Safe Harbor

by Christy Barritt

  “If that’s what you want.” Dez closed the door and then sat in the chair beside her, across from the doc’s desk. “And if it’s okay with Cassidy—Chief Chambers, I mean.”

  “That’s fine with me.”

  Bree glanced at the police chief in front of her. The woman didn’t look anything like she’d expected. Not that Bree knew exactly what to expect, but certainly not a pretty blonde who looked only a few years older than she was.

  Bree was kind of impressed. She loved seeing women in positions of power that were normally held by men.

  “I’m sorry about everything that happened today.” The chief frowned and leaned against the desk. Lines of exhaustion seemed to be etched on her forehead. No doubt her day had been just as crazy as Bree’s. “We’re trying to figure out what’s going on.”

  “I’m sorry that I brought all of this chaos to your island. Please tell me you caught the person responsible.”

  Chief Chambers’ frown deepened. “I wish we could say that we had. He was on a boat. He pulled near the shore with a semi-automatic, pulled the trigger, and hit anything—and anybody—that was in the way.”

  Bree sucked in a shallow breath at the stark reminder of what had happened. “So he’s still out there?”

  The police chief nodded, her gaze somber. “I wish I could tell you something different, but he hasn’t been caught yet. I assure you that every law enforcement agency in this area is looking for him now. The Coast Guard has boats scouring the water at this very moment as well as the marine police.”

  “How could he have gotten away?” It just seemed too unfathomable. Bree’s only comfort was in thinking that this guy had finally been caught. But she couldn’t even rest easier with that thought now.

  “I don’t think anybody was anticipating having trouble from the water.”

  “No, I don’t suppose that they would. What can I do to help you catch him?” People had been hurt because of Bree. She had to do whatever possible to help put this guy behind bars. She would dip into her own paycheck, if that’s what it came down to.

  The chief picked up a pad of paper in front of her. “Is there anybody you can think of who might have wanted to do this?”

  Bree stared at the police chief, surprised she hadn’t brought up the obvious. “My stalker.”

  The police chief just stared back at her with no sign of recognition on her expression. “Your stalker?”

  Why did she look so confused? “I thought my manager told you.”

  “Your manager didn’t tell me anything.” Chief Chambers continued to study Bree, an uncertain expression on her face as she waited for Bree to explain.

  Bree shook her head and squeezed the skin between her eyes. Why hadn’t the police been informed?

  “I’ve had a stalker for the last three months,” she started. “His threats keep increasing. I thought my manager was going to tell you about this. He probably didn’t want to pay for the extra security.” Did Emerson really care about the bottom line more than he cared about people’s safety?

  Bree wanted to say the question was ridiculous. But was it? The fact Bree had to question it said a lot.

  “The festival did hire security,” the chief said.

  Bree crossed her arms. “But I wanted more than what we typically have at a concert. It’s what Emerson and I discussed before I came here. Outdoor concerts have challenges . . . and I’m not just talking about sound quality.”

  “Tell us about this stalker.” Dez’s gaze looked hard, inquisitive—and there was no sign of apology for inserting himself into this conversation.

  Bree let out a long breath, a mental film reel of memories—bad memories—playing in her head. “He began sending me emails about three months ago. The threats have gradually escalated.”

  “Anything else?”

  Bree glanced at her hands on her lap as she realized the truth in her words. “I feel like what happened today was all my fault.”

  “We’re not saying that,” the chief said. “The only person responsible is the person who pulled the trigger. But we do wish we had been informed of these threats before the concert today.”

  “Believe me, I wish you had been informed too. I’m not sure where the breakdown in communication happened, but I will be talking to my manager about this.”

  “Do you have any idea who the stalker is?” Chief Chambers leaned back, but the intensity in her eyes remained.

  “He’s been relatively faceless. He’s mostly approached me on social media. At times, I thought I saw a shadow in the crowds. But, no, I’ve never seen his face—that I know, at least.”

  “Are any law enforcement agencies working on this?” Dez asked.

  “Not really. I mean, I can’t even file a restraining order because I don’t know this guy’s name. Plus, this is a matter for local police, and I’m on the road so much that there’s not one agency who can work this case.”

  “How long do you plan on staying here in town?” Chief Chambers asked.

  “At least until Lloyd is released from the clinic.”

  “Did Doc Clemson say how long Lloyd might be kept at the clinic?” The chief’s gaze went to Dez.

  “He doesn’t know, but I would say at least a couple of days with that kind of injury,” Dez said.

  “You don’t have any other concerts to get to right now?” the chief asked.

  “This was supposed to be the last concert of the tour. I’m supposed to be on a two-month break until my summer tour starts.”

  “I can assure you that while you are in town, we will be working this case,” the chief said. “We also may have more questions for you.”

