Bodyguard Under the Mistletoe by Cassie Miles Page B

table, Wentworth polished off the last morsel of food on his plate. Fork in hand, he eyed a sausage link on Jesse’s plate.
    â€œDon’t even think about it,” Jesse growled.
    â€œAs a medical professional,” Wentworth said, “I’d advise you to turn over the meat.”
    â€œBased on what diagnosis?”
    â€œAnatomy charts. There’s a link-size space in my belly.”
    â€œTo match the hole in your head,” Jesse said. “You’re crazy if you think I’m not eating this.”
    Abby was between them, kneeling on her chair because she was, as she had informed them, too grown-up for a booster seat. Her eating process was complicated. Each bite she took was followed by a bite for her plastic palomino pony. “What are we going to do today?” she asked.
    â€œMickey is coming over,” Fiona said as she slid another pancake from the frying pan onto Wentworth’s plate.
    â€œMickey?” Jesse glanced up at her.
    â€œAbby’s friend.”
    â€œMy best friend,” Abby clarified.
    Jesse couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Fiona had scheduled a play date? “You’ll have to cancel.”
    â€œOr not.” She was pretty in the morning with her long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and her cheeks flushed pink from the heat of the stovetop. “Mickey’s mom should be dropping him off any minute.”
    â€œSo early? It’s barely light outside.”
    â€œYee-haw,” Abby cheered. “I gotta get dressed.”
    Fiona looked down at her daughter’s plate, gave a satisfied nod and said, “You’re excused.”
    Abby hopped off her chair and bolted from the room with her pony tucked under her arm.
    Jesse had the distinct feeling that he was losing control of the situation. “This is wrong, Fiona. Wentworth and I are here as bodyguards. Not babysitters.”
    â€œMickey always comes over on Wednesdays while Belinda works the morning shift at the café. I couldn’t ask her to reschedule on such short notice.”
    He reminded her, “Richter is still at large.”
    â€œHe’s not going to attack while you’re here,” she said. “Besides, it’ll be easier for everyone if Abby’s occupied with her friend. Otherwise, she’ll be underfoot.”
    After she shoveled the last pancake onto his plate, Fiona excused herself and went to oversee her daughter.
    Jesse cut his sausage in half, looked at Wentworth and shook his head. “A playdate.”
    â€œI used to date a single mom,” Wentworth said. “There’s nothing more sacred than their babysitting schedules.”
    â€œEven when you find a dead body in the front yard? Fiona ought to have the good sense to be more cautious.”
    â€œThat’s why she’s got you, buddy.”
    â€œAnd you.” Jesse shoved the sausage into his mouth. “I need you here today, instead of at the Carlisle Ranch.”
    Wentworth carried his plate to the sink. “Have you got a plan?”
    â€œSearching.” He envisioned a widening circle. “We’ll start here at Fiona’s house.”
    â€œBut we already searched,” Wentworth said.
    â€œI need to see for myself. And I want Fiona with me. She might notice something that others missed. Then I want to take a look around at the Circle M where Nicole was held prisoner. After that, I’ll check the site where the ransom was dropped. Maybe I can pick up the kidnappers’ trail.”
    â€œAfter two days?” Wentworth scoffed. “You’re a genius tracker, Jesse. But that’s nearly impossible.”
    â€œIt’s a long shot,” he agreed. “But we haven’t got much to go on.”
    He heard Abby racing through the house and shouting, “Mickey’s here. Mickey’s here.”
    Jesse went to the front door, where Abby tugged at the brace that was holding it shut. She looked up at him.