Page 63 of Playing for Keeps
“Like what?”
“Well, your female fans are usually pretty respectful, but you’ve had some anonymous messages that lean a little to the obsessive side. Some of them talk about things you’re doing. Like they know where you are.”
“Like, that I’m living in Colorado now?”
He would never understand the way some people attached themselves to athletes and public figures. Nothing Justin did for work or otherwise made him any more special than the next person, but as soon as your face appeared on TV, strangers acted like they knew you.
“No, your day-to-day activities. I can’t tell if it’s the same person or different people, but they sound similar.”
“Send me screenshots. Do you have any way to find out who it is?”
“Not really. We don’t usually respond to things like this, but letting it go on is only making it worse.”
The florist stepped up to the counter carrying a clear vase with bold pink and white flowers. His focus shifted to thoughts of Caroline. The flowers were gorgeous and perfect for her.
“Thanks, Nick. I’ll talk to Jordan about it. He may be able to find something.”
Justin ended the call, but he still had plenty to think about. Was it possible that the problems Caroline was dealing with were connected to one of his obsessed fans? He’d stepped out of the spotlight almost completely. Attention from fans should fade away soon.
Without knowing who was sending the messages, he had no idea who to keep at arm’s length.
“Here you go!” the woman announced, holding out an enormous vase to Justin. Bright-pink and dark-pink flowers were mixed with smaller white blooms.
“She’ll love it. Thanks so much.”
“Come see me again sometime. If she likes this, I have plenty of other ideas for her.”
As soon as Justin paid for the bouquet, he tucked the vase into the passenger floorboard of his truck and called Jordan.
“Hello.”
“Hey. Any luck with the security footage?”
“Actually, yes. I’ve identified one person so far.”
Justin’s heart raced. They were getting close to finding an end to all this. “That’s great. I have something else I want to throw at you. Can you trace an anonymous comment on social media?”
“Not without an IP address or a subpoena.”
That wasn’t the answer he’d been hoping for, but it was expected. Still, they had plenty of evidence to work with. “Could you get the security footage from The Cakery for a specific date and compare it with the footage from the vandalism? I have a hunch that whoever is going after Caroline and the bakery is linked to me.”
“How strong is this hunch?” Jordan asked.
“My PR manager just told me my social channels have been getting some concerning comments and messages. With this coming up at the same time as Caroline’s problems, I wonder if they’re linked.”
“Better safe than sorry,” Jordan said.
“A few weeks ago, some women chased me into The Cakery. They backed off when they saw Caroline. I’m not trying to accuse anyone without cause, but?—”
“I’ll look into it.” Jordan let out a whoosh of air. “The sooner we find out who’s doing this to Caroline, the sooner I can get some sleep at night.”
“Me too. She’s miserable, and I feel helpless,” Justin said. “I’m headed to the bakery, so I’ll get the video ready for you.”
“Thanks, man.”
They ended the call and Justin glanced at the bouquet beside him. Flowers wouldn’t fix Caroline’s problems, but maybe they could brighten her day just a little.
The best gift he could give her was an end to thisnightmare. With two investigative teams working on the case, hopefully one of them would have answers soon.
