I raised my brows in question. “Who?”
Walker pulled his cell out of his pocket. “Tuck and I have a friend from college. His name’s Cain. He runs a crazy successful tech company, but he has a hobby that comes in handy every now and then.”
I waited for Walker to continue but quickly got impatient. “What?”
Walker met my gaze. “He’s a ridiculously talented hacker.”
“Isn’t that illegal?” I asked as I eyed the badge hanging from Walker’s belt.
Walker looked over my shoulder to make sure the other cop hadn’t followed us in. “It’s questionable. If I don’t know how Cain comes across the intel, then everything’s on the up and up on my end.” Walker grinned. “So, Cain never tells me how he gets the info.”
I glanced at Tessa whose arms were wrapped around herself so tightly she must have been cutting off her own circulation. I turned back to Walker. “Call him. I’ll pay whatever his price is.”
Walker shook his head. “Cain doesn’t need the money. Trust me.” He eyed Tessa. “And he has a thing about guys who hurt women. He’ll dismantle Garrett’s life in a few keystrokes.”
“Do it.” I pulled Tessa into my arms as Walker headed down the hall to make his calls. I swept my lips across the skin at her temple. “We’re going to fix this.” I just hoped like hell it would happen before things got worse.
37
Tessa
When we arrived at the Kettle the next morning, Walker was there, installing new locks. He looked up as Liam and I climbed out of the SUV. “Just taking a few extra precautions.”
Liam grunted. He was grumpy, had been since yesterday when I refused to go back to the guest cabin after the photo incident. But I wasn’t going to let Garrett hijack my life anymore. And what would I do if I went back to the cabin? Twiddle my thumbs and worry? No, thank you.
I made my way to the back door where Walker was working. “Thank you for doing this. I’m sorry about all the extra trouble.”
He gave me a soft smile. “It’s no trouble. We’re gonna keep you safe, Tessa.”
Liam wrapped an arm around me. “Thanks, Walk. Let me know if you need any help with this stuff.”
Walker jerked up his chin. “I’m almost done. Jensen’s already inside getting set up for the day.”
Liam and I headed through the back door, making our way into the kitchen and then the front of the shop. Jensen turned from wiping down tables at the sound of our footsteps. She grinned. “Look, it’s the tea house’s number one fan.”
Liam scowled. When I refused to return to the cabin after yesterday’s incident, he’d taken up residency at the Kettle. Jensen had teased him the entire day. Therefore, this morning, we had Liam the grump.
The only bright spot yesterday was that a major cheating scandal with some Hollywood movie star had come to light, and almost all the photographers had left town. I felt bad about being grateful for someone else’s heartache, but we needed a break.
I rubbed my thumb in circles on Liam’s brow, attempting to ease his scowl. “You know, being at the Kettle means free treats all day, starting with your favorite ham and cheddar scones.”
Liam’s frown eased a bit. “You gonna make chocolate potato chip cookies today?”
I grinned. “If it means you’ll be less of a grumpy butt, yes.”
The scowl was back. “I’m not grumpy.”
Jensen cackled. “You’re pouting worse than my eight-year-old when I tell him he has to eat all his broccoli if he wants dessert.” Liam’s eyes narrowed at her. Jensen crossed to him and thumped him on the back. “I know you’d like to lock Tessa away until we find this asswipe, but she’ll go crazy. If she’s here, she’s surrounded by people looking out for her, and you can keep an eye on things all day long while eating us out of house and home.”
Liam let out a reluctant chuckle. “You have a point.” He looked at me, worry filling his eyes. “I just want you safe.”
I wrapped my arms around Liam and brushed my lips over his jaw. “I am safe here.”
Liam nuzzled my neck. “Okay. I’ll quit being a grump.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
Liam tapped me on the butt. “Now, get in that kitchen and fix me some scones. I’m a growing boy, and I need my sustenance.”
