Page 51 of The Flame of Carson
“You’re right, but...telling them now would just make them worry.They would either come out or demand I go to them.That wouldn’t stop this guy and worst case scenario, he follows me and that puts them in danger.I’ll tell them...once this is over.Okay?”she promised.
“Alright.I just...I just know how my folks would react if I were in your place.”He spoke.
“Honestly, I’m surprised...”Stacey broke off as her cell rang.She pulled out of Gage’s arms to reach into the bag and pull out her phone.“Oh crap.”
“What?”Gage asked.
“It’s my mom.”Stacey answered.Taking a slow breath, she answered.“Hi mom.”
“Stacey Marie Carlin when were you going to tell me you’re being stalked!”Shelby cried.
“Mom, it’s not...”
“Do not tell me it is nothing Stacey.When were you going to tell me and your father about this?”
“Who told you?”Stacey breathed.
“Walt did.He should not have been the one to tell us.He assumed your father and I knew.”
Gage could see that Stacey was floundering and decided to step in.He gently took the phone from her, “Shelby?”
“Gage?Is that you?”
“It’s me Shelby.”
Shelby let out a relieved breath, “Please tell me Blackout is...”
“Yes ma’am, Blackout, local PD, and the feds are overseeing this.What all did Walt tell you about what is going on?”Gage inquired, that way he knew what to say and what not to say.
“He told me everything.All about the e-mails, the flowers, how this person attacked him in his own home.We bumped into Walt last night while at a policeman’s charity auction.I could tell by the look on his face that he didn’t know that Richard and I had no idea what was going on after he told us.Why didn’t she tell us?Why didn’t you?”Shelby stated.
“Shelby, until she moved to Austin I didn’t even know.I found out after Walt called her and told her he had gotten an e-mail.When I asked her what you and Richard thought, she told me that you didn’t know.I should have called you, but to be honest, we don’t have much to go on.We know, or we suspect rather, that he could be in the Austin area, but we don’t know for sure about that.”Gage explained, not telling Shelby that this guy had come to his home a few weeks ago.
The line was quiet a moment before a new voice spoke up,“Gage?”
“Hello Richard.”Gage greeted; spotting Stacey cover her face in slight embarrassment.
“What is being done to protect my daughter?”Richard demanded.
“I assure you Richard, Blackout, the feds, local PD, and I are doing everything in our power to keep her safe.Tony and his counterpart at the FBI are following the electronic trail.Stacey hasn’t been alone.If she is not at her house, she’s been at mine.She’s given Ethan and the team her schedule for work, and we are tracking her throughout the day.We even added one of our security systems to her house.The publishing house has been cooperative and their security team is also keeping an eye on things there.”Gage explained.
“What can Shelby and I do?Should we come out there?Should Stacey come out to Tarrytown?”
“Richard, in all honesty it would matter very little if she was there or you two were here.For now, you and Shelby stay put.If it will ease your and Shelby’s fears, I can stay full time at her place.”Gage said, glancing at Stacey who just nodded.
“Yes, that would make us feel better.”Richard sighed.“Gage, thank you.You, the men at Blackout, Austin PD, and the FBI for helping keep our daughter safe.”
“Richard, I love Stacey.I would and will do everything I can to keep her safe.”Gage said.Gage could hear Richard saying something before a second later he heard Shelby give an excited squeal, making Gage chuckle.
“As you can tell Shelby is thrilled at this news.As am I.You and Stacey go good together...No Shelby I’m not asking...”
There was a slight scuffle before Shelby came back on the line,“Have you and Stacey talked about the future?Perhaps marriage...”
“Um, well, no Shelby...”Gage stuttered.“We haven’t exactly had the chance to talk...”
Stacey snatched the phone from Gage, “Mom!Gage and I have not made any kind of plans.”
“Honey, you and Gage are so good together.You should consider maybe a spring wedding...”
