My stress level started rising. I could feel the tingle in my fingers and my toes, indicating my system was going into overload. I crossed my arms over my chest and casually leaned against the side of my SUV. If my body went numb, as it occasionally did, this would keep me from falling. I hoped. Micah didn’t seem to notice but I saw Jackson’s eyes narrow. I’d never appreciated him as much as I did right now. I knew he had my back, or my leg and arm, as the case may be.

“Do you think she’s safe on her own?” I asked. My voice was tight. Turned out you could take the little sister away from the big brother, but you couldn’t subtract the big brother from the big brother. Every protective instinct I’d ever had about Lexi roared to life.

“I don’t know, man,” Micah said. “Whoever is behind the incidents wants this development stopped and they are not playing.”

I nodded. I knew there was only one solution. I didn’t like it. Lexi was going to hate it, but so sad too bad.

“Are you going to stay on?” I asked.

“Are you going to get me a crew?” he countered.

“It’ll be done by the end of the day,” I said.

His smile was a slash of white teeth and he nodded. “Well, all right, all right. I’ll make sure we’re ready to work at sunrise tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Micah,” I said. He met my gaze and I knew he understood, but I felt the need to say it anyway. “For looking out for her, I appreciate it.”

“Are you kidding? She’s one of my best friends,” he said. He turned and scanned the barren lot. “She’s got a vision, and this development is going to change this entire neighborhood.”

His tone was full of respect, and it occurred to me that Micah was a man of vision as well. With a wave, he walked across the lot toward an excavator parked on the far end. I had no doubt that he’d have the work assignments ready tomorrow, and I was going to have to scramble to get a crew ready in time.

“How do you feel about taking on an extra job?” I asked Jackson.

He pulled at his chin hair. “Depends upon what it is.”

“I want someone I trust to keep an eye on my sister,” I said. “I know Micah can keep her safe here, but it’s the to and from home I’m worried about.”

“You want me to shadow her or actually escort her?”

“Escort,” I said.

“Ooh, male escort.” He laughed. “Can’t wait to add that to the old curriculum vitae.” He glanced around the jobsite, as if scanning for potential danger. “Of course I’ll do it.”