Jobe: Alvarez Security Series by Maryann Jordan Read Free Book Online Page A

an old grill, and off to the back were the trash cans that were next to the fence leading to the alley. Again, Jobe’s eyes quickly assessed.
    No lights on the back. A simple padlock on the fence gate leading to the alley.
    Jennifer led them through the back door into the kitchen. The area was large, but seemed immediately dwarfed by the four huge men. A woman entered the room from the hall and gave a start. Jennifer jumped in, “I’m sorry. We’re here to see Mac. She’s meeting us to talk about some security.”
    “Oh yes, of course. I’m Rose. I teach computer classes to the women in the classroom upfront. I think that—”
    Just then, a scream coming from the front of the building startled the group. Jobe, closest to the hallway, sprinted forward as he heard a woman’s voice yell, “Call the police, Rose!” He caught a glimpse of a slender woman’s back, hair pulled up on her head, as she raced down the stairs and made it to the door ahead of him, grabbing a baseball bat next to the door.
    Throwing it open, Mackenna charged out onto the stoop, wielding the bat in the air. “I’m calling the police you fuckers. Get outta here,” she screamed at the same low-riding car, this time with the passenger side windows rolled down and several guys hanging out giving her the finger.
    “You can’t hide forever, bitch!” one yelled.
    “Bring it, you bast—umph,” she grunted as she was grabbed around the waist from behind and lifted off of the ground, her back slammed against a tall, hard body. Her reddish-gold hair fell out of the makeshift twist and tumbled down her back.
    “Are you fucking crazy?” asked the enraged voice of the man who had picked her up easily, his arm binding her tightly. “You provoke those bastards and you’re just asking for trouble,” he growled.
    Realizing that the front stoop had become crowded with whom she could only assume was Tony Alvarez and more of his men than she knew was coming, she saw Jennifer, wide-eyed looking at her.
    “Mac? Are you okay?” Jennifer asked, glancing at Jobe holding on to Mackenna, a strange expression on his face.
    “Let go of me, you big oaf,” Mackenna said, struggling against the unforgiving vise grip of the man holding her.
    She found herself immediately released but instead of freedom, she was whirled around to face her would-be rescuer. And stared into the face of the man who had haunted her memories. His face, older and harder than she remembered. His build…heavier, even more muscular. And his expression? Shock. Pure shock.
    Her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath, she pushed against him almost tumbling backward down the front stoop stairs. His hands automatically reached out and grabbed her upper arms, saving her from falling. Not wanting him to touch her, she pushed again.
    “Settle,” he growled. “You’re gonna fucking fall if you keep this up.”
    Righting herself, she straightened up trying to regain her dignity. Don’t let him see you stare. Don’t give him that. Steeling herself, she turned toward the man matching the internet picture of Tony Alvarez and held out her hand.
    “You must be Mr. Alvarez. I’m Mackenna Dunn, director of New Beginnings.”
    Tony, Gabe, and Vinny stared at her as though she had sprouted three heads. The woman who one minute ago was wielding a baseball bat threatening street thugs was now attempting a composed and serene expression. And for some reason had rocked Jobe’s world by the stunned expression on his face. Then it hit all three of them at the same instance. Mackenna Dunn. The name they had heard over and over when stationed in Afghanistan. At least before…
    Tony, quickly recovering, took her hand and shook it gently. “You’re right, Ms. Dunn. I’m Tony Alvarez, but please call me Tony.”
    Mackenna nodded, replying, “Mackenna. Although some just call me Mac.” She gave Jennifer an evil eye, but Jennifer only laughed.
    Tony introduced the twins, Gabe and Vinny, and then