“What happened when you left my house on Sunday, sassy?” I ask, putting bass in my voice.
Turning, she looks at me wide-eyed. She licks her chapped lips, and I wonder what kind of hell she’s been living.
“The messages started,” she croaks.
I walk toward her. “The what?”
“The FB messages. The shit they said. They want me dead for snitching, and they threatened to hurt my family to get the point across. Remember that day at the zoo?”
The words connect. A tidal wave of anger washes over me. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I wasn’t going to put Rolly in danger. I already got you shot. I can’t do that again. I won’t be that person. I’m not a damsel in distress.”
Her words stun me. “I never once said you were.” I rush forward and grip her shoulders, giving her a shake. “I don’t blame you, and you shouldn’t either. If we hadn’t walked together, I might be dead because there’d be no one to help me. Have you ever thought of that? Did they mention Rolly by name?” I dig my fingers into her flesh and fight the urge to shake her again.
Blinking slowly, she shakes her head from side to side. Relief seeps in. “I can’t believe you’d keep this from me.”
“I was thinking about Rolly.”
“At the expense of yourself? No, that’s bullshit. I can keep both of you safe. Do you have so little faith in me?” The thought hurts.
“No.” Her eyes glisten. “I know you so well. You’d put yourself in harm’s way for us.”
“Damn straight. Do you know why? Because that’s what a man does for the people he loves.”
“No.” She tries to pull away, and I hold her tighter.
“Yes. I love you, Quinn Scout Fleming.”
She covers my hand as the tears roll down her face. “I love you, too.”
“Promise me you will never do this shit again. If they’re trying to intimidate you, the last thing you should be is alone. Has anyone come by?”
“No. I don’t think so. I’ve been terrified every time I leave my house. I’m constantly looking over my shoulder and scanning my immediate area. I don’t even sit with my back to doors anymore.”
The picture she paints is grim.
“Did you call Detective Kunes?” If he left her high and dry like this, we’re going to have words.
“No. What if they find out and get even more pissed off?”
She’s not a woman who’s easily rattled, but this is preying on the scars left behind by a very recent and traumatic event. Seeing her like this infuriates me on her behalf.
“Pack a bag. You’re coming home with me.”
“No, I can’t do that.” She grips her throat.
“It’s not a request, Quinn.” I stare her down, willing her to argue with me. “I refuse to take any chances with you. You’d do the same thing for me, so stop being stubborn. We’re both going to contact Detective Kunes and see what our next step should be. You promised me were in this together, remember?”
She attempts to smooth down her wild mane. “I remember.”
“Good, then you’ll let me make good on that promise now.”
She sucks in her cheeks and then releases a breath. “I’ll pack.”
I rest my forehead against hers. “I know you’re independent. I’d never dream of trying to take that away from you. But we all need help sometimes. This is over both our heads.”
“You’re right. I just ... with Rolly there I panicked.”