“Where is he?” she asked. Her voice was thin, trembling. “Beckett…”
James’s expression didn’t change, but his gaze turned sharp.
“Gone,” he said simply. “You won’t have to worry about him again.”
Maya’s breathing quickened. “No—I need to know. He said things. He was going to—he…”
She couldn’t finish.
Jamie gripped her hand tighter. Ms. Janice rubbed her shoulder.
James stepped forward, voice lower. “Ms. Thompson, I promise you.. he’ll never come near you again.”
She nodded slowly, but her eyes said otherwise.
A quiet knock broke the silence.
The door opened.
Monroe stepped in, a towering presence in a dark coat. Composed. Alert.
He bowed his head respectfully. “Ms. Thompson.”
James gave a short nod. “This is Monroe. Head of security for Blackwood Enterprises. He led the rescue
