Page 77 of Further To Fall

Austin’s eyes met mine. “You don’t know that. Or she could have hired someone. The only thing I know is that she’s crazy and has a grudge against you a mile long.”

Massey jotted down a few words in his notepad. “I’ll look into her. We’re also pursuing the number that was calling you, Carter. It came back as a burner, but we’re trying to track it at the point of purchase.”

“Do you think I should leave LA for a little while? My parents have a cabin in the mountains, I could go there…”

My words trailed off when Austin’s spine snapped straight. He turned to me. “You’re not going anywhere. At least not without me and security.” I bit the corner of my mouth, but Austin reached out and eased my lip from between my teeth. “You’re not going anywhere alone, Firecracker.”

“I just don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me,” I argued.

“Carter.” It was just one word, but it sucked all the fight out of me. I knew Austin would never agree, and that his stubborn butt would follow me wherever I went.

I tugged on the end of my ponytail in frustration. “Fine.”

Detective Massey cleared his throat. “For what it’s worth, it would be best for our investigation if you stayed within LAPD’s jurisdiction. If you can hole up at Austin’s house for a week or so, give us some time to investigate, that will help. I know it’s not fun to feel confined, but it might be safest.”

I nodded, resigned. “I’ll do whatever you think is best.”

“I do think you should let your parents know what’s going on and any other close friends and family that you haven’t informed yet. They need to be aware in case the stalker reaches out to them in search of information. You can give them my phone number, and I’ll answer any questions they might have.”

“I appreciate that.” I had stiffened at the idea of calling my parents, who were going to freak, but I knew it was time. As it was, my mom might murder me for not telling her sooner.

Austin took my hand in his, squeezing it in reassurance. “It’s time, baby.”

“I know.” I let my head drop to his shoulder. “My dad is going to flip.”

“It’ll be okay.”

The next hour passed in a blur of answering the same questions all over again to different police officers. Austin and I were now in the back of John’s SUV, heading home with a police tail. I was trying to wrap up a phone call with my parents who, as I had suspected, freaked the frick out. I thought I had finally convinced them that it was best for me to stay in LA and that they should not fly out here to be with me, when my dad barked, “I want to talk to Austin.”

I took a deep breath and turned toward Austin, covering the bottom of my cell with one hand. “He wants to talk to you.”

Austin plucked the phone from my hand. “Hello, Mr. McCarthy.” I couldn’t hear what my dad was saying, and Austin’s face stayed a stony mask, only muttering a few, “mm-hmm”s and “I understand”s. Finally, after a few more moments of silence, Austin said, “Sir, I’ll protect her with my life. I promise you.” Then, he hung up. My body was at war with itself. My stomach wanted to heave at the thought of Austin hurt in any way. My heart, on the other hand, was doing cartwheels at the knowledge that Austin loved me so deeply.

Austin handed me back my phone, and I shoved myself under his arm. “I love you, but don’t you dare do anything stupid that would result in you dying on me.”

Austin kissed the top of my head. “Not going anywhere, Firecracker.” I let the warmth of his kiss seep into me and closing my eyes, I fell asleep.

39

Austin

Rage like I had never known before pulsed through my veins as the SUV wound its way through the canyon roads of the Hollywood Hills. I pulled Carter tighter against me, taking a deep breath to inhale that familiar flowery scent I loved so much. I hoped feeling her body safely tucked next to mine and breathing her in would calm me. No such luck.

Nothing could ease the burning sensation in my chest. Carter could have died today. Could have been wiped from this Earth. She would have left me with a very bleak and empty existence. My body pulsed with the need to end whoever had threatened my Firecracker. But I didn’t know where to direct that anger. There were too many suspects. Nothing was in my control, and I fucking hated it.

John slowed the SUV as we approached the gate. He paused while one of the security guards plugged in the code, and the doors swung open. “You’re gonna have to have a talk with your guys,” I said in a low voice, not wanting to wake Carter.

John’s hold on the wheel tightened. “I will. They’re all carrying, but they’ll be extra vigilant and start wearing vests.”

“Good. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”

“Not on my watch.” John brought the car to a stop in front of the house. “Want me to lift her out?”

I couldn’t handle having anyone else’s hands on my girl at this moment, so I shook my head. “I got her.” I carefully opened my car door and slipped an arm under Carter’s legs.

She jolted. “What?”

Shit. She was jumpy, and with good reason. I brushed the hair away from her face. “It’s okay. We’re home. You fell asleep in the car. I was just going to carry you inside.”

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