Free Always Watching by Lynette Eason Page B

maybe—” He shrugged. “I’m not going to cower or hide or run.”
    â€œWhat about Amy?”
    He sighed and dropped his chin to his chest, taking a moment to think. When he raised his head, he studied his sister-in-law. “You know I’ll do whatever I have to do to keep Amy safe. Even if that means sending her away somewhere. But I won’t let this person dictate my life.”
    Martha nodded. “I understand. Even admire that. I don’t think you should run away, but I do think you need to be smart.”
    â€œAnd I will be.”
    â€œAmy would be devastated if something happened to you,” she said softly. “And I would too. You and Amy have been my family for a long time now.”
    He sighed. She was right, of course. “I know. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for us. Thank you for being here.”
    Martha shrugged. “Of course. Like I said, you’re family.” She shook her head. “I adore Amy, you know that.”
    Remorse filled him. “I fell asleep and didn’t tell her good night.”
    â€œI think she’ll understand. When I last checked on them, she and Stacy were upstairs plotting your marriage to Stacy’s mother.” He groaned. Martha laughed. “Apparently the woman is quite . . . um . . . taken with you.”
    â€œOh stop.”
    She snickered again, then turned serious. “Do you think you’ll ever be ready to marry again?”
    He shrugged. “I doubt it. After Justine . . .” He blew out a breath and raked a hand through his hair. He absently noted he needed a haircut. “I have no plans to do so.”
    She lifted a brow and gave him a sad look. “That’s a shame. Then again, plans can change when the right person comes along.” He stayed quiet and she grimaced. “Sorry, it’s none of my business.”
    â€œHey, if it’s anyone’s business, it’s yours.” He crossed the room and hugged her. “You’ve been a rock for me and I appreciate it, but let’s leave my love life out of things.”
    â€œOr the lack thereof?”
    â€œExactly.”
    â€œWorks for me.”
    â€œGood.” He gave her a half grin. “So how’s your love life?”
    She lifted her nose and gave him a haughty stare. “None of your business.”
    He glanced at his watch. “I need to get to the station. Where’s Olivia?”
    â€œIn the kitchen on the phone with someone. Thought I heard her ask about someone named Maddy.”
    Wade explained what had happened to the former bodyguard and Martha paled. He hadn’t wanted to tell the details, but had decided that wasn’t fair to her. She lived here and needed to know what was going on. He squeezed her hand and left her standing in the den, still processing everything, whilehe went to find the woman he was supposed to trust with his life.
    He wasn’t questioning her abilities. Bruce Savage would have only hired the best of the best. He just wondered if she was entirely necessary now that he knew he needed to be on his guard and watching his back. Time would tell.
    He found her exactly where Martha said she’d be. She stared out the kitchen window above the sink, tapping her chin with her phone and looking deep in thought. She must have sensed his presence, because she turned fast and light on her feet, alert and ready. She relaxed a fraction when she saw him.
    â€œHow is Maddy doing?” he asked.
    â€œShe survived surgery and is in ICU with a guard on her door.”
    â€œDo you think she could identify who attacked her?”
    â€œPossibly. That’s why we’re going to take all precautions and make sure the person who tried to kill her doesn’t come back to finish the job when he—or she—hears that she’s still alive.”
    He nodded and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I need