Page 60 of Better Watch Out
“Tomorrow Oskar and I will provide detail for Mr. Malone and Mr. Kline. Caruso will stay with Ms. Malone since he’s built such a rapport with her.” Doug said it dryly but there was a spark of humor in his eyes. “You’re good to stick with Ms. Frost tomorrow? Both airports should be in full operation tomorrow so there shouldn’t be any reason for delay or distractions.”
Doug Bowie was very similar to Andrew’s own father when it came to trying to read him. Comments, looks, unspoken messages that left him wondering how much either man knew. Heat curled around his neck. “You have my word Frannie—Ms. Frost—will be at the airport on time.”
“Very good.” Doug pushed back in his chair and stood. “I’m going to head upstairs and check in with Mr. Malone.” He looked at Joey. “I’ll let you know when we’re on our way back down.”
Joey gave him a pleading look. “Please take your time.”
Doug shook his head and snickered before grabbing the file from the table.
“Sir, is the FBI still looking into the Jimmy Strazza and the Adonis family connection?”
“Yes,” Doug said, meeting Andrew’s eyes. “And I’ve also got someone from NYPD looking into red light cameras from the intersection you were at and around Dyker Heights to see if we can grab the license plate on the vehicle.”
The messages unspoken and spoken filled Andrew with confidence. Doug had his back even if Mr. Malone was making a dangerous decision. They just had to do their job and protect their clients.
“We’ll debrief tomorrow night.” Doug headed to the door. “If anything changes, you’ll get a call from me immediately.”
Andrew exhaled as Doug left. Most often, their clients complied with the security assessments, deferring to their experience and judgment to keep them safe but there were some who, like Mr. Malone, thought they knew better.
“It’ll be all right.”
Turning, Andrew eyed Joey. Once more, the man with the normally stiff posture seemed to sag in the seat. “Man, what did she do to you?”
Joey straightened, eyeing Andrew right back. “Should I be asking the same thing of you?”
Andrew folded his arms across his chest. “What do you mean?”
“Come on, man. I may be the new guy but I can recognize the stunned look of being lovestruck just the same as Doug.” Joey sipped his water with a raised brow as though he was waiting for Andrew to deny it.Why am I not denying it?His delay to do so led to a broad smile filling Joey’s face. “Are you going to be able to do your job?”
“Yes,” Andrew answered hastily and then he saw the mischief sparking in Joey’s eyes. “I can do the job, just like I told Doug.” He inhaled deeply, fortifying his confidence. “It’s just she’s … caught me off guard.”
“They usually do.” Joey’s blue eyes reflected someone who knew what he was talking about but he didn’t give Andrew a chance to ask more. “Do you like her?”
“It’s too soon. I’m supposed to be protecting her.” Andrew stared at Joey. “Her brother is FBI. It’s probably not a good idea. Right?”
“I’m probably the last guy you want to take relationship advice from.”
Andrew caught a glimpse of emotion pass over Joey’s face. “Why?”
“No reason.”
The quick peek was gone but Andrew knew there was very much a reason. He hoped one day Joey would trust him enough to share the details of his past but Joey shook his head and the quick peek was gone.
There was a knock at the door and just like that, tired Joey switched into Secret Service Joey. He popped out of his chair, posture stiff as a board, eyes alert as he walked to the door.
Andrew followed a few paces back and stood to the side as Joey peered through the peephole. Joey stepped back and gave a shake of his head before opening the door to a man in a hotel uniform carrying a tray.
“Good evening, sir.” The employee looked at the paper on the tray and then eyed Joey. “Michael Kors?”
Joey rolled his eyes. “Who is this from?”
The employee gave him a tired look. “From Penthouse Two, courtesy of a Ms. Jay L. Pez.” He scrunched his brows together. “It’s your dinner, Mr. Kors.”
“You can set it over there, please.” Joey stepped aside. The employee looked grateful there were no more questions as he quickly deposited the tray on the dining table.
“Enjoy.”
“Thanks.” Joey closed the door and met Andrew’s confused look. “What?”