  “I’ll be happy to answer whatever I can. I want to catch this guy. Whoever did this to Lloyd and the other concert-goers needs to be behind bars.”

  “I agree. I’ll station an officer outside your place tonight to keep an eye on things, okay? Just to be safe.”

  “Yes.” Bree stood. “Thank you so much for your help.”

  As Bree stepped from the clinic, a new wave of anxiety rushed over her. She had no idea what would be waiting for her once she got back to her house. She didn’t like the thought of that.

  Chapter Five

  Dez felt his jaw tighten as he headed down the road again.

  Why hadn’t Emerson told Cassidy about Bree’s stalker? Security could’ve been handled so much differently if they had known the potential of an imminent threat. It was just irresponsible.

  He didn’t hold Bree accountable for it. She had made it clear that her manager was supposed to be the one handling the issue. Dez had no doubt that was true. Most popstars didn’t attend to details like that themselves but had people who did it for them.

  Bree was silent beside him as they headed down the road. He could only imagine what she was thinking. A tragedy like what had happened today would shake anyone up.

  Not only that, but the event was sure to be all over the news already. Dez had no doubt that camera crews were playing footage of what had happened. Bree’s name would be all over the headlines. This couldn’t be the kind of publicity she either wanted or needed.

  He pulled up to the house where she was staying. It was one of the McMansions on the beach. The place probably had ten bedrooms, as well as an entertainment room, game room, and multiple other luxuries.

  He parked in the driveway and paused. He would walk Bree inside and check out the place to make sure it was safe. He didn’t want to take any chances, especially after everything that had happened.

  Cassidy’s officer should be arriving any time, and then the police could take over. Dez’s job was done, even though part of him wanted to stay. Still, he couldn’t impose. It wouldn’t be professional.

  He climbed out of the car and ran around to get her. As he did, his gaze swept the area once more. He saw nothing.

  Except . . .

  Was that a person moving in the brush next door?

  He gripped Bree’s arm. “Get back into the car, stay low, an
d lock the doors.”

  “What’s going on?” Fear quivered in her voice, and her wide eyes stared back up at him.

  “I don’t know for sure, but there’s something I’m going to check out.”

  She did as he asked.

  When Dez knew Bree was safe, he withdrew his gun and crept toward the foliage.

  Darkness had fallen hours ago. A single light was on at the house next door, but he saw no other movement. A line of brush—sea grass, a few small cedars, and clumps of thorny vines—separated the properties.

  It had almost looked like someone was hiding out there.

  It could be a crazy fan, he reminded himself. Just because someone lingered on the property didn’t mean that person was the shooter. Dez needed to be careful.

  “Who’s out there?” he called. “This is private property, and you’re trespassing.”

  He continued to pace forward as he waited for a response.

  There was none.

  What was this person hiding? Had they run?

  Dez needed to find out.

  As he stepped into the brush, his muscles tensed. Nobody was there. But Dez was certain he’d seen someone. Where could this person have gone?

  Dez needed to get back to Bree. Now.

  As he turned, a bullet pierced the air.

  Glass shattered.

  Dez’s heart pounded in his chest.

  Bree. He prayed that Bree was okay.

  Bree heard the gunshot.

  She had been about to sink lower into her seat when the windshield shattered. Shards of glass rained down on her, and a cool wind swept inside.

  The frigid breeze reminded her that nowhere was safe. That there was nowhere she was invisible. That being untouchable was a fallacy.

  Fear hammered in her chest, pounded in her ears, rose with her blood pressure.

  The shooter. He was here. He had found her.

  What should she do next?

  Was he coming for her now? Would he grab her before Dez could get back?

  Or what if he shot Dez . . . ?

  She squeezed her eyes shut but only for a moment.

  Please, God . . .

  There she went again. Praying again. It came back so naturally to her in her times of need. It made her feel like a friend who only showed up when she needed something—and that realization made her dislike herself.

  Bree waited, expecting to hear another bullet.

  Instead, she heard tires squealing away.

  Dez appeared, gun in hand, running to the car. He leaned on her window and yelled, “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, even though she felt anything but okay. But Bree knew her injuries weren’t the kind that anyone could see. They were the kind that crawled around inside her, hiding just out of sight. Sometimes, those were the worst kind. It was too easy to hide the gaping wounds even as they festered.

  Dez pulled out his phone and muttered something into the device. Still glancing around, he tapped on her window. She quickly unlocked the car door, and he opened it for her. Bree climbed out, trying not to step too close to the man. Yet she craved his presence. She craved safety.

  Shards of glass fell from her clothing onto the ground. The sound made her muscles tighten.

  Someone had tried to kill her again.

  He hadn’t succeeded at the concert, but he wasn’t going to give up, was he?

  Just because the shooter had missed yet again, Bree knew without a doubt that he would continue trying until he got what he intended.

  Her head spun at the thought.

