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In two long strides, I'm at Gemma's side.
She turns, face bloodless, holding a slip of paper. I take it from her trembling fingers, fists clenching as I read the chilling words constructed from letters cut out of magazines.
You look so beautiful in that wedding dress, my darling Gemma. I can't wait to see you walking down the aisle toward me. We will be so happy together.
She searches my face with frightened eyes.
“Where did you get this?” I demand.
“It was in the fruit delivery that got unpacked today,” Gemma says shakily. “The housekeeper must have put it in the fridge.”
Gripping her shoulders, I make her look at me. “I'm right here. Nobody is coming near you.”
I keep my voice steady, showing complete confidence despite churning inside.
She nods, blinking back tears. I pull her into a brief, fierce hug before stepping away to case the residence systematically.
I check doors, windows, and surveillance feeds. Finding no apparent signs of a break-in does not calm me. No one gets in or out without me knowing, so how did this happen? My security measures are ironclad. There was no way an outsider breached the place undetected.
I think back on the case details viewed through this new lens. A picture starts forming that I don't like one bit. The stalker hasn't only bypassed physical security measures today. He also knew intimate details–like Gemma's dress shopping trip. An outsider wouldn't have access to her schedule.The awful truth dawns, sinking like a stone in my gut.
This implicates someone closer to home. Someone within the Caldwell inner circle. I don't have proof yet, but every instinct screams I'm right.And that changes everything. The threat just became more complex and dangerous. It's time to flush out this rat from the ranks and end this nightmare for good.
I step out onto the balcony for some air. Pulling out my phone, I call my brother Finn, former Marine and owner of Camelot Security, where I did my training before going solo.
He answers on the second ring. “I need to upgrade security on a protectee's residence. Top-of-the-line system across the board.”
Finn pauses, reading between the lines. “This the Caldwell job? Thought you said it was just precautionary.”
My jaw clenches. “Situation's evolved. I want motion sensors, hidden cameras, the works.”
“Who is this woman who's got you so wound up?” Finn asks bluntly.
“I told you, it's a job,” I say tersely.
“You can lie to yourself but can't bullshit me, brother. This isn't just a job.”The line goes silent.”And that's the problem, isn't it?” Finn says quietly. “That's why you're getting your panties in a twist. You're afraid.”
I bristle at the accusation. “I am? When did you get your psychology degree?”
Finn laughs. “I get it. I've got your back. And so does everyone at Camelot Security. We'll get to the bottom of this and keep your girl safe.”
I open my mouth to protest, but he cuts me off. “But you owe me one.”
I scrub a hand down my face. “Just get it handled, all right? And thanks, I mean it.”
“Anytime. We'll lock this place down tight.” Finn's voice shifts to all business. “I can have a team there first thing tomorrow to install–”
As we discuss technical details, I feel the vice around my chest loosen slightly. With Camelot on the case, there is no way this psycho breaches the fortress we'll make of Gemma's home. On my watch, he won't get near her again.
When I return to the kitchen, Gemma is staring into space, arms wrapped around herself. She looks small and afraid. The urge to take her in my arms is powerful. I want to stroke her hair, soothe away her fear.
I clear my throat. “I'm having a security system upgrade installed first thing tomorrow. But you should know the stalker wasn’t in your apartment.”
Gemma doesn't respond. I crouch down to meet her eyes. “Look at me.” I wait until she does. “I know you're scared, but I need you to trust me, okay? I've handled far worse than this.”
A smile touches her lips. “I don't doubt your abilities for a second.” She sighs heavily. “I feel so violated. It's like he's trying to insert himself into my life.”
She shudders at the thought. Inside, I am, too. This guy is obsessed with her, and obsession breeds unpredictability.
