Page 62 of Rafael

“BOLO?” Amelia asked.

“Be on the lookout,” Shelby said. “And he was in your shop, looking for antiques?” She shook her head. “That doesn’t make sense. You’d think he’d be laying low to keep from getting caught and sent straight back to jail.”

“Why would he ask about antiques if he was on the run?” Gisele shook her head. “You’re right. It doesn’t make sense.”

“If you see him, call 911. He got out on good behavior and a few pulled strings, but he was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon.” Shelby held Gisele’s gaze. “Consider him dangerous.”

Gisele’s gut clenched.

Shelby turned to Rafael. “I wasn’t too keen on you hanging out with our girl, Gisele, given your reputation with women.”

Rafael nodded. “I get that.”

Shelby’s lips pressed together in a formidable line for a pregnant woman. “But I’m willing to grant you grace as long as you keep her safe until this Caney dude is back behind bars.”

“What about the other two guys?” YaYa asked.

Shelby frowned. “What other two guys?”

YaYa filled the deputy on hers and Amelia’sencounter with the men interested in the Mamba Wamba building and the missing Roland Caney.

Shelby got on her radio and reported the two suspicious men also looking for Caney. When she’d completed the call, she turned back to Gisele. “I’m worried about you.”

Gisele snorted softly. “Frankly, I’m a little worried about myself, as well.”

“You can’t stay at your apartment while Caney is at large,” Shelby said. “If you want, you can come stay with me.”

Gisele shook her head. “If I’m in any kind of danger, and someone comes looking for me, that danger could impact whoever I’m with. Thanks, Shelby, but no. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you or your baby.”

“You could stay with me,” YaYa said. “Lord knows, I’m not pregnant. I’m not a candidate for immaculate conception. It’s been a long time since I got laid.”

“You could stay with me,” Amelia said. “I’m not pregnant and don’t have kids.”

Rafael squeezed Gisele’s hand gently. “She’s staying with me.”

Gisele drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Rafael glanced down at her and amended, “If that’s all right with you.”

She’d conducted a conversation with a man who’d been convicted of aggravated assault. Not only was itall right that Rafael insisted she stay with him, butbeing with the Navy SEAL was theonlyplace she felt marginally safe.

She met his gaze and nodded. “Yes, please.

CHAPTER 13

Rafael hustledGisele out to the parking area, remaining hyper-aware of everything around them. He’d had a bad feeling about the man in her store that afternoon and could kick himself for not standing between them instead of to the side.

Had he been armed, Caney could have hurt Gisele before Rafael could have stopped him.

Once Gisele was safely buckled in the passenger seat, Rafael climbed into the driver’s seat, pulled out his cell phone and started to call Remy. Before Rafael hit send, he remembered his regional lead was on a project in New Orleans, as was most of the team.

He scrolled through his favorites, hit the number for Hank Patterson and put the call on speaker.

The founder of the Brotherhood Protectors answered on the first ring. “Romero. What’s happening?”

“Got you on speaker with Ms. Gautier in the vehicle with me.”

“Ms. Gautier, Hank Patterson. I hear you had a break-in.”

---