Page 34 of Blackstone's Heart
"Yep. She was hosting a book signing about two years ago here in Austin. My wife is a huge fan. So I surprised her for her birthday and took her. Got a picture with her, a bag thingy and even a signed book. I've read a few of her books. She's talented, but her style isn't my cup of tea. I'm more a Jack Ryan or Alex Cross kinda guy." Ingram chuckled.
"My wife and daughter love her stuff too. Wife keeps saying I should read her books, might learn something. I finally broke down and read that first one she wrote, Dress Blues. It was good no doubt but that's it. Not my style." Wilson shrugged.
Ethan was about to say something when the door flew opened and Krista, dressed in full Kris James persona, walked in. Gage was right behind her. "Ms. James, I don't think..."
"Gage, I like you but right now you're pissing me off." Krista sneered. She walked right up to Ethan. "Well, what do you know?"
"Um, Kris, meet Detective Shawn Wilson and his partner, Detective Cutter Ingram." Ethan stuttered, eyes wide.
"Hello. Ah, Detective Ingram I remember you. You brought your wife to one of my signings for her birthday." Krista nodded.
"Yes ma'am. She was on cloud nine that day." Ingram grinned.
"Ms. James, may I call you Kris?" Wilson asked.
"Sure." Krista agreed.
"Kris, this guy had to have cased your agent's building before that day." Wilson stated as Krista moved to study the pictures on the board.
"He knew where the cameras were. He's looking either down or straight ahead whenever he's in frame. And here in the elevator, he keeps himself angled so the doors don't reflect him fully." She pointed out.
"Good eyes." Ingram chuckled in surprise.
"Thanks. However, this information doesn't help me gentlemen. " she sighed as she began pacing. "This asshole has been threatening me for a year, now he decides to grow a pair of balls and comes after my friend and my agent? To what end?"
"To scare you." Wilson stated.
Krista snorted at that remark. "Do I look scared Detective? I'm pissed off is what I am! This guy thinks he knows me? Well this attack proves he knows nothing about me. I'm not going to cower like a little girl. It’s been almost a week now and I won’t run."
Ethan moved behind her and had to stop himself from placing his hands on her shoulders. "No one is asking you to. However, don't make it easier for him to get even closer Kris."
Krista's shoulders sagged. "I'm not going to. I'm just saying...hell, I got pissed alright. When Gage told me you guys were meeting, I felt slighted. I want to be kept in the loop. This is my life, my livelihood. I don't like being in the dark."
Ethan turned her to face him. "That's not what we were doing. I was going to fill you in after your visit with your agent. I'm sorry if you felt like you were being left out."
Krista nodded and slipped her hands in her pockets to keep from grabbing hold of Ethan. They had both agreed that when she was out as Kris James, they would keep a professional appearance. Especially since the police and Feds had no idea she was really Krista Jameson. All Jimmy and Cain knew, was that she was friends with Danny.
"Kris, is there anything you can think of that could help us?" Wilson asked.
Krista let out a deep breath. "No. Believe me, I've been going through my memories of the last year, trying to think if there was anyone or anything that stood out. At all the conventions, book signings, there was no one that stands out." She moved to one of the chairs and sat. "I'm good at faces and names. I remembered Detective Ingram because of his wife. He had reached out to Jerry a few days before saying he wanted to do something special. That was a first for me."
"What do you mean?" Ethan questioned.
"A birthday surprise like that I mean. I thought it was sweet and so did Jerry. " She elaborated.
***
Ethan dropped into his armchair and groaned. It had been a long day. The meeting with Wilson and Ingram, filling Krista in, talking to Cain and Jimmy. All he really wanted was to be wrapped up in Krista. However, she had informed him that tonight at least he would be sleeping solo. She said she needed a night to vent and was calling a girlfriend over to her house do that.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Ethan sat up a little and reached for the bag he dropped on the coffee table. He studied the cover of the book he bought on his way home. Krista's first book. Flipping it open he read the dedication.
To All the Men and Women Who Serve
Thank you for your service and dedication. This country can never repay the debt it owes you and your families for keeping us free and safe.
He stood and made his way to the kitchen. As he made a pot of coffee he started reading. Within minutes Ethan Blackstone was sucked into the world that his darling Krista wove with her words.
***
