Page 24 of Archer

I pulled out a chair at the table and lowered myself onto it. “I kept photos. I can send them to you.”

“Perfect.” Colton took a seat as well. “We’ll also need access to your social media accounts, travel schedule from the past year, and a list of anyone who might have reason to target you.”

I looked to Archer as a surge of overwhelm returned.

“Colton’s our tech guy,” Archer explained. “If there’s a digital trail, he’ll find it.”

Knox carried his tablet to the windows, testing locks and examining frames. “Let’s make the locks a top priority. We might have to make a run over to the mainland.” He checked his watch. “Things are going to start to close. Might be tomorrow before we can get everything we need.”

He glanced at me. “This is a beautiful place. Terrible for keeping bad guys out.”

“Gram wasn’t worried about bad guys.” I wrapped my arms around myself. “She was worried about sunsets and sea turtles.”

Knox’s expression softened, and a deep sadness changed his face. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.”

He returned his attention to the window. “Did she spend summers here?”

“For as long as I can remember,” I said.

He nodded. “I grew up here. Stayed until I was eighteen. I just got back last fall. Marines.”

“Welcome home.”

Knox smiled. “You too.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest. I wasn’t from Carolina Bay, but I’d spent enough summers here to feel as if I was local. I’d spent the rest of the time traveling between Nashville and Wilmington with my mother, until she passed.

So far in life, I’d been great at two things: singing and losing people I loved.

Colton circled the room, running his gaze over the windows and walls, lost in his evaluation. “We’ll start with cameras at all approaches. Motion sensors on windows and doors. Upgrade these locks.”

“I can handle the security installation,” Archer said. “Won’t take more than a day.”

Knox stopped in front of every window, maybe seeing what was visible through each. “Colton, run some background checks. Start with the ex-boyfriend. Then expand to anyone Harper has worked with in the past year.”

I slid my gaze to Archer. He’d already told them about Blake? I’d love to get a look at that text exchange.

He shook his head. “Colton’s good.”

Colton smiled. “I took a look through your social media while I waited on Knox. The ex was easy to find. You’ve got dozens of photos out there, and he’s still commenting on most of your posts. Can you get me a list of people outside your immediate circle who stay in your orbit?”

“Of course,” I agreed, a little baffled at how much my social media revealed about me when I barely visited the accounts.

“I’ll also trace the music box purchases,” he said. “There can’t be that many places selling painted music boxes that play “Only You.” Especially not close enough to deliver in Carolina Bay. Once I have a manufacturer’s name, I can see who they supply.”

My head spun trying to process their efficiency. Nashville police hadn’t given my problem thirty seconds of thought. These guys were creating an investigation on the fly.

I’d assumed their military training would benefit them as a security company, and in the event they faced physical danger. I hadn’t anticipated their synchronization or the way they formed a solid plan so seamlessly.

Months of impending doom slowly lifted from my chest and shoulders.

“Harper.” Knox’s voice pulled me back to the moment. “Archer mentioned adding a personal protection detail. Are you comfortable with that arrangement?”

I glanced at Archer, who stood with his arms crossed, watching me.

“Yes, but I’d like to know more about what that will look like.”