Reed (The Love Family Series Book 4) (10 page)

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Authors: Kate Allenton

BOOK: Reed (The Love Family Series Book 4)

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Chapter 17

First one week went by, then two. Reed went back to life as usual, combating computer viruses with less zest than he normally exuded. He missed Avery. He missed her smile, her sarcasm, and her kiss. A call from Landon was the only way he knew they’d found Alice chained up in Janice’s basement, barely alive. His company and the authorities were tracking down the children in the file and the families they had been stolen from. The emotional task turned out to be hard for everyone involved. The news reports filled up with powerful people being hauled off to jail, the mob boss sneering at the camera as if he’d get revenge. The death threats had started. How Alice’s name had leaked, no one had a clue. The only thing good that came out of the situation was Landon was coming home. Only this time, he’d be returning with a doctor in tow. Alice had her very own personal bodyguard. Reed attempted a smile. Landon deserved that headache and much, much more.

Landon’s advice on the phone that day was short and to the point. “Forget Avery and move on.”

As if that would ever be a simple feat.

Reed ducked out of family meals, not ready to answer questions about a relationship that had been doomed before it began. He immersed himself in work, surfing the net to track down thugs like the child molester, when he’d first got the call from Landon.

Stuart Franklin and Janice had each been arrested and the media had suggested that the FBI was digging into the parent company to see what else they might find.

Reed held a small hope that all of the wrongs would be righted and Avery would come home. Who was he kidding? He shook his head. She wasn’t ever coming back.

A knock sounded on the door. It was probably just another brother or Sky sent to pull him out of his slump. He swung the door open, the words already flying from his lips. “I said I’m fine.”

The man standing on his stoop was dressed in a suit, his hair slicked back. “Good to know.”

“Can I help you?” Reed asked, his tone turning agitated.

“No, but I can help you.” He nodded as if asking permission to go inside.

Reed remained firm, blocking his entrance, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Who are you?”

The man laced his fingers behind his back. “I’m Mr. Pate.”

As if the name alone was supposed to ring a bell. Reed tilted his head.

“I’m Landon and Avery’s boss.”

Well, now that was an answer he hadn’t been expecting.

“Neither one of them are here,” Reed said, dropping his arms to his sides.

“I’m well aware of that, Mr. Love. I’m not here to see them; I’m here to see you.” He gestured to the house again. “Are you going to invite me in, or shall we have this conversation on the stoop, for all of your neighbors to hear?”

Reed opened the door and stepped back, letting Mr. Pate cross the threshold into his sanctuary.

Mr. Pate stopped in the middle of the living room and turned, scanning his surroundings, his face unreadable as he glanced at the computer.

“Please have a seat.” Reed gestured to the couch.

“This won’t take long.” He slid his hands into the pockets of his dress pants. “Reed, I have a proposition for you.”

This was sounding more cryptic by the second, but the man held Reed’s attention. “I’m listening.”

“After four years in my employment, Avery has been reassigned to the Island.”

That was news to Reed. His whole body vibrated at the thought. “Okay. That doesn’t sound like something she would have wanted.”

“Trust me when I tell you that it was not only what she wanted but exactly what she needs.” Mr. Pate lifted his chin. “That’s where you come in.”

“I don’t understand.” Reed propped his hands on his hips. “What does Avery coming home have to do with me?”

“As you know, Landon is accompanying Ms. Alice Page to the Island for her protection, and Avery is his handler. It makes sense that she be close by for an extraction, if necessary.”

“Okay, still not sure what this has to do with me.”

Mr. Pate paced the small space. “I’d like to hire you to work with Avery.”

Reed’s mouth parted before he snapped it shut again. “Work with her how?”

Mr. Pate gestured to the computer. “Ms. Page will be working at the Island Hospital under an assumed last name as part of her protection. She’s managed to rattle the cages of some very powerful men. In her duties at the hospital, Ms. Page will be in contact with several patients, and in turn, Landon will be providing around-the-clock security. He will be her shadow.”

“You’re still not answering my question.”

“I understand that you all have unique abilities.” He paused. “The extent of which is even being kept from me, but I understand the need for privacy. Ms. Page will be fully equipped with a tracker and a video recording device. There have been numerous threats to her life, and should you decide to accept my offer, your job would consist of doing a background dossier on everyone who she comes in contact with.”

“If you’re that worried, why are you letting her work in the hospital?”

“I see you haven’t met Ms. Page, or you wouldn’t be asking me that question.”

“What makes you think I can do what you ask?”

“Avery believes in you. That is enough for me.”

“Does she know you’re here? That you’re suggesting this?”

“Of course. She made a point of picking you and said something about, if I didn’t, she’d turn into an angelic piranha.”

Reed’s lips turned up at the corners.

“I’d like to talk to her and think about it before I make my decision.”

“Of course.” Mr. Pate took a card out of his pocket and handed it to Reed. He went to the door and made a gesture. “I look forward to working with you.”

He stepped out of the house, and Avery appeared in the doorway.

“You asked for this?”

Avery walked in and closed the door. “I figured it would be easier this way.”

“What would?”

She walked over to him and slid her arms around his neck. “I thought it would be easier if my husband and I worked together.”

“Husband?”

She smiled up at him. “You are going to make an honest woman out of me, aren’t you? I’m not sure Nonnie would be very happy if you didn’t.”

“Anyone ever tell you that you’re pushy?” he asked, placing his hands on her hips and leaning in to kiss her.

“I’ve taken tips from the angelic piranhas.” She smiled. “I wasn’t out of town a day and realized I’d left something behind.”

“What, Avery? What did you leave behind?” he asked, hopeful and hesitant.

“My heart. I love you, Reed.”

Reed rested his head against hers. “Remember who said it first.” He kissed her with the pent up passion he’d been storing for her return. Taking a breath, he pulled back. “Now I can tell Nonnie to plan the wedding.”

“I already have,” she whispered.

Reed chuckled. “And what if I didn’t take you back?”

“It was inevitable, and I would have chipped away at your resolve.” She pressed her body up against his, letting him know exactly how she’d planned to do it.

“I love you,” he whispered against her lips.

“I love you back,” she answered.

The End.

Thank you for taking the time to read my stories. As always I appreciate each and every one of you. If you liked it and have a moment, please leave a review on Amazon.

Landon’s book will be available in January 2016.

Text KATE to 313131 and get a text message on release dates!

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