Page 13 of Too Old for Love

“We understand but we think that perhaps you knew too much. Maybe they knew that you saw the studies, knew the end results. Or that you knew the system far too well to not see the red flags.”

“I think I want to go home,” she whispered.

Mike looked at the men around the table and Hex gave a casual nod to Bodhi and Cade. The massive men stood, leaving the room as Everest’s eyes followed them.

“Okay,” said Mike standing and pulling out her chair. “I’ll take you home.” Everest excused herself to the ladies room and Mike stood at the door of the private dining room, watching the ladies room door.

“Mike? Get her to Belle Fleur,” said Hex. “We think she’s knee deep in shit she doesn’t understand right now.”

“I’m not sure I understand,” he frowned.

“You love her,” said Eagle.

“I do. Maybe you can help me convince her that her age means shit to me.”

“Age? She’s older?” asked Hawk in surprise.

“Twelve years, as if that matters a fuck to me. No kids. Divorced once. Lives alone. Smart as shit and I can’t stop thinking about her.” They all chuckled, nodding.

“Well, then she’s the one. Let’s get her to Belle Fleur and we’ll make sure she’s ready for that wedding,” smirked Hex. “Oh, and Mike? Take some leave if you can. She’s going to need you and so will we.”

He nodded, then saw her coming out of the bathroom and left the room. She was quiet as they walked back to the car. When they were inside, she let a tear slip from her eye.

“Hey. Hey, it’s all going to be okay. I promise you.”

“How can you say that? Someone obviously tried to kill me in that elevator. And what about that document? Did Colt intentionally leave that for me?”

“I don’t know, baby,” he said kissing the back of her hand. She tried to pull away but he refused to let her, only holding on tighter.

When they reached her house, he jumped out and helped her from the truck. Turning toward the porch, she froze.

“My-my lights are out,” she stammered. “They’re on timers. They’re never out.” She hadn’t even noticed that Bodhi and Cade were at the front of the truck.

“Stay here,” said Bodhi.

He and Cade both pulled their weapons, crouching as they approached the door. The deadbolt had been broken, the door basically hanging from the hinges lopsided. As he pushed the door open, Cade cleared the first room, welcoming Bodhi behind him.

Before the two men emerged from the house, five more SUVs pulled up and Everest just stared at the chaos around her. When Hex stepped onto the porch, he waved Mike and Everest toward him.

“The house is completely ransacked. I think they were looking for that document in your hands.” She began shaking violently and Mike gave him a pissed-off look. “Sorry. That wasn’t very delicate of me.”

“We got her,” said Cruz. “Come sit down, honey.”

While Cruz and Doc checked her over, Mike followed the men into her house. Everything had been ripped to pieces. Tables were overturned, furniture was sliced open, stuffing everywhere, her bed was destroyed, even her clothing was ripped to pieces like a wild animal had been in the house.

“She was lucky she wasn’t here, Mike. She can’t stay here,” said Cade. He nodded.

“I know. She’s a bit stubborn though.”

“I doubt she will be after seeing this,” said Bodhi. “There’s nothing to save here. Get her to Belle Fleur and we’ll call NOPD to make a report.” Mike nodded walking back toward the truck. Everest was shaking as if she were cold, except it was eighty-five degrees with a suffocating humidity.

“I can’t stay here,” she whispered.

“I know, honey. We’re going out to Belle Fleur. You’ll be safe there.”

“Wh-what about you? What if they saw you with me?” she cried as he pulled her into his chest.

“I’m coming too. I’m going to take a few days of vacation and spend them with you. Just you and me, okay?” She nodded as he secured her into the seat and shut the door.