Chapter Twenty-Nine #3
“I think that’s quite enough,” I announce, now that I’ve got their attention.
“Detective, I’ll handle my own security.
The police have enough to worry about without following me around.
Please keep me updated.” My tone is clipped, anger coloring every word.
I’ve barely managed to rein in the fury in my voice, and it’s still coursing through my body like a tsunami.
I whirl around to confront Damon, my frustration clear from the fire in my eyes.
“Damon, I’m perfectly capable of managing my own safety.”
He seems surprised by the intensity of my anger. He opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off because I’m done indulging men for today.
“Thank you for your input, but I believe you have another meeting to attend,” I grind out, making no attempt to be civil.
He looks taken aback, then slightly hurt. Nodding sharply, he turns on his heel and exits my office. He’s not happy, but I don’t care. He doesn’t get to control my life. I whirl around to look at Detective Dave, raising a questioning eyebrow.
“Yeah, I think we’re done here. I’ll give you a call if we hear anything, Ms. Robertson,” Dave finishes nervously, already heading toward the door.
I snort and head back to my desk. I have some calls to make, and for once, I’m not worried about ruffling any feathers. I’m taking control of my own life.
“Mel?” I call out, and she appears in my office almost immediately, carrying her ever-present notepad and pen.
“Did you need something, Ms. Robertson?” she asks, looking me in the eyes, empathy shining like a beacon despite my evident frustration.
I take a deep breath and sit down at my desk.
“Could you please get the number for the personal security service that Jacob uses? Also, please send my regrets for the charity dinner this evening, but assure them that we’ll be sending a donation.
Finally, please call me Joslyn. There’s no need to be so formal.
” I give her a grateful smile as I finally get all my conflicting emotions reined in.
“No problem, Ms…um..Joslyn,” she replies, nodding and giving me a shy smile before heading back to her desk.
I sit back and try to filter through all my emotions.
Adrenaline is coursing through me, and I need a minute to calm down.
I’m still furious with Damon, but I know there’s more to it than just what happened.
Something’s changed inside me, and I’m not sure how that will affect how I feel about Damon.
Yes, he makes me feel safe, and I love that, but I haven’t given anyone permission to make decisions on my behalf.
I put that all on the back burner for now.
I need to focus on the main issue, my safety.
An hour later, I’m on the phone with Stonegate Security, which, it turns out, is owned by a friend of Jacob’s.
I swear, my nephew knows everyone in Denver.
I’m not sure how, but I’m grateful for his networking abilities.
The firm has someone coming over to coordinate with our arena security, and they also want to review the security at my house.
I’ve always had an alarm system, but it’s old and outdated, so I’ll probably need an upgrade.
This new position will lead to higher visibility, something I hadn’t given much thought to until today.
However, I need to consider how it will affect my lifestyle from now on, and I think tightening my personal security is crucial after all that’s happened.
I’m not thrilled about having a bodyguard.
They were a staple during my life with Kurt, and not in a positive way.
He would use security to spy on me, control me, and keep me under his thumb.
I hated it and them, even knowing they were only doing their job.
Security hasn’t been an issue for me in a long time, but maybe it won’t be as invasive and uncomfortable with this new company, especially if I’m the one calling the shots.
It’s early evening by the time I’m done meeting with the security team from Stonegate.
I’ve acquired a new shadow named Evan. He is currently sitting on my office sofa, reviewing arena security protocols on his laptop.
Evan is a brawny guy who looks incredibly capable, inspiring confidence in me that my safety is in excellent hands.
With his blond hair and blue eyes, he has that surfer look but carries himself with military precision, hinting at his background.
Based on Mel’s gaping mouth and the puddle of drool on her desk, it’s clear he’s attractive.
I can’t help but chuckle to myself after she stumbles over the coffee table for the third time on her way out of my office.
Glad I could provide you with some eye candy, Mel.
For his part, Evan doesn’t seem to notice her admiration—or perhaps he’s simply very professional.
The deciding factor for me is Abby. I always trust her instincts with people, and she immediately took a liking to Evan.
She’s already curled herself up at his feet.
My heart warms when I see him reach down absentmindedly to pet her as he works.
Suddenly, I’m feeling much better about the whole bodyguard issue.
Now, what to do about Damon?