Page 34 of The Finder

“Oh, come on. I shop here all the time. Got to keep my love life interesting,” she said with a grin.

“Ew,” Emma said. “That’s TMI.”

Madison just laughed. “Come on, or I’ll make you talk to Garrett again.”

Emma felt her face heat up. “No way.” There was no way she was having Madison call Garrett and tell him she refused to shop at Victoria’s Secret. She had no idea what he’d say to that, and she didn’t want to find out. Emma let Madison help her pick out some bras and underwear. She drew the line at some of the crazier pairs Madison tried to talk her into. They finished and checked out.

When they came out of the store, the guys were waiting for them. Kyle was on the phone, but when he spotted them, he came over and handed the phone to Emma. Emma took the phone and put it up to her ear. “I used the card and bought stuff, I promise,” she said.

“Good,” Garrett’s voice sounded. “Did you find everything you need?”

“Yes, thank you,” Emma said.

“Did Madison take you into every store in the entire mall?” he asked dryly.

Emma smiled. “That’s exactly what happened.”

“I figured. That woman loves to shop. Where did you just shop?” he asked.

“I can’t tell you that,” Emma blurted out and felt her face heat up once again.

She heard a low chuckle in the phone that warmed her insides. She didn’t think she’d ever heard Garrett laugh before today. He was always so serious. “Then I’ll have to just imagine what it was,” he said in a low voice. Emma had no idea how to respond to that. “I had a question for you,” Garrett continued, oblivious to her struggle. “If your step-brother were to disappear for an extended period of time, where would he likely go?”

Emma gripped the phone tightly. “Are you trying to find him?” she asked as panic flooded her. “Garrett, don’t do that. He’s dangerous and his friends are dangerous. Please don’t.”

“Emma, there’s nothing to worry about. Your brother is not a threat to me,” he said.

“No, you don’t understand. He’s, he’s different, not like normal. I don’t know how to explain it,” she said in a low tone, not wanting to draw attention to her conversation.

“Emma, listen to me,” Garrett said in a deep voice. “I need you to trust me. I can take care of myself. I work out for hours every day. I’m not worried about your punk of a step-brother. Have some faith.”

“I just don’t want anything to happen to you,” Emma blurted out, then continued awkwardly. “Or anybody else, of course.”

He chuckled again. “I appreciate your concern, but there’s nothing to worry about. Now, any ideas?”

Emma listed off some of the places her brother would frequent for long periods of time. “Thank you,” he said. “Emma, one more thing before I let you go. If he’s not here, there’s a very good possibility that he’s trying to track you down. I want you to be super careful. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Don’t go anywhere without the guys. Let them always go outside first or step out of the car first. They’re highly trained and will protect you from anything, but you have to let them do their jobs okay?”

Emma nodded before she remembered he couldn’t see her. “Okay,” she said softly.

“I’m not saying this to scare you, but just so you are prepared and safe. Kyle has orders to pick up a phone for you today with all our numbers in it. If you ever feel unsafe or something or someone seems out of place, you call immediately. Okay?” Garrett said.

“Okay,” Emma said softly. Fear was starting take hold of her again.

“Everything will be okay, I promise. Just stick close to the guys,” Garrett said.

“I will,” Emma said. “Just,” Emma paused. “Just be careful.”

“I will,” Garrett said.

“Hey Garrett,” she said quickly, remembering what she wanted to ask him. “I was wondering,” she paused a moment trying to get up the courage. “You remember my friend Amy and her little girl Olivia?” He didn’t respond, and Emma rushed on. “I was just wondering if maybe it would be possible, if you don’t mind, of course...”

“What is it, Emma?” Garrett asked.

“Do you think they could come stay with me in the house until they get on their feet?” she rushed through her question.

“I already took care of it,” he replied.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

---