Page 56 of Broken Daddy

“Not much, if you don’t know who it is. I’m sure the cops told you as much, though, and were just as helpful.” He snorts after the sarcasm.

“To be fair, they don’t have much to go on,” Gen throws in lamely.

Chris nods in agreement but leans forward and locks eyes with her. “You understand this is serious, right? That it isn’t going to end until we find out who it is?”

She swallows, nods.

“So there’s nothing we can do right now?”

Chris shrugs. “Keep everyone safe. Beef up the security here, if you can.”

“Already called a company.”

“Good. I know you and Julia never liked the idea of cameras, but it’s a good one right about now. On the property and at certain junctions of the house. I’m sure the company will be able to discuss the details with you and make some suggestions.”

Gen is watching the conversation ping-pong back and forth between us. It’s like a sixth sense, the way I can feel what she’s feeling. A wash of exhaustion and fear, confusion and worry.

We all sit in silence for a while. It’s a little eerie after having the place filled with officers checking corners and window locks.

Looking over at Genevieve, I see her eyes drifting slowly shut, then jerking open again.

“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my voice even and reassuring. “You should go upstairs, too. Try to get some rest.” She starts to shake her head, but I insist. “I’m already awake. I’ll work from here today. Can’t leave Eva alone, anyway, and Liz won’t be able to watch her.”

Reluctantly, Gen nods and stands.

As she passes Chris, she reaches out and squeezes his shoulder. It stirs an unnecessary, fleeting feeling of jealousy in me. “Thank you.”

“Of course. If you need anything…”

Gen gives us a weak smile and starts slowly up the stairs.

We wait until we hear her door close and the lock click into place.

Then Chris’s serious eyes cut to me.

“Is this a good idea?”

A surge of protective instinct rises in me and I almost,almoststand up.

“What am I supposed to do, Chris? Toss her out into the city with some creep ready to hunt her down?”

My brother shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. It’s a very old habit—one I still have, but as a lawyer, Chris presents a more controlled and professional appearance.

“No. But…I don’t know. Eva is here, Nate. You have no idea who this guy is, and if his actions keep escalating…”

“Then I’ll take care of it.”

He scoffs. “Really? How?”

I have no real answer. I’m a big guy, bigger than most men, and in good shape for my age. But I don’t own any guns—just the billy club next to my bed. And this house suddenly feels so big, so insecure.

“Have you talked to Russell about this?”

“No, of course not.”

I don’t mention the other reason I’ve been avoiding reaching out to Russ—that I knocked up his little sister when I was supposed to be providing her a safe place to land until her career picked back up.

Chris knows, though, that we hadsomekind of physical relationship. He watches me closely, trying to find the chink in my armor. I do everything I can to steel myself against that brotherly instinct.

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