Page 13 of Ever After
“Finley got another letter. Whoever’s doing this either wants to scare her, or they’re serious. Either way, I want to get an officer to watch her place, day and night.”
She crosses her arms over her chest and narrows her eyes. “Hold up, Bowers. For all we know, this could be an elaborate scam she’s set up. You haven’t heard these calls, the tracker you said was on her car is now gone, and it’s fishy her office was broken into without the alarm being tripped.”
I grit my teeth and speak through them. “She’s not lying, Shaw.”
“How do you know? The boss isn’t going to allow resources to be used like this, especially with the case open. Her office happens to be broken into the night Nick Genova dies, and she happens to have been on his payroll. She also happens to get a crazy new patient that gives her information about a shipment. It all seems to be working out too easily.”
Shaw doesn’t know Finley. Hell,Idon’t know her that well, but I do know she wouldn’t lie about something like this. She was always sincere in school and too shook up the other night for it to be fake. I doubt she’sthatgood of an actress.
“She was scared, and her body language portrayed the same. You know I’m good at reading people. I don’t think she was pulling a fast one on me.”
Amelia’s stance relaxes, and she takes a deep breath. “Fine, but I don’t think you’ll be able to get the protection for her. Maybe if tonight goes as planned, you’ll have a better shot. You’re coming, right?”
I smirk and nod. “I wouldn’t miss it. I hope to toss a couple of these fuckers behind bars. I need to meet with Finley and get that note from her to get it back to forensics. I’ll be back in a bit.”
I leave before she can get another word in and race to Finley’s. She’s not there yet, so I wait patiently in my truck. I watch the cars zoom by on the street as I drum my fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the music. I’m becoming impatient and pick my phone up to text her as she pulls into the spot next to me. I turn the engine off, get out, and walk to her door, opening it for her.
She looks up at me, surprise splashed across her features, and her cheeks flush. She stands and digs through her purse, taking the folded note out of it, and holds it out for me.
“Allie doesn’t know this was left in the office. I’m the only one who’s seen it and touched it. So, I’m hoping they can get something off of it.” She tries to push it into my hand, and I take a small step away.
“Hang on, let me get a bag out. I can’t touch it.” I reach into my back pocket and unfold an evidence bag, handing it to her to slide the paper inside. “What does it say? I can look at it back at the office when I have gloves.”
She fidgets with her purse strap and tucks her hair behind her ear. “It says, bitches who can’t keep their mouths shut get it shut for them and that I’d make a nice addition to the business.”
My heart hammers in my chest. This is more than an idle threat, this is serious. She has a target on her back. “Shit! Finley, I want you to get over to my place right away.”
I can’t control myself and the urge to protect her. I feel the stress and anxiousness rolling off her and enveloping both of us. She’s stiff, muscles frozen, breaths coming out in small pants. No, she’s not going to do this. I won’t let her break down. I place my rough hands on her soft, delicate cheeks and lean down to kiss her. It’s urgent, it’s passionate, and it’s over too quick. I want more, and my body screams at me to take it.
She pulls back and looks up at me. Her hands have settled over mine, and the electricity circling around us is intense. Her gray eyes sparkle, and she licks her lips—the plump lips I just stole a kiss from. Fuck, I want more. Her scent fills my nostrils, and I drop my forehead to hers, placing my hands on her shoulders.
“I’ve wanted to do that since last night.” She smiles, and the blush in her cheeks darkens. “Can I take you on a real date? Tomorrow? We can start fresh. I’d enjoy getting the chance to know you.”
Her smile widens, and I sense she’s holding back her excitement. “I’d like that very much, Grayson.”
“Good. Now, get over to my place and stay put. I have a bunch of beer in the fridge, and there’s food in the house. Help yourself.”
“I’ll head over in a little while. I have a couple of things I need to finish first. I’ll make sure to text you when I get there, though. What’s the code for your garage?”
“One-six-five-two, enter. Get there as soon as possible. I don’t want you hanging around here. Let me get this back to the office, and I’ll meet up with you later. I’m heading over to the drop location from the station. I’ll keep you posted.”
I swipe my thumb along her plump lips, and she parts them, pushing a gentle kiss to the pad of my thumb. It’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, and I start imagining where else her lips could be. I want to kiss her again. I want to feel her soft lips on my skin. I drop my hands instead and take a small step away from her. “Bye, Finley.”
“Bye, Grayson.”
Chapter Seven
Finley
I’m almost packed and ready to leave. The last thing I need to grab is my laptop. Butterflies have been creeping up all day as I’ve thought about staying with Grayson. I shouldn’t be this nervous to sleep over at his house. It’s not like I’ll be sharing his bed with him. Unless he wants to. I spend half an hour looking for appropriate pajamas for the night. I don’t want to come across as trying too hard and finally settle on a silky pair of capri bottoms and a tank top that matches.
Someone pounds on my door, and I cover my mouth, keeping the scream at bay as the unexpected noise startles me. My nerves are shot after the latest letter, and I received another phone call that I have yet to tell Grayson about. I knew he was going to the tracks tonight, and I didn’t want to worry him. I look out the peephole and see two large men with masks outside my door.
I stumble backwards and cover my mouth, trying to stay as quiet as possible.I should have left here sooner. I grab my laptop and, as quiet as possible, try to open the window. The damn thing has been known to stick from time to time, and I don’t want it to squeak. If I can get out of my condo, I can get down to my car and out of here—or at least run for help.
I sling the computer bag over my shoulder and move to open the window when my door flies open, the wood splintering around the lock. The two large, masked men walk through. My heart is pounding in my chest, and I can’t get the damn window open because my palms are sweating. I push up hard, and it pops. I scramble to get my body out of the window, but one of the men grabs my leg and holds tight, yanking me.
I kick back, trying to free myself from his vise-like grasp. “Let go of me!” I scream, kicking mercilessly. He drags me halfway through the window, and I reach out, holding tight to the fire escape bar outside. I refuse to go down without a fight. I feel another set of hands reach through and grab my arms with enough force I lose my grip.