Deadly Testimony (Safeguard #2)(74)
Diaz and another man weren’t standing together, per se, but they were next to each other. Both of them had a rock-solid quality about them, an air of confidence and capability that was intimidating. As eager as people were to leave the courtroom and head to wherever they were going—home, dinner dates, restrooms—they gave both men space and sort of flowed around them.
Kyle glanced about, looking for a similar void of people where Lizzy might be waiting for him. She wasn’t.
His belly felt heavy and hollow at the same time. He was too drained from the day’s testimony and line of questioning to burn more energy in wondering where she was. Instead, he closed the remaining distance and came to a stop in front of Diaz and the stranger. He would go looking for her once he’d completed his responsibilities here, and to family.
It wasn’t just about him anymore and it might take some time, but he wasn’t going to forget about her.
“Mr. Yeun, I’m US Marshal Nguyen.” The man held out his hand and Kyle took it in a firm handshake. “My colleague Deputy Marshal Decker sends his regards.”
Ah. Kyle imagined Decker was not pleased with the turn of events. “I hope Deputy Marshal Decker is well. The past few days have been unpredictable and there were few choices when it came to avoiding certain threats.”
Nguyen raised a hand to forestall additional commentary. “Deputy Marshal Decker was definitely challenged to provide support in the effort to keep you protected, Mr. Yeun, but Mr. Diaz and I agree the actions taken were the best possible under the circumstances.”
“Good.” Some of his accustomed assurance returned now that he had this damned testimony behind him. Just because the other man had his hand up didn’t mean Kyle was finished having his say. “I wouldn’t want Decker, or Officers Austin and Weaver for that matter, to suffer unfortunate consequences as a result of my going into hiding with... Miss Scott as my primary protection. As far as I’m concerned, it wasn’t any of the protective detail team’s fault and it wouldn’t be fair for them to be reprimanded for it.”
Diaz cleared his throat. The big man had a quirk about his mouth. His lips were turned up at one corner and he might have been smiling. Possibly. The rest of his face was a study in stoic seriousness, so it was hard to tell. “Miss Scott has expressed similar concern. Marshal Nguyen and I are in agreement with you both.”
Kyle settled in to the conversation at hand. “Well then, I imagine the two of you have something to discuss with me then?”
Nguyen looked at Diaz and backed away slightly, perhaps a few centimeters, ceding the floor to Diaz.
Kyle had spent significant time bringing together project teams, facilitating executive steering committee meetings and managing people in general. These two men had authority and they were new to working together. Their cues were obvious and they were still establishing a rapport.
There was a collaboration in the making here and Kyle found it somewhat reassuring.
Diaz turned to face Kyle completely. “According to the terms of the contract you signed with Safeguard, Miss Scott’s services are complete.”
Ah. So Lizzy was indeed gone. And her absence might be indicative of whether he’d ever find her again. Or if she even wanted him to. “I’d like to speak with her.”
“You can look for Miss Scott at the Safeguard offices for the time being. If she’s not on the premises at the time, you’ll be able to leave a message for her there and we’ll make sure it gets to her.” Diaz didn’t miss a beat in his response. It was very well practiced and delivered smoothly.
“I see.” Actually, he did not. He was tired and irritable and wanted to check in with his family then rest. He wanted to hold Lizzy in his arms again.
“Considering the complications leading up to today’s trial, I’m here to see if you are in need of Safeguard’s services for extended personal protection,” Diaz continued. “We’ve got a few options for you and while the part you’ve played in this trial is complete, you and your family may feel better for the added assurance of safety while you put this all behind you.”
Nguyen nodded. “You also have the federal witness protection plan, Mr. Yeun, but that was extended to you specifically and didn’t take your sister and nephew into consideration.”
The US marshal appeared genuinely regretful about the situation. His brows were drawn together and his gaze showed concern.
Kyle had been thinking about it. “My nephew has a scholarship and his education is a priority. I’m told by the legal team that the threat to him is considered to be minimal at this point. His mother will want to be close by but she also was hoping to give the young man space. It would be difficult to take all three of us and reestablish a plan for their life and his education.”
But not impossible. He would do it for them if he had to. And then there was finding Lizzy.
Diaz was watching him. Waiting.
“Mr. Diaz, I would like to explore some of the personal protection options you have available in further detail.” Because Kyle could trust Safeguard, Lizzy in particular. And they were driven by practicalities, logic and money. Kyle understood them. Whereas the government was a completely different animal.
“Drop by as soon as you’re ready, Mr. Yeun.” Diaz glanced around and then returned his attention to Kyle. “Your sister and nephew are currently at Safeguard’s Training and Recovery facility outside of the city. You’re welcome to come out to the facility and have dinner, see to their needs. Or if you’d like, we can bring them back here to any accommodations you had in mind.”