Guardian

Guardian

Fourth in the Rafe Vincennes Series

Vicki Williams

Copyright © 2012 by Vicki Williams

Smashwords Edition

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

About the Author

Chapter 1

Just call me Boss, he’d told Jamie.

Jamie stared at him, wondering how this had happened. Boss seemed perfectly at ease seated on Jamie’s sand-colored Italian leather sofa. He was tough and tan as rawhide in his desert camos, like he’d spent a lot of hard hours under a burning sun, maybe in a desert environment like the one the camouflage tried to imitate and incidentally, matching Jamie’s sand-colored sofa as well. Sun-streaked light brown hair, clipped short, and gold-flecked hazel eyes coordinated with his outfit as well. An occasional mocking smile crossed his handsome face. Jamie thought under different circumstances, he might have considered Boss personable…under very different circumstances.

As it was, he’d just appeared, here in Jamie’s house, and taken over. He had a gun, a professional-looking gun, shining stainless steel. His manner with the gun was all-business as well. He didn’t treat it like a weapon so much as a tool, like you’d use a saw to cut a piece of wood, not waving it toward them threateningly, but simply allowing them to be aware of its presence. He’d sat them down at the kitchen table, telling them matter-of-factly how it was going to be. An insane conversation in this sunny California designer kitchen, surrounded by Mexican tile floors and granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances. Jamie glanced out the open French doors that led to the flower-drenched deck and the pool, gleaming turquoise beyond. A candle burned on the counter, the sharp sweet scent of sage and lemon.

Pay attention, Jamie, Boss told him softly, this is important. Forcing him back to reality.

Kadie was to take Caleb, their two-year-old, and leave. It was her choice where to go, someplace luxurious, Boss imagined, like a mini-vacation. A statement followed by one of those ironic smiles. The baby, Kayla, was here now in her nursery. In three days, Kadie was to return with $500,000 in cash. He made it very clear to both of them that if they failed to follow his commands, if they tried to bring in law enforcement , Jamie and Kayla would die. He shrugged when he said it.

I’ve spent my life in one war zone or another - foster homes, juvenile detention centers, the military, the streets, prison. I want to go AWOL from this shitty world, he said, to escape to a south sea island. I’ll do it or die trying myself. If that happens, I don’t mind to take anyone else with me. It wouldn’t be the first time.

And they absolutely believed him. Hearing that cool, casual voice, you couldn’t help but believe him. At first, Kadie had been overwhelmed by fear and near hysteria. She’d cried and begged, but Boss had a calming manner, able to settle her down even as he was outlining the consequences should they defy him.

Does half a million dollars mean that much to you that you’d risk your lives? he’d asked, like he was truly curious. It won’t be a problem, will it, getting that much money? He’d nodded to Jamie. Your grandmother is a Vincennes. Half a mil is small change to that family.

Well, no. They admitted that getting together $500,000 in cash would require some paper-shuffling but it was doable.

He grinned at Kadie. Just tell the accountant that you want to buy your husband a new yacht for his birthday.

In the end, they agreed. What else could they do?

Look at it like it’s a bargain between us. You’re going to provide me with something I desperately need but is relatively unimportant to you. In return, I’ll give you something that you desperately desire but means nothing to me, money for the safety of your family. When the deal is done, everyone is happy.

Why us? Kadie had whispered. Jamie had been impressed with how his wife had handled herself once she got a grip. True, the oval face framed by a curtain of pale blonde hair had been ashen. Tears filled her sea green eyes and ran down her cheeks. Her ballerina’s slender body in scarlet shorts and a white teeshirt had faltered at times, like her knees were near giving out, but over all, she’d maintained. Recognizing Kadie as the one with enough presence of mind to make decisions, Boss had talked mostly to her. Jamie himself had seemed to go into a state of shock that stole his ability to communicate, to concentrate, to grasp the gravity of their situation. He watched and listened passively.

