Page 37 of Protected
“It's fine, Michael. I've got copies of everything important at work. When can I go through my files? I need to make sure nothing is missing. There are private pieces of information I keep in that filing cabinet.”
“Get some rest and let the investigators do their thing. I'll call you when it's OK to come back. I'd prefer you didn't stay here until we catch whoever this is, Darci. I’ll keep it designated an active crime scene if I have to,” he added when she protested. She sagged back against Bradley, too tired to argue anymore tonight.
“I’ll come pack a bag then.”
When Bradley started to get up, she put a hand out. “Wait here, please.”
He was reluctant, but sat back and gave her a sharp nod.
In the elevator, she looked at Michael and asked the question that had been burning in her mind since she found the note on her computer.
“Michael, is there any chance this is connected to Marlie’s death? Could this be a serial killer?”
Michael grimaced. “I can’t say much, but I guess since you’re involved now, I can tell you this. Someone was stalking Marlie for at least a few days before she was killed.”
“Fuck. She mentioned a break-in the last time I saw her at Exposure.”
“Exactly. So promise me you’ll be careful.”
The elevator doors slid open, and she gave him a solemn nod as she stepped out. “I will. I swear.” She twisted a curl around her finger and shifted her weight. “Umm, I doubt it’s worth mentioning, but Carrie told me Kaden might be in D.C.”
“Jesus, Darci. When did you find this out?”
She shook her head. “I don’t remember. A few days ago? Things have been a blur lately.”
In the apartment, she packed several days’ worth of clothes, toiletries and a few other things she might need. She’d planned to call in sick tomorrow with a hangover, but the turn the evening had taken had her completely sober. She sighed, zipped up her suitcase, and slung her backpack onto her shoulder. Michael leaned against her bedroom doorway, watching her. “You sure you’ll be OK staying with Bradley? You can stay with me if you want.” He held out his hand for her bag.
“That’s sweet, Michael. But I’ll be fine. I promise.” He eyed her a moment longer before nodding and heading for the door.
“I need to speak to your doorman and your neighbors. I just wanted to give you a heads up,” he said as they rode back downstairs.
Bradley stood when they arrived back in the lobby.
“All set?”
“Let's go. I'm exhausted all of a sudden.”
Bradley smiled. “I can’t imagine why.” He asked the doorman to get a car for them.
Darci hugged Michael tightly and she couldn’t help but chuckle to herself when Bradley frowned. He’d been ready to punch someone when Samuel had taken her to the dance floor, and he had that same look on his face now. But he would soon learn that it was ridiculous to be jealous of Michael. The man was like her overprotective big brother. “Thanks for coming, Michael.”
“Anytime, Darci. You know that.” He ruffled her hair and kissed her forehead. “Be safe kid. I don’t want to lose you.” She smiled and turned her attention to Bradley as Michael headed to meet the CSR team. A car arrived a moment later, and Bradley directed the driver to take them to his apartment.
Darci set aside her misgivings about a relationship with Bradley Givens and settled her head on his shoulder, thankful to have him here. He shifted to wrap his arm around her.
“Thank you for not being too stubborn about coming home with me,” he said, breaking the silence.
“I wanted to resist. But honestly, I'm terrified to stay there alone. Who is this guy, Bradley? Why is he taunting me? How long has he been following me? Michael told me Marlie had a stalker before she died.” She shuddered at the thought. His fingers pressed into her shoulder in a firm squeeze as he pulled her tighter against him.
“Shhh, don't go there. You're safe, and I'm going to make sure you stay that way.”
“Just promise you won't be overbearing.”
“I'll promise no such thing.” His voice was hard, and Darci could hear anger bubbling just beneath the surface again.
It was better not to argue tonight, so she didn’t respond. She could deal with it tomorrow.
“You're important to me, Darci.”
