Lifeline

JJ presses the button to call the elevator, giving me a curious look when a fucking wide smile spreads over my face.

“That’s really good news. Thank you.”

“I made sure the guards never stepped in. He suffered,” the warden informs me.

I suck in a satisfied breath. “I owe you.”

We end the call, then JJ asks, “What’s the good news?”

We step into the elevator, and I wait for the doors to close before I say. “Rama’s dead.”

Her jaw goes slack, then she blinks. “What?”

“Rama’s dead, JJ.”

For a moment, shock shutters over her face, then she darts forward and into my arms. “Oh my God.” I feel the relief flushing through her and hold her tighter.

“Now, you don’t have to face him on the stand.”

I couldn’t protect you, but I sure as fuck could take revenge for you.

“That’s the best news ever,” she breathes. Pulling away, her eyes search mine. “You arranged it, didn’t you?”

Lifting my hand to her jaw, my thumb brushes over her skin. “I had to.”

A trembling smile spreads over her face right before she hugs the hell out of me, peppering my face with kisses.

The elevator opens, and I have to lift her against my body to step out so other people can get in before the doors shut again.

JJ sucks in deep breaths, and wanting her to process this moment, I take her hand and pull her across the office space and out onto the smoking area. She instantly comes back into my arms, then her relief spills from her.

“He suffered,” I say, my voice hoarse. “Every fucking night for three long weeks, he fucking suffered.”

JJ nods, her arms tightening around me, then she whimpers, “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, baby.”

With my FBI credentials intentionally hanging around my neck, and my gun at my hip, I open the front door.

“Hi.” His eyes take in the badge and gun before settling on my face. “Ah… I’m Jared Wylder.”

When he reaches out his hand, I take hold of it in a merciless grip. “Agent Daniel O’Brien.”

I let go of him and notice how he flexes his fingers. “Nice to meet you, sir. Is Lindsay ready?”

Standing to the side, I nod for him to come in. At the foot of the stairs, I say, “I’m expecting Lindsay back in the exact same condition I’m giving her to you.”

“Yes, sir. Of course.” His eyes dart nervously between me and the stairs.

“Exact. Same. Condition. Not crying and certainly not fucking pregnant.”

He bristles at my words. “Understood.”

To test him, I ask, “With that out of the way, do you want a beer?”

Instantly he shakes his head. “No, thank you. I’m driving.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I stare the poor kid down until his throat bobs with nerves.

Hearing the women, we both glance up, and when I see the sensible jeans and sweater Lindsay’s wearing, I smile. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

“Yeah,” Jared agrees, a dreamy expression on his face.

Yep, he’s in love.

Looking nervous as hell, Lindsay starts to fidget with her bag as she stops in front of us.

“I just want a moment with Lindsay.” Not waiting for an answer from JJ or Jared, I take hold of Lindsay’s hand and tug her back up the stairs and into her room. Shutting the door, I turn to face her. “Before you go on the date, I need you to hear every word I’m about to say.”

She nods, still nervous as fuck.

“You’re a fucking beautiful girl and deserve to be treated like a goddess. Nothing less. No matter how much you like the guy, you do not let him disrespect you in any way. Hear me?”

She nods quickly, then admits, “I’ve wanted this for so long. I think I’m going to puke.”

Pulling her into a hug, I mutter, “Take deep breaths. Jared wouldn’t have asked you out if he wasn’t interested.” I rub her back gently. “Besides, I saw the look on his face. He’s head over heels for you.”

Lindsay pulls back, her eyes wide as she stares up at me. “Really?”

“Really.” I lock eyes with her. “You have all the power. Just be yourself.”

“Okay.” She sucks in a deep breath.

Reaching into my pocket, I take the taser out. “And use this if he tries anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

A burst of laughter escapes from her, and rolling her eyes, she takes the taser and shoves it into her bag. “Got it.”

“You call me if you need me.”

“I will.”

Opening the door, I let her walk first, and following her down the stairs, my eyes lock with Jared’s. “Take care of my sister.” Or I’ll rip your nutsack off and feed it to you.

“I will. Thank you for letting me take Lindsay out to dinner.”

“Enjoy the night,” JJ says as we watch them leave. Then she mutters, “The badge? Really, O’Brien, you put the fear of God in Jared.”