Why you? Boss repeated Kadie’s question, with a small smile. Because you’re soft and spoiled and weak. That’s not meant to be a put-down. Why wouldn’t you be? I did some research and I’ve been watching you for a while. He made a circular motion with his hand, meant to encompass, Jamie assumed, the house, the neighborhood, their lives. You two are in your, what, early twenties? Yet you live in an ocean-front mansion. There are a Porsche, a BMW and a Land Rover parked in your garage. The furnishings in this place probably cost more than most people pay for their homes. He pointed to Kadie’s wedding rings. I expect the jewelry you’re wearing is worth more than I’ve ever made any year of my life. You had perfect childhoods while I fended off foster parents who wanted me for work or sex or both. Your teenage years were spent in fine schools while I learned to be a predator in the jungles of juvey institutions. You were newly weds with multi-million dollar trust funds while I fought in Iraq. You had a storybook family while I did hard time behind bars. He grinned. I’m not telling you all this to whine. Fate is what it is. I’m just explaining the differences between us. I learned to be hard to survive. You never had to do that. I figure you don’t have the nerve or the knowledge to fight back. I chose you because I took a calculated risk that you’d play it safe and follow orders. So, lady, that’s what you have to decide. What’s more important to you? Your husband’s and your baby’s lives or a few dollars in your scheme of things?

Well, of course, Kadie told him. The money doesn’t mean anything compared to Jamie and Kayla. I promise I’ll do just as you say. But, please, she pleaded, please, tell me I can trust you.

Boss laughed shortly. Trust? That’s an alien concept in my world. But here’s why you can trust me. If I get away with the money, I can hightail it to the end of the earth and lie low. All I want is a shack, a boat, a fishing pole, a bottle of rum, and peace. There will be a warrant but I’m good at evading the authorities, especially where I’ll be. But if I have to hurt or kill someone, particularly someone prominent, that’s a different story. The cops will pull out all the stops to track me down. So, you can trust me, but for my own sake, not because of my kind heart. He paused and looked straight into Kadie’s eyes. Of course, if I’m at risk of being captured, I won’t hesitate to kill them for revenge before I do myself. I have to put my faith in you too.

So, Kadie packed some clothes and pulled their sleepily protesting toddler from his crib. Jamie carried her suitcase out to her midnight blue Beamer, followed by Boss.

After she fastened the little boy into his car seat, Kadie hugged Jamie, whispering, let’s just get through this, okay? Don’t do anything brave and stupid.

Jamie nodded. He felt as if his mind had disassociated itself from what was happening, disappeared into a mental cave where it could watch events from an emotionless one step removed. He guessed it was true what Boss said about him. He was weak because there had never been any need to be strong. He used to consider himself lucky but now he wasn’t so sure. It was for sure that his life had never prepared him for the situation he was in now.

He had grown up in a home with two sisters, a brother, and loving parents. He and his siblings were near the same age and close. And, yes, they were rich, especially the Vincennes branch, so the Stratton children always had everything they wanted, from Ipods to ponies to birthday parties that featured real circus acts. They spent summers at their cottage on Martha’s Vineyard and took vacations to their ski lodge in Aspen.

Jamie got good grades. He wasn’t the valedictorian but he had been in the top five percent of his class at All Saints and then again, at Princeton. He was an excellent athlete, not the star maybe, but good enough to be a key player on any team he was on. He wasn’t drop-dead handsome (not like his Cousin Rafe, the movie star, for instance) but he was good-looking enough with his shock of wheat blonde hair and sincere blue eyes and athletic body, to have plenty of girlfriends until he met Kadie in his junior year at Princeton and fell in love. He’d majored in Biology and been offered a position here in San Diego when he graduated. He and Kadie had gotten married shortly afterward. He loved his work, was extremely good at it and expected to be the Head of Research in time. Of course, his salary at the lab wouldn’t have been nearly enough to support the style to which they were both accustomed. It was their combined inheritances that did that.

In his case, no member of his generation, or any generation of Vincennes, for that matter, simply coasted on family money. They were expected to be productive citizens in their own right. Actually, Kadie would probably get most of the half-million for Boss from her own funds since she had freer access to it without having to provide awkward explanations to eagle-eyed accounting overseers.

After they married, they’d had first Caleb and then Kayla in short order (being devout Catholics), their two beautiful towheads. And they had lots of friends with whom they had cook-outs and went sailing and attended concerts.

So, life had been nothing but sunny skies and smooth sailing for Jamie so far. Now, a violent storm had come up and he didn’t think he was handling it very well.

The smile on Boss’ face was understanding. Don’t expect too much of yourself, Jamie. You’ve entered a totally different reality and that’s only going to be more so for the next few days. We’re going to have some fun while it’s just us and the baby here together. I’m going to run you through a little boot camp. It might be difficult at first but you’ll learn to adapt, just as I always had to do when I was thrust into strange surroundings. He crooked his finger in a beckoning motion. Come a little closer.

Jamie took a couple of steps toward the sand-colored sofa.

