Page 64 of Legends Luke

“That’s because it’s not an easy thing to say.”

Melody’s heart felt like a chunk of ice in her chest. She grasped Sandra’s hand to remind her friend that she wasn’t alone. What shewanted to do was hug her boss, but she’d never seen Sandra so vulnerable, as if she might shatter under the impact of even a gentle hug. But Sandra drew a deep breath and squared her shoulders.

“I appreciate that you want to spare me pain, Mr. Meade, but this is my daughter. I deserve to know what’s happening.”

“I trust her, Luke. You can too,” Melody added.

“I don’t have much time, but I’ll tell you what I can. Erin is with a very dangerous man. He’s been recruiting young adults to join him in carrying out serious crimes. He knows the police are close to apprehending him, and he knows my brothers and I have joined the investigation. Because of that, he threatened those closest to us, including my infant nephew and Melody. Until he’s arrested, I’ve reached out to close friends of our family who work in private security. They have agreed to protect our loved ones until the case is closed. I’ve asked them to assign someone to you and your husband as well.”

“You believe this man would hurt us? Has he hurt my daughter?”

“We can’t be sure, but we’re operating under the assumption that he has hurt Erin to keep her under his control and that he will hurt anyone he thinks poses a threat to what he’s doing. PJ Kline has been assigned to your protection detail, Mrs. Bleekley. He’s on his way to your house now. Melody, Turner Drake is on his way to you. He can take Mrs. Bleekley by her house before taking you home. Wait there with him until you hear from me.”

Sandra nodded, and Melody spoke to Luke. “We understand. Are you and your brothers okay?”

“We’re fine. I promise. Knowing you’re protected until I can get to you is a relief. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Wait, Luke! Should I tell Lyric not to come tomorrow?”

“Don’t do that. I think we’ll wrap it up by then. I’m looking forward to meeting her. Just don’t go anywhere without Drake. Bye, baby.”

“Bye. Please be careful.”

“Always.”

Melody hung up the phone, her mind whirling. Erin was with Blake Drummond, and he had her under his control. She couldn’t believe this was happening to people she knew. She looked over at Sandra to find the woman staring blankly ahead of her.

“Sandra. Are you all right? Do you want me to call Hayden?”

Sandra shook her head. “No, but I need to go to him. He’s going to take this hard. I don’t understand. Why would she be involved with someone who hurts her and threatens her family?”

“You can speculate until you drive yourself crazy, but we have to hold it together. We’ll focus on one step at a time. First, I’ll get my stuff together and be ready when Mr. Drake comes to take us home. When you get home, you’ll see Hayden and talk with Mr. Kline. There’s no need to think beyond that.”

A knock interrupted them. Melody squeezed Sandra’s hand and stood to answer the door. The man on the other side stood a couple of feet away, but his presence was as intimidating as if he towered over her. His muscular frame filled out his T-shirt and jeans. His head was shaved, and thick brows shadowed dark eyes watching her closely.His full beard had flecks of gray, and a gold stud adorned his ear.

“Miss Douglas?”

He pulled something from his back pocket. Melody stiffened until she realized it was a wallet of some kind.

“Sorry to startle you. Your colleagues told me they saw you come in here. Luke sent me. He said I needed to show you my ID. Here’s my driver’s license and my company ID. I’m Turner Drake with Atlas Security. You can call me Drake.”

She accepted the IDs and reviewed them closely, comparing the photo with the man in front of her. Everything checked out, but she couldn’t help but be suspicious after Luke’s phone call. “How do you know Luke?”

“His brother and my boss are old friends. So, when they need a hand with something, we assist.”

Despite his gruff appearance, Drake was nice and respectful as he addressed her. Melody started to relax her guard a bit.

“It’s nice to meet you, Drake. I’m Melody. I don’t guess you know what’s going on, do you?”

He smiled apologetically. “No, not anything I can share. I’m sorry. I only wanted to let you know I was here. Whenever you’re ready to head out, you can let me know.”

She nodded. “I just need to get my things.” She pointed in the direction of her cubicle. He stepped back, and she allowed Sandra to precede her out. “Did Luke explain to you—”

“About Mrs. Bleekley?” Drake finished for her. “He did. Ma’am, I’m sorry about your daughter.”

“Thank you. I appreciate you taking me home, Mr. Drake. Though I don’t know if it’s necessary. My husband and I have been at home most of the day without any problems, and I came here without an incident.”

“That’s great, ma’am. And I’ll get you home safely. This is only a precaution.”

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