“Unlisted. So a burner?”
“Yes. And a different one each time,” I add.
“Did the caller say anything?”
“At first, no. She said there were a couple calls over a few nights where it sounded like a dead line or breathing.”
Anger flares in Jack’s hard gaze.
“Last night, the caller asked her if she got his gift and said it looked just like ‘Sweet Axel.’”
“Her cat.”
“Yes. Then he told her that they were going to be great friends, and that he’d be seeing her soon.”
Jack mutters something under his breath and runs both hands over his face before leaning back in his chair and studying both Zane and me. “I’m assuming that you came here because you wanted to confirm it’s not me. Well, I can promise you that the absolute last thing I would do is hurt Anastasia. Even though things didn’t work out for us, I love her.”
I love her.
His words are a punch to my gut even as they flare unwanted jealousy. Lock it up, Maddox. Now is not the time to lose focus.
“Then can you help us find out who would want to hurt her?” Zane asks.
“Did you go to local police?” he asks.
“No. We wanted to talk to you first,” I tell him.
He nods. “I’ll do some digging. See what I can find out. How many times has he called?”
“Once on the first night, twice on night two, three times on night three, and four times the next night. Then, just once after the package was received.”
Jack cocks his head to the side as he processes, but his expression doesn’t give anything away. “Can you send me the numbers you uncovered?”
“I can.”
“Good. Until I find something, she needs protection. Just in case.”
“I’m on it,” I say quickly.
Jack glares at me. “I’m sure you are. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to get local police involved in the meantime.” He stands. “If that’s all, I’ll get looking into this and get back to you.”
“I really appreciate the help, Jack.” Zane shakes his hand.
“I’ll do anything for Anastasia,” he says, gaze directed at me, tone low. “Keep me up to date if you find anything.”
“We will.”
Zane and I leave the office, leaving both the cat and the bug behind. We’d discussed it before we got here and decided that Jack’s resources are far faster than mine. Even as much as I hate to admit it. He’ll be able to pull prints and flash his badge for information.
As soon as we’re in Zane’s truck, he turns to me. “Did she leave him for you?”
“What?”
“Anastasia. Did something happen between you two before he proposed? Or after?”
I could say no. Technically, we haven’t moved out of friendship yet. But I respect my friend too much for that.
“We’re seeing where things go. But as far as I know, she didn’t say no because of me but because she didn’t love him.”
