Page 57 of Guarded from Sabotage

I hate watching her go through this. Even though the asshole behind everything has been caught, it doesn’t take away the memories of what he did. And it’s horrible knowing no matterhow hard I try, I’m never going to be able to take them away from her.

It’s a lesson I learned from experience—some hurts are deep enough to leave a scar that lasts. A scar that gradually fades but never disappears.

But I can be there for her. Hold her when she’s upset. Reassure her when the guilt resurges. Watch movies and cook together and take her on special dates and trips, so we can create new memories to place over the bad ones.

Most of the time, I can focus on taking care of Sarah and ignore the anger still simmering inside me. Anger—no, fury—at that piece of garbage who targeted Sarah, who decided to tear her life apart, tried tokillher, all because of some sick obsession.

That’s what we learned after the police seized his computers, that he’d been obsessed with Sarah since she started working there. In hidden folders, he had meticulously recorded every part of her life, down to school photos and college papers and worst of all, images taken using her laptop webcam without her knowing.

When I think about him taking pictures of her, collecting hundreds of them, that’s when my rage gets close to boiling over. That’s when I fantasize about getting him in a room alone and making himreallyregret hurting my girlfriend.

But the reality is, Petrovic is in jail, the San Antonio police and FBI are using the evidence we gave them to build their case, and that’s going to have to be enough.

Unless I want to end up in jail for assault, which I’d really rather not. Especially given the surprise I have for Sarah after I finish with our meeting. It’s just a short one, mainly to discuss the most recent findings with her case, and afterwards, I’m taking her on a weekend trip to a mystery destination.

Well, a mystery to her, that is. Of course, I know where we’re going. And I can’t wait to see Sarah’s face when we get there.

But first, the meeting.

“Okay.” Pushing thoughts of vacations and Sarah in a hot tub to the side, I glance around the conference table, briefly meeting the gaze of each of my teammates. “This shouldn’t take too long. I just want to review everything we have on Sarah’s case before she and I leave for the weekend.”

Everyone gives an answering chin lift or nod, so I continue, “I spoke with Quint, and he said they’re working closely with the FBI. Since most of the offenses are federal crimes—aggravated identity theft, credit card fraud, cybercrime, just to name a few—the FBI is actively investigating.”

“I turned over everything I have,” Matt says. “And I talked to Cruz, with the FBI. He said that they found enough on Petrovic’s computer to charge him with cyber stalking, as well.”

My jaw clenches at the reminder of that sick asshole filming my girlfriend, and I grit out, “Good. The more charges, the better. I want that asshole behind bars as long as possible.”

“Is there anything to Petrovic’s claims of innocence?” Erik asks, frowning. “Not that I believe it. But I’d hate to see it complicate the case against him.”

Shaking my head, I reply, “Quint doesn’t think so. The evidence is too strong. Files on Petrovic’s computers at work and home, all password protected. He doesn’t have a roommate to blame, and according to the San Antonio police investigators, there’s no one in Petrovic’s life who has close to the computer skills he does.”

“Has anyone found evidence linking Petrovic to your car?” Rhiannon asks. “I still can’t believe he was able to do that.”

“Nothing yet,” Matt answers. “Unfortunately, given the kind of computer the car uses, it’s really difficult to trace where the hacking attack came from. But Leo and I are still working on it.”

Niall leans forward, resting his elbows on the glossy wood table. “And what about bail? Is it going to be granted? If Petrovic gets out, has access to a computer…”

If Petrovic gets out, I might have to make a call to one of my old Army buddies, a Green Beret turned bounty hunter who has looser morals than me. But I don’t say that. “He’s not getting bail. Not with the charges against him. And he won’t have access to any computers, either.”

“So he can’t fuck with our Sarah again.” Xavier glances at me and lifts his chin. A smile lifts his lips. “I’m really glad, man. She deserves a break. If I could get my hands on that fucker…”

“I know.” I meet his gaze. “Trust me. I’ve thought about what I’d do if I—” Pain flares in my molars, and I forcibly relax my jaw. “Anyway. He’s in jail, the evidence looks good, and we have every reason to believe it’s over.”

Rhiannon reaches over and pats my arm. “I hate what Sarah went through, but I’m so glad it’s over.”

“Me too.” Closing my tablet, I lean back in my chair, signaling the end of the official part of our meeting. “I’m really looking forward to getting her away from here for a few days. I think the change of scenery will be good for her.”

“Is she doing okay?” Erik asks, concern darkening his gaze. “PTSD can be a nasty thing.”

“She’s holding up. I think once we get back, she’s going to look for a counselor. Along with finding a new job—she’s not too crazy about going back to the old one. With the attack, and being put on leave, and Petrovic…”

“I can start looking,” Matt offers. “While you guys are gone, I’ll check out places looking for social workers.” He gives me a meaningful look. “Maybe in Seguin? Someplace a little closer to B and A? If you think it’s a good idea, that is.”

Do I think it’s a good idea? Having Sarah working closer to Blade and Arrow?Definitely.

“Check out Seguin and San Antonio. I want her to have options.” Pausing, I flash Matt a quick smile. “But if you happen to find more jobs near here, I wouldn’t complain about it.”

“Got it.” My teammate nods in understanding. “I’ll see what I can do.”

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