Page 65 of Noel Secrets

She bit at her lip, then rushed out, “Did you deliver the notes to try to get me to turn to you and date you?”

“Addie, you don’t know me very well, but I would never do anything to scare or hurt you.” He tried to smile. “I’m in the business of protection, actually.”

“I had such good vibes about you, but why would the notes start the second night we met? And the second one was a picture of you and me. It makes no sense.”

“Addie.” He eased closer. “Aiden has one of the top security teams in the world. If you don’t trust me to help you, please consider hiring one of his guys or Sutton Smith’s, or hire a respectable and highly-recommended firm like theirs. I know the police will do their best, but they can be spread thin with a busy caseload and these are serious threats.”

She studied him with those big blue eyes. “I know they are.”

Movement drew his attention. It was at his ten o’clock, coming around the side of the building. Not the usual shopper, but two men moving purposefully. He whirled and placed himself between Addie and the threat, backing her into the building. His concealed 9mm would make quick work of them, but he waited and assessed, not ready to reveal he was armed in a public space with children not far away.

The men were both younger than him, with slicked back hair. Fit. Determined. Plain clothes detectives, FBI, or criminals after Addie trying to look like law enforcement.

“Captain Price Sanderson.” The dark-haired man on the right moved his coat to the side and revealed a badge. “Detective Jason Thayne.” He tilted his head. “Detective Treyson Moshe. It’s an honor to meet you, sir, but we do need to ask you a few questions.”

He didn’t mind talking to the police, but what was with the drama? An honor to meet him? So they’d researched him and knew about his Distinguished Service Award.

“I’m happy to answer any questions,” he replied, “but Miss Belle needs police protection and an escort home.”

“We have personnel in place,” Moshe said. He tilted his head to the side.

Price nodded to them. He wasn’t being arrested, but they would question him, probably for hours. He’d be happy to oblige, if it could ensure Addie stayed safe. The problem was he didn’t know anything and wouldn’t be of much help. Unless she asked him to protect her.

She was different tonight. Shaken. What had happened in her past to let her know that a threat could easily turn into more?

He focused on her. “I pray you can be safe and they find the perp.”

“Thank you.” She bit her lip. “I’m sorry. Their captain wanted us to see if I could draw anything out of you.”

“You’re wearing a listening device.” It wasn’t a question.

She nodded, looking guilty.

“You truly suspected me?” That was a kick in the pants, but he shouldn’t have been surprised. She’d said as much earlier, but he wanted to hear it clearly. He had too few details and too few experiences with women since his failure of a marriage, but he recognized this mess meant he wouldn’t be developinga relationship with Addie. That stung, but his concern for her overrode his own desires.

“I don’t have any idea what to think,” she said.

“That’s understandable.” His neck muscles tightened. Any hope he might’ve had regarding this impressive lady was stolen. “Take care, Addie.”

He turned and walked toward the policemen. Two other uniformed officers came and escorted Addie in the opposite direction. He couldn’t stop himself from watching her go. He’d imagined they could develop a relationship. That they had a connection. That she was special.

Now he could only let himself be concerned with her staying safe from some faceless threat.

If only he didn’t want to date Addie as well. Clearly, that ship had sailed.

Chapter Five

The policemen escorted Addie home and checked her house. After the first threat, they’d suggested some commercially available security system and monitoring. She’d taken money from her savings, and the cameras and sensors were functioning properly according to the detectives. They assured her that patrols would come by and urged her to call if she heard or sensed anything out of place.

She wrapped up in a blanket and sank onto her couch, drained. She hated the way she’d helped set Price up. Over the past few days, the detectives had brought in Raymond, Trey, Isaac, and a few other men from the gym and her work for questioning. They’d even gone to the prison to chat with Jamison. Apparently that was all ‘above and beyond’ what they’d normally have time for.

Still nothing. No leads. No red flags. After the note last night, they’d checked deeper into any emails or letters Jamison may have sent, seeing if someone could be helping him terrify her to either hurt her or scare her away from testifying on January fifth. Still nothing. She still believed Jamison had something to do with the photos and notes, but she couldn’t do much without proof.

When the police saw the photo of her and Price last night, their captain got involved and declared he wanted to try something different with a security expert like Price. Detective Thayne had a case of hero worship going on with Price because of Price’s job with Aiden Porter and his fancy medal from the Navy. He didn’t dare defy his captain. He assured her they weren’t arresting Price. She’d agreed to meet Price tonight, wear a recording device, and see if he revealed anything.

He had revealed something. That he cared about her and was a good guy. And now she’d ensured they’d never have a relationship. She’d betrayed Price’s trust after he’d treated her so kindly. He’d made certain the police were planning to escort her home and told her to ‘take care’.

The look in his dark eyes ripped at her. He’d been saying goodbye. Of course he had. She was in a dangerous situation, and she’d not only accused him of sending the notes to try to get her to hire him but had helped the police set him up.