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“Were they able to get anything from the cameras?”
Behind me, Lawrence shrugs. “I pulled up the feed on the computer, but had to email the video. Whoever threw the hammer, I don’t know how, but they knew where the cameras were. Knew where to stay in the shadows. So, the cops are using their resources to try and lighten the frames.”
If Lawrence never told anyone about the cameras, the person must have cased his house. Visited on other occasions and scoped out the place. Much as I hate Kelli, I don’t think she has the wherewithal to execute such a task.
Or does she?
Not that a Langston has the need to rob or blackmail. I don’t know their wealth status, but I would venture to guess there is more than one comma in their bank accounts.
No diss against my boyfriend, but why would Kelli be so adamant about staying with Lawrence?
He broke it off several times, yet she kept him on a short leash. Didn’t let him move on. Why? She doesn’t strike me as overly affectionate. I’d bet my savings there isn’t a romantic bone in her body.
So, again… why?
“Theories are running circles in my head,” I tell Lawrence.
He kisses my temple. “Like what? At this point, I’m open to all possibilities.”
“Before we started seeing each other, nothing outlandish happened to either of us.”
His head bops side to side. “True.”
“Us dating interrupted someone’s plan.”
“Plan?”
“Not sure what the plan is, but the change pissed someone off.” I lay my hand over his. “Kelli may be a part of said plan, but I don’t think she’s the mastermind. She doesn’t pull the strings. I think Kelli was just a distraction. Someone to divert your attention.” The more I say aloud, the more sense it makes. “Why else would she not let you go?” I twist to face him better. “Not that I’ll ever let you go.” I laugh. “But you broke it off how many times? A woman like Kelli would take rejection, smear it with a new beau, and flaunt her happiness in your face.” Lawrence stares off into the distance, eyes glazed over. “Tell me I’m wrong and I’ll drop it.”
The sun rises in the skyline, the clouds shifting and dissipating. Meanwhile, Lawrence absorbs my theory. Mulls over it from every angle. Brows pinching, then widening, then pinching again.
I don’t know his exact thoughts, but if I were him, I would be hurt. Not only is the woman who he dated going off her rocker, but things at work are in shambles too.
Which reminds me…
“Did you get the details from Glen?”
Blinking away the fog, his eyes drop to mine and he nods. “Yeah. I was looking it over when everything happened. Hadn’t gotten far, but it’s not looking good.” His head tips back and rests on the lounger, a heavy sigh on his lips. “I need to call Ted. Talk with him face to face. Tell him what I found. Then, we need to fix this. Fast.” His eyes close as he lifts a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Before the news gets out an employee embezzled client money. Fuck.”
This isn’t just bad. It is an epic pile of elephant shit.
What I don’t get is how this is all connected. Because it has to be. No way these incidents—his work and all the crazy shit that has happened to us both since we got together—don’t tie together with a pretty bow. Question is, how?
Wish I had the answers. Until they are in my hand, I refuse to stop digging. Until I have answers, Kelli Langston has a new stalker on her hands.
Game on, bitch.
Chapter Sixteen
LAWRENCE
What is worse than calling your boss to ask for a private, undisclosed meeting? Seeing him outside when you pull into his driveway, arms crossed over his chest, jaw clenched and mouth in a straight line.
Theodore Osborn doesn’t have an intimidating bone in his body. It is a rare occasion to not see a smile on his face. He volunteers at the food bank and donates to charities for families and children. The man has done more good in the last five years than I have done in my entire adult life.
Theodore Osborn may be a spectacular human—forgiving and gentle and kind—but I don’t picture him reacting well to a thief in the company. His company.
I sure as hell wouldn’t.
