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The second I saw her, my world came to a crashing halt. Of course, I saw her beauty—it was unmistakable, but I also saw that whatever she was running from was bad. I wanted to gather her in my arms and protect her. At the same time, I knew I needed to find whoever had put those shadows there and then do what I did best.
I lifted my phone to call Ethan again.
“Hey, man. Yeah. She just left. Grace told her to go to Gladys’ inn. See if you can spot her and make sure she makes it there, okay?”
“I can do that.” He paused, and I knew what he was going to say next before the words came through my phone. “Are you sure about her?”
I watched until I could no longer see her back, her shoulders rounded as if she were trying to protect herself from something unseen. “Yeah. I really am.”
“Fuck, Brent. Alright. I see her. She’s a small little thing.”
She was at least a good foot shorter than both Ethan and I. I thought of her. Of the way she would fit between us so well that we would be able to protect her from anything, if she let us. “Yeah, she’s small.”
He chuckled. “You seriously think a girl like her would be okay with two huge men? What if it is a man that she’s running from? She might not even like men, you know.”
I thought of the connection I’d felt every time our eyes had met in the diner. Of the snap of electricity that had raced through my chest. It was her. I was certain. She was the only one I’d ever want between myself and my partner. “Give it a chance. That’s all I ask.”
His sigh came over the line, and then, just like I knew he would, he agreed. “Okay, okay. I trust you, babe. Do you want me to try to talk to her?”
I thought about it. I hated the thought of her walking out there all alone when he could give her a ride. “Maybe test the water. Offer her a ride. But don’t push her.” I warned him. I didn’t know if I could forgive him if he spooked her and ran her out of town before we had the chance to get to know her better.
He grunted. “Don’t be an asshole. See you later.” Then he hung up before I could add any threats.
Grace walked over once she saw me put my phone down. “She’s sweet. Running from something.”
“Yeah.”
“I know you and my boy have been wanting to add a woman. This one is special, Brent. Take care with her. I’m rooting for you.” She tapped her nails on the table. “Don’t hurt her.”
I tore my eyes away from the big glass window that she had walked past several minutes ago and jerked my head up to give Grace a look. “I would never hurt a woman.”
“There are more ways than physical violence to hurt a woman, honey. Just keep that in mind as you and my son pursue her. That’s all I’m saying.”
I placed my big hand over hers on the table and stared at her. I let her see what I was feeling, not only remorse for being harsh with her but also the sincerity I felt in my vow to never harm the girl.
“I don’t suppose you got her name before she left?”
Grace shook her head and looked out the window the same way I had done. “No. I didn’t want to push. I’m just glad she took my advice to head to the inn instead of that rancid motel.”
“I appreciate it.” I unfolded myself from the booth and looked down at the woman, who, for all intents and purposes, was my mother-in-law. Ethan and I may not have ever gotten married, but we were a solid couple, and we had been for years. Grace was my family. I wrapped an arm around her, giving her a hug.
“Talk to you boys later.”
“Bye, Grace.” I kissed her cheek and then walked out of the diner. I had paid my bill at the same time I paid the girl’s, so I didn’t have to wait to see if Ethan had stopped her down the street.
I stood next to my truck and watched Ethan talk to her through the window of his Mustang. He could use a cruiser if he wanted to, but the bastard hated the idea and only used his own car. Being one of the only detectives in town allowed him a lot of leeway. It also had him picking up cases that most detectives wouldn’t have to in a larger city. Like the domestic violence case last night.
I stuck my hand in my pocket and fingered the slip of paper there. As I watched the girl shake her head and back away, I clenched my fist around the piece of paper. Ethan waved to her and continued to sit in his car as she resumed her walk until she was just a speck in the distance. I didn’t blame her for not wanting to get into the car of a stranger, even if it was a police detective. That was a smart move on her part. But it didn’t stop my frustration from building.
I pulled the paper out of my pocket and smoothed it out so I could read the name and place of business again, even though I already had it memorized. There was only one way I knew how to ease some of the frustration simmering inside of me. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and dialed my foreman.
“Hey, Jack. I’m going to run some errands. I’ll be back at the site in just a bit. Yeah, okay.”
I thanked Jack, knowing he wouldn’t mind not having me staring over his shoulder as the crew worked on the building we were renovating. I climbed into my truck and started the engine, turning at the corner to head over to the law offices of one Matthew Banks. The fucker was a lawyer. One that took cases for the low-life scum that littered our streets. I had done my research that morning. He was just as dirty as those he managed to get off on technicalities, just to let them peddle more shit on the streets to unsuspecting kids.
I drove around the building, looking for cars, cameras, back doors, and anything else that could help or hurt me if I wasn’t so careful. His office was in a line of other businesses. A dentist, a florist, and a trading card shop. The flashy, red BMW parked at the side of the last storefront on the corner had to be his. Fortunately, there were no cameras to be seen. The fucker probably didn’t want any witnesses to the kind of people that came in and out of his fucked up law office.
I drove on, heading back to where I knew Ethan was still waiting. As soon as I pulled over and came to a stop, I saw him climb out of his black car.