Do you know what you’d be called if you were in prison, Jamie? Boss asked, almost idly.

No.

No, what?

Jamie swallowed hard. No, Boss?

A quick grin was his reward for the right answer.

"In the blocks, you’d be called Bitch, because that’s what you are. For a while, you’re my bitch. Why don’t you say it now?"

Jamie hesitated.

The suggestion became an order, one that cracked like a whip.

Say it!

I’m, I’m your bitch, Jamie said in a shaking voice, then remembered and added, …Boss.

There are a few rules associated with that, Boss told him, not too many. I’ll be telling them to you as we go along, not in any particular order. None is any more important than the others, but you’ll need to know them so thoroughly that you never even consider disobeying them. First thing I want you to do though is take off your clothes.

Take off my clothes? Jamie questioned in disbelief.

What part of ‘take off your clothes’ don’t you understand, Jamie? It’s just four simple words.

No, I, yes, I…Jamie stuttered.

He pulled his teeshirt off and then unbuttoned and unzipped his khakis, letting them fall to the floor, stepping out of his sandals at the same time. My s-s-s-shorts too, Boss? quavering now.

Boss chuckled, "especially your shorts".

When the blue-checked boxers were on the floor and Jamie was naked, Boss beckoned him closer.

Stand right here in front of me.

Reluctantly, Jamie moved a few steps.

Closer.

Now, he was within a foot of Boss. He closed his eyes, shivering.

Open your eyes, Jamie, and look at me.

Jamie did as he was told, forcing himself to see the muscular camo-clad body, the warm gold eyes and the wolfish grin. He could see now the scar that ran down the side of Boss’ head, barely covered by his short brown hair.

With his eyes trained on Jamie’s face, Boss reached out a hand, lightly running his fingers along Jamie’s scrotum and gently closing them around his penis.

At his touch, a violent spasm ran through Jamie’s body.

Relax, Jamie, you belong to me for a while. You’ll get used to having my hands on you. You’ll learn to look forward to it. His voice hardened just a little. Here’s the first rule: whenever I touch your cock and balls, you spread your legs, whether you’re sitting, standing or lying down. Do that now.

Jamie moved his feet slightly apart.

Farther.

A little more.

Farther.

Jamie complied until his feet were about 18 inches apart.

Do you know what that represents, Jamie, your spreading your legs when I touch you?

No, Boss, in a hoarse voice.

It symbolizes your total submission to me. It’s your acknowledgement that I own your cock and balls now and I can do whatever I want with them. His hand was stroking Jamie’s penis now. "I can fondle them and make them feel good like I’m doing now. Does that feel good, Jamie?"

Yes, Boss. Jamie closed his eyes, then quickly opened them again.

Or I can hurt them. Suddenly, his hand moved up to squeeze Jamie’s testicles tightly. Jamie gasped in pain. There’s nothing you can do about either one but accept it. Then he ordered, repeat all that back to me.

His chest was so tight, it was hard to breathe, and his voice cracked as he struggled to say the words. First rule, spread my legs when you touch my, my cock and balls, represents my submission to you. You can do anything you want to them and I have to accept it. There were tears of humiliation in his eyes.

Very good, Boss told him approvingly, almost word perfect. He released his grip on Jamie’s testicles. The air whooshed out of Jamie’s lungs.

Boss went on. Rule Two: I demand immediate obedience. I don’t want to have to repeat an order twice. He shook his head sadly. "Unfortunately, you broke this rule when I had to tell you the second time to get undressed. I realize it was before you knew it was a rule and that this is new to you and it will take you a while to get the hang of it but, still, it’s so obvious, I would have thought you’d assume it without having to be told. So, I think you need to be punished, Jamie, just to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Changing the subject, he asked, do you have any booze around here?"

In the kitchen.

Do you have any dark rum, the sipping kind?

Yes.

Get me a glass. Two ice cubes. I’m sure anything you have here is the good stuff. When you come back, bring a leather belt with you.

Walking away, Jamie sensed Boss’ eyes on him, like a pair of poisonous spiders skittering across his back. Being naked made him feel demeaned…and vulnerable. As he got the Neisson Rhum out of the cabinet, he briefly considered running or trying to make a quick 911 call but the image of his tiny daughter sleeping in her nursery caused him to give up the idea almost as soon as he thought it.

Back in the living room, he first handed Boss his glass and then the thin black leather belt he’d gotten out of his bedroom.

