Page 49 of Tinsel Time Treasure
I smiled. “That sounds nice.”
“Anywhere you wanna go?”
“Surprise me.”
He chuckled. “Can do.”
I took a sip of the coffee, letting it warm me and wishing that this could be my life. I wanted my stalker out of the picture, but the sweet domestic thing with Max? That sounded perfect.
He took a couple steps over and brushed a lock of hair from my forehead. “Are you sure about going in today?”
The thought of calling in and staying with him—rather than going to Kaleb’s and work—sounded perfect. But I needed to pretend to come and go in order for the trap to work.
I sighed. “I wish…”
Max nodded. “I understand.”
He studied me for a few seconds, then blew out a long breath. “I’m going to go shower.”
“Ok.”
I watched him walk out, wishing I could follow; that I could run my fingers through his long hair; feel his lips against mine. Instead I drained my coffee and returned to his guest bedroom so that I could prepare for the day.
∞∞∞
“Hey,” Janet said as my client walked out. “Your phone was going nuts about twenty minutes ago.”
I swallowed as she handed it over, wondering if Frederick had gotten tired of being blocked again, and had gotten another burner number. Then I swiped down my notifications and felt my knees go weak.
It was the cameras—specifically the indoor ones—alerting me to motion being detected. Over, and over, and over.
“What’s wrong?” Janet asked. “Do I need to have Dean call the cops? Is that bastard threatening you?”
I shook my head and wiped away a relieved tear as a still photo accompanying one of the notifications loaded, and there he was, standing in Kaleb’s living room, face clearly detailed in the camera.
I collapsed to my knees, cradling my phone to my chest, and sobbing with relief.
I had my proof. I could finally go to the police with evidence that Frederick had committed a crime.
Chapter 20 - Max
“Justin?” I asked as the call connected.
A choked sob came over the line and panic filled me.
“What’s wrong?” I asked. “Are you safe? Do I need to come get you?”
“He… broke… in…” Justin managed around sobs.
I collapsed onto the couch, my knees incapable of holding me up. “Say it again,” I whispered.
Justin let out a noise that sounded like a half-laugh, half-sob. “He broke in. His face is clear on the cameras from the living room. Janet already called the cops.”
I didn’t even realize that I’d stood and was heading towards the door until I snagged my keys from the entry table. “Where are you? Work?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll be there in ten”
