“I’ll meet you there.” He sounded breathless. “Be safe.”
The call ended, and a chill run through me. Who the hell would be twisted enough to work for someone like Castro? Dominic and the local law enforcement did a good job of keeping criminals off the streets of Presley Acres, but then again, Castro had had no problem finding Sylas. He’d been vulnerable and needed help, and Castro exploited his vulnerability. Up until that point, the head coroner of the local hospital had been no criminal.
With his endless resources, Castro would have no trouble finding a similar lost soul—one who would do his bidding in return for assistance in some area of their life.
It could be anyone.
Turning in my seat, I surveyed the market area, watching for any suspicious pauses or glances in my direction. Everyone went about their business, paying no attention to my vehicle. I hated that I’d become suspicious of people, some who I’d known my entire life. This town was my home. Castro had no fucking right to use these people against me.
Whoever had taken my picture was probably long gone, prepped, and ready for whatever Castro had planned next.
My bodyguard ran up to my car and tapped on the window. I climbed over the center console into the passenger seat and pressed the button on my keys to unlock the door for him.
He slid into the driver’s seat without a word, locked the doors, then grabbed the keys from me and shoved them into the ignition.
“I’m assuming you’re taking me to the Keller Estate?”
He nodded, checking his blind spot before turning onto the crowded street.
The drive gave me time to think more about the fragility of our situation. I had to be smarter and more aware of my surroundings from now on.
As soon as we arrived, several guards met me at the door and escorted me into the house, bolting the door behind me.
Dominic stood at the stop of the stairs. “Come on up, Liza. Ty will be here soon, but he wants you with Nico until he gets here.”
I trudged up the marble staircase and into Dominic’s office. Nico stood by the desk, murmuring into his phone. A handful of his security team were strewn across the room, conferring with one another while staring at their laptop screens.
The tension in the room was palpable. I could feel my heart racing as I made my way over to Nico and stood next to him, trying to focus on the conversation he was having.
He hung up abruptly and turned to me. “Liza, I wish I had concrete news for you.”
I sighed and slumped into a chair. They hadn’t found the person who’d been stalking and photographing me without my knowledge.
Nico crossed his arms and leaned against the desk. “My team has seen no signs of Castro. He hasn’t entered town, and there have been no reports of him being seen near the outskirts of town. As you know, there’s only one road that leads in and out of Presley Acres, so if Castro tried to cross into town, we would’ve spotted him.”
I nodded. It was a relief to know that Nico’s team was scouring the area. Against my will, my heart still raced with anxiety and fear. Maybe it wasn’t Castro they should’ve been keeping an eye out for. But who else?
Nico gave me an understanding look before continuing. “My team will continue to monitor things carefully and report any suspicious activity they find in the area. We’ve got things covered, so try not to worry too much, okay?”
My leg bobbed up and down, and I forced it to still. Who or what was I so afraid of? Not even Nico could answer that question.
“Thank you for all your help. I really appreciate it.”
He smiled reassuringly before leaving the room to take another phone call.
Dominic sat down behind his desk and focused all of his attention on the computer screen. After a few minutes of typing, he looked up in my direction. “How are you holding up?”
I blew out a breath. “I’m trying to stay strong, but I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen. I just don’t know who I should be keeping an eye out for since Castro hasn’t been spotted in the area.”
Dominic’s expression softened as he leaned back in his chair. Just when I thought he might say something kind and reassuring, Ty came rushing into the room.
He locked eyes with me and hurried to my side, dropping to his knees next to me and wrapping his arms around my body. “Are you okay?”
I forced a smile. “I’m a little shaken up, but I’m doing fine.”
He let out a deep sigh and lowered his voice. “Are you feeling… anxious or upset?”
“No, Ty. I’m remaining calm. Don’t worry about me.”
