20. In The Spotlight
Chapter 20
In The Spotlight
K nox wanted to shut down everything, lock him and Thea inside and keep her safe. Despite the asshole not saying anything physically threatening, the entire scenario felt rife with potential for violence. He wasn’t ignoring his instincts.
With another glance down the empty road, he turned them back to the farmhouse. “How do you feel about heading into Phail. I’d like to report this to their police chief. Talk to him and Troy about it.”
She nodded. “I wish I knew the neighbors here, too. We should warn everyone about Andy. I didn’t think he could be dangerous, but what if I’m wrong?”
He nodded. “Good idea. Why don’t we head to Phail first? I’m sure someone will know at least one of our neighbors. Then we’ll stop and talk to people on the way back.”
She nodded. “I don’t like him being here, but he didn’t do anything threatening.”
“I know but I’d like to let Marcus in the loop.”
Knox felt his tension ease a fraction when they walked into Phail Jail. Because, of course, it was called that. He squeezed Thea’s hand. “I’m betting my buddy Troy had a hand in naming the police station.”
“I love it. Fits this town perfectly.”
Inside the old building, the station appeared to have been newly refurbished. The space was clean and modern. Marcus stood near the back wall with a woman in a deputy’s uniform. He waved when he saw them, finished up his conversation, and came to the front. “Hi Knox, Thea. What can I do for you?”
“We had a bit of an incident at the farm, and I’d like to run it by you.”
Marcus frowned. “You’re both okay?”
They nodded, and Marcus waved them to follow him into his office across the hall. Knox’s attention was immediately pulled to wanted posters and a sketch on the wall behind the chief’s desk.
The wanted posters were cartoon sketches of Marcus, Troy, and the other men from their team. The sketch showed all six men in their army uniforms. “Those are amazing.”
Marcus glowed with pride. “Elina drew them. They make me grin every time I walk into this office.”
Thea smiled as they studied the comic artist’s work. Knox was damn glad he’d been able to help her escape captivity when he’d been deployed overseas. Not only would the world have been robbed of her talent, but his new friend would never have found the love of his life.
Now Knox needed to ensure he didn’t lose his.
Marcus sat and gestured for them to do the same. “Tell me what happened.”
Thea sighed. “I’m not sure if we should bother you with this.”
“Let me be the judge of that. It’s always better to have records of little things in case they become big things.”
Knox took her hand as she nodded and spoke. “Okay. Before I came to work on Jay’s farm, I worked as a soil consultant back in Iowa. My employer was Andy Gammon. Things were fine for a couple of years. Then the farmers I worked with stopped wanting to work with me.”
She sighed. “It took me a while to figure it out. Andy was taking credit for my ideas and my work. Told the farmers I was only following his exact instructions and that was the reason the farmers were prospering. When I found out the truth, I quit.”
Marcus nodded. “Good choice. Sounds like Gammon is an asshole.”
Knox watched the tension ease from Thea’s shoulders. “A few months ago, he emailed me offering me my job back with a pay increase. I sent the email to trash and blocked his email but he sent another with a new account. I trashed it as well. A few days ago, he called me and offered me my job back with a bigger increase in pay. I said no.”
“Another good choice.”
Thea smiled. “He left two messages but I didn’t answer those. In both he spoke as if I’d accepted the job. I blocked his number after that but Knox has recordings of both messages.”
Knox pulled out his phone and played the messages, which Marcus recorded on his own. “When you worked for him, did he show any signs of having delusions?”
Thea shook her head. “I didn’t interact with him much, but I never saw any signs of mental instability.”
Marcus frowned. “And what happened today to trigger your visit?”
“He showed up at the farm.”
Marcus’s eyebrows shot up. “Did you give him your location?”
Thea’s shoulders hunched again so Knox put his arm around the back of her chair and played with her hair.
She shook her head. “No. He asked me where I was when he called the first time.”
