Page 86 of Callum
She turned from the front desk computer. “The reading isn’t until next week.”
He blew out an exasperated breath like he was frustrated by her very existence. “We’re going to have a lot of organizing between then and now. I have a checklist, and this is the next thing on the list.”
The first part of that was true, at least. A well-known author was coming in to do a reading next week, and based on the excited questions from their patrons, a lot of the Cradle Mountain community and those of surrounding towns were coming.
Fiona cleared her throat. “Rick, I’m not supposed to leave work without Callum or another of the Blue Halo guys.”
His eyes narrowed. God, if looks could kill. “Fiona. You’re going to the grocery store, not some dark alley with criminals hiding around the corner. I don’t think someone’s going to attempt to kidnap you at the store.”
Well, she hadn’t thought she’d be attacked at work or at Callum’s house either, but both had happened.
She opened her mouth, but Rick spoke first.
“I didn’t want to have to pull this, but your job is on thin ice.”
Really? This again? “You don’t have the power to—”
“I have pull, and your recent string of days off combined with your refusal to do particular tasks isn’t helping the team.”
Her brows rose to her hairline. Her days off had been after her almost-kidnapping, and the only tasks she refused to do was stay after close on her own and take the trash to the dumpster out back.
“Rick—”
“I’ll go,” Jenny interrupted, touching her arm from behind. “It’s a one-person job. I can handle it.”
“It’s not. Not with the number of cups and cases of water we need.” His gaze hit her like he was daring her to refuse. Then he held out the library credit card.
She snatched it from his fingers. “Fine.” She’d tell Callum about her little excursion when he came to tail her home, and maybe he’d go all G.I. Joe on Rick and this would be worth it.
Jenny slipped her hand into Fiona’s and they headed outside. “I’ll drive. We’ll be back before you know it.”
Fiona’s jaw was tight as she crossed the lot and got into Jenny’s car.
Her friend must have sensed it, because she touched her thigh. “Guess you have me for a bodyguard, and I’m the definition of tough.”
Fiona chuckled, taking in her friend’s large frames, cute bob, and colorful polka dot dress. “You are?”
“Oh yeah. People have gone so far as to say they’d fear the day they meet me in a dark alley.”
“Who’s said that?”
“Let’s not get caught up in details.” Jenny’s grin widened before her expression turned serious. “How are you doing with everything?”
That was a good question. Howwasshe doing? She didn’t even know. “I’m scared, but that’s more because I don’t know what Olivia’s plan is. She must look exactly like me to have people so fooled.”
Jenny nodded. “That is scary. It’s like the woman’s been watching and studying you.”
A shudder rippled down Fiona’s spine. “Yeah.”
Seconds later, Jenny frowned at the rearview mirror—then sped up.
“What is it?” Fiona asked, looking over her shoulder. A breath whipped through her lips at the nearness of the car behind them. Then her gaze caught on the man behind the wheel…
Freddie. God, what thehelldid he want? And why was he so close? If Jenny stopped suddenly, there was no way he wouldn’t hit them.
“It’s okay,” Jenny said calmly. “We’re almost there, then there’ll be people around and he won’t be able to do anything.”
Freddie beeped at them, a loud, keep-the-hand-on-the-horn-for-as-long-as-possible beep.