Boss grinned the taunting grin that made Jamie’s stomach clench in apprehension, then patted the tops of his own legs. Lay yourself down here over my lap. Trembling, Jamie lowered himself across the other man’s knees. Boss took a swallow of his rum as Jamie lay there. A drop of cold water fell on Jamie’s hip, rolling down his inner thigh.

I was right, Boss told him appreciatively, this is great stuff.

Like Jamie cared. Jamie had taken enough psychology classes to realize that giving him time to focus on his position was a strike in the game of psychological warfare Boss was playing with him but being aware of it, didn’t mean it wasn’t effective.

Boss ran his hand in slow circles across Jamie’s buttocks. I’m not gay, in case you’re wondering. Of course, I’m not exactly straight either. He chuckled. I guess you might say I’m twisted. I’d be doing the same to your pretty little wife if she was here instead of you.

He ran the doubled over belt across Jamie’s hip. So, Jamie, how many strokes do you think you need to make sure you never disobey Rule 1 again?

I, I don’t know, Boss, forcing out the words, whatever you think.

"But I want you to decide, Jamie. How many?"

F-f-five?

Five? You think five’s enough?

Ten, Jamie responded, ten, Boss?

Yes, Boss agreed. Let’s start with ten and then we’ll see where we’re at.

Jamie sensed the arm rising, felt the rush of air as it quickly descended, then heard the crack of the leather against his skin as a burst of pain streaked across his butt. Then again, and again. He tried to count so he’d know how many more were coming but his brain got lost in the hurt and the shock until Boss said softly. That’s ten, Jamie. Do you think that’s enough or do you need more?

Jamie could tell from the inflection of Boss’ voice what was expected of him, so he choked out, more.

How many?

Two, Boss?

Two?

No, five, five.

Yes, that sounds about right.

Five more times, Boss’ strong arm brought the belt onto him with powerful strokes.

Kneel in front of me, Jamie, Boss told him when it was over.

Stiffly, Jamie came off Boss’ knees and onto his own, buttocks ablaze.

Tell me what Rule 2 is, Jamie.

You demand immediate obedience; you don’t want to have to repeat an order twice.

Louder.

Raising his voice a notch, "you demand immediate obedience; you don’t want to have to repeat an order twice.

Louder.

Jamie was practically shouting now. You demand immediate obedience; you don’t want to have to repeat an order twice!

Good. Now I’m going to take my drink and go out by the pool for a bit. I want you to keep saying it. I want to be able to hear you from out there.

He didn’t know how long it lasted. It probably seemed longer than it was that he stayed on his knees, shouting the words to the wall in front of him, tears running down his face, while Boss sat by the pool enjoying his rum.

When he came back in, Boss took his usual place on the sofa. Stay on your knees but come up close to me so you’re between my legs.

Jamie complied.

Now unfasten my pants and unzip them. Take my cock out and give it a kiss.

Jamie was frozen. No, please, please, I can’t….

You can and you will, Boss’ voice was inexorable. Remember about immediate obedience, Jamie, and not repeating an order twice. I’ll give you one more chance without counting it against you.

Oh, God, Jamie moaned, even as he was unfastening and unzipping Boss’ pants.

Boss laughed shortly, evidently God has decided you’ve already used up your share of good luck, Jamie.

Boss wasn’t wearing underwear so his semi-erect penis was visible in his unzipped camos. Jamie bent his neck and moved closer. Without touching it with his hands, he leaned over and barely touched his lips to the head.

Oh, I think you can do better than that, Boss laughed. Pick it up and give it a sweet kiss.

I think I might get sick, Jamie begged.

If you get sick, you’ll clean it up and try again, and you’ll keep trying until you get it right. Of course, I’ll be very disappointed in you if that happens, the threat only slightly disguised under the pretense of good humor.

Jamie used one hand to hold Boss’ penis. Again, he leaned down, this time putting his tightly compressed lips firmly on the crown.

Now lick it, Jamie, slow, like you would an ice cream cone.

Jamie’s insides quailed. I’ll shut off my brain, he thought, I’ll just do what I have to do and pretend I’m watching myself have a nightmare.

His tongue went up and down the length of Boss’ cock. Slowly, as he’d been directed. He tried not to think, to feel, to taste, to see what he was doing, just did it, like an automaton.

Now take it all into your mouth, clear down to the base.

And Jamie followed orders, until Boss’ member filled his mouth, pressing against the back of his throat as he desperately fought not to gag because he knew that would only make what he had to face even worse.

I know you’ve had blow jobs, Jamie. Suck me. Do it the way you like to have it done to you.