  Dez’s gaze continued to search everything around him as he shielded her body with his own.

  She’d halfway expected Dez to go after the shooter. But the man couldn’t keep her safe and chase after a criminal. She appreciated the fact that he was here with her now.

  “We need to get you inside,” he muttered. “Help is on the way. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Just scared.”

  “Come on.” He kept an arm around her, and his gaze continued to sweep the area as he led her to the house.

  At the entrance, Bree punched in the code. As soon as the door opened and she stepped inside, immediate relief rushed through her. She felt safe here. At least for now.

  There was only one thing she knew for sure. She needed protection with her 24/7. She wouldn’t survive without it.

  She looked at Dez, at his stiff muscles and tight jaw. So far, he’d proven himself to be very reliable.

  “I need to hire you. I need you to keep me safe until this man is found. I’ll pay you whatever you ask.” She rubbed her neck, feeling the burn in her throat. “I’m not ready to die yet.”

  Chapter Six

  Dez stood in the entryway to Bree’s rental house and tried to gather his thoughts.

  Bree stared up at him, her eyes wide with fear and an innocence that startled him. He’d expected the woman to be worldly, maybe even arrogant. Not so homegrown and authentic. But maybe the situation had brought out these traits in her. Either way, she’d taken him by surprise.

  She’d just offered to extend his contract as her bodyguard.

  “I need to call my boss.” Dez reminded himself to go through the proper channels before promising anything. He didn’t know what else Colton had planned for this week.

  “Do that. I’ll pay. Whatever the price.” Bree didn’t even flinch as she said the words.

  “You don’t need to talk to your manager?”

  “This isn’t his choice. It’s my life, and this is what I have decided.” Her face hardened.

  Dez stared at her another moment, sensing the tension between her and her manager. Finally, he nodded. “Okay then. In the meantime, I want to check out the rest of your house and make sure it’s secure.”

  “I’m coming with you this time. I don’t want to stay here alone.”

  It took a considerable amount of time to check all the rooms at the house. But the place appeared to be secure. At least that was a small measure of good news after such a tragic day.

  “What management company did you rent through?” Dez asked as they headed back toward the living area on the top floor.

  She shrugged. “I have no idea. My manager handled that for me.”

  Just like he was supposed to handle security. Dez didn’t know the man, but he already didn’t like him.

  “We need to change the key code to the house. No doubt half the people at the management company know the code, everyone from the cleaners to the maintenance staff. We don’t want anyone to get any ideas.”

  “I am in favor of that.”

  “I have a security system that we can set up temporarily. My colleagues will need to give me a hand. The process is extensive. In the meantime, are you the only one staying here?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Then I’ll need to make sure you have the most secure room in the house. No room that has an outside entrance. The view may not be as pretty, but it will be safer.”

  “Whatever you need to do.”

  Dez stared at her again, harder this time, but then he nodded. “Okay, let’s get started. We don’t have any time to waste.”

  An hour later, alarms had been set on all the windows at Bree’s house. The police had come and taken statements, as well as photographed the shattered car windshield. Dez had talked to his team about setting up a rotation.

  Bree felt a raging headache coming on. She grabbed her favorite seltzer water from the fridge and paused by the kitchen counter as Dez chatted with someone on the phone.

  She got her first real look at him.

  That wasn’t exactly the truth. She had noticed the man right away. Who wouldn’t? He was the kind of man who was easily noticed and couldn’t be ignored.

  His skin was light brown and his hair dark, almost black. He had muscles that could be seen for miles, and a smile that could be seen even farther.

  He looked more like he could be an actor in Hollywood than a bodyguard here on this small island. And h
e was a former Navy SEAL? Bree wondered what his story was.

  She’d had plenty of bodyguards over the past two years. Most of them didn’t capture her attention the way this man did. For that matter, most of them simply did their job and stayed at a distance. Some had asked for autographs for their kids or other loved ones. But there seemed to be something different about Dez Rodriguez.

  He was a nice distraction in the midst of an otherwise horrible day. Still, he was too much like the players who’d broken her heart in the past. Why was she always attracted to that type? The ones who only wanted to have fun.

  Bree took a sip of her water, the events from today slamming back into her mind. Everything still felt surreal.

  She couldn’t believe that someone had opened fire at her concert. She couldn’t believe that people were injured. Or that someone had shot at her here at the house.

  Had the whole world gone crazy? That’s how it felt. Then again, Bree’s world had felt like it was spinning out of control for a long time now.

  Insisting on having a place to stay by herself had been her first step in taking that control back, as had coming here for this concert.

  Success wasn’t supposed to feel like this. Yet, Bree felt like she couldn’t complain. This was what she had prayed for. Who was she to always think the grass was greener on the other side?

  She wanted to live with an attitude of gratitude. Her sixth-grade teacher had had a big