Mr. Swoony (The Nest #3)

Chapter 52

Fifty-Two

Eloise

After the meet-and-greet, Conor and I drive to the police station while everyone else gets to go hang out at Peeper’s Alley.

Jade called her stepdad, Reed, because they have a connection through their old next-door neighbor who is working on renovating Jade and Henry’s new house. Her brother-in-law is a police officer, and although he’s a detective, he agreed to see us.

We’re sitting in the chairs, waiting to be called back, when a tall man with dark hair and olive skin walks out from the back. “Eloise? Conor?”

We both stand.

He puts out his hand. “Cristian Bianco. I heard you’re having some problems with a fan?”

Conor nods. “I had a restraining order against her down in Florida, and now she’s found me here.”

He blows out a breath and waves us forward. “Come on in. We’ll go to my desk.”

He winds us through rows of desks until he sits in a chair and gestures toward the two empty ones across from him. On his desk are pictures of who I assume are his kids and a beautiful blonde who must be his wife.

“So, do you know her name?” Detective Bianco asks.

Conor gives him all the information he knows, and the detective types it into his computer.

“She gave me this note today during a meet-and-greet.” Conor passes over the crumpled piece of paper, and Detective Bianco takes it.

“This can be tricky, which I’m sure you know from what happened in Florida. Why don’t you tell me what she’s done so far here in Chicago?”

He sits back in his chair, and Conor and I tell him about the texts, the comments, the dying of her hair, and the fact that she thinks she’s in a secret relationship with Conor.

Detective Bianco’s mouth twists. “There’s nothing there I can bring her in for, so my suggestion for the time being is to get a lawyer and see how fast your case can be seen in front of the court. Until then, lay low. This type of behavior generally escalates. The problem is you’re a public figure, so she knows where to find you. You might want to consider getting some security personnel.”

“Fucking hell. I’m over this.” Conor rocks his head back and blows a stream of air toward the ceiling.

I place my hand on his leg. “Do you have any lawyers you can suggest?”

“Talk to Reed. He’ll get you situated. In the meantime, be aware of your surroundings and call us if she does anything considered criminal.” He looks at Conor. “I know this is frustrating. With my job, I always worry about the safety of my kids and wife. But we’ll get this handled. Honestly, it sounds like she needs some medical attention, so hopefully when the judge hears your case for a restraining order, she’ll get some help. But I am sorry there’s not more I can do right now.”

Conor stands and holds out his hand. “Thank you for your time.”

Detective Bianco shakes his hand and stands. “Here.” He grabs his business card and jots something on the back. “That’s my cell phone. Call me, but if you think you’re in danger, you need to call 9-1-1 right away.”

Conor pockets the card. “Thanks.”

“I wish I could do more, but she hasn’t outright threatened you, so my hands are tied.”

I nod and take Conor’s hand. “We understand. Thanks for meeting with us.”

“I’ll see you out.” Detective Bianco steps around the desk. “I have to get home to my kids. Halloween tonight.” He smiles as though he really can’t wait.

He walks us out to the lobby, and we say one more goodbye before we leave the precinct.

“I’ll call Reed,” I say. “He’ll be able to suggest a good lawyer.”

“God, Eloise, I’m so pissed.” Conor walks down the block. “I just want her to go away.”

He leans his back against a wall, and I step in front of him, taking his head in my hands. “I know. Me too, and it will happen, but this is what she wants. She wants us to be unhappy because she thinks she can slide in and take my place. But we’re not going to let her ruin our happiness, okay?” I press my lips to his.

When I pull away, he nods. “Okay.”

“Now, let’s go have fun with our friends. We’re going to beat their asses at darts one of these days.” I hold out my hand.

He places his palm in mine, clenching it tightly. “We need to buy you a dart set like mine.”

I don’t say anything, but having the best of the best darts hasn’t helped him win any more games.

I understand why Conor is upset. Lila’s really putting a dark cloud over us, but at the same time, my heart hurts for her. She must be mentally unstable to carry on like this. I hope by getting the ball rolling today, someone will step in and give her the help she needs.