Jamie moved up and down on it, sucking, swirling his tongue around the head, trying to please his tormentor so he could bring this hell he was in to an end.

Boss ran his hand into Jamie’s hair, made a fist, slowly raising his head so that his penis popped out of Jamie’s mouth, asking in a deceptively casual voice, do you like that, Jamie? Do you like having my cock in your mouth? Do you want to suck it some more?

And Jamie knew the right answer to those questions too. Yes, Boss,

Tell me, then.

In an agonized tone - I like your cock in my mouth, Boss. I want to suck it some more.

Are you begging, Jamie?

Yes, Boss, I’m begging. Please let me suck you some more.

Very good. He released his hold Jamie’s hair. Do it then.

Boss was fully extended now. His breathing had gotten heavier.

Christ, Jamie, you’ve got a real knack for this. Much as I’ve had to drink today, I didn’t figure you’d even be able to get me hard but fuck, if I don’t think you’re going to take me off. His hands were on Jamie’s head, urging him on. Work at it, Jamie. Make me come,

And Jamie did. Swallowing and choking as Boss spilled his ejaculation into his mouth, murmuring, ah, shit, that feels fucking great.

Boss held his head down. Keep it there while I tell you what to do next. Go run a hot bath in that sunken tub. Put some good-smelling stuff in it. Come back and tell me when it’s ready.

Jamie got up stiffly from his knees, then went to the bathroom with its pale green marble floors, colorful jungle-vined wallpaper and forest green fixtures. It seemed so normal here with Kadie’s myriad of creams and lotions and powders on the counter, her hair curling devices mounted on the wall. He wanted to stay in this room, alone, as long as he could. While the water was running, he brushed his teeth until his gums were raw before using mint-flavored mouthwash, gargling over and over to get the taste of Boss out of his mouth. But, finally, the tub was full, foamy with Kadie’s perfumed bubbles, and he had to go tell Boss his bath was ready.

Undress me, Jamie. Do it slowly. Boots first.

Jamie leaned down and untied the military style canvas-topped

boots, pulling them off one at a time, then the socks, Boss balancing himself with a hand on Jamie’s shoulder. Then he slid Boss’ still-unfastened pants down his legs and stood to unbutton his shirt, pulling it over his arms. Now Boss was naked too. He seemed much more comfortable in that condition than Jamie was.

Come along with me.

Boss got in first, groaning with pleasure at the feel of the hot water. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to live your whole fucking life in this kind of luxury. Then he motioned for Jamie to come in with him. There was plenty of room for two in the tub.

Wash me. And, you should know by now that I like everything slow.

Jamie started with his face, then moved down his arms and chest and legs, soaping first, and then rinsing. Slowly, the way Boss had said, while Boss laid back with his eyes closed, relaxed, enjoying the feel of the warm, fragrant water and the sensuous touch of the thick wash cloth against his skin. Now and then, he ran his hand along Jamie’s back or belly or thighs, smiling at the corresponding quiver that provoked.

Out of the tub, Boss told Jamie to dry him with one of the over-sized green towels hanging on the rack. Boss stood as Jamie patted him dry, up and down, in back first and then in front. Don’t forget my dick and nuts, Boss said, grinning.

He directed Jamie to grab a bottle of body lotion from the counter.

Back in the living room, Boss lowered himself to his stomach on the plush carpet in front of the white carved wood fireplace. Give me a massage.

Jamie started with his neck and shoulders, then down his back and butt and legs. When Boss turned over, he massaged the other side with lotion that smelled like lime and eucalyptus until Boss’ strong tan body glistened.

Come up here, Jamie. Give me a kiss, convince me that you mean it.

There was still a part of Jamie that was repelled but it seemed to him that Boss had overpowered any will he had to resist. The part of his brain that might have rebelled had seemingly retreated to the safeness of its cave, leaving what was left to face the awful inevitability of his circumstances.

Obediently, he moved up and brought his lips down onto Boss’. Boss put his hands on either side of Jamie’s face and pulled him even closer. His tongue outlined Jamie’s lips, probed his mouth.

Then Boss pushed him over onto his back, coming over him, his lips traveling downward, licking Jamie’s neck, tickling his nipples with his tongue, sucking them, making light circles around his belly and inner thighs with his finger tips. Boss’ hand wrapped around his penis, stroking, expertly working him. In horror, Jamie felt himself beginning to stiffen in spite of himself. Boss moved his head even lower. One hand went under Jamie, squeezing his buttock. His mouth enclosed Jamie’s cock and Jamie felt a rush of exhilaration start in his groin. He was rock hard now as Boss moved his mouth up and down on him. His hips began to respond, automatically lifting to reach for what Boss was promising.

