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I patted his back. "I know you feel guilty, but it's not your fault. There's no way to tell if this has anything to do with you or your work." Even as I said the comforting words, my heart was heavy with shame because I knew they weren't true. This situation had everything to do with Guy and his business. But I couldn't bear the thought of him beating himself up over something he wasn't responsible for or had control over.
"I better call Carter and alert him to this." Guy scrolled through his contacts.
I looked away, knowing that getting involved in a criminal investigation would be good research as an author of mystery novels. I didn't want to risk it, though. And having to endure a private detail following me constantly would be a distraction. And Marcie's advance wouldn't keep me afloat for more than a few months. I needed to work peacefully so my novel would be finished and published on time.
There was no doubt in my mind I could take care of myself physically – all the money spent on martial arts lessons had never been put to use, but that didn't mean they'd been forgotten. The only thing an investigator would get from me is that nobody knew my intention to go to the zoo before receiving roses. And sure as hell, I didn't want to be shadowed by a private detective who'd been sent to make sure I was okay.
"Fuck!" Guy tossed his phone onto my couch. "Carter's off due to a family emergency."
"Who's Carter?" I asked.
"The lead investigator on our case."
"So, what does that mean?"
"It means I'm not letting you out of my sight. That's what it means. Now, go gather up a few things. Get your laptop. You can work from my place," Guy barked, picking up his phone and placing another call.
"Who are you calling now?"
"My security detail. I told them not to show up until six o'clock tomorrow morning. I'm moving it up. I want them at my place ASAP."
"Guy, this is ridiculous. I don't need a security detail."
"Yes, you do. Yes, we do. This is not something to play around with, Ariel. And that's final." He barked some more orders into the phone before ending the call and turned to me with a clenched jaw. "Now, let's see if anything is out of place or missing before we go. Hand me that pistol, will you please!" He tried to soften his voice, but I saw his worried scowl.
I rolled my eyes but led him into my bedroom. Guy had me stand in the hall while he went from room to room, closet to closet. Then he proceeded out to my deck to check — for what? I wasn't sure. Finally, I spoke up, "Look, Guy, nothing looks different than when I left – except for the wilted flowers. No one has been in here, I promise you."
"I haven't checked for bugs. There could be a secret microphone or cameras hidden somewhere. That's happened before…."
I sank into my couch cushions, "Oh, I guess I need to call Meagan and let her know…."
"At this point, her finding out about us is unavoidable. There's no better time to tell her we went out this weekend than now. Maybe, under the circumstances, she'd spare us her 'feelings' about her big brother dating her best friend." Guy said over his shoulder.
"Wish me luck." I placed the call as I observed Guy inspect every light fixture and look under every piece of furniture and behind the fridge. I shook my head and glanced at my watch. "No answer. And it's too early for her to be on her way over here."
"Probably out with that loser, Alex."
"You sound like the overprotective older brother." I teased, trying to lighten his mood.
Guy snorted and waved his hand, "Collect what you need for a few days until we can get things sorted out. I have to make a few more calls to my partners. I'll wait out here." Guy gestured toward the deck and slipped my Sig into the waistband of his jeans.
Deciding it was probably best to go along with his idea, I packed my suitcase full of clothes. Next, I gathered the photos and notes for the novel, arranged them in my laptop case, and snapped it shut. Finally, I found my backpack in the hall closet and filled it with some toiletries, my blow dryer, and chargers for my devices. When I found Guy, he was on the phone speaking in a hushed voice. He looked up at me and nodded.
"I'm ready," I said.
He hung up and slid his phone in his pocket. "Let's go. Let me go get my car. You stay in here and lock the door behind me."
I was incredibly grateful for everything Guy had done. He had set a part of me free that I'd been too afraid to explore. Even before this weekend, our time together had been fun. But I barely knew him. The mere thought of moving in – even for a short while – made me anxious. I breathed deeply to calm my nerves and appreciated that Guy wanted to protect me. Still, I didn't want to be totally dependent on him. "Look, I think it's best for me to drive my car."
"I thought we settled that already." He leaned down and kissed me on the top of my head.
So, I explained, "Don't you think having my own car would be best? Not just for going places while you're at work, but also in case of an emergency."
"Okay, sure. That makes sense. So let me help you load your stuff in your car, and you can follow me. I'll get you a visitor's pass so you can park in the underground parking lot. It's safer there."
We loaded my car, and he got into his. Rolling down the window, he waved and yelled. "See you at my place."
I gave him a thumbs up and got in, adjusting my mirror. Then, I planted my palm on my forehead. What was I doing? I smiled to myself and pressed my hands against the wheel. Suddenly, some pieces of the puzzle we were facing began falling into place. "Everyone in Guy's circle seems to be in danger, and maybe one is even the perpetrator," I whispered, “Wait! Stop! Danger!” Like Mom had taught me as a kid.
