Page 77 of Magnetic God

“Drive safe.”

She ends the call and I do as she said, focusing on the road. By the time I get to her house, I’m feeling a bit better. Matt is a cop, and a lot of the people who live around him are in the police force, too. Honestly, it makes sense that their new neighbor is a retired cop. And, if Senator Ryans is having me followed, surely no one would try anything with so many officers around. That’s what I tell myself, at least.

Jess, Matt, and a guy I don’t know are standing in front of the garage when I pull into her driveway.

“Hey,” I greet everyone as I get out.

“I filled Matt and Gabe in.” She points to the guy I don’t know. “Gabe definitely thinks you should file a police report.”

He nods. “Threats like that shouldn’t be taken lightly, ma’am.”

My cheeks are warm. “I’ll think about it. It just scares me because the guy is kind of influential. And, please, call me Hannah.”

“Nice to meet you, Hannah. Gabe Ferrums.” He points to the white pickup truck parked in front of Jess’ house. “I’m just going to stay out there until Matt and Jess get home. If you need anything, just holler.”

Jess says, “We left his number on the fridge, too.”

“I feel bad that you’re going to have to sit out here. Would you at least come in for dinner? I make a mean spaghetti.”

His dark eyes light up. “Spaghetti sounds great, ma’am. I can’t tell you the last time I had a home-cooked meal.”

Jess makes a sound in the back of her throat. “Well, if I had known that, I would have invited you over, Gabe!”

Matt snorts. “Babe, I like the guy. Let’s not try to kill him with your cooking right off the bat.”

I laugh, too, because Jess, god bless her soul, can burn water.

Jess glares at her husband. “Careful, or this date night will be over much earlier than planned.”

He holds up his hands in surrender but is still grinning.

I say to Gabe, “We better get out of here before these two crazy kids change their minds.”

Jess calls out, “Jeffie is asleep, but will probably wake up in a few hours for a bottle. It’s in the fridge.”

I wave my hand in acknowledgement and make my way into her house. Gabe follows at a respectful distance.

“Is there anything I can help you with?”

“No, no. Feel free to sit in the living room.”

“My mother would never forgive me if I did that. May I at least keep you company while you cook?”

I smile. “That would be great.”

In the kitchen, I pull out the items I need. Since I often cook at Jess’, I know where everything is.

“Jess mentioned you’re her oldest friend,” Gabe says as he takes a seat at the island. “When did the two of you meet?”

“Oh, gosh. We’ve known each other since grade school.”

His eyes light up. “So you knew Peter, then.”

My chest pulls at the mention of Peter. “I did.”

“He was a good guy.”

“That he was.” I let out a small laugh. “It’s strange. I haven’t thought of Peter in a while.”

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