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“What makes you think you’re staying? It’s late. I was having a bath listening to an audiobook when you started throwing rocks at my window.”
“I called and pounded on your door but you didn’t answer. The rocks were Bob’s idea.” He stared at her. “I’m open to a bath if you want to get back in.”
Her cheeks went pink. “I’m finished.” She turned on her heel and went to the fridge.
He pulled off his jacket as he looked around her apartment. He hung his coat on the back of the stool at the granite-topped island and then started into the living area but stopped. “Why do you have a string of pots hanging across your balcony door?”
“Oh um, well, I…” her voice died out and her cheeks got pinker. “Someone broke into my place last night.”
Flynn’s heart stuttered. “I’m sorry… what?” He started toward her. “Someone broke in here last night,” he growled, “and this is the first time you’re mentioning it?” She had backed up until she was leaning against the fridge door, staring up at him.
She licked her lips. “It’s not anyone’s business, is it?” She raised her chin as if to challenge him. “And I did mention it this morning when I made reference to the candle.”
“Tell me what happened,” he demanded.
“Fine.” She sighed. “I woke up because I smelled lavender. I hate lavender. I don’t own anything that would smell that way. I got up to investigate and there was a lavender candle lit on my coffee table with a note addressed to me telling me to stay out of Astrid’s murder.”
Flynn stared at her. Someone knew she was poking around. “Did you call the police? Tell Jason?”
She hesitated. “No.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Why not? Someone just broke into your place and threatened you. Why not ask for help?”
“Jason had been at my place earlier—”
Flynn’s gut tightened. “Why the fuck was Jason here? It had to be late because you were at the party until after eleven. What was he here for?”
“He came because I called him to tell him about the paint.”
“And he couldn’t take that information over the phone?”
She swallowed. “I left him a message and he showed up.”
“I’m sure he did,” Flynn grunted. “Go on. So why didn’t you call for help?”
“I guess I just thought it would be silly to call him back and show him a candle. I mean it’s not exactly the most threatening thing… and with the storm and everything, he already had a lot on his plate.”
Flynn rubbed his face with his hands. She was lying to him. He hated being lied to.
“Harper,” he said, his voice low, “if we’re going to work together, you need to tell me the truth. Why didn’t you call for help?” he demanded as he put a hand on the fridge on either side of her head.
“Are we going to work together?”
He didn’t want to, but it appeared cooperation might be necessary. “Yes,” he grunted.
She stared at him. “Fine. Because I was super pissed off. How dare they break into my house and threaten me? I’m not some shrinking violet. Sending me a note with a candle scent that I find annoying isn’t exactly scary. It’s just fucked up. I figured I would just keep doing what I’m doing and the hell with them.”
“The hell with them…” Was she serious? Did she not get it? “Harper your niece’s friend is dead. This isn’t something you can protect yourself from on your own. You need help.”
“And I suppose you’re going to give it to me? You’re going to keep me safe?”
He gritted his teeth. “Better than a bunch of pots can. I want you to move into the Manor where I can keep an eye on you.”
“I can take care of myself. I don’t need twenty-four-hour surveillance. Don’t be silly.”
He knew she couldn’t be this obtuse. Just stubborn. There was no way he was going to leave her on her own. No way in hell. “There’s a killer out there. Now isn’t the time to play action hero. You need help.”
“Are you for fucking real? I lived in New York City for years on my own.” She started poking him in the chest with her finger. “Took the subway at all hours. Ate muggers and businessmen with wandering hands for breakfast. Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do. You’ve got no right,” she snarled.
