Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Hudson
I leaned against the counter in the small coffee shop where I was supposed to meet the contact. The place smelled of espresso and pastries, but I wasn’t here to enjoy the ambiance. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to check the message.
“Five minutes. Corner table.”
I scanned the room, noting exits and the few customers scattered at the tables. It was a slow afternoon, and I hoped it stayed that way. The less attention we drew, the better.
Naomi was at the apartment, probably trying to distract herself with some book or movie. I hadn’t told her about this meeting—she didn’t need to know. Not yet. This lead was thin, but it was the first real connection to her ex that I’d found, and I wasn’t about to let it slip through my fingers.
The door opened, and I tensed automatically before relaxing when I recognized the man walking in. Jesse wasn’t the most reliable guy, but he had a knack for knowing things that most people didn’t. He spotted me immediately and slid into the seat across from mine.
“You’re looking for info,” he said without preamble, his voice low. “I’ve got some, but it’s gonna cost you.”
“Depends on what you’ve got,” I replied, keeping my tone steady. “Start talking.”
He leaned forward, lowering his voice even more. “The guy you’re asking about—Naomi’s ex? He’s been sniffing around a group that’s bad news. They call themselves ‘The Fold.’ Ever heard of them?”
I frowned, the name ringing a faint bell. “Yeah. They’ve got a reputation.”
Jesse nodded. “Harassment, extortion, intimidation. They go after women mostly—vulnerable ones. And they don’t play fair.”
My jaw tightened, the anger simmering in my chest threatening to boil over. “What’s his connection to them?”
“Don’t know exactly,” Jesse said with a shrug. “But I’ve seen him hanging around their usual spots. He’s either working with them, or he’s trying to impress them. Either way, it’s not good.”
I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing. This wasn’t just about some bitter ex trying to make Naomi’s life miserable. If he was tied to The Fold, it meant this was bigger—more dangerous—than I’d thought.
“You sure about this?” I asked, my tone sharp.
“Positive,” Jesse said. “And if I were you, I’d watch my back. These guys don’t like being poked.”
“Thanks for the warning,” I said dryly, tossing a few bills on the table. “Keep your ears open. If you hear anything else, let me know.”
He nodded and left, disappearing out the door as quickly as he’d come. I sat there for a moment, processing what he’d told me. This changed everything. It wasn’t just about protecting Naomi anymore—it was about taking down a threat that wouldn’t stop until it got what it wanted.
I got back to the apartment later than I’d planned, and Naomi was waiting for me, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable.
“Where were you?” she asked.
“Out,” I said, setting my keys on the counter.
“Out where?” she pressed, her tone sharp. “You’ve been gone for hours.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I was following a lead.”
She blinked, caught off guard. “And you didn’t think to tell me?”
“I didn’t want you to worry,” I said, my voice softer now.
“Worry?” she repeated, her eyes narrowing. “Hudson, I’m already worried. I’m terrified. You going off on your own without telling me doesn’t make it any better.”
I stepped closer, placing my hands on her shoulders. “I’m trying to keep you safe, Naomi. That’s all I care about.”
She shook her head, her voice trembling. “I don’t need you to protect me by shutting me out. I need you to trust me.”
The words hit harder than I expected, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to say. She was right. I couldn’t do this alone—not if I wanted her to feel safe, to feel like she could rely on me.
“Okay,” I said finally. “You’re right.”
Her eyes widened slightly, like she hadn’t expected me to agree. “I... I am?”
“Yeah,” I said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. “But don’t get used to it.”
Her laugh was small but genuine, and for the first time all day, I felt like I could breathe again.
Later that afternoon, we went out to run a few errands. Naomi needed to feel like her life was still hers, and I couldn’t argue with that. But as we walked through the parking lot of the hardware store, my instincts started screaming.
Someone was watching us.
I kept Naomi close as we moved through the aisles, my eyes scanning for anything out of place. It wasn’t until we were leaving that I spotted him—a man loitering by the entrance, pretending to browse his phone but glancing our way too often.
“Naomi,” I said quietly, leaning closer. “Go wait in the truck.”
“What? Why?” she asked, frowning.
“Just do it,” I said firmly, handing her the keys.
She hesitated but nodded, her concern clear in her eyes as she walked away. I waited until she was out of sight before heading toward the man. He didn’t see me coming, too focused on watching Naomi.
When I grabbed his arm and spun him around, his eyes widened in shock, and I felt a cold knot form in my stomach. I recognized the face instantly.
And it changed everything.