Page 14 of Vanishing Legacy
“I’ll say.” Alana chuckled and examined the check again.
“What’s the plan? New Jeep? Trip to Australia? College fund for Rocco?”
“It’s all going straight into the ministry fund.”
Noelle nodded. “A smart move. That’ll give your dream a significant boost. How long till you get things up and running?”
“I’m holding off until Rocco’s in high school. Gives me time to secure a building. With this and more overtime, I’ll have enough for a down payment. Then the real work begins.”
“Alana, what you’re building is incredible. You’ll be changing lives, one step at a time. And just so you know, I’m right behind you. Even if it means losing my favorite bodyguard.”
“Don’t worry, you’re stuck with me,” Alana said. “The Elite Guardians is where I belong.”
“Good. I was half worried you’d miss the thrill of SWAT or the deep-sea dives and sail off into the sunset.”
Alana waved her check. “Believe me, this job is plenty exciting.”
When their laughter subsided, Alana rose to clear their plates. A quick glance at the microwave told her Rocco’s shower time was nearly up. He’d grumbled when she’d insisted they stick to the routine, but routines were the backbone of success. The only way she could ensure he’d grow up to be successful and manage life with diabetes was to teach him self-discipline now.
“Speaking of today,” Alana said, moving into the kitchen with their plates. “What’s the lowdown on Bethany Gould?”
Noelle followed Alana with the empty containers. “She was arrested for violating the protection order. She’s due for arraignment tomorrow.”
“Why not stalking charges?” She turned on the water and rinsed her plate.
Noelle took the plate and placed it on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. “Public place loophole. Savannah’s playing it safe. The order of protection was issued in a different state, so prosecution falls to them.”
“I can’t believe she went through all that trouble with the disguise and everything.” Alana shook her head. “It’s like she’s upping the ante. Someone needs to give her a reality check before things get ugly. So where are we with Warren? Is she still planning to stay in Savannah while they film the movie?”
Noelle organized the silverware by type and dropped them into the dishwasher caddy. “Warren’s a tough bird. She refuses to let anyone intimidate her. She’ll be under Rose’s wing. There’s standard set security, but Rose is glued to her side.”
Alana smiled. “Rose is growing on me. Any chance she’ll join us full time?”
Noelle sighed. “I keep trying, but she’s a free spirit. Likes the flexibility of being a contractor.”
“One of those wild roses,” Alana said.
“A bit less thorny, though.” Noelle loaded the soap packet and closed the dishwasher. “I should get out of your hair and let you guys do your bedtime thing.”
Noelle’d always respected Alana’s structured life. She didn’t mind following Alana’s routine when she watched Rocco overnight so Alana could take a night shift.
“Hold up a sec.” Alana dried her hands on the tea towel. “I’ve been thinking about Cash and Penny. That guy was willing to shoot an innocent woman just to get his hands on that little girl. What if he comes back? Catches Cash off guard. I hope you don’t think I’m out of line, but I’d like to offer our services.”
Noelle bit her lower lip and nodded. “The police probably have some kind of protection in place already. They might even have a lead by now. But I’ll check.”
“Thanks,” Alana said. “And thanks for dinner. It was amazing.”
Rocco emerged from the hallway. He wore black pajamas with a science lab print on the bottoms. He hugged Noelle in the foyer. “Yeah, thanks for bringing tacos. That’s my favorite.”
“I thought so. You deserve them after today. You were incredibly brave.” She shot a smile at Alana. “He takes after his mom.”
“I hope Penny is okay and they catch the bad guy,” Rocco said.
Noelle ruffled his wet hair and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I have a feeling they’ll catch him soon. But hey, speaking of exciting things, are we still on for the robotics expo?”
Rocco turned to Alana, who arched an eyebrow. “As long as he keeps up with his chores and his daily workout routine.”
Rocco flexed his arm and grinned. “Did a hundred pushups before my shower.”