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“You knew they wouldn’t kill you.” He kept his voice soft. Measured. “If they’d mistaken you for someone else, how would you know that?”
Gia’s eyes widened. “I didn’t.”
“You did,” he reminded her gently. “You told me.”
Fingers twisted together in a white-knuckled grip. Whatever fragile denial she’d been clinging to crumbled, her eyes going dull. “My ex sent them.”
Ex.
“Husband?”
“No, thank God. Ex-fiancé.” A bitter laugh slipped out. “I dodged that bullet.”
She winced. “Sorry. Bad choice of words.”
She was wound so tightly, he had the feeling that if he touched her again, she’d shatter.
Fiancé.
One who sent thugs to retrieve his prize.
How had a classy, educated woman like her ended up with a guy like that?
Probably the same way his mother had. A handsome, slick-talking liar suckered her into falling in love. Then used gaslighting and threats to keep her in line.
Unlike his mother, Gia had found the strength to leave.
Caleb suppressed a sigh. A restraining order wouldn’t do much.Hell, she might already have one.
She needed to file a police report. Document the threat.
And she needed protection.
He’d make some inquiries before he left tomorrow. See if the Navajo police would help. If not, there might be a local agency in Gallup orout of Flagstaff or Albuquerque that she could employ for a reasonable fee.
But he couldn’t stay.
Outside, headlights swept the front window.
A minute later, Gia’s door rattled beneath an impatient fist.
Chapter Four
Calebvaultedacrosstheroom in an instant, positioning himself beside the door. For the second time that night, instinct drove his hand to the shoulder holster beneath his arm.
Bare skin met his fingers.
His Glock was still in the Jeep. At the bar.
“Gia. It’s Zach.” A deep, urgent voice came from the other side.
“It’s okay.” Gia scrambled off the couch. “He’s a friend. Navajo Police.”
Friend or boyfriend?
Caleb’s fingers curled. Not his business.
Still, he stepped aside as she opened the door. If the guy was a police officer, he’d keep her safe. Handle the two goons from the bar if they came back. Maybe he’d know some local agency that could help Gia.