Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021

can’t happen again.”
Though this took him by surprise, he realized it wasn’t entirely unexpected. If Carly wanted to take things slow, then that’s what they’d do. “I understand,” he told her. “Now if you’re ready, let’s go. I have something important I want to tell you.”
“Give me just a minute.” Turning, she let herself back into her house, leaving him standing on the front porch. He sipped his coffee while he waited, wondering how he could still feel so strongly for her while she apparently did not feel the same way. It figured, because time had basically stood still for him. He’d been completely disconnected from the regular world for a long time, both while being held captive and then while in the hospital recovering. Despite the aching certainty that he’d finally landed right back where he belonged, he knew he’d need to give Carly time.
She reappeared a moment later, letting herself out and locking the door behind her. “I’m a little worried about Bridget,” she mused as she walked with him to his rental car. “She’s been a stray for a while and I’m guessing she’s not housebroken. I made an area near the back door with newspaper, so I’m hoping she’ll use that. If not, then I’ll just clean it up.”
“How long are you working today?” he asked.
“Unless something happens, I’m only working eight to five,” she replied, getting into his car. “The vet is open until six, so I have to rush home and get Bridget.” She eyed him. “I don’t have a collar or leash or even proper dog bowls. Oh, and I need dog food. Would you mind picking some up for me and I’ll reimburse you?”
“Of course I don’t mind. What about a dog bed? What size dog is she?”
“Maybe forty or fifty pounds, I’m guessing.” Swallowing, she buckled herself in. “Thank you. I really appreciate your help.”
He noticed the way she glanced around her neighborhood, an unmistakable hint of apprehension in the stiff set of her shoulders.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Her sideways glance and rueful smile told him she wasn’t sure. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s been so weird lately. I’m actually glad you offered to take me to work.”
“Do you see anything out of the ordinary?” Curious, he started the engine and pulled away.
“No, not really. I just can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching me.”
“Then they would have seen me on your front porch,” he pointed out. “Maybe if they realize I’m going to be showing up a lot, they’ll move on to something else and leave you alone.”
She sighed, but didn’t argue with his statement, which he found encouraging.
“I called one of my buddies who works for Chicago PD,” he said. “I wanted to know if they’d had any leads in your father’s and uncle’s murders.”
This made her sit up straighter. “Oh, yeah? What did he say?”
“Well, Chicago PD wants to notify your family first. I think they’re planning on doing that today.” He shrugged. “I feel you should be told because this might have some bearing on your own safety, especially since you’ve been feeling as if someone is watching you.”
He took a deep breath. “Are you okay with knowing before but not saying anything until your mother and aunt are told? Because my friend will have my head on a platter if it gets out that he told me.”
“Yes, I am. I have to work, anyway. Why so much secrecy?”
“There’s been another double murder, done in a similar manner to your dad and uncle. Now they’re thinking serial killer, and they’ve called in the FBI to assist.”
She stared at him, her mouth slightly open. “A serial killer?” she asked. “For real?”
“That’s the working theory right now.”
“What’s the common thread?” Arms crossed, she eyed him. “Don’t serial killers usually have a type they kill? Is it because my dad and uncle Alfred were twins?”
“I don’t know. My contact didn’t elaborate. I’m guessing you’ll find out more info once the police department informs your family.”
Slowly, she shook her head. “They’re going to flip. I hope they tell Heath first, so he can break the news to my mother and aunt.”
“There’s more. I told my friend how you felt someone might be following you.” He handed her a slip of paper with Charlie’s number. “He needs you to call him and make an official report. Once they have that, they can start protecting you.”
Accepting the paper, she frowned. “What do you mean by that? Are you talking about a bodyguard or something?”
“No. You have me for that.” He smiled. “More like they can send a patrol car around your neighborhood more often. Maybe have someone parked out in front of your house to keep an eye on things. I doubt they have the resources to do that 24/7, but because of your connection to the murders, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
He saw the moment she realized. “You think the killer might be targeting me.” A statement rather than a question, but he knew to tread carefully.
“I think we don’t need to take any chances.” A reasonable response. “No need to panic, but just continue to be careful.”
They pulled up to the hospital. He parked at the curb to let her out. “I’ll pick you up here at five.”
Gaze locked on his, she slowly nodded. “Okay. If I can get off earlier, I’ll text you. I really need to check Bridget for a microchip.”
He watched her walk away, her sweet round behind swaying in her scrubs. Unsurprisingly, he had to push away a surge of raw lust. Though he regretted the way things had gotten out of hand between them the day before, if anything the way they’d combusted so quickly told him he still had a chance of making things right with her. He’d just need to be careful to take it slow. The last thing he wanted was for Carly to cut and run.
Now he just needed to find out if someone was stalking her and