To Love and Protect (Must Love Diamonds 4)

“Did they catch the person?” she asked.

“No. They’re—”

His voice cut out as Dev’s phone beeped for an incoming call. The screen flashed Reyes’ name and number.

“You guys still there?”

“We’re here,” Dev said. “Rey is calling, probably to fill me in. I’ll call him back.”

“All right.” The sound of a blinker came from the microphone as Asher added, “I’m just turning in by Mom and Dad’s. I’ll let him know if I see him up at the house.”

“Thanks.”

“Let me know if you find out anything else,” Shelby requested. “I can’t believe people have the nerve to break-in when it’s already light out.”

“Bells, I called Dev because I talked to Dad already.”

“Okay…” His ominous tone had her searching out Dev’s gaze again. Her stomach tightened at the solemn intensity in his expression as her brother continued.

“Based on what they found, the cops said it doesn’t appear to be a burglary. I’ll look around some, but Mom and Dad will have to give the final word on that when they get back either tonight or tomorrow.”

“What exactly did the cops find?” she asked.

Asher hesitated, then gave a heavy sigh. “There was a rose and a bullet left on the end of the bed in both your room and Celia’s.”

Another chill skittered down her spine. “A rose and a bullet? What the heck does that mean?”

“There was also a note in your room that said, ‘Make the right choice.’”

She frowned as the word choice struck a memory she couldn’t quite grasp.

“With both Shelby and Celia’s rooms targeted, it’s looking more and more like this is political and aimed at your Dad,” Dev said. “Mark told me a major gun bill was coming up for a vote this week. He’s been getting a lot of pressure from activists to change his stance.”

“Yep,” her brother agreed. “Dad’s thinking the same thing, and the vote is today. That’s why he’s not on the way home already.”

Shelby shook her head, jaw set. “Dad won’t change his vote—at least he better not.”

“I think we both know Dad better than that. He’s already got someone on the way to Celia’s office for protection until this person is caught.”

“Good.” All of a sudden, the memory teasing the edge of her conscious materialized. Her eyes widened as she made the connection. “Dev—the note on my car at the hospital. It said one choice made the opposite way can be the difference between life and death. It’s gotta be the same person.”

He tilted his head slightly, as if considering the possibility.

“Listen guys,” Asher interrupted. “I’m sitting here in the driveway, so I’m going to let you go and get inside.”

Dev dropped his gaze to the screen. “Keep us updated.”

“Will do. You keep her safe.”

“You know I will.”

“Love you, Bells.”

“Love you, too,” she said before Dev disconnected the call while rising and heading over to his dresser.

Shelby swept the covers off her lap to swing her legs over the edge of the bed. “Do you think it could be the same person?”

“Probably,” he agreed as he grabbed clean clothes for the day. Shooting her a grimace over his shoulder, he asked, “Any chance I can convince you to lay low for the day?”