Knox grinned. “She deflected him like a pro. Didn’t mention anything about her whereabouts. Instead, she asked him why he wanted to know.”
Marcus smiled. “Good response. So how did he find you? How many people back in Iowa know where you are? And how many of those people does Gammon know?”
Thea shrugged. “No one knows where I am. I don’t have any family and I wasn’t close enough with anyone to keep in touch. I didn’t have a destination in mind when I left.”
Marcus nodded. “I doubt Jay would have had contacts in Iowa. Did he ever mention any?”
Thea smiled. “No. In fact, he said he was amazed I knew anything of importance, not being from Vermont.”
Knox laughed. “That sounds exactly like something my grandfather Fox would have said. They were so much alike. I wish they’d kept in touch.”
Marcus tilted his head. “Still no idea what split the two up?”
Knox shook his head, and Marcus turned his attention back to Thea. “I’m guessing the answer is no, but do you think Gammon would be connected to any kind of organized crime?”
Thea laughed. “I sincerely doubt it. I can’t imagine organized crime having any interest in farm country, Iowa. And I can’t imagine Triple-A even knowing how to get involved.”
Marcus smiled. “Okay, I can guess that’s your name for Gammon. One A for Andy? One for Asshole?”
Thea smiled, and Knox loved that their new friend was so good at putting her at ease.
She grinned. “And the third one for Arrogant.”
Marcus laughed. “Nice. Okay. Anyone who is determined enough can find people to do just about anything on the internet. It would take some digging and some careful questions, but it’s doable. Someone would have to have some skills to hack into your data provider and secure information about your phone’s location. I’m guessing Gammon probably doesn’t have those skills.”
Thea shrugged. “I don’t know him well but I can’t see him being capable. He struggled to even use his phone to look up research when we were working.”
“Definitely not a hacker type. So he’s probably hired someone to hack into records and find your location. Tell me what happened once he arrived.”
Knox tensed as Thea recounted how Gammon surprised her when she was working the compost. If the bastard had a weapon, he could have hurt her. Or taken her against her will.
They added as many details to the report as they could. Knox wondered if they should add another dog. One trained to protect. Fox was awesome, but he was as friendly a dog as Knox had ever met. Although he had growled at Gammon. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt Thea if he was nearby.
Marcus tapped his fingers on the desk. “Did he make an outright threat?”
Thea shook her head. “No. I suppose it would be easier for you if he had.”
Marcus shrugged. “I’d prefer not to have my friends threatened at all. There’s enough of a pattern of behavior here to indicate a potential problem. Emails, texts, calls, then showing up here. Would you like to proceed with a restraining order?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’ll write it up. I have the messages, but I’d like copies of the emails and texts. Be prepared that he may use other numbers and emails. Don’t answer anyone you don’t know. You can always change your number if he continues.”
She nodded. That would might cost a bit, but it would be worth it.
“In the meantime, I’ll see if Triple-A has taken a room at the B&B. If so, I’ll drop by there and serve him with the restraining order. I’ll also tell him he will be charged with trespassing if he steps on your property again.”
Knox leaned forward. “And if he’s not there?”
Marcus grinned. “I don’t give up that easily. I have his phone number and I’ll be calling if I can’t find where he’s staying. For this kind of jerk, I’d prefer to show up unannounced but I can give the message over the phone.”
“Thank you.” Thea’s voice gave away her surprise.
Marcus obviously heard it as well. “We’ve got your back here, Thea. If you need any backup, all you have to do is call. I’d also like to get a picture of Gammon and show it to the local business owners. I’d like to know if he stopped here and asked around about you. It would surprise me if anyone here gave him the information of where to find you but maybe he was subtle enough not to trigger any alarm bells.”
Hell, that hadn’t occurred to Knox. Even if Gammon had located the phone, he might have tried to get more information before approaching. “It would also be great to have them aware. They could let you know if he comes in with questions.”
