Page 68 of Noel Secrets

All of that sounded reassuring, but it was overkill, and she knew Daphne. She’d request Price be her bodyguard and that would not only be uncomfortable for both of them, but it would be forcing Price into an awkward relationship. No. She wished she and Price had a chance, but it was over.

Besides, there had only been the two notes. She had cameras set up and the police were doing drive-bys. They’d questioned everyone she thought it might be. Maybe it would all blow over.

“I don’t need a bodyguard,” she insisted.

“What is a bodyguard’s favorite type of music?” Daphne asked.

“What?”

“Guard-ian rock.”

She gave a half laugh. The joke wasn’t that funny.

“Sis, please think about it and pray about it. I’ll pay for it.”

“I can pay for my own security. If I wanted it.” Addie had a good job. True, she wasn’t some top influencer who owned her own gym like Daphne, but she had savings and could pay for security if she needed it. Maybe. She had no idea what security might cost. If only she could hire Price. No. That was never happening.

“I know you can, but I want to do this for you.”

“No,” Addie said firmly. “I appreciate you, sis, but the police have been great. It will blow over. Plus I’m flying home in ten days. I’ll talk to Brex when I get there and he can help us with a security system or whatever he recommends.” She had bear spray on hand but wished she had a gun.

“I don’t like this,” Daphne said.

“Neither do I, but I’ll be fine.”

There was a long pause. Daphne tried to wait her out, but Addie could be as stubborn as her baby sister.

“I’ll keep praying and check back in tomorrow,” Daphne finally conceded.

“Thank you for your prayers. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Addie set the phone on the coffee table and stared blankly at the Christmas tree. She appreciated her sister caring so deeplyand knew if she called Jules or Emery or her parents, they’d be there for her and pray for her as well.

The shutters rattled in the wind, and Addie shivered and burrowed deeper into her blanket. She hated being fearful and cowering at home. Tomorrow she’d do something Christmas-y in the city. Gillian would do something fun with her if she asked. It wouldn’t be the same as Price or one of her sisters, but at least she had a loyal friend and could distract herself with a joy-filled Christmas activity.

If only she could go buy banana pudding, but that felt too special with Price. She and Gillian would find another treat. Treats were plentiful at Christmastime.

Addie felt marginally better. She prayed the note-leaver would leave her alone.

Chapter Six

Price slid the phone on. Finally Nick Jacobs was calling with an assignment. Price hadn’t wanted to leave Boston when there was a chance to grow closer to Addie, but that chance had died. She was in danger, and she not only didn’t want his help, but she’d suspected he orchestrated their first meeting and might be taking photos of her and writing despicable notes to get her to turn to him or hire him for protection. Addie would be relieved to know he was gone.

He’d been impressed with Thayne and Moshe. It hadn’t hurt that Thayne was in awe of him, his medal, and his job with Aiden.

The police were doing what they could to question anyone remotely suspicious and find a lead. They’d suggested a commercial company to install cameras for Addie on her front porch that would contact them, and the police had patrols driving by. He prayed she’d be safe, but after their last conversation, it was clear she didn’t trust him or want him involved in her protection.

“Price!” Nick’s upbeat voice came through the phone line. “Are you ready to get back to work?”

“Yes, sir.”

“We have an assignment right near your hometown.”

“Oh?” He wanted to get away from home right now, away from any chance to be near Addie. At least the chances of running into her were slim. He was staying far from Quincy Market and Magnolia Bakery. The detectives had revealed she lived on The Cape, which was an hour and a half from Boston.

“You know Brexten Cabella?”