Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
She’d locked herself inside, leaving Jared staring at her, eyes wide and filled with alarm.
He stretched his arm toward her seat. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
She glanced at her shaking hands and repeated what had just occurred. “And after threatening me, he walked off before I could see his features.”
“Dammit!” He slammed his hand against the steering wheel. He put the vehicle in park and reached over, hugging her awkwardly due to his seat belt and the center console, but she took comfort in his familiar, always sexy smell and the way he wrapped her in his arms.
“Are you okay?” He settled back in his seat and studied her, as if he could see through her skin to the trauma beneath. And from the way her insides still trembled, maybe he could.
She nodded, twisting her fingers together in her lap.
“Okay. Here’s what we’re going to do.”
She glanced up at him for answers because she hadn’t a clue.
He looked at his gold watch, then placed his hand over hers. “We’re going to call and reschedule the doctor’s appointment. Then we’re going to get you a cup of tea to relax you and a muffin for your blood sugar.”
She loved how he looked out for her. Despite all her internal warnings, she’d grown used to his bossy but caring nature.
“And then we’re going to see Remy,” he said.
“Remy? Your brother who owns The Back Door?” she asked.
Jared nodded. “Remy, the former NYC cop and current private investigator, who also happens to co-own the bar. We’re going to tell him what’s going on and have him find out what your brother has gotten himself involved in. I refuse to have you in danger because Dan is spiraling.”
Gratitude wound through her and she swallowed over the lump in her throat. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do if I was alone in this.”
He squeezed her hands tighter. “You’re not. And you never will be again.”
* * *
Jared and Charlotte sat across from Remy in his office. Pictures of Remy and Raven were on his desk and family photos hung on one wall. On the other side of the desk was Zach’s wife’s picture and photos of his partner’s family on the opposite wall.
Beside him, Charlotte fidgeted in her seat, her nerves obvious.
Remy steepled his fingers in front of him and studied them both. “What’s wrong, and I’m asking as your brother? You both look like you’re about to jump out of your skin.”
Jared covered Charlotte’s hand with his. “Her brother got involved in some kind of trouble and she was threatened outside her place of work.”
His brother pulled up his iPad and tapped the screen a few times. “Charlie, give me whatever details you have about your brother, starting with his name and age.”
“Dan Kendall. Daniel. Thirty-two.” She hesitated and Jared squeezed her hand, encouraging her to go on. “He’s been in and out of trouble most of his life,” she said. “You’ll find he has a record. Petty theft, drug possession.” She bit down on her lower lip. “He’s on drugs. I don’t know what kind, where he gets them or what he owes. But he told me this trouble goes beyond owing money. And the guy who threatened me said to tell my brother if he talks, he’s a dead man. And I’m next.” Her voice shook as she repeated the message.
“You’ve got to find out who Dan’s involved with,” Jared said.
Remy nodded. “Can you describe the guy?” he asked Charlotte.
“Only what he was wearing. A blue beanie, green army jacket, and jeans. I noticed because it’s so warm and he stood out. He bumped into me, talking while he did, and when I looked up he’d moved past me. I never saw his face.”
“Was his hair long? Did you see it beyond the hat?”
She closed her eyes, obviously thinking. “Brown,” she said. “Long and brown.”
He typed in the information and met her gaze. “I’m sorry you’re going through this,” he said in a kind tone.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
He inclined his head. “Now, I can handle the investigative work but given the threat and the fact that you want to live without worry, I’d hire someone to watch over you.” His gaze turned to Jared who inwardly winced.
Though Remy had phrased the words delicately, and despite it being exactly what he’d planned on telling Charlotte, Jared waited for the explosion.
“A bodyguard?” Her voice rose. “Someone trailing around after me twenty-four seven?”
Jared placed a calming hand on her arm. “I was thinking more like the times you weren’t home for the night.” He drew a deep breath. “And when I’m not around to take their place.”
“I have a doorman, so I guess that makes sense,” she said, thinking things through aloud. “So I’m safe alone in my apartment.”
As if he’d count on the unarmed guys downstairs in case someone really wanted to get to her. But he let her work her way through to the conclusion he wanted.