Boss lifted his head and smiled. Do you want me to make you come, Jamie?

Yes, Boss.

Ask me nice, Jamie.

Please, Boss, please make me, make me come, his voice thick with shame.

Boss’ head went back down. The warm mouth took him in again, the stroking and sucking increased in strength and speed. From deep in his body, Jamie’s climax raced toward him. He heard himself cry out as he exploded into Boss’ mouth.

Boss laughed. So, Jamie, I guess you don’t hate it as much as you thought. He ran his hand down Jamie’s stomach. What did I tell you about learning to look forward to my hands on your body? You belong to me, Jamie. You know what total submission means now, don’t you?

Yes, Boss, Jamie answered in despair.

Boss nodded. It will be that way until this is over.

He rose. It’s getting late, time for bed. Does the baby usually sleep all night?

Most of the time.

If she cries, you can get up and take care of her. We’ll sleep in your room.

His and Kadie’s room was sumptuous, in keeping with the rest of the house, California style in shades of lemony yellow and turquoise and sea green. Inlaid hardwood floors with rugs in the same shades scattered around. A king-sized platform bed with a high rosewood and rattan headboard, a wide-screen plasma t.v. mounted on the wall in front of it. Ceiling fans swirling lazily to move the air. White patio doors leading onto the deck, a pair of yellow-striped chairs and a carved occasional table in front of the large window. Views of the water from all sides.

Boss pulled back the cool green sheets. Sleeping under silk. Nice. You get in first. I prefer to be closest to the door.

Jamie got in bed, while Boss slid in beside him. Boss reached out and pulled him close, Jamie’s head on his shoulder, commenting, I like a warm body next to me.

Jamie lay stiff with stress until he felt Boss’ breathing even out. Even then his tension lessened only slightly, his emotions in turmoil. He despised Boss for the humiliation the man had subjected him to but what did it mean that Jamie had responded to Boss’ sexual manipulation? How could he have done that? He could tell himself that it wasn’t complete gutlessness that caused him to cave so completely, that he was motivated by concern for his family’s safety, but what did having a climax have to do with that? He had a feeling that however this turned out, he would be indelibly stained. Even if Boss left and their lives returned to the way they’d been before, he didn’t think he’d ever be the old happy-go-lucky Jamie again.

In his sleep, Boss’ hand slid down to rest on Jamie’s hip. It was warm against his skin. Jamie felt the strong length of him. Long legs against Jamie’s legs, Jamie’s groin against Boss’ hip, his stomach and chest against the other man’s side, his face pressed against Boss’ shoulder.

Boss’ hand patted his butt. Don’t agonize, Jamie, he murmured. You have no choice. It is what it is.

He fell back to sleep and eventually, Jamie did too.

He awoke to the sound of Kayla fussing. Both he and Boss were on their backs, side by side, touching.

What happens now? Boss asked. I don’t have much experience with babies.

Jamie looked at the bedside clock. It’s early yet. After I give her a bottle, she’ll probably go back to sleep for a couple more hours.

Good. Fix some coffee first and bring me a cup, black, put just a splash of that rum in it. Then you can do your Daddy thing.

Can I get dressed before I go in to her?

Put some shorts on but lose them before you come back.

Jamie slipped into a pair of navy blue shorts and hurried to the kitchen to put on the coffee. Kayla’s fussing would turn to screaming if she didn’t get her breakfast soon. He held a mug under the pot to fill it more quickly. On its side was a sun and a rainbow and the words, another wonderful day. Its cheeriness made him want to throw it across the room. He took the coffee to Boss, then moved to the nursery and picked his little girl up out of her crib, cuddling her in his arms.

Let Daddy change your diaper and get you nice and dry, then you’ll get your breakfast, Sweetheart.

Kayla was a good-natured baby, content to be patient now that she knew her bottle was imminent. He expertly changed her, got one of her pre-prepared bottles out of the cupboard and sat with her in the white rocking chair, rocking gently as she nursed. He fingered the wisp of blonde hair on the precious head.

As long as you’re all right when this is over, that’s all that matters, Little Girl, he told her. I’ll bear whatever I have to.

He realized that Boss must be fully assured that Jamie wouldn’t have courage enough to try anything