Page 14 of Splintered Memories
“I’m sure you can find a way to make yourself available.” He paused, a hint of menace in his tone. “You’ve done a good job building this business, August. But in a town this small, it would take so little to chip away at that pristine reputation.” He cocked his head to the side, and the hair of the back of my neck rose. “I have garnered a lot of respect in Ember Hollow. People care what I have to say. I could make things…difficult for you. If I wanted to.”
My hands fisted at my sides. “I don’t take kindly to being threatened,” I snapped between clenched teeth.
Tristan lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “I don’t want to threaten you, August. But I do wantyour help.”
My glare pierced him as I tried to fight down the anger raging through my veins. This was not the direction I expected. “Why are you so intent on hiring me?” I was no better than any other bodyguard out there. Hell, I hadn’t been a personal bodyguard in years.
“I want the best.”
“I assure you, there are better bodyguards out there than me.”
“Perhaps,” he said. “But I’ve done extensive research on you. Plus, you’re local. You are familiar with the area and these people. You know this town better than anyone I could hire.”
That was true, but I didn’t see how this would work. But if he was serious about ruining the reputation of my company, did I really have the choice to refuse?
“How long would you expect me to work for you?” I asked.
Something like a satisfied smile flickered on his lips. “At least until the shooter is apprehended. Maybe longer. It would depend on a few factors.”
My stomach dropped. I’d led the police to all the evidence I’d found on that roof. But there was no telling how long it would take to match that evidence to a suspect.
I ran another hand through my hair. This wasn’t just another job. This would take all my focus for who knew how long.
“What do you say, August?” Mr. Hawthorn asked, brows raised.
My gaze cut to his. “I think,” I let out a hard breath, “that you haven’t left me with much of a choice.”
6
Emersyn
Ihaltedmyscrolling,musclestensing as I caught a glimpse of the butterfly emoji in my comments section. Hand clamping around the mouse, I forced in a steadying breath. Trolling comments on my videos have never bothered me, but in recent months, some have gotten less insulting and more…threatening.
My eyes lingered on the butterflies. They were nothing threatening to someone who didn’t know that they were the Shadow Stalker’s calling card…the image he carved into the skin of his victims before he dumped their bodies.
A shutter skittered up my spine from the base of my tailbone all the way up to my shoulders. This particular comment had no words, but they often did. Sometimes they commented on how I was being watched, how I couldn’t escape the Shadow Stalker, or how I was going to get what was coming to me.
I stifled yet another shiver as I recalled the physical note that had been left on my door last December. It had been what made me install a new security system and cameras that very month.
You looked better with brunette hair, Emy,the note had said. Complete with a lone butterfly sticker beneath the words.
Shadow Stalker’s victims were all brunette young women.
Two sharp raps erupted from my door, distracting me from thoughts of the serial killer and his threats.
My eyes cut from my monitor to the door that led outside from my walk-out basement. Ignoring the spike of fear in my chest, I pushed away from my desk and stood. I was in the middle of answering comments on my latest video, but my irritation at being interrupted from my work was overshadowed by the fact that no one was supposed to come to this door. This entrance was off to the side of my house, inside the fenced area of my yard, and unless I specifically invited someone to enter here, no one did.
Pulling out my phone, I opened my security app and checked the camera positioned at that door.
My heart sank, my fear ebbing as conflicting emotions passed through me so quickly it left me dizzy.
Two figures stood outside the door. One had his arms crossed tight over his chest, while the other smoothed down the lapel of his ridiculously expensive suit. Neither of their presences made sense, and the fact that they were together made even less. It might have been nothing but pure curiosity that made me flick over the dead bolt and pull the door open.
My father’s gaze met mine, something flashing in his that was gone faster than I was able to identify it. It had been awhile since I’d seen him in person—on the day my mother died five years ago.
He looked older. The silver in his hair was more evident, as were the lines around his eyes. He was still handsome as he aged, though. Iwondered briefly whether he had another partner now that Mom was gone.
“Emersyn.” He tilted his chin forward.