Marcus nodded. “Exactly. If he’s been in town or if he comes, we’ll know about it. We also have a local security company, Midnight Security. They’re all friends. They’re mostly former FBI and do a lot of training with bodyguards and law enforcement groups. If you want to install any security systems, they can get you a good deal and help set it up.”
That was something proactive he could do. “I’d like that. We should wire up the farmhouse and Thea’s cabin for a start. We can look at the barns and the other farmhouse later on.”
Thea reached to squeeze his arm. “You don’t have to spend all that money. I’m sure Andy will take off once he hears from Marcus.”
He took her hand. “Not taking a chance and it’s already on the to do list. Adding security is never a bad idea. I’ve worked as a bodyguard as well as in the military. I’ll feel better once the system is installed. It’s better to have preventative measures in place instead of facing regrets later.”
Marcus laughed. “A man after my own heart. When Elina first arrived in Phail, there was a man who wanted to hurt her. Having her safe behind the security system meant the world to me. I think you’ll both feel better for having it.”
Thea nodded but didn’t look sure. Knox knew she worried about money, but he’d convince her that it was a good investment. Because he’d pay and do anything to keep her safe.
T hea tried to keep in the sigh as they left the station. Marcus Ramirez appeared to be the very best kind of police officer. Thorough, kind, and a man of action.
They had a paper copy of the restraining order as well as copies in their emails. Marcus would keep them up to date on any progress.
Knox tugged her hand and they moved into Phail Way Park to sit on one of the benches scattered around the park. He sat and tucked her into his side. “How are you feeling?”
She laughed but knew it didn’t sound happy. “I’m feeling about a dozen things. Marcus strikes me as an extremely capable police chief so that makes me happy. I’m sure he’ll do everything he can to track down Andy. I’m also worried that we’re all overreacting. I can’t imagine Andy doing damage to your property, so I’m worried that you’re wasting a lot of money.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “After spending time with that bodyguard firm in Boston, I’ll always want a security system in my home. It’s not a waste. It’s an investment.”
She supposed that was true. “Okay. I’ve got some savings. I’ll chip in to pay for it all because it’s mostly my fault.”
Knox cupped her cheek and gently urged her to look at him. His eyes were serious and intense. “Hey. None of this is your fault. Triple-A is a jerk. You’re not allowed to take any responsibility for his actions.”
She studied him closely, and he let her look. She didn’t see any regrets in his eyes, absolutely no sign that he was upset about the money.
Knox leaned forward and kissed her forehead, leaving his lips there while he murmured. “I’d do anything to keep you safe, Thea. Even if Gammon hadn’t shown up, one of my siblings would have mentioned it at some point. It’s a good idea.”
She leaned back and tilted her head to kiss him. “Okay. I believe you.” He was such a good man. Her feelings almost tumbled out of her mouth, but she held them back. In the middle of Phail Way Park with all the tension of the day, it wasn’t the time or place.
For a few minutes, they sat and enjoyed the peace of the park. After a bit, Knox kissed her temple. “While we’re here, why don’t we stop in to chat with Troy. He might know the names of some of our neighbors. Unless things have changed, Epic will be the one to keep track of everyone. We can maybe pick up some brownies or something to give people when we barge in and introduce ourselves.”
She laughed. His kindness was showing again. “Bribe them to like us? Good idea. Too bad we don’t have apple pies or something appropriate to the farm to hand out.”
He nodded. “Maybe one day. If things go well, we’ll have to look into finding someone who likes to bake after the harvest.”
That filled her with warmth. He was definitely making long-term plans around the farm. “It would be amazing to have a baker. I’d probably gain twenty pounds in no time.”
He grinned. “Me too, but I bet it would be worth it.”
Probably true.
Inside Phail General, they found Troy working on his laptop at the counter. He smiled as they walked in. “Hey, guys. Glad you’re getting in the habit of regular visits.”
That made Thea smile. She’d probably only been in town three or four times with Jay. She was already at that number with Knox.
