Page 82 of Shattered Illusions

“But he didn’t.” Roxie shot him a pointed glare before continuing. “Look, guys, I could be totally off base because he didn’t actually say anything inappropriate. It was just a creepy vibe I got.”

“Then what happened?” Quinn asked.

“Nina popped her head into the office and asked if everything was okay. She picked up on the creeper vibe as well. Then I told Eli to leave and to not come back.” She shrugged. “That was that.”

Joe caught Quinn’s gaze, and they traded quick, subtle nods. Over their long friendship, there had been many times when they hadn’t needed to speak to get their points across. This was one of those times. They were going to pay a little visit to ole Eli.

Roxie smacked his arm, startling him. Her eyes were narrowed. “Oh no, you don’t, buster. I saw what just happened there. Don’t think I don’t know what you guys are up to. You two are going to go hassle Eli about this, aren’t you?”

He wanted to feign ignorance, but there was no point. The trio had been thick as thieves since they were knee-high, and Roxie had always been fluent in his and Quinn’s non-speak.

Joe’s phone rang, and he thanked the universe for the interruption. A glance at the display revealed a phone number and area code he didn’t recognize, so he silenced it and turned his attention back to Roxie.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” It wasn’t an outright lie. Technically, he couldn’t read her mind. “Quinn?”

“Not a clue,” his friend said, hands raised.

She glared at both of them. “Seriously, you guys, it’s probably nothing and Ireallydon’t want to stir up trouble for Poppy. Especially if I’m simply blowing it all out of proportion.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Quinn jotted down a couple of notes. “Anyone else you can think of?”

“Jeremy buzzes around once in a while, but he’s more of an annoyance than actual trouble. Besides, I haven’t seen much of him since the Chamber party at Pacific View.” She shook her head, lips pursed in thought. “It couldn’t be Jeremy, though, because he was in one of the pictures that was sent to me.”

Joe ran his hands over her arms. “Never say never, baby.”

“Not everything is a conspiracy, ex-Agent Buchanan,” she retorted.

“True, but many things are.” He’d seen a lot of fucked-up shit during his time with the FBI.

“Any other instances you can think of, Roxie?” Quinn asked.

She shook her head. “No, that’s it. Things have been busy with the café, so I haven’t gone out much. I honestly can’t think of anyone who would do this... orwhyanyone would do this.”

The dismay on her face broke his heart. She’d always gotten along with everyone. That was one of the reasons why Comfort Food had been such a success from the get-go. People liked Roxie. Period. When she’d first opened, she’d had the unconditional support of all the locals because they’d wanted her to succeed. The fact that she was a terrific baker and cook had been an added bonus.

Joe would give anything to find out who was behind this. Sending Roxie pictures to scare her was one thing. Threatening her business, her physical safety, and most importantly, her sense of security was another. Whoever this asshole was, Joe would be more than happy to make them pay. He’d use the skills he’d learned in the FBI to keep her safe and assist Quinn in any way he could. Later. Right now, they were getting nowhere.

“Quinn, I’m taking Rox home. She’s had enough for one afternoon. Come over when you’re done here, and we can talk more if you want.”

Quinn nodded. “I know I don’t have to say this, but if either of you think of anything, no matter how seemingly insignificant, call me.”

“Of course,” Joe said as they rose from the chair. Taking her hand, he laced his fingers with hers. “We’ll stick to the house today, so you’ll know where to find us.”

* * *

Roxie sank down on the couch, propped her feet on the coffee table, and closed her eyes. It was only three in the freaking afternoon, and she was utterly beat.

She felt like she was on the tail end of a three-day bender. Her head was pounding, her stomach queasy, and if she could crawl into bed, throw the covers over her head, and make everything disappear, she totally would.

Well, maybe noteverything.

She’d appreciated Joe’s support today. She hadn’t thought they would recover from their breakup this morning, but life had a way of surprising you. Honestly, she wasn’t sure she would have made it through the last few hours without him. They had been the biggest, craziest emotional rollercoaster of her life. Highs, lows, and neck-breaking whiplash. Something told her that there were more monster drops and corkscrews to come. The day was still young, after all.

“Here.” Joe interrupted her musings. “Drink this.”

She cracked an eye open and glanced at the steaming mug in his hand. “Please say that’s not tea.”

“Come on, baby,” he said. His quiet voice held a hint of laughter. “Give me some credit, will you? I know you have the same opinion of tea as I do.”

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