Page 37 of Stormswept Colorado

“It’s a prank. Just someone looking to get a reaction from me.”

“Seems like he got it.”

“I forgot to eat lunch. That’s why I was lightheaded.” I stepped back. “Please let go of me.”

Teller lifted his hands. But his pale-green eyes were still scrutinizing me. As if he saw right through me.

I had to smile. Perform. Make him believe it.

“Really, it was nothing. I get creepy messages sometimes.”

“This has happened before?”

“It’s an unfortunate reality of my job.”

“It shouldn’t be.”

“How did you get inside? I thought I had the door locked.” An aftershock of fear rippled down my back. What if the person who’d sent that message was in Silver Ridge? What if he’d gotten in?

“The electronic lock on the main door,” he said. “I know the code.”

I nodded rapidly, crossing my arms over my chest.Stop, I told myself.Breathe.

“Do you have a stalker, Ayla?” Teller asked softly.

I wasn’t sure how to answer, so I just shook my head.

“If you want to talk, I’m here.”

“Nothing to talk about. My stuff is ready. I just have to grab my suitcase from upstairs. Then we can go.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Just forget about it.Please.”

At best, Teller would think he could fix this. Like I was a project. An obligation. At worst, he would find out how scared and alone I really felt and look at me with pity.

I couldn’t deal with either one.

THIRTEEN

Teller

What on earthhad just happened back there?

I mean, that email was creepy as fuck.

I wasn’t sure what worried me more. The fact that she’d received that message, along with a photo taken on Silver Ridge’s Main Streetyesterday. Or the fact that Ayla claimed it was no big deal.

It was a very big deal. She’d been terrified. And no wonder. Was it an obsessed fan? Or somebody who actually knew her? A possessive ex-boyfriend?

If the guy had followed her to Silver Ridge, I would make him regret ever setting foot in this county.

But how could I do anything if she didn’t open up and tell me the truth?

Ayla locked up the building while I carried her belongings out to my vehicle. I had come straight here after swinging by my house to grab my bag for the weekend. Hadn’t bothered with changing out of my uniform. I could do that tonight once we arrived in Hartley.

I hadn’t even had a chance to explain the new plan to her. She seemed calm now, and I didn’t want to freak her out again. But I also had to let her know what was going on.

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