His phoned buzzed with a text from Watts. Hey, didn’t catch the time the movie starts. Hope it’s not three hours long.
He wanted Josh to let him know when the mayor was giving his speech and how long Evans had to get the task completed. Josh was trying to steer clear of the whole thing, but it made sense to help this one last time. Need to check showtimes.
After he put his phone away and crossed the street, he felt her presence. They weren’t out of Meg’s sight yet, so Evans stayed just behind him.
She said softly, “I’ve missed you, Sam. Let’s get together after.”
Megan and Watts were the only ones who knew his real name before. Even among his fellow agents. He’d wanted to leave his old life completely behind. But the wariness and the deeply buried vulnerability in Megan’s gaze when they’d first met made him need to tell her the truth. At least about his name. Even if he’d had to lie to her about everything else.
He increased his pace. “Negative.”
After tugging Tara’s office door open, he walked inside and then took a second to compose himself.
Evans could be trouble. She might not know he’d quit and think he was undercover playing a part. Hopefully she’d take his curt response for what it was meant to be and leave when she was done planting the tracking software.
Tara had told him to go on back when he returned, so he ventured past the empty receptionist’s desk and the torture chairs. He found Eric and Tara laughing and playing with her puppy on the floor in her office.
Eric’s cheeks had turned red when Tara smiled at him when they’d first met. He obviously wasn’t too young to appreciate a pretty woman.
But Tara had fear in her eyes when she’d greeted him. Someone had hurt her. Probably someone Josh’s size. So now he pasted on a friendly smile. “How’d it go, guys?”
Tara turned and looked at his chin as her smile faded. “We fixed his cracked tooth, so he should start feeling better soon. But his x-rays showed a few other problem areas we should see to right away.”
Eric’s face turned panicked. “I don’t know if I have enough money to pay you. Maybe I can ask my grandmother?”
Before Josh could tell Eric not to worry about it, he’d cover it, Tara said, “Well, how about a payment plan? I’m going to need someone to walk my puppy now and then while I’m busy seeing patients. We’ll work something out.” Tara stuck her hand out for a shake. “Deal?”
Eric smiled and returned her shake. “Deal.” Holding her hand pinked up Eric’s cheeks again, so he quickly hopped up and stood beside Josh.
Josh gave Eric’s shoulder a sympathetic squeeze. It was tough to be ten and crushing on an older woman.
When the boy didn’t flinch at his touch, Josh left his hand on Eric’s shoulder. “Meg said to tell you Mrs. Jenkins took the other pup.”
Tara stood and finally looked him straight in the eyes. “That’s great. You guys have fun at the dinner this evening.” She quickly turned and picked up her dog.
He had an overwhelming urge to look into her situation, to be sure she wasn’t still in danger, but he quickly shut it down.
He was almost done with that part of his life.
Forever.
With Haley on her hip, Meg led the way through the pouring rain toward the high school’s steps for the Founder’s Day celebration. Josh and Eric jogged closely behind. Her father expected the family to be in place first, so the parking lot was empty and they found a spot right up front. She hadn’t taken the extra time to get all fixed up just so the rain could ruin her makeup, so she powered forward.
As they approached the big set of doors, she expected Josh to move ahead and open it for her like he usually did, but he was busy with his phone. Again.
He’d been engrossed with his phone ever since the park. Had she spoken too soon when she’d told the girls Josh had changed?
Meg switched Haley to her other hip, then yanked the heavy door, and they all entered the quiet building. With Eric’s wet sneakers squeaking against the highly polished floors and Josh bringing up the rear, they trooped past long rows of lockers. Eric walked beside her, his head swiveling back and forth, checking things out. He was a curious kid. Always asking questions. Just like her nephews.
But it was kind of embarrassing the lanky ten-year-old was almost as tall as she was. Even in her heels. “I hope you’re hungry, Eric. There’s going to be a ton of food and tables loaded with yummy desserts. And you can go back as many times as you like. It’s all on my dad, so eat up.” Josh had told her earlier how Eric was worried about money, so she wanted to be sure he knew the food was free. The kid needed to put some meat on his skinny frame.