting him. Hopefully, we can all get together for dinner or something soon.”
Connie smiled. It had been a long time since she had introduced anyone she was dating to her sister. Before Kevin died, he and Erica would invite Connie over for dinner all the time. They occasionally tried to fix her up on blind dates, but after one of the men they introduced her to ended up getting arrested during the date, they stopped.
“I guess I should’ve asked. How are you holding up? Any more issues with the mystery man?”
“Mommy, Hudson said he’d take us to get ice cream if we want. Can we?” Nakia begged in the background.
Erica sighed loudly, but Connie heard something else in her tone. Whimsy? Playfulness? Erica wasn’t a big sweet eater and rarely gave in to Nakia’s whims. Could it be that her sister was enjoying Hudson’s company more than she was letting on?
“So, you and Hudson?” Connie asked cautiously.
“Don’t start. He’s nice and he’s sweet to my kid. Besides all of that, he’s keeping us safe.”
“Uh-huh, and you
