Read Option to Kill (Nathan McBride 3) for Free Online

section, and Lauren began leafing through the clothes racks. Nathan wondered if shopping came naturally to kids her age. She looked like a pro.
    “Anything?” she asked again.
    “Yes, but we’re a little pressed for time. I’m gonna head down to the men’s department. Are you okay up here for a while?”
    Her expression went blank, then changed. “I don’t want any clothes.”
    He took a knee in front of her. “Lauren, I gave you my word. I only suggested it to save some time. If you want to stay together, that’s okay, but we can’t spend a lot of time in here.”
    Nathan scanned the area. A mother and her daughter were watching from across the aisle. He offered a smile and received two forced smiles in return. He used his eyes to point at the onlookers. Lauren looked at them and wiped her face. He felt bad for making her cry and knew she was embarrassed. He should have known better. Was this parenthood? Walking on eggshells all the time? Weren’t kids supposed to be tough? He cursed inwardly and felt like an idiot. After what this girl had just been through, it was a wonder she could function at all. Lauren was plenty tough, but everyone — especially children — had their breaking points, and she’d just come close.
    He spoke loud enough to be overheard. “Do you see anything you like?”
    The mother and daughter resumed their browsing.
    “I’m sorry I cried.”
    “I shouldn’t have suggested we split up.”
    He felt it. Magnetic and strong. This girl needed a hug. He stayed on one knee and opened his arms. She practically fell into him. He held her head against his shoulder and caught a scent of strawberry. He felt her shudder from another spasm of tears.
    “Lauren, I’m a jerk. I’m not used to being around kids. I’m really sorry about everything.”
    “You’re not a jerk. I think you’re a nice man.”
    “We’re in this together. Just you and me against the world, kiddo.”
    He couldn’t remember the last time he’d hugged a child. Maybe one of Harv’s sons? How long ago was that? Five years?
    “I don’t have anywhere to go. I can’t go home.”
    “We’ll stay together until we sort this out.”
    Lauren looked behind him and tensed.
    A male voice said, “Is everything okay here?”
    Nathan released her and turned.
    A security guard.
    Nathan had asked her not to react, but her instinct was too strong. He couldn’t fault her. He doubted this security guard knew of the Amber Alert or the wreck at Ulric Street, but it was a good bet he knew about the attempted drive-by shooting on Friars Road. Maybe a store employee had summoned this guard. Nathan’s scarred face made him look hard and mean and often drew unwanted attention. What was wrong with people? Hadn’t they ever seen anyone with a giant N carved across his face?
    Nathan held Lauren protectively under his arm.
    “Is everything okay here?” the guard asked again.
    “Yes, we’re both just really tired,” he said.
    “We can’t afford this.” Lauren held out a pantsuit and put on a sad face.
    “Becca, I didn’t say that, exactly. I just said it’s expensive.” He made eye contact with the guard. “I’ve recently been laid off. We have to be careful what we spend.”
    “I hear ya. Y’all have a nice night, folks.”
    “Thank you, sir. We’ll try.”
    The guard turned and walked back toward the escalator. The mother and her teenage daughter had resumed their surveillance. Time to go. The change in clothes would have to wait. He should’ve thought about the consequences of entering a public place like a mall, should’ve thought about all the security cameras. He also should’ve kept a better perimeter and seen the security guard coming.
    He lowered his voice. “Change in plans. We’re leaving, but not quickly. We don’t want to look like we’ve been spooked. Good job with the security guard. Smart thinking.”
    “I forgot I wasn’t supposed to react.”
    “You did fine.”
    Nathan had been in here only a