Page 15 of Saving Her Heart
"Kendall, someone just vandalized your car in a police station parking lot. They're escalating. You need protection."
"What I need is to keep my job." She walks toward the street, presumably to wait for her Uber.
I follow. "Let me help."
"Why?" She spins around to face me. "Why do you care what happens to me?"
The question hangs between us, loaded with ten years of history.
"Because it's my job," I say, taking the coward's way out.
Something flickers in her eyes—disappointment, maybe. "Right. Your job."
Captain Ramirez's voice cuts through the tension. "Masterson! My office. Now."
I look between him and Kendall, torn.
"Go," she says. "Do your job."
By the time I get back outside fifteen minutes later, she's gone. But Captain Ramirez's words are still ringing in my ears: "That woman needs protection whether she wants it or not. Make it happen."
Which is how, an hour later, I find myself standing in front of the property management office at Hibiscus Point with a box of my stuff and official paperwork.
The building manager—not Kendall, but her boss, Mr. Morrison—looks at the paperwork with raised eyebrows.
"Police protection detail?"
"There've been credible threats against Ms. Greene. We need to monitor the situation closely."
"And that requires you to...?"
"Maintain close proximity. The apartment across from hers is vacant, correct?"
"It is, but?—"
"The department will cover the rent for the duration of the investigation."
Mr. Morrison looks skeptical. "Does Kendall know about this?"
"She will."
He hands me the keys with a shake of his head. "Unit 4B. Try not to let any goats in."
The apartment is nice—one bedroom, modern kitchen, and a view of the pool where this morning's chaos unfolded. More importantly, it has a clear view of Kendall's door across the hall.
I'm unpacking surveillance equipment when I hear her in the hallway. Her voice carries through the door.
"...no, Mrs. Parsons, you can't have Gertie back yet. I know, I'm sorry. We'll figure something out, I promise."
I open my door just as she's unlocking hers. She freezes, keys still in the lock.
"What are you doing here?"
"Protection detail." I hold up the official paperwork. "Non-negotiable."
"You've got to be kidding me."
"Someone vandalized your car. Valerie's making threats. Brad Hutchins has a history of escalating situations. You need protection."
