Page 104 of The Re-Proposal

The frail girl goes tense. “Sure.”

I move her to the side, away from the others. “Didthat personshow up or try to call you this morning?”

“He called my phone a few times. I told him to stop or I was calling the cops no matter what.” She shuffles her feet. “I don’t think he’s going to bother me again. Or you, Miss Clarissa.” Maggie gives the security team a scared look. “You didn’t have to do all this. Rick isn’t that dangerous. He just gets that way when he’s drunk.”

“This has nothing to do with Rick,” I tell her. At least, not directly.

If Cody knew who Rick was already, he wouldn’t have bothered to jump through all these hoops just to provide us with security. The grand show of guards and alarms is confirmation that he doesn’t have a name or a person to vent his anger on.

“I don’t feel right about not telling the police,” I squeeze Maggie’s hand, “but I understand and respect your decision. However, as soon as you have your child in custody, I’m reporting what Rick did.”

“Understood.”

“I know your business can be a sweeping success. I want you to be happy and safe with your daughter.”

“Thank you.” Her eyes fill with tears. “I, uh, I’ve got plans and everything. Once I prove that I can make money, I’m going to get a loan from the bank and fix up my grandma’s old place. It’s unliveable right now, but at least it’s in my name. There’s a nice school nearby. And a park.”

“It sounds lovely.”

“It feels so impossible.”

“All your dreams will come true, Maggie. I believe it.”

She sniffs and rubs at her eyes. “Thank you.”

Erica and the others join us.

“What’s she crying for?” Erica asks pointedly.

“She’s feeling a little nervous about opening day,” I say, trying to throw off suspicion.

Laura hands over a package of tissues. “Here you go.”

“We’re all nervous,” Erica mumbles. “But at least we got the equipment we need to make this work. Plus, I feel safer with those hunky bodyguards keeping watch.” Erica wiggles her eyebrow at the guard by the door. “At the very least, they make great eye candy.”

I chuckle and note the way Maggie brightens under everyone’s encouragement.

“How about going for a team dinner? My treat.” I flash some cash around.

Erica grabs it and frowns. “What dinner are we supposed to get with ten bucks?”

“Ice cream counts as a meal.”

Erica rolls her eyes.

I hold her back as the others move to the door. “Erica, can you make sure the group walks Maggie home together?”

“Why?”

“I can’t tell you the details, but it’s important or I wouldn’t ask.”

“Sure. Whatever.”

I smile. “I’m counting on you.”

She salutes.

I watch the women walk out and then I help Ms. Phoebe lock up the shop.

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