Page 41 of Colton On Guard

“Then come here.” Decision made, he asked her to stay on the phone while he went back to the gun safe and retrieved his pistol.

“What’s going on?” Spence asked. With Genna still on the phone, Parker filled him in. Once he had, Spence cursed under his breath before he also went to the gun safe and armed himself. “We’ve got you, Genna,” he said, loud enough for her to hear.

“How far out are you now?” Parker asked.

“Five minutes. And the car is still with me. They’re not even trying to hide it now.”

The slight tremor in her voice had him clenching his jaw. “Spence and I will be outside waiting for you. Pull up right in front of the building. And stay on the phone.”

“I will,” she promised.

Tense and trying like hell not to be, Parker jogged down the steps from the covered porch and waited for her at the edge of the parking lot. He wanted to be able to see her car the moment she turned into the driveway.

Right by his cousin’s side, Spence’s grim expression told Parker that he’d do whatever he had to, to help. If Genna’s stalker was foolish enough to follow her there, they’d make sure he never followed Genna again.

“There,” Parker said, pointing at Genna’s red car, just about at the driveway. And like she said, a black SUV followed right on her bumper.

When she turned, the SUV slowed but then kept driving on past.

As Genna pulled up and parked, Parker rushed over to open her door. When he did, she made no move to get out. Instead, she sat frozen, gazing up at him, her expression a mixture of relief and terror.

“Come here,” he said, his voice rough. He held out his hand. When she made no move to take it, he reached in and hauled her out of the car and into his arms.

“You’re trembling,” he said, smoothing her hair away from her face. “Are you okay?”

“No,” she admitted, clutching on to him as if she might fall. “Do you think that was the same person who broke into my house? What if it was the Fiancée Killer?”

“That’s highly unlikely,” Spence interjected, startling Parker, who’d managed to forget all about his cousin. “It’s not his normal method of operation. If you have a stalker, it’s someone else.”

The instant Spence spoke, Genna stiffened. She made as if to pull out of Parker’s arms, but he tightened his hold. “You’re still too shaky on your feet,” he murmured.

She reared back, glaring at him, but made no other attempt to move away.

“Well, well, well,” Spence drawled, grinning. “Is there something you two want to share with me?”

This comment did it. Genna stepped out of Parker’s embrace and shook her head. “Your cousin is just being kind to a friend,” she said, her tone daring either man to contradict her. “And I appreciate it greatly.”

Just then, the tote back on her front seat moved. A furry little head poked itself out and then barked. “JB!” Genna cried. “I hope you’re all right.” She reached into the tote and scooped the tiny dog out.

Spence’s brows rose. “What the heck is that?” he asked.

“Meet June Bug,” Parker replied. “Genna’s new dog.”

“JB for short,” she said, kissing her pet on the top of her head. “Isn’t she adorable?”

When Spence didn’t immediately respond, Parker elbowed him.

“She’s something else,” Spence finally said. “Um, Parker, don’t forget you brought that beast of a dog into work with you today. He looks like he could eat this one for lunch if he wanted to.”

Genna shook her head. “They’re already friends. Revis really seems to like JB and vice versa.”

“They’ve met?” Spence glanced from one to the other. “I thought you just got the dog yesterday,” he said, eyeing Parker.

Parker figured he might as well tell him. If he didn’t, he knew Lakin would. “Genna’s staying with me for a few days,” he said. “She and I went into Valdez, which is where the dogs came from. The shelter had them both listed as dog friendly, and so far that seems to be the case.”

Though Spence’s eyes widened, he simply nodded and refrained from commenting. Parker figured for sure he’d be peppered with questions later, when Genna wasn’t there.

“Let’s get you inside so you can sit down,” Parker suggested, taking Genna’s arm. “Spence’s group should be arriving soon, so unless you want to be put to work, maybe you should hide out in the break room.”