Page 18 of Just My Ex

Her mom used to love me. It might work for her to talk to Quinn, maybe talk her into accepting my help.

Of course, Quinn used to love me, too, and look where we are now.

Quinn has started arguing, and I catch bits and pieces of the conversation on the wind. Phrases like, “But it’s Henry, Mom” and “I’m aware of that, but he’s not.”

What am I not aware of?

Finally, she ends the call, shoves the phone in her pocket and walks slowly towards me, loathing in her eyes.

It shouldn’t surprise me that there’s loathing in her eyes. But it does. Every time.

“I spoke with my mother.”

I nod, wanting to ask how she’s doing, but somehow, I know that won’t help the tension between Quinn and me.

“My mom told me she saw Raymond and feels it’s best, now that you’re here, to stay with us for a while.” She licks her lips, gazes up at the sky, and then looks at me. “I’m going to file a protective order against Raymond, and then, hopefully, when that goes through, I can go home.”

“Do not file a protective order.”

“Why not?”

“Because Raymond will be able to tell what state it’s filed in, and when he sees it’s from Colorado, he’ll know you came to the resort.” I take a breath. “Look. I think the protective order is probably a good thing but wait until you go home to file it.”

Her lips purse together tightly. She stares out over the water.

“I don’t know if they’ll grant it, though,” I continue on. “California requires there be threatening behavior, and they might not see all this as a direct threat.”

She doesn’t turn her head. “Mom said Raymond showed up at the hospital where she works. He pulled up alongside her as she was walking out of her shift. He was driving this.” Quinn removes her phone from her leggings pocket, taps on it, and then hands it to me.

I can’t tell for sure that it’s him because I can only see a shadowy outline of the back of his head. But I see vinyl lettering, in a polka dot, bubbly font, stuck to the back windshield of his car.

“Quinn Delfini Tate is a thief and in breach of contract. Visit www.justiceforRaymond.com. Venmo: Raymond.576.”

Out of shock, a laugh bursts out of me. It’s so ridiculous, it’s comical.

“Can you believe that? Mom suggested I tell you. She said he was acting strangely, and she didn’t get a good vibe from him. She’s glad we’re here at the resort.”

“I think she’s unsafe,” I say, my stomach plunging. “Can your mom come here, as well?”

“She can’t quit her job like I did. She’s staying with her brother. You know he’s ex-military, too. She’s filing a protective order herself.”

“Good. Except, please tell her to leave town if she sees anything else that’s concerning. Or even if she has any gut feelings that he might directly threaten her.” When Quinn nods, I continue. “This threatening vinyl on his car? Seems to me to be a new low. Did your mom say anything to him about where you are?”

“No. We should be fine here. Apparently, he kept insisting he just needed to talk to me. She told him to bug off.”

“That’s good.” I tamp down a smile. I can picture Quinn’s mom talking to Raymond like that. The thing is, this whole thing is not good. If Quinn and Navie were my actual clients, I’d have them in a plane by the end of the day to some undisclosed location, far away.

“Have you visited Raymond’s website?” I ask. “Please don’t visit the website.”

“I’m not going to visit the website! I realize that’s probably a security risk, too.” Her sigh is exaggerated. “Henry, I don’t like this. I don’t like having to rely on you or having you here with us. It’s … it’s not what I signed up for.”

I could agree with her. But mostly I feel relief that I can be here. Relief that I have at least some ability to help her.

“I’ll keep as much distance as possible, Quinn. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I’m sorry it’s come to this.”

She chews her bottom lip and shrugs a shoulder. “Me, too.” She blinks rapidly.

“Because this kind of thing is what I do for a living, can I ask a favor of you?”

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