“Finn—”
But the line was dead.
She made Oscar a bottle and fed him, his solid weight a comfort. But her nerves were on edge. She knew it was ridiculous, that no one cared what she was doing, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. No matter how adorable the tiny dog wearing a sweater was, or how funny the kids were on the playground, she couldn’t relax.
“That guy’s back,” said the woman on the bench next to her. Jessa glanced at her. “The big one you were talking to? He’s at the end of the path on his phone.”
“He is?” Her throat felt pinched. She shifted Oscar to her shoulder and patted him on the back.
Maybe he was a reporter? It made sense. Oscar was probably big news by now. But Finn’s reaction was a little extreme for a reporter—surely.
“No offense if he’s a friend of yours, but that guy is totally creeping me out.”
“So it’s not just me?” she asked, relieved. Oscar burped.
“No.” The woman sat her book down. “He’s watching you. Do we need to call for help?”
She shook her head. One quick glance told her the man was watching, his pale blue eyes hard and cold. He grinned, as if he knew she was aware of him. Pacing back and forth, he made no attempt to hide what he was doing. He seemed to enjoy the affect he was having on her. “Someone’s coming to meet me,” Jessa told the woman. “But thanks.”
“Think I’ll stay until they’re here,” she offered.
“Thank you,” Jessa murmured, on the verge of tears. Finn would be here. Soon. But then she remembered his telephone conversation, and what he’d said. I can protect them.
“Miss Talbot?”
Jessa winced, shielding Oscar with both her arms, hating how terrified she was. This man, though, however big and burly he was, didn’t have the same stalking factor.
“I’m Mr. Brown. Mr. Dean sent me.”
Her relief was instantaneous. “Mr. Brown, the man is at the end of the path.” She wanted to point, but she didn’t.
Mr. Brown didn’t turn his head. “I see him. And he sees me. It’s important that we get you out of the park before Mr. Dean gets here.”
“Should I carry Oscar?” she asked, standing quickly and slipping her purse onto her shoulder. “Did you find Greg?”
“He’s safer in the stroller,” he answered. “And I’m sure Greg is fine. Let’s go.”
She nodded, reluctantly buckling Oscar into his stroller. She smiled her thanks at the woman and hooked her arm through Brown’s. “I told him I was waiting for the baby’s father,” she explained quickly. Though honestly, she needed someone to hold on to.
Mr. Brown nodded.
Her hands were shaking, so he took over pushing the stroller. “You’re doing well,” he said. “Almost to the car.”
By the time Oscar was safely clipped into the car, Jessa was gasping for breath. She adjusted Oscar’s car-seat straps, then held on to his little foot. She wanted Oscar in her arms, back in Finn’s house. He yawned, his mouth forming a perfect ‘O’ before he drifted back to sleep.
She burst into tears, the panic she’d barely managed to hold at bay crashing into her. Was she losing her mind? No. The other woman felt the threat, too. But why had the man singled her out? Why wasn’t the car moving yet? When the passenger door opened, she bit off a cry.
“Jessa?” Finn’s voice was anguished.
She shook her head, covering her face with her hands. “He’s fine.”
“You’re not.” He climbed into the car and pulled her close, cradling her against his side. “But you will be. You’re safe.”
She nodded, turning into him—needing his strength. She hadn’t realized just how terrified she was until now. Finn’s arm was firm around her, his hand gripping her upper arm tightly. He felt good. Her nose pressed against the collar of his shirt, filling her nostrils with his heady scent. Maybe after a few hours of this, she’d be able to stop shaking.
His finger tilted her head back. “Look at me.”
She did, mesmerized by the anger that blazed in his eyes.