Page 9 of Defending Love
She looked around the sidewalk, as if hesitating to say what was on her mind. Finally, with a shrug, she said, “I guess you know the way.”
With a nod, I walked at her side through the glass doors. With each step toward the elevator, I scanned the large first-level entrance. There was a coffee shop on the right with customers paying no attention to those walking by. The glass door of the boutique on the left was closed. Up ahead was a restaurant bustling with lunch patrons. We turned into the hallway with the bank of elevators.
After pushing the button, Dr. Sinclair stood back, staring at the door in front of her as the numbers on the display lowered. The riders disembarked, leaving the elevator car empty.
It wasn’t until we stepped inside and the doors closed that I spoke. “I talked to Melinda.”
The elevator began to rise, and Danielle nodded. “I didn’t know she was being replaced.”
There was a distinct chill to her tone.
“I would have come sooner, but I was on assignment.”
“It’s your job, Eli. I get that.” She turned toward me, her damn eyes still covered with the dark sunglasses. “Why come back here? To me?”
Because I couldn’t stay away.
That wasn’t my answer. I shook my head. “Because ever since I heard about your father, I’ve been concerned. This isn’t like last time, Doctor. Last time your brother was overreacting or maybe it was a power move to show the other Mr. Sinclair what he could do to keep his loved ones safe.”
She didn’t respond. Instead, Danielle sniffled and ran the top of her hand below her nose. The doors opened to the familiar hallway.
I kept in step with her. “There is a real possibility of present danger.”
With a stiff chin, she nodded as she continued walking toward the door to her condominium. As she reached for the keypad, I stopped her.
“I’ve changed your code.”
Danielle took a step back, inhaled sharply, and stared incredulously at me. “Without consulting me?”
“Melinda and I discussed it.” I entered the code. “The fewer people who know, the better.”
“Maybe I could be included on that list?”
“You will be.” After entering the new code, I tipped my chin and looked up and down the empty hallway. “Stay here a moment, Doctor. I’ll do a sweep.”
“My name is Dani. I think we’ve passed the formality.”
A punch to the gut.
We had passed that formality. That was my mistake.
When I didn’t respond, she pressed her lips together and tilted her head toward the open door. “How could anyone be inside there? You’re the only one who knows the code.”
Leave no stone unturned.
“Please wait a moment.” Removing my gun from my side holster, I entered the condominium. The security upgrade we did last year had been cutting edge, but technology has improved quickly. I would make a few adjustments to bring it up to speed.
The large floor-to-ceiling windows filled the front room and kitchen with sunlight. A smile threatened to curl my lips at the sight of the gray walls, white trim, and stylish furniture. Everything about this home reflected Dani Sinclair’s style and need for control.
The immaculate kitchen glistened from the stainless-steel appliances to the granite countertops. Down the first hallway, I checked the bathroom, laundry room, second bedroom, and office.
The small office was the only room that wasn’t spotless. Her desk had stacks of notes and there was a coffee cup to the side of the monitors. Back through the living room, I entered the primary bedroom. Her bed was meticulously made, even the throw pillows were in place. Inside her attached bathroom, every towel was hanging as if it were a hotel on check-in day.
“Come in,” I called as I again neared the door to the hallway.
With an exaggerated huff, she entered.
I closed the door and set the lock.
