Code Name Sentinel (Jameson Force Security 2)

“It’s already been decided, Barrie,” my uncle says, his high-handedness making my teeth gnash together.

“I’m an adult, Uncle Jon,” I snap. “You can’t dictate—”

“I am your president—the one who ensures your company gets the funding for your research,” he growls, leaning toward me from his chair. “And you will accept the security I’m hiring.”

I swallow hard, fuming but silently admitting he just intimidated the shit out of me.

His face softens, though, and he reaches out to take my hand. “But indulge an overprotective uncle, will you, honey? I’m really worried about this threat. While it might turn out to be nothing at all, you are going to help an old man sleep at night if you just let these men protect you for a while. Okay?”

I let out a long, submissive sigh.

Because after hearing him put it that way, I’d never do anything to cause him distress.

“Okay, fine,” I mutter as I pick up my fork and stab a noodle. “But what exactly does this ‘extra protection’ look like?”

“We’re going to have two men escort you to and from work each day,” Kynan answers for him. Of course, we’ll tweak our plan over the next twenty-four hours, and I suspect Bebe and our new hire, Dozer, will be involved as well. “Same at work… two men outside your lab at all times.”

“But my building is secure,” I say, feeling like I’m causing an awful lot of trouble and expense. “Anyone who goes inside has to have top-secret clearance and credentials to get in.”

“Nothing is foolproof,” Kynan replies, and I shoot a glance at Cruce. He’d finished eating, and he’s just silently watching the exchange. I wonder why he’s even here since he hasn’t said much. “People can be bought off. Money is a powerful influencer. It wouldn’t take much for someone to get into that building with the right type of planning.”

I incline my head in understanding. “Okay… that makes sense. And here at my home?”

“At night, two men will patrol outside,” Kynan replies before nodding his head at Cruce. “And he’ll always be with you—inside and out—when you aren’t at work.”

“What?” I exclaim, bolting upright in my chair, my fork clattering to my plate. “No. Absolutely not. This is my home—”

“And Cruce will be staying here with you,” Uncle Jonathan decries in a deep voice that is not to be trifled with. “In this world, he’s the person I’d trust the most with your life, Barrett. I’m not going to be swayed on it.”

My eyes cut to Cruce, and he stares right back. Not in defiance, but definitely not in understanding either. I can tell by his expression he’s already accepted the duty bestowed on him by my uncle.

I push up from my chair, sullen and sounding slightly bratty. “I’ll have to go change the sheets in the guest room.”

“Sit,” my uncle orders, and my ass hits the cushion of my kitchen chair. He gives me an understanding smile. “I know this is disruptive to you, Barrett, and how involved in your work you are. But your safety is paramount to any damn formula that will create fusion energy.”

“I understand,” I clip out, trying to be respectful to him as my uncle and my president. “But I don’t have to like it.”

Sighing, Uncle Jon reclines in his chair. “No, I don’t suppose you do.”

Silence ensues. Longingly, Uncle Jon stares at his empty plate while Kynan sips at his ice water. Cruce continues to stare, but I find it hard to meet his eyes.

“Don’t suppose you’d pack me some leftovers to take back with me?” my uncle asks hopefully.

I can’t help but snort, knowing even during the tense discussions we’ve had tonight, his priorities are my tuna noodle casserole. For a moment, I forget about my worries, pleased I could make him happy for a bit.

It’s not until I’ve got Uncle Jon loaded up with the leftover casserole and he steps out onto my porch with Kynan, leaving Cruce behind, that it becomes real to me. I now have a roommate whether I want one or not.

And to be clear… I do not. He’s way too intense and distracting.

Personally, I think everyone is overreacting. My work is theoretical, and it isn’t worth much until it can be tested. Which means I’m not all that valuable.

“Stay safe, Barrett,” Uncle Jon whispers as he hugs me, plastic Tupperware dish gripped hard in his other hand. “I’ll check in on you soon.”

“I love you,” I say, because I do, even though I’m not all that happy with him.

“Love you, too, kiddo,” he says.

I don’t wait for them to disappear into the motorcade. Instead, I shut the door softly, locking it behind me.

Turning to my guest, I nod up the stairs. “Come on. I’ll show you the guest room.”

Cruce is silent as he follows me. At the top, we turn right, the opposite way from my bedroom. The small guest room is sparsely furnished since I’m not big on guests to begin with. Pointing at the bed, I say, “I really don’t have to change the sheets. I’ve only got the one set, and no one has slept on them.”