He doesn’t hesitate. “Let’s do it.”
When we reach my door, I lay my hand on the doorknob and lock eyes with him, guilt skittering through me now that adrenaline is doing most of the driving. “Sorry I’m roping you into this,” I say with a weak chuckle. “Are you sure this is how you want to spend your evening?”
He smiles and loops his arms around my waist, pulling me closer until my forehead brushes his chest. “Absolutely. I can’t wait to see you in action. You’re gorgeous when you’re determined.”
“Aren’t you the charmer,” I say, melting into his arms despite myself.
A moment of calm washes over me, and I kiss him, slow and warm, my hands clutching the lapels of his jacket like he’s the only thing keeping me from floating away.
The moment is broken when he pulls back abruptly. “What’s this?”
He leans toward my front door and retrieves a note tucked into the frame. It’s a simple white piece of paper folded in half. He opens it, and my blood freezes. Printed in red letters are the words, “stop digging or I’ll bury you.”
My breath catches.
Baptiste’s eyes stretch wide. “What the—”
“Ugh!” I groan with feigned annoyance, keeping my tone as casual as possible. “It's nothing.”
But my heart is pounding in my ears as I unlock my door and step inside.
Baptiste follows me in. “You get a death threat at your door, and you tell me it’snothing?”
I drop my keys into the entry bowl, the clatter piercing my ears, while deliberately avoiding his eyes.
“It’s from that guy, isn’t it?” he presses, closing the door behind him. “Your ex who got out of prison. The one you’re investigating.”
I slump on my couch and grab my laptop. “Victor. Yeah, probably.”
He drops into the seat next to me, tension radiating off his skin. “Why aren’t you surprised?” He pauses, then his expression tightens as realization hits. “It’s not the first warning, is it? He’s threatened you before.”
I shrug, opening a new tab on my laptop. “I’ve received a few calls. And he’s had me followed.”
“What?” he booms, half-rising from the couch. “Harper, you said nothing has happened since DC! I can’t believe this.”
“I’m sorry,” I say quietly. “I didn’t want to worry you. But threats like these aren’t unusual. It comes with the job.” I glance at the note still clenched in his hand. “And don’t worry—if he wanted me dead, I’d be six feet under already.”
He snorts. “That’s reassuring.”
I turn to him and take his hand, letting the warmth ground me. “Please don’t worry about me.”
“No.” He squeezes my hand, jaw set. “It’s gone too far. This is a death threat, Harper, and I don’t want to lose you.” He stands up. “We’re going to the police—now.”
I scoff, shaking my head. “Don't be ridiculous.”
“I’m not being ridiculous,” he says, his tone final. “I’m beingcareful.”
I sigh, rubbing my forehead. “Fine, I’ll go. But it can wait until tomorrow. It’s late already, and we’ll be stuck there for hours.” I gesture to my screen, where my search tab readsGolden Age Retirement Home. “We have to figure this out. I keep putting it off for Victor’s stuff, but this is my grandma. It’s important.”
He hesitates, conflicting emotions warring on his face, then he slowly sits back down. “All right. But I’m sleeping on the couch tonight, and I’m driving you to the station tomorrow.”
“Works for me.” I lean over and kiss his cheek. “Now let’s get to work.”
Baptiste
I do my best to focus on the Golden Age situation, but that creepy note is still front and center in my mind. No matter how many tabs Harper opens, or how fast she types, all I can see are those red letters.
She claims it’s not unusual for her to get death threats, but this is new territory for me—and I’m not enjoying my stay one bit.
