Cross My Heart (Detectives Kane and Alton)

“He must be strong to have ripped the door off the hinges, Shane.” She stared into his concerned face. “This security is supposed to be the best available and yet he got in with ease and could have murdered me in my bed. I didn’t hear a thing. If Duke and Pumpkin hadn’t alerted me, I’d probably be dead.”

“It was my fault.” Wolfe looked at her with his steady gray gaze. “I shouldn’t have left the remote to the ranch in

my glovebox. I had no idea anyone even knew I had one. He wouldn’t have got in without it, but I’m arranging another fail-safe. We’re putting a second backup generator in the cellar. Kane said there is an empty part of the cellar you converted, which will work just fine. We’re also removing the power box from the pole outside. Most people have a switch inside now with a surge protector built in for storms. It can go in the mud room.”

Jenna nodded. “I don’t blame you, Shane, but whoever did this still has the control for the gate.”

“Everything is being upgraded and will work through your phone now.” Wolfe smiled. “Don’t worry, Bobby Kalo the FBI whizz kid will make sure everything is hacker proof.”

Jenna shuddered. “Unless someone cuts off my thumb.”

“Then we’ll incorporate a retinal scanner.” Wolfe shrugged.

“So, they’ll cut out an eye?” Jenna rubbed both her arms, suddenly cold. “That makes me feel a whole lot better.”

“We’ll keep you safe, I promise.” Wolfe gave her a long look. “Do you want to come stay with me and the girls until this is sorted?”

Jenna shook her head. “Much as I’d love to, I’ve work to do and Kane’s spare room will be just fine. I don’t think anyone will get past him or Duke.”

“Me either.” Wolfe gave her a long look. Dave will guard you with his life, and I mean every word.”

Jenna rolled her eyes. “Yes, I know, and I’d just gotten him out of being overprotective.” She sighed. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate him, I do, but when he’s worried about my safety, I lose my friend and he becomes a different person.”

“You’re lucky we’ve seen the real person. I only ever communicated with a professional, machine-like, emotionless soldier for a very long time.” Wolfe lowered his voice. “When he decided to retire, his clearance was so high, as was his integrity, POTUS didn’t want to lose him. He went through so many psych tests to see if he was sane, I’m surprised he came out the other side. It took him a long time to come down and even relax. I was retained as his handler even when he worked at the White House. He never lost his cool even when Annie died. He remained remote. I’ve only seen him crack twice, and the first time was when he thought you’d died, the second when we discovered who’d killed Annie, and yet you held him together. I wouldn’t have been able to control him if that lunatic had killed you; he’d have been off the grid and out for blood and yet you kept him on track and calm.” He squeezed her arm. “It’s taking time but you’re thawing the ice-man, however, he’ll always be there lurking in the background. Years of living without emotion and killing on command takes a toll on a person.”

Jenna pushed both hands through her hair. “I understand him better than you realize. That’s why I try to keep things normal around him. I joke about his combat face and make sure he knows I like him, ice-man or Dave.” She looked at him. “You have to admit, he’s more relaxed now than ever before.”

“He is.” Wolfe turned as voices came down the hallway. “That’s good. Emily and Webber have finished collecting samples.” He turned back. “A crew will be here soon to secure the ranch. First, they’ll arrive by chopper. They’ll do a walk-through and see what needs to be done, and then expect trucks and a mess of people running around. I’ve stuck an ‘off limits’ notice on your bedroom door and locked it.” He handed her a key. “Nothing was touched in there, but I secured it for your own peace of mind. You don’t need to worry about people going through your belongings. If you have anything you need to keep private, you have time to remove it. I can help.”

Jenna shook her head. “They won’t be getting into my room, and the safe is in there. It will be fine.” She rubbed her temples. “Will I have to supervise?”

“Nope.” Wolfe led her toward the front door. “Leave them to do their job. They’ll have the perimeter secured today and they’ll be camping on the ranch, but it should be finished in a few days.”

Astonished, Jenna stared at him. “How am I going to feed all of them?”

“They’ll have a mess tent set up. Don’t worry.” Wolfe chuckled. “Stay in Kane’s cottage until they leave. I’ll have your new phones waiting for you by the morning.”

“New phones?” Jenna frowned. “But I can access all my office files from my phone. It’s indispensable.”

“Trust me.” Wolfe smiled. “Everything will be fine.” He turned to his daughter. “Jenna is dead on her feet. Walk her back to Kane’s cottage and make sure she rests.”

Jenna shook her head. “Later. I need to speak to Rowley and Rio about running the office for a couple of days.”

“They’re not going anywhere for a few hours.” Wolfe guided her to the door. “They’re out making casts of tire tracks and footprints at the moment.”

“Okay.” Jenna turned to Emily. “You don’t need to escort me, I’ll go and rest, I promise.”

“Sure, you will.” Emily took her arm and led her toward the cottage. “Did you see Ty today all dressed up? He scrubs up well, don’t you think?”

Jenna gaped at her. “You don’t have a crush on him, do you?”

“Well… he is nice, and I am twenty-one next month.” Emily looked suddenly serious. “I’ve worked hard and avoided relationships, but when I pass my finals, I’ll be spending the entire year in residency working with Dad. It takes years more study before I can apply for board certification, but I think I’ll have time to live a little.”

“But Ty Carter?” Jenna chewed on her bottom lip. “He’s sexist and a player. You’re just attracted to his bad boy image. It will wear off in time.” She wanted to change the subject fast. “So, did you find any evidence to point to who is trying to kill me?”

“Not a shred.” Emily shrugged. “Don’t worry, Dad will find something. He always does.” She followed Jenna into Kane’s cottage and sniffed. “I’m going to help myself to a cup of Dave’s famous coffee. She pointed to the hallway. “Go and rest. Turn off your phone. I’ll stay right here until Dave gets back.”

“Okay, okay.” Suddenly exhausted, Jenna yawned and gave her a wave and then headed for Kane’s spare room. She kicked off her boots, flopped on the bed, and snuggled under the blankets. The troubles of the night drifted into insignificance as sleep claimed her.