“We did. Didn’t Mackenzie tell you?” She did fill me in only twenty minutes ago, but I’m not going to tell him that. “We’re working to set up a program, have one of our female officers come out and work with your people.” I nod, happy he’s coming on board.

“Appreciate it, Jackson. We’re trying to do a good thing here.” My words have double meaning and I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t get it.

“You are, Beau. Just don’t let this good work get messed up with shit I can’t pull you out of.” It’s a warning. One I’m going to listen to.

“You have nothing to worry about.”

“I nearly did.”

"Your guy was gonna talk or something? Go over your head?" I decide to take the bait.

"No, we’re both on the same page thankfully. My point is it could have been someone who plays by the book, word for word and no moral judgment." We both fall silent at the implications of his words.

“Beau, is everything okay?” Mackenzie’s voice comes from behind as she opens the door and steps out.

“Everything’s fine. Just filling in Beau here on where we’re at with the program we’re bringing together for the shelter,” Jackson answers. I look up, almost shocked he’s not pushing it with her.

“Oh, great. Did you want to come in? I just put a fresh pot of coffee on.” I level my stare at the bastard hoping he reads my no.

“I’d love to, but I have to head back to Redwick.” He starts to move away from the building toward his cruiser.

“I’ll be in touch in a couple of days.” He flicks his wrist before opening his door. “Good seeing you again, Mackenzie,” he calls and then closes his door.

“I thought I told you to stay.” I barely control my irritation as we watch Jackson reverse out of the driveway, and peel out down the street.

“When do I ever listen?” she sasses, pushing the door open.

“Never, and I think I need to do something about it.” I step in after her and close the door behind me.

“What are you going to do?” She steps into my space, wrapping her arms around my neck. My cock instantly hardens. The last time it’s had any attention was before Kelly’s accident.

“I’m sure I can think of something.” I press my lips to hers, my mind running wild with what we could do.

“You have my attention.” Her lips move against mine, but before I even have one taste, a knock at the door has everything coming to a standstill.

“Go away.” I groan, not impressed this is the second time in fifteen minutes this has happened.

“Open up, Beau. I have Mia and she needs to use the bathroom,” Holly calls back, well and truly ending all hope of this happening now.

“Rain check?” Kenzie asks, before drawing back and arranging herself.

“I’m counting on it.” I pull her back, kiss her one more time, and then step away from the door, allowing Kenzie to open it and let them in.

“Uncle Beau, why you take so long?” Mia’s five-year-old voice scolds me as she races past us, desperate for the bathroom.

“I think Uncle Beau and Auntie Kenzie were very busy with work.” Holly follows her in, handing X to Mackenzie with a knowing smile before chasing after Mia.

“Aww, come on, it’s not too bad, honey.” Mackenzie catches my scowl before blowing a raspberry on X’s cheek.

“I think I enjoyed Jackson’s visit over this one.”

“Don’t let Holly hear you say that.” She turns, taking X with her. Her laugh carries all the way back to the office and all I can do is stand here and listen. It’s been so long since I heard it, I almost forgot how fucking amazing it was.

Maybe I’d take my statement back, the sound of her laugh lightening my mood a little.

“Uncle Beau. I have my Barbies to play with tonight.” Mia comes running back out, reminding me it’s our turn to take her. Any chance of my raincheck is well and truly not happening in the next twenty-four hours.

Nope. Mood officially darkened.

Thirty-One

Mackenzie

“Kez? Kez?” The soft sweet voice of Mia close to my ear jolts me out of my sleep.

“Mia? What’s the matter?” I come up on my elbows and take stock of my surroundings as I check the alarm clock. It’s late, barely after midnight.

“I’m scared. Can I sleep with you?” Her fingers clutch her small little lamb, whose ears look like they’ve seen better days. Turning my head, I check to see if Beau has stirred. He’s out cold and has no idea this little human wants to climb into bed with us.

“Sure, sweetie.” I slide over closer to Beau and let her climb up beside me. She settles in next to me and brings her lambie up to her nose.

I want to ask her what made her scared, but like every other time we have had her stay overnight, she doesn’t talk about it.

Between Kadence and Nix, Holly and Sy, and me and Beau, we’ve all been pitching in. Brooks has totally checked out. He knows we have Mia, and we’re all looking after her, but that’s it. I just wish he would show her she hasn’t lost her mom or her dad. The poor girl is frightened, alone, and I don’t know how much more she can handle.

“Kez, when is my mommy gonna come home?” Mia’s little voice asks, bringing me out of my head.

“I don’t know, sweetie. I think Mommy needs to sleep a little longer.” I pull her in tighter against me, while I swallow my sobs.