When Reesa spoke next, I heard the concern in her voice. “But who is protecting you?”
That was the problem. I knew a few good men who watched my back when I went out to public events. But unlike Ocalla, I didn’t live in a fortress. I had no guards, and Carmella was in her seventies. She had the skills that Alysa needed, but if someone attacked my home, she would just be another liability.
“I can take care of myself, Reesa.”
“So you believe. But I’ll do as you asked. I will spread the word. You better win this thing, Jasper, or a lot of people will pay the price for backing you.”
“I’m going to win, Reesa.” Because I have to.
“And is that why you have Alysa LaHouse staying with you?” Reesa asked.
Damn you.She’d known all along and yet pretended otherwise. Not feeding into her comment I responded, “Resting where she should be.”
“I’d like to come by and meet her if you don’t mind,” Reesa said. “Maybe bring some home-cooked food.”
“I can cook for her,” I said.
“Maybe I should clarify that. Some good home-cooked food,” she giggled.
“My cooking has yet to kill me,” I retorted.
“Do you want her back in the hospital? Because she’s not used to our food, never mind yours.”
I didn’t want anyone here, but Reesa had a point. “Yes. You may come.”
I could almost hear her smiling over the phone. “I’ll be there in a few hours.”
Reesa ended the call and I felt…played. I should’ve seen that coming. Another easygoing woman around might make Alysa feel more at ease being here. Carmella was good, but very bossy. Like me.
I wanted to go and check on Alysa and see if she had everything she needed. But that’s what I hired Carmella to do. I had no excuse to go and knock on her door.
Maybe Alysa is right. We might not need Carmella after all.