Read Online Protective Custody by Lynette Eason - Free Book Online

the kids living with me. Mom took care of them.” He gave a humorless laugh. “Actually, she took care of everything. I was so lost in my grief, I couldn’t see the toll her own grief was taking.” He blew out a sigh. “And I certainly didn’t see how badly the kids were hurting.”
    â€œYou can’t blame yourself for that.”
    He sighed. “Yes, I can. I took a month off work…life. Took a sabbatical to the mountains to do some soul-searching. Faith-searching.”
    â€œWhat did you find out?”
    â€œThat I felt more guilt than grief over my wife’s death.”
    â€œGuilt?”
    He flushed, wondered how much to tell her. Then settled for saying, “Because I was more passionate about my job than I was about my marriage.”
    Empathy flashed, and she covered his hand with hers.He felt a zing, one he realized he was beginning to feel whenever he came into contact with her. He wondered about it, wanted to explore it, even as he did his best to push it away.
    Then he was distracted by her lips tugging upward in a wry smile. “Why do you think I’m still single at the ripe old age of thirty-three?”
    Before he could think of what to say to that, her eyes shifted then narrowed, and he knew she was listening to the voice in her earpiece. Then she said, “Copy that.”
    He cleared his throat and decided to move away from personal stuff. “So, do I get to go to work now?”
    Cranking the car, she shifted it into gear and slid away from the curb. “As soon as the SWAT team gets into place.”
    Nick had been a judge for years, and no one had ever made such a fuss about his safety. “A SWAT team? Are you serious?”
    â€œIt’s just a precaution. These people have already infiltrated your home. It only makes sense that they’re going to come after you at work. Since I can’t talk you into staying home, this is the next best thing.”
    He paused. Should he consider staying home? The de Lugo case was just under a week away. Should he go ahead and hide out until then? Everything in him shouted out in protest. The practical side of him came up with a mental checklist of pros and cons.
    Pro: He could distribute the remaining cases on his docket without much trouble. Wayne could take a few, as could Sebastian Michaels, one of the other judges who shared in the rotation.
    Con: It might send the wrong message to the children, i.e., if you’re threatened, tuck your tail and run.
    Pro: Or it might teach them to assess the situation, recognize they need help and do the smart thing.
    Nick sighed. But was it the smart thing to do? Was it necessary?
    He had to admit it might be. Then again, he did have help. U.S. Marshals who were very good at their jobs.
    â€œNick?”
    He blinked, her voice pulling him from his thoughts. “Huh?”
    â€œI said we’re ready. We’ve swept the courthouse, and there are SWAT members scattered around the rooftops. Also, the media is in a frenzy. Keep your head low and don’t say a word to anyone.”
    He didn’t move for a brief moment. Then he said, “All right. Let’s do it. I’ll get the files I need, but then we’ll play it your way. Although it goes against everything in me, we’ll go to a safe house and hide out.”
    â€œI really do think that would be best. While I don’t think the kids are in any immediate danger, that could change in the blink of an eye. We want to take preventive measures instead of having to react to an emergency. I’ll notify the two marshals guarding them of the change in plans.”
    He reached up to rub his eyes in a weary gesture. “Lindsey’s going to be furious about missing all of the end-of-school activities.”
    â€œAt least she’ll be alive to get over it.”
    Â 
    Carly pulled around to the back of the courthouse only to find it jammed with protestors holding signs and yelling