Page 2 of Hayden's Stalker

“Perhaps. However, if I take this contract, and that is still very much anif, my job will be to keep Hayden alive and safe. Make no mistake. Those are two very different things. Priority number one is to ensure that he remains breathing. Priority number two is only barely less important because somebody can remain breathing while being in an incredible amount of danger. If my focus ever diverts from my task, your friend could end up dead.”

My heart pounds in my chest as she says this. It brings the reality of my situation crashing down onto me, and I swallow heavily as I stare at her. It’s the first time someone has suggested that I could be killed. It feels like someone has dumped an entire bucket of water over my head, and I shiver.

“So, with that being said”—Tatiana turns to look at Cooper—“I’m wondering why these three men are here in this meeting, and Jesse Howell is not. It’s crucial that I get a chance to speak to Hayden’s current security.”

Cooper nods. “Understood. I’ll get him.”

He goes over to the door and tells Jesse he’s needed, and Jesse follows Cooper back into the room to sit next to Gabriel.

Tatiana addresses Jesse directly. “I’m disappointed that you didn’t request to be a part of this meeting.”

“Yes, that was my oversight. I was unsure whether my presence would be required, but I can see why it would be necessary for us to speak.”

Tatiana nods. “Good. Okay, I’ve read the police reports and information that Cooper sent through, but can you tell me about the car crash?”

“Sure. I noticed that we were being followed for some time. I thought it was paparazzi at first. Then, they began trying to hit us. I successfully completed several evasive maneuvers before they pushed us into the barrier. Once we’d crashed, they sped off.”

I can see everything happening in my head, and I clench my jaw as my brain throws memories at me of the fear I felt along with the terrifying certainty that I would die. The crash really shook me, and I keep having nightmares about it.

“Was there anything that you could have done better to avoid the crash?” Tatiana asks him, and Sebastian tenses next to me.

Jesse sits up a little straighter, and I notice his jaw tense before he responds. “Possibly. I did the best I could at the time. I think that I might have been able to outrun them or lose them earlier on. Once they began trying to hit us, it was difficult to avoid it.”

“Good assessment. Okay, Cooper, let’s run through everything so far.” She turns back to look at him.

Tatiana pulls a file out of the bag next to her, and we start going over my case. Most of her questions are directed at Jesse, and she takes notes of all of the replies to her questions.

“So, the FBI is working on the case, Cooper?” She looks over at him.

“Yes. They’re in contact with me, and I’ll pass on any information that’s relevant to you when you need it.”

She frowns at him and then says in a tight voice, “Fine. In the emails from the stalker, they talk about a life with Hayden. Has the FBI given any indication that they’ve found some kind of plan for Hayden to be abducted?”

Cooper shakes his head. “That’s obviously our main concern and why we’ve got you on board.”

“I see. I’m not exactly ‘on board’ yet, though, but let’s continue. The language in the email regarding the accident concerns me, the way that they called it ‘our accident’ as though it was some fender bender and not them trying to run you off the road”—she looks over at me, and her eyes are also ridiculously blue, and I’m kind of glad when she turns to look at Jesse instead—“have there been any other signs of someone tampering in Hayden’s life at all?”

My heart pounds in my chest because this situation is so fucking creepy. I hate it and as much as I love my job, this is the side of it that I never wanted. I just want to make music because it’s what I love more than anything in the world. Writing songs and creating something beautiful and wonderful is my passion. When I drum, everything is reduced to beats and timing, and I can lose myself in the moment. I’m grateful for every ounce of success that we’ve achieved, but this side of it terrifies me.

For forty-five minutes, it’s mostly Tatiana, Cooper, or Jesse speaking, with occasional answers from me when she asks me questions. Eventually, Tatiana shuts the folder and puts her hands together on the table in front of her.

“Well, Miss Swanson, do we discuss the contract now?” Cooper asks her.

Tatiana meets his gaze and shakes her head. “No, we don’t. I need to speak to Hayden, privately, first.”

“I hardly think that’s appropriate.” Cooper shakes his head at her.

“Do you? If I take this contract, Hayden and I will be spending a lot of time alone together. I do this with all of my clients because they often have third parties trying to get involved. At the end of the day, though, it’s Hayden that I’m trying to keep safe, and I need to know that we’ll be able to work well together. If we can’t, there’s little point in us continuing this business arrangement.”

Cooper looks pissed. He doesn’t like not being in control, and Tatiana has completely and utterly taken over this meeting from him. He leaves the room, along with the guys and Jesse, and I find myself alone with her.

I’m acutely aware of the fact that we’re alone now. I’ve met so many powerful people since I became famous, but the woman across from me is as impressive as any world leader. I’m in awe of her after watching the way she handled Cooper during the meeting, and I want to know more about her.

I’m pulled from my thoughts as she says, “Hi, Hayden. How are you feeling?”

She’s dropped the coolly professional tone that she’s been using, and I’m surprised by how musical and sweet her voice sounds when she asks the question. Her expression has also changed and softened. It’s like the sun has come out from behind clouds to shine warmth and brighten the entire world around me.

“About you?” I ask her without thinking.

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