Page 21 of Silent Menace
“There on the island is fine. Thanks, Dion.”
Blocks seemingly forgotten, Jenna scrambled to her feet and set out for the newcomers. Peter surveyed the mess. He didn’t know how many guests Hailey was expecting, but based on the amount of food they’d prepared, there was a good chance some of them would end up eating in here. Quickly, he gathered the tripping hazards and deposited them in what appeared to be a catch-all toy bin.
By the time he finished, several adults had filed inside. To his surprise, and maybe a bit of chagrin, he recognized all of them from the days preceding his accident. Why hadn’t he connected the dots about which of Hailey’s family members might be coming?
Of course, he and Hailey had already arrived here by the time she mentioned Bryce Jessup was her cousin. And truth be told, he wouldn’t have arbitrarily declined the invitation if he’d known upfront. Probably not, anyway. But he would have liked the chance to prepare himself first.
At that instant, Bryce looked his way, seeming to notice his presence for the first time. The man’s eyebrows shot up, but there was no animosity on his face when he started toward him.
Peter gathered his courage to offer an apology. He should have tried to contact them long ago. But by the time he’d recovered enough from his accident to even consider it, his embarrassment had grown into a thundercloud of shame. The situation had beenresolved by then too, so he’d decided to let bygones be bygones. He’d never felt right about that though.
He and Bryce met in the middle of the room. Bryce spoke before he could. “Peter Lewis? What are you doing here?”
Peter grimaced, then realized Bryce’s tone wasn’t accusatory. He sounded confused and maybe a little concerned. Suddenly, the reason dawned on him. “I’m here as a friend, not as protection,” he quickly assured the man.
Bryce’s expression cleared, and he stuck out his hand. “In that case, good to see you again. Not that you wouldn’t be welcome here otherwise, but you had me worried for a moment that my cousin might be in trouble.”
“Sorry about that.”
Corina joined them then, holding a baby in her arms. “I thought I recognized you. How have you been, Peter? Last update we got was when you were discharged from the hospital.”
“I’m fine, made a full recovery.” Physically, at least, and that’s what he was certain she meant. “And who is this little guy?” He smiled at the baby she held.
“This is Colton Derryck Jessup,” she said. “Named in honor of the brothers Bryce and I both lost.”
He remembered learning that her younger brother had died many years ago. He hadn’t realized Bryce’s had as well. “I’m certain they’d be proud.”
“We like to think so.” The baby let out a squawk, and Corina bounced him gently. She looked back at Peter. “I can hardly believe you’re here. We’ve prayed for you since your accident.”
“Thank you.” And this was his opportunity. He forced himself not to look away. “I’ve been wanting to apologize for that situation—should have long ago. I’m sorry I didn’t do my job.”
The couple looked genuinely puzzled. “You did do your job,” Bryce said.
“Not well enough. Corina and the rest of you could have beenkilled.” Two others had died that night—though they hadn’t been under Peter’s protection.
Bryce put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “And so could you. It wasn’t your fault.”
“None of us ever blamed you,” Corina added.
“Even so, I’m sorry.” He shifted, unsure what else to say.
Right then, Allye Jessup, Bryce’s sister, joined their little circle, pulling an intense-looking man along beside her. “Peter, I’msosorry. I must have walked right by you when we came in. I didn’t even realize someone else was here. It’s so good to see you again. What brings you back to Kincaid?” The woman’s words came out in a rush, and Peter had to take a second to process what she’d said.
He blinked, hoping he wasn’t displaying a deer-in-the-headlights look. But then his brain caught up to the fact that not only was she welcoming him warmly, but the whole group seemed okay with his presence. Could it really be that he was the only one who blamed himself for that night? He’d have to think on that later.
Finally, Allye’s question registered, and he realized they were waiting for his answer. “I live here now, actually. I work security for the 1798 Building. That’s how Hailey and I met.”
“You aren’t a bodyguard anymore?” That question came from Corina.
He shook his head. “No. I left that career a while ago.” He decided not to give specifics. Wasn’t sure he wanted to admit how deeply that night had affected him. His physical wounds had been bad enough, but he’d recovered fine from those. It was the psychological ones that still haunted him.
“Well, we’re all glad to see you again,” Allye declared. “A lot has happened in the last couple years.” She leaned into the man beside her and looked up at him.
“That’s an understatement,” the man said. His arm was around her waist, almost appearing to subtly support her. His intensityseemed to soften as he met her gaze. Peter was no romantic, but he could see the two had fallen hard for each other. He racked his brain for the man’s name, but he couldn’t place it. He knew he’d seen him before. Maybe even talked to him.
Then Allye shifted, and something glimmered on her hand. He took a better look and saw she wore an engagement ring. He’d almost forgotten Hailey’s comment about Bryce’s sister having a fiancé. “I see congratulations are in order. When’s the big day?”
Allye practically glowed. “The twenty-fifth of next month. You should come. Eric and I would love to have you.”
