Jackson (The Love Family Series Book 8) Read Online Free Page A

go home.”
    Scarlett closed the door on him, halting the conversation. 
    “Oh, honey, I don’t think so.” A closed door wasn’t going to stop him from making his point.  Jackson stomped over to the bathroom and opened the door, not caring if she was naked or using the bathroom. He had a sister and had seen his share of naked women.
    He stood on the threshold. Scarlett had her shirt in her hands, standing in front of the mirror in a bra and her torn jeans. Bruises and scratches covered her from the hairline dipping down into the waistband of her jeans.
    “Do you mind?”
    “I don’t mind. Scarlett…” Jackson said, stepping into the small room for a closer look at the damage. He lifted his hands to touch her but paused with them an inch away from her red and swollen flesh. “We need to get you something for the pain.”
    “You heard the doctor. I’ll survive.” She glanced up into the mirror and met his gaze in the reflection. “I’d really like to get cleaned up.”
    Jackson nodded and backed out of the room. “You need a change of clothes. You can wear some of mine until I can get to the store to buy you something else.”
    “Thanks.” She moved to shut the door again and paused. “Thanks for coming after Alexis got the call from the hospital. I don’t…”
    He held up his hand, cutting off her words. “I’ll always come. Any of us would. You’re practically family.”
    She nodded. “You might want to call Alexis and keep her as far away from here as possible.”
    “You’re right. Go take your bath. I’ve got some calls to make.”
    Jackson grabbed a shirt and a pair of boxers and handed them to her before she shut the door.
    He waited for the sound of running water before pulling out his phone. He needed answers, answers she didn’t have. He shot off a text to Reed to dig into anything electronic he could get his hands on. Next, he called his old trusted friend, Fritz, with the FBI.
    He answered on the first ring. “Fritz.”
    “Hey, Fritz.  It’s Jackson Love.”
    “Love? It’s been a long time. Have you come back to your senses and are ready to give up the personal security business? I’m sure the bureau would take you back.”
    Jackson chuckled. “Nope. That’s not why I’m calling.”
    “Then to what do I owe the pleasure?”
    “What can you tell me about Rosie McIntire and her last assignment?”
    A brief silence filled the line. “You first. Tell me why you’re asking.”
    Jackson ran his hand over his head and squeezed his neck. “I heard she was shot today.”
    “Shot?” Fritz asked. “I don’t know, but I do know she’s working undercover and missed her check-in. Where are you? Are you on the Island?”
    “No.” Jackson lifted the blinds and glanced into the parking lot. “I’m out of town, helping a friend.” Lights flashed over the window as a car drove in and circled the parking lot. Jackson dropped the curtains. “Listen. I’ve got to go, so if you hear anything about Rosie, will you give me a call?”
    “Sure, but where are you?”
    “At the hospital with a sick friend. Just promise you’ll call if you hear anything.”
    “Sure thing. I’ll see what I can find out.”
    “Thanks, man.” Jackson hung up and peeked out the window again. The car had backed up into the space next to his rental. A family worked to unload their luggage.
    Jackson’s phone dinged with a message from Reed saying he’d struck out on the surveillance from the club but he did find some action in the alleyway caught by the parking garage camera across the street. He attached a video, and Jackson plopped down in a chair and hit play.
    His stomach churned as Rosie and Scarlett ran toward the street. They had stopped at the end of the alley and had looked toward the parking garage when Jackson spotted the man at the end of the alley with his gun aimed in their direction. Within seconds, Rosie fell to her knees as she pushed Scarlett. Terror covered her face as she