Guarding His Children

Chapter Thirteen

In the living room of the safe house, Jason turned toward Officer Brentwood. "I hope Detective Brown found something useful."

"The video camera in the parking garage was damaged and nothing was recorded. The building super didn't know anything about that. In fact, he was sure it had been working last week."

Jason's gut clenched. Another dead end.

"But Detective Brown noticed a traffic camera that would have captured the guy driving into the garage. There were only two cars in that time span. He's checking them out and then will come here. He'll be bringing a sketch artist, so we're to hang tight. I'll be outside patrolling the grounds, per his orders."

"Can you call me on my cell every half an hour?" Brittany asked, putting more distance between Jason  and her.

When he had said to her he didn't know what he would have done if she hadn't accepted the job, she'd shut down. She must think that was the only reason he was glad to have her here. When this was over with, he'd explain. It was much more than that. But maybe it was for the best that he hadn't followed through on his impulse to kiss her. It would only confuse things. But all he could think about earlier was taking her in his arms and erasing the past ten years between them.

The next thing Jason realized was Officer Brentwood had left while he was deep in thought. Another reason he shouldn't focus on what could be until this was cleared up. He might not be a trained bodyguard, but he would do what he needed to protect Keeley, Kendyl and Debbie—and Brittany. He might not know how to shoot a gun, but he knew how to fight. In his youth, he'd been able to hold his own against just about anyone.

"Jason?Are you all right? You were a million miles away."

"As soon as we find this creep, I'll be fine. After Detective Brown comes, I want to go pick up the girls. I've decided to pull them from school until this man is caught. I don't want to take any chances with my daughters. If you need more help, I'll pay for it."

Something flickered in and out of her expression so fast he wasn't sure what it was. Regret? Sadness?

"I want you to know, Brittany , that I may have married Jessica, but it wasn't because I loved her. I know how your dad felt about me because I didn't have a father, at least no one named on my birth certificate. I'd vowed never do that to a child. I can still recall your father's words to me right before we fought the last time. 'Jason Williams,  you have nothing to offer my daughter.'"

Brittany blinked several times. "My father was wrong to feel that way, and I'm sure he regrets that comment today. If not, he should.

"I'm not angry with him anymore. He was only protecting his daughter. I know how that feels. Call him, Brittany. Mend the fences with him."

Her eyes widened, then she rushed from the living room.

In his heart, he realized they would never have a second chance if she didn't forgive her father, and from the description of their relationship she'd told him, he didn't think she had. He would always be there between them, tainting any relationship they could have.