Page 62 of Embers of Torment

"Della, let's go to that empty table and talk," Braxton said, pointing to some seats a short distance away.

"Sure." I followed him and took a seat when he pulled out my chair.

Braxton sat across from me and removed a pen and a small notepad from his suit jacket. "Della, first, I want to confirm you're all right."

"It was a bit scary, but I'm okay."

"I'm glad to hear that, especially with all the strange incidents lately."

"Yeah, I haven't had the best luck. So now that we know Sofie's mother and that man are in cahoots, do you think it was them on the deck the night I babysat?"

"It's a strong possibility, but I can't be certain. Anyway, let's get started so you can all return to work. I need you to give me a detailed rundown of what transpired here this afternoon. Can you do that?"

"Yep. Where should I start?"

"From when you got here, including who you were with."

"Okay. I…umm…walked over here about noon with Sofie and Adam and sat with Jace. He was already here and waiting for us."

"What happened after that?"

"Jace had already gotten my lunch, so I stayed with him while Adam and Sofie went to the café. When I unwrapped mysandwich, I saw it wasn't what I had asked for, so I went inside to straighten it out. That was when I saw the guy. I was standing by the counter waiting for them to remake my sandwich."

"Where was the guy when you saw him?"

I spent the next ten minutes explaining what had happened, from when I spotted the man through the window to Jace chasing after him. I told Braxton I was sure he was the same person I'd bumped into in the plaza almost two months ago because he had the same build, and I recognized his red shoelaces.

After giving Braxton my statement, I rejoined the others and let Jace know it was his turn.

I quietly listened to Adam tell Reid how he had freaked out when he witnessed Jace run after the man. Reid said little in response, his arm firmly wrapped around Sofie's shoulder. I could tell Reid was worried and probably a bit shaken underneath his intimidating exterior. He worshipped Sofie, and she meant everything to him. He'd be devastated if anything happened to her.

When he finished giving his statement, Jace returned and advised Adam he was up next. Braxton brought him back to our table soon after.

"Reid, I've gotten what I need from these three. I still have to talk to Sofie, but we can do it here or in your office. What do you want to do?"

"Let's finish this up now rather than wait." Reid peered at Sofie, and she nodded.

"Sounds good." Braxton glanced at Adam, Jace, and me. "You can go, but before you do, I want to clarify that Della needs to be careful. This guy, whoever he is, and Sofie's mother appear to be targeting Reid and Sofie. Why they're doing it and what they're after, we don't know. But it's possible he's also interestedin Della, especially after taking his photo. I'm advising caution, so please be diligent."

"Della, why don't you take the rest of the day off," Sofie said. "You can finish what you were working on when you come in on Monday." Sofie turned to Reid. "You don't mind, do you?"

"No, that's fine. It's probably best." Reid focused on me, his expression stern. "Della. You need to heed Braxton's warning and be careful. Understood?"

"Yep, perfectly." I grabbed the take-out bag containing my sandwich and got up from the table. I put my hand on Jace's arm. "I'm walking home since Sofie's dismissed me for the day."

"I'm going with you. There's no way I'm letting you walk by yourself."

"But you have to go back to work."

"No, I don't. When I called Stuart earlier, he told me I could take the rest of the day off if needed. I have to let him know that's what I'm doing. Give me a minute." Jace stepped away and made a short call. Returning, he slipped his arm around my waist. "Ready to go?"

"Yep." I motioned to Adam. "Are you walking with us?"

"I might as well since you're going my way." Adam disposed of our trash and then rejoined us.

After several hasty goodbyes, Adam, Jace, and I walked back toward the office. When we reached the corner of our building, Adam went inside while Jace and I kept going. Jace was unusually alert, scrutinizing our surroundings and scanning the people we passed. When we arrived at our apartment complex, Jace led me to the elevators servicing my floor.

He held me as we waited. "I'll stay with you tonight. I realize Fridays are my night, but we'll switch it up and spend the night at your place."

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