No one else was in the store, so she wasn’t surprised when Knox pulled out his phone and pulled up Andy’s picture from his business’s website. “Any chance you’ve seen this guy?”
Troy straightened with the same alertness she’d seen in both Knox and Marcus. “No. I take it he’s not someone we want around?”
Thea smiled. “You’re right. We just spoke to Marcus and he’s going to ask around about him.”
“What happened? Who is he?”
She gestured for Knox to fill in his friend. Troy took his phone out. “I’m going to pull up that picture as well. You can bet I’ll call you if I see him. Have you thought about adding a security system? Sam out at Midnight Security and I have good contacts. We can come out and help you figure out what you need if you want to get a system.”
She and Knox shared a look. “Marcus suggested that.”
Troy grinned. “Great minds. Let me talk to Sam, and we’ll see when we can come out in the next day or two. Are you sticking in town for a bit?”
Knox nodded. “Going to grab something to eat at the diner if it’s still open. If not, we’ll hit the Saloon again.”
Troy checked the time. “Ginny’s still open for another hour. You’re good. If I hear from Sam, I’ll catch up with you there.”
“We’re also hoping you can tell us about the neighbors at the farm. We haven’t met anyone yet, and I’d like to fix that.”
Troy nodded. “Good idea. Go ahead and eat. I’ll just finish up the inventory and be over in a few minutes.”
That made her frown. “You don’t have to close up your store for us. We can come back.”
Troy grinned at her. “Everyone knows how to find me if they need anything. I’ll leave a sign on the door. No worries.”
As they walked the short distance to the diner, Knox swung her hand. “This town is something else.”
She laughed. “It is. Overwhelming in a good way.”
In the diner, Ginny Phail greeted them like old friends. It wasn’t long before they shared a taco platter filled with deliciousness.
When Troy joined them, he waved his cousin over to join them. “Hey, Ginny. These two want to know about their neighbors. I figured you’d know as much as me. Plus, they’ve got an asshole harassing Thea, and we’d like you to keep an eye out.”
Definitely overwhelming.
Ginny hadn’t seen Andy either but she also pulled up his picture on her phone. “Got him. I’m not sure Manuel knows how to screw up when cooking, but I can add salt to his coffee for starters.”
A laugh burst out of Thea. Ginny grinned with a shrug. “No one bothers one of us without repercussions.”
One of us .
Another reminder to Thea that she wasn’t alone. Not anymore.
Ginny grabbed a notebook and pen. “Let’s draw a map. I haven’t been out that way in a while, but between the two of us, I’m sure we know most people.”
It wasn’t long before they had a simple map complete with names.
Greg and Sally Kelly lived to the south. A friendly couple who lived off the grid and grew most of their own food.
Lorraine Apostle was their direct neighbor to the north. She’d once raised and shown Boxers and Bernese Mountain dogs.
Around the corner from Lorraine lived Dani Richards, a beekeeper, and further north lived Mort and Callum Welch, who grew vegetables and sold them on the roadside and in Fiona’s store.
Across the road, Sylvia Newberry ran a Christmas tree farm beside Bob Sweeney, who wanted to be left alone and hated visitors.
Ginny tapped his name on the map. “His wife died about ten years ago, and he’s become even crankier. He’s probably lonely, but he’s prickly, and isn’t afraid of aiming a round of buckshot when he wants people to leave.”
Thea shook her head. “Poor guy. We’ll make an effort another day but I don’t think asking him to look out for Triple-A is the best way to meet him.”
Troy nodded. “Agreed. The rest are friendly and will be willing to help. That list should get you started.”
Thea smiled. “Thanks so much. Now, how many cinnamon buns do you have for us to use as bribes?”
Ginny laughed. “Not many left this time of day, but I’ll bet Fiona has enough of her baking to round things out.”
Thea hoped it would be enough. She didn’t think Andy would hurt anyone else, but she wasn’t willing to take a chance.