Page 94 of Resisting Desire

“Up until about thirty seconds ago, this was all conjecture. However, I just got word from my team. They broke into Trent Ellington’s office downtown and uncovered a note hidden in his desk drawer. This note, however, isn’t addressed to Liz. It’s addressed to you.”

“What does the note say?” I hear the fear and tension in my voice. Suddenly, there is a weight in my chest.

“Mr. Anders, don’t worry. We have a detective on the way to Mr. Ellington’s office. Our guys made sure not to disturb anything. Everything is okay. But I need to tell you. Based on the note we found, I believe the stalking was going to be escalated into something far worse. I believe he plans to kidnap Liz and make it look like his wife did it.”

“What do you meankidnapLiz, and what the fuck does the damn note say?” I repeat, my voice low and fierce.

“I will read it to you, but please, you have to stay calm. Remember, it’s being handled. And I also already have a guy on his way to your apartment just to have another set of eyes on Liz. Here’s what the note says.” She pauses as though unsure if she should continue.

“‘Ethan, Lizzie made some poor decisions. Because she didn’t take me seriously and couldn’t take a hint with my notes. I have decided to take matters into my own hands. She is with me now, and that’s all you need to know. Sincerely,’” she reads. “It’s signed by Angela Ellington, Trent’s wife. However, as the note is hidden in Trent Ellington’s office, you can see how it’s doubtful his wife wrote it.”

Inexplicable terror seizes me. I grab the edge of my desk to steady myself. “He was going to take her? All those times she was alone with him . . . I’m going to be sick. I have to call Liz and just make sure all the doors are locked and that she’s safe. She needs to know that Trent is dangerous. I’ll call you back.”

I hang up without waiting for her reply. But before I can call Liz, I notice the icon indicating that I have text messages. That calms me a bit. One is surely from Liz.

I tap the messages icon. Yes, I do have some from Liz.

Liz

Running to my apartment to check on everything. Wasn’t expecting movers today. They were supposed to come tomorrow.

Just finished up at my apartment. Peggy has a small gift for me, so I am going tomake a quick stop at her house. I’ll probably beat you home, but didn’t want you to worry if I don’t. ;)

And the last text, an hour ago:

I’m at Peggy’s, but Alex’s wife had an accident. I am waiting here until the new bodyguard arrives to take me home. Why aren’t you texting me back?

I look at my other texts. I have several from the bodyguard.

Bodyguard

Family emergency. Couldn’t reach you. Taking Ms. Blakely to see her friend, Peggy. My replacement will meet her there shortly.

My replacement is running a little late. He’ll be there soon.

Going into the hospital with wife. She’s in the ICU. Won’t be available for a few hours.

Bodyguard Backup

I just arrived and there’s no answer on her friend’s door. No answer on Liz’s phone. Have you heard from her?

Did she leave her friend’s house? Still no answer.

My heart drops out of my chest. I can’t breathe. Oh my God, where is she? How the hell did this happen? My hands are shaking, and I can barely figure out how to make a call. I hit Liz’s name—no ring, directly to voicemail.

Fuck.

I try again. Still, no ringing. Straight to voicemail.

I dial Peyton again, and she picks up on the first ring. Before she can even answer, I’m shouting at her. “Liz isn’t answering her phone. She was supposed to be at Peggy’s house, but she’s not there.”

“Do you have any idea where she might be?” Peyton asks.

“Trent lives just a few houses down from Peggy. I don’t know, maybe Liz and Peggy went to his house.” As I’m running at full speed down the hallway, I shout for Jake. There’s no answer, so he must’ve already gone home. I see the doorway to the stairs and contemplate taking them but realize it will take too long. I have to wait for the elevator. I smash the button again and again.

Peyton is talking to me, but I haven’t heard anything she said.

“Ethan, stay calm. Listen to me. I called the detective from my other phone. He is going to Trent’s house. He’s calling in backup, just in case. Everything will be okay.”

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