Detective Brad Shannon sat on a massive square rock. Water cascaded across his boots, wetting the bottom of his gray pants. He stared out at the ocean with a look of concern. The grooves and wrinkles on his face were more pronounced than she’d noticed before.
“Brad …” She took tentative steps toward him.
He looked up and gave her a small smile, then stood with arms opened wide. “I thought they might have convinced you not to come.”
Gabrielle walked into his embrace and hugged him tight. “Impossible.”
“I texted a few times, and you didn’t respond, so I wasn’t sure.” Brad released her and sat back on the rock.
“Damn it,” Gabrielle said, patting pockets she already knew were empty. “I forgot my phone back at the house.” Berating herself, she glanced around for a dry rock to sit on. It would be just her luck that Sebastian would return her call or, worse, return to King Estate to find her gone. She didn’t want him to worry that something terrible had happened to her. All the more reason to keep this visit with Brad short.
“Where’s your bodyguard?” Brad asked, looking back toward the trail she’d exited from.
“I’ll be back before they realize I’m gone,” Gabrielle said, then sat on a rock a couple of feet away from Brad.
Brad tsked. “No guard. No phone.”
“I know, I know. You don’t have to lecture me. I left in such a hurry. I must have laid it down when I was looking for my shoes. So, I can’t stay long. I want you to know I don’t blame you for what happened in the safe house. You don’t owe me an apology.”
“I owe you much more than an I’m sorry. I got kicked off the case because my men didn’t stop Brooks from getting to you. I almost lost one of my best officers, and who knows what would have happened to you if—”
“Sebastian hadn’t gotten there. I don’t want to think about that, and you shouldn’t either,” Gabrielle said, then grabbed Brad’s hand. “I know you did everything you could to keep me safe. What happened at the safe house was not your fault. Bringing the PIIB in was Serena’s idea. I swear she’s worse than Mom. There’s no changing her mind once she decides something needs to be done.”
“And she moves heaven and earth to get her way, just like your Mom.”
“For better or worse,” Gabrielle laughed.
“Well, I’m glad we had this talk. I’m glad you haven’t lost trust or faith in me.”
“Never. You’ve done so much for me. I’ll always be grateful. No matter what.”
“Well, that makes what I must do a lot easier.” Brad stood, towering over her. His skin flushed red, and his hand trembled as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I have a plan to catch Tony Brooks. He’s out of control, and I have to stop him.” Brad jabbed a finger against his chest. “I’m the only one who can stop him. Don’t you see?”
Puzzled, Gabrielle leaned back against the boulder. “I know you want to help, but the PIIB will find my stalker. I don’t know that there’s anything you need to do.”
“You’re wrong!” Brad thundered.
Gabrielle flinched.
“Brooks is unhinged. The guy is unpredictable, not acting like he was in the past. We need to go on the offensive and force his hand. That’s the only way to catch him.”
“As much as I appreciate your help, we both need to step back and let the feds handle it. I’ll do a better job of keeping you updated on the investigation. I know how hard it must be not to have access anymore,” Gabrielle gave him a gentle squeeze. “I need to get back before they sound the alarm for me. Take care, Brad.”
Brad looked away, obviously unhappy.
Gabrielle side-stepped away from Brad and headed toward the trail along the rocky sand.
Hard pounding steps splashed in the water behind her.
She turned to see Brad lunging toward her.
“Brad!” She squealed as his hand clamped down on her arm, gripping her tightly.
His gloved hand.
Why was he wearing surgical gloves?
“What are you doing?” Gabrielle tried to jerk away, but he grabbed her other arm and yanked her toward him.
