Free Renewed Faith (CSA Case Files 3 / Military Romance) by Kennedy Layne Page B

bringing me to the end of my rope. I don’t like it there, Elle, so something has to change now.”

Chapter Seven

    E lle managed to get through an entire week without seeing Kevin. It wasn’t like she had to go out of her way. The only time she’d left her apartment was when she’d volunteered her time at Reformation, talking to the girls who were still there and making sure that Rachel was still on the right path. She got her information on the investigation through Rachel, who’d contacted the police just as she said she would. Elle knew that Bee had been brought in for questioning, but not the outcome. It wasn’t as if she were going to call up Kevin to find out either, specifically after his parting words the last time they’d been together.
    “Elle, why is the front door open?”
    Jax appeared in the doorway of the storage closet with Emily, whose belly was the size of a basketball. His usual smile had now been replaced with a scowl while his wife was practically glowing with happiness. Elle felt a twinge of envy, but quickly pushed it aside. Her life had dramatically changed in the last year and she couldn’t be more content with her good fortune. She stood from where she was rearranging some of the boxes of liquor, non-alcoholic beverages, and additional inventory that had arrived not thirty minutes before their arrival.
    “The delivery man just left,” Elle explained, wiping her palms down the front of her denim to get rid of the dirt. “I was just about to lock things up.”
    “I don’t mean to be harsh here, but you can’t be too cautious.” Jax took a step back, leading Emily to one of the stools that were situated at the end of the bar. “We’re still in the crosshairs of an assassin and until he’s caught I don’t want to take any chances.”
    “Jax, she knows that,” Emily said, taking his hand and holding it to her thigh. Elle didn’t press the issue on this threat that was mentioned every so often, but now that he reminded her, she wondered if Kevin’s life was at risk as well. “How are you doing, Elle?”
    “Good.” Elle walked back behind the bar and reached for a glass. She poured Emily a glass of orange juice and set the tumbler in front of her. “Jax, I’ve been careful, I promise. I’m not getting careless. The deliveryman had just literally walked out the door.”
    “I saw him.” Jax reached up and removed the skullcap he’d been wearing, leaving his blonde hair mussed up. Elle could see a few little stress lines around his eyes and she wondered if it was due to the fact someone was still out there with the intent to kill Emily or was it because his firstborn child was scheduled into this world within the next few weeks. “I know you’re not going to like this, but I think having either Connor or myself here for the deliveries might be a good idea. All it does is provide this predator with easy access into this part of our lives. We can’t be too careful.”
    Elle didn’t have the heart to argue with him even though that was her gut instinct. She’d been taking care of herself for a long time and she didn’t need someone else to do that for her. The rational part of her brain knew that Jax needed to have his bases covered. Emily had become this core for him and Elle didn’t blame him in the least for doing his damnedest to keep her safe.
    “Whatever you feel is best. I’ll make sure you have the delivery schedule.” Elle turned her attention to Emily, whose blue eyes sparkled with happiness. They’d been sweet and invited her to their wedding, although Elle had remained to herself as much as she could. She worked for Jax and Connor, but that didn’t mean she socialized with their women and friends outside of that circle. “Emily, how are you feeling? The date is getting close.”
    “Other than having to pee every half hour, I’m doing good.” Emily took a sip of her juice and then set the glass back down onto the countertop. “Listen, we didn’t just