Page 82 of Jael

“Because that could have complicated things.”

“More complicated than now?”

“I’ve been pressing Becca to call the police, but Christopher knows people… I should have made her act sooner. Before he got involved.” She scrubbed a hand down her face. “I’ve made a mess of everything. I should never have started Vita Nova. If Becca dies, it will be my fault.”

“We won’t let that happen. I’ve got contacts—I might know someone who can help.”

“You know someone with the police?”

“Uh, yeah. Sort of. It’s…complicated.” He looked at the front window and saw a woman peering out. Then the curtain was dropped back into place. “She’s going to need a new place to stay.”

“Yeah.” Jael pinched the bridge of her nose. When her phone rang, she looked at it and answered. “I’ll be there in a minute,” she said into the phone, then listened for a couple of seconds before adding, “He won’t come back for a while, but we’ll have to find somewhere else for you now. I’m sorry. I’ll explain when I come inside.” She hung up. “She was hiding from her husband here.”

“I gathered. How did Christopher find out?”

“Heber Industries pays the mortgage. He has the address. He asked me what I was using the house for, and I told him. I’m an idiot.”

“I’m sure he could have worked it out on his own.”

She bit her lip, and he could see her fighting with her emotions. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“One thing at a time. Let’s figure out what to do with Becca first.”

“You’re right. We need to get her safe before we do anything else.” She started toward the house with a limp.

“He hurt you?”

“Not too bad. My ankle is sore from when I kicked him.”

“You handled yourself well.” He allowed a small smirk and was rewarded when she smiled back.

“I did what I could, but I don’t think he would have backed down if you hadn’t turned up.” A police cruiser pulled to the curb. “Great. Looks like the neighbors called the police anyway.”

Danny let Jael lead as they changed direction and headed toward the police car.

The driver was a tall red-headed cop, but it was a shorter man from the passenger side who spoke first.

“Hi there,” he said. “We got a call about a disturbance at this residence?”

“Yes,” Jael said. “Sorry about that. It’s all sorted now. There’s a woman staying here who’s been hiding from her husband, but he found out where she was.”

“Why didn’t you call us sooner?”

“We should have. Do you mind if I check on her? She’ll see you out here and be worried.”

“I’ll come with you,” the red-head said.

“I don’t suppose I can say no?”

“You can, but it would be better for all of us if you say yes.”

“Okay.”

Danny waited until they were inside before turning back to the cop. “I’ll need you to contact Deputy Director Deborah Mills.”

“This is connected to an FBI case?”

“Yes, but no one else knows besides you and me, and it needs to stay that way.”

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