Chapter 23 #2
“Hi,” the suit says, extending a hand. “I’m Michael Harridan. I work with Evie.” He looks at Evie. “I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”
“Oh. I’m not,” she says. “This is Gabe. An old family friend.” She crosses her arm over her middle. “Gabe, do you mind giving us a minute?”
She just told this guy that I’m an old friend. I’ll step out, but I won’t go far.
I’m still in the room when Evie asks, “What’s up?”
“You’re on a leave of absence. Why don’t you tell me what’s up?”
“I guess you were right,” Evie says.
I slow once I’m in the passageway between the kitchen and living room. Out of sight but within earshot.
“I got too close to the case.”
“And an old family friend came to visit?” Harridan asks.
“Yeah. He actually lives nearby. NoHo.”
“Ah. So why have you been so hard to reach? Did you go on vacation?”
“Visited family,” she says.
“And you’re not dating that guy?”
My jaw locks so tight I feel it in my temples.
“No, Michael. I’m touched you stopped by but—”
“You want to go to dinner sometime?”
This guy. Jumping the moment the fraternization rules get tossed.
“Yeah. Sure.”
Something hot and irrational flares low in my gut.
I have no technical claim.
Doesn’t stop it from burning.
“This weekend?”
“Let me check my calendar. I just got back in town.”
“Yeah, right. Of course. And you’ve got a guest over.”
The voices get harder to discern, and then the door closes.
I step into the room. “Old friend?”
“Keeping the story consistent.”
Ah. Definitely still pissed about my conversation with Scott. “Have you touched base with your dad?”
“No.”
“You’d better do that. You said you’d call when you landed.”
“He’s been texting.”
“Right.” I glance at her front door. “Do you want to go out with that guy?”
“Did you really tell your team you’re changing all of my locks without talking to me first?”
“It’s a smart move,” I say, wondering what the big deal is. “I’ve got the team updates. You’re going to need to set up a meeting.”
“You in charge of my schedule now too?”
Something about this feels familiar. The plane. The “strategic” comment. I don’t have time to chase the thought all the way down—not with a stranger just gone from her doorstep and a case that’s actively trying to kill her.
“Would you stop? We’re working the same case.”
“Are your locks changing?”
“I’m protecting you.” It’s all I can do to remain even-keeled.
“Log me into your portal. I’ll update myself.”
I file the thought about the plane away instead of finishing it. Later.
Together we stride upstairs and I log into our secure portal. Before I pass it over, I see that name—Dahlia Evans.
Evie sits at the desk, frowning.
I leave the room, wanting to call Quinn. I want her to look into Michael Harridan. Add him to the list. How did he know she was back? It’s suspicious. Or has he been stopping by every day in the hopes of her being home? Conceivable. Prick.
And if she wants to go out with him, there’s not much I can say. Seems I’m not doing anything right with her.
I’m losing her. We just crossed the line, and I’m losing her. I don’t know how to fix it without making it worse.
Keep working. That’s all I’ve got right now.
She’s mad at me. But that’s tough.
Because keeping her safe—well, figuring this out, while keeping her safe—matters more than anything. And with that thought, I do a security sweep.
I check the front door first. The deadbolt is solid, but the door frame itself could use reinforcement. I make a note.
Strong lock. Weak frame.
Protection means nothing if the structure gives.
Could I sell her on a new front door?
The back entrance—leading to the small lawn and parking area—has a clear sight line from the upper floor rooms across the alley. I’ve already told her to keep the blinds drawn. She doesn’t listen.
Upstairs, the strips of land between her townhome and her neighbors’ create blind spots. Anyone could stage there without being seen from the street.
I pull out my phone and text Quinn: Need exterior cameras. Three additional units. Motion-activated. I’ll install tonight.
Quinn
Sending specs. ETA 2 hours.
I’m measuring the sight line from the back lawn when Evie appears in the kitchen doorway.
“What’re you doing?”
“Reassessing the perimeter,” I say. “I’m having cameras installed. Four total. Covering the side gaps and back approach, and expanding on your current Ring camera at the front.”
She crosses her arms. “Because we filed the IG complaint?”
“Because someone cut your brake line, and there was a drive-by shooting, and now Meridian knows you’re back in the country and knows what you filed. This place needs better coverage.”
“Were you going to ask me first?”
I open my mouth to say of course.
But the truth is, I hadn’t thought to. “Would you say no?”
“That’s not the point. This is my home, Gabe.”
“I know. And I’m trying to keep you safe in it.”
Her jaw tightens. “You’re making decisions about my property without asking.”
“I’m securing vulnerabilities.”
“Without my input.”
I set down the measuring tape. “What do you want me to do, Evie? Wait until you’re hurt before I fix the things that need fixing?”
“I want you to ask,” she says quietly. “I want you to treat me like a partner, not a problem you need to solve.”
The words hit somewhere I don’t have armor.
Partner.
I want that. I just don’t know how to protect her and not take control. But…
“I am—”
“No, you’re not.” She steps closer. “You’re treating me like a variable to control. Just like—”
She stops.
“Just like who?” I ask.
“Nothing.”
“Say it.” If there’s some guy from her past that Scott hasn’t mentioned—
“Just like my father,” she finishes.
That hits with a punch.
Not because of her father’s reputation—he’s cutthroat and demanding.
Because some part of me recognizes the truth in it. I moved into her space without asking. I changed plans without consulting her. I made decisions about her property, her safety, her story—and I called it protection.
Her father does the same thing. Calls it love.
“I’m nothing like your father.”
“Aren’t you?” She turns and walks away.
The door to her office upstairs closes.
Not slammed.
Just closed. Firmly.
The sound is controlled yet final.
I’d almost prefer if she’d slammed the damn door.
I finish taking measurements.
Then I text Quinn the specs and wait for the cameras to arrive.
Protect the perimeter.
Control what I can.
Because inside this house, inside that closed office door—
I’m not sure how to fix what I just broke.