Free Be on the Lookout by Tyler Anne Snell

called in before we came down but was told there was no new information,” Jonathan answered with a shrug. “I suppose we just have to wait.”
    Ted nodded to that, and Kate and the bodyguard took advantage of their free breakfast. It wasn’t until they were halfway into their eggs and bacon that the man across from her asked a question she’d been expecting.
    â€œSo, what exactly is this convention all about?”
    Kate paused her fork in midair.
    â€œWhat do you know about it already?” she asked, curious.
    â€œNothing other than you need to be invited and wear something nice.”
    Kate smirked.
    â€œThe convention, typically, isn’t a public affair. Depending on your field of study, what you’re working on and your connections, you get invited to showcase your research or invention. You basically present to potential sponsors for funding.” She felt her smirk transform into a more genuine show of excitement. “I had a breakthrough with the work I’ve been doing and was invited to present my research.” Jonathan nodded, seemingly impressed. If he wanted more details than that, he was going to be disappointed. Only those who needed to know did. “That’s actually why we’re meeting Greg for coffee. He’s more of a mentor and, I’m hoping, has a present for me.”
    Jonathan raised his eyebrow.
    â€œWhat kind of present?” he asked.
    Her smirk came back in full.
    â€œThe game-changing kind.”

Chapter Nine
    Greg Calhoun was short, round and had little hair. His dark skin was a complete contrast to his chemically treated white smile, and his glasses were as awkwardly shaped as the crumpled handkerchief he always carried in his pocket. He entered the coffee shop with a narrow focus that didn’t dissipate until his eyes landed on Kate. He shone his sparkling smile and made a beeline for her.
    â€œKate,” he exclaimed in greeting. “What a sight for sore eyes.”
    Kate stood and accepted his embrace. She felt the corners of her lips lift. Her social life might have been stunted by her professional one, but she considered the older man a true friend.
    â€œNice to see you, too, Greg. It’s been a long time since we’ve talked to each other in person,” she said, sitting back down. Jonathan sat to her left and extended a hand to Greg as he sat opposite. “Greg, I’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Carmichael.” Kate hesitated before explaining their relationship. She hadn’t told anyone aside from a friend about her father’s need for his daughter to be protected. Was it against the rules to tell him now that Jonathan was her bodyguard? She trusted Greg. Few people in her life had garnered such intense trust and loyalty from her. Shouldn’t she pay him the same courtesy?
    â€œI’m her bodyguard.” Jonathan spoke up while she was still deciding what to say. Surprised, she tilted her head. “You seemed to be struggling with what to label me,” he whispered before turning back to the man.
    Greg shook his hand without issue and nodded.
    â€œI’m glad you hired one, to be honest,” he said. “Once your father told me about the letters, I was concerned you weren’t being cautious enough.”
    Kate’s eyes widened and a slow burn crept to her face.
    â€œMy father told you about the letters?” she asked. Greg paid her enough respect to look sheepish.
    â€œHe phoned me after he found out. I think he made the call to find out if I sent them or had received any like them. When he was convinced I really hadn’t known about their existence, he told me to keep an eye out for you at the convention.” He patted his pronounced stomach and then motioned to Jonathan’s flat front. “I’m glad you decided to get someone a bit more qualified.”
    Jonathan let out a small laugh, but Kate wasn’t in the mood. Her father had gone