She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not (The American Soldier Collection 8)

“I don’t need shit from you. Leave me alone, or I’m calling the cops.” She disconnected the call as she entered the lobby, dropping one bag she was carrying.

“Is everything okay, Ellie?” Lionel asked. He was the security guard on duty at night.

She looked up toward him as he helped her grab the bag that fell.

“Yes. Thank you for helping me. I lost my grip.”

“Sounds like a bad phone call. Is everything okay? Is that asshole ex of yours bothering you again?” Lionel asked. She gave him a soft smile. Lionel knew what had happened a year ago because his sister was a nurse at the hospital Ellie wound up in. His sister had provided care for Ellie, and Lionel visited her a few times.

“He just called me now. It is the first time, but I was trying to act tough.”

“Well telling him that you were going to call the police is a good thing. You should call that detective.”

“I will. Thank you for helping.”

“No problem. I’ll walk you out tonight if you’re staying late. No need to take any unnecessary chances.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“I insist. See you later.”

She headed toward the elevators with a heavy heart filled with concern. She should call Unc back and ask him what she should do.

Once she was in the privacy of her office, she collapsed down into her chair and held her head.

What am I going to do? I can’t keep living in fear like this. I can’t let Paul do this to me. Maybe getting that order of protection now is justified and a judge will issue it? I should have recorded the call. Shit.

It was times like these that she wished her uncle Brian was alive still. She wondered why he had to get caught in the middle of that robbery. Why him? Why did that gang of teens decide to do such a thing?

She picked up her phone and called Unc. As Uncle Brian’s best friend, Unc had taken over in protecting her, giving her advice, and she knew she could count on him. Unc more than likely felt guilty for not being there that night uncle Brian died. They were supposed to go out to an event together, but Uncle Brian was running late and said he would meet him there. He’d never made it.

Ellie dialed his number.

“Hey Ellie, what’s going on?”

“Well, I’m kind of freaking out.”

“What is it? Did something happen?”

She told him about the phone call.

“That son of a bitch. We’ll track him down. We’ll get him locked up.”

“Unc, you know as well as I do that isn’t going to happen. I have a lot going on right now in my life and with work. I won’t let his stupid texts and phone calls bother me. I just wanted someone to know. I’m going to send a text to Detective Ramirez as well.”

“Good idea. I’m glad that you called me and told me about Paul calling. The worst thing you could do is keep this all inside. I’m here for you. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do. I have some more things to talk to you about at lunch on Wednesday.”

“Oh no, sounds serious. Is there a man involved?”

“Maybe.” She felt that anxiety and fear lift slightly.

“Well then, maybe you should bring him along, that way I can meet him?”

She chuckled. “Nice try. I didn’t say I’m dating anyone. Not yet, anyway. It’s complicated. But I can’t talk now. I’ll touch base with you tomorrow.”

“Okay, you be sure to call me if that shithead contacts you. Also, call Ramirez and let him know about the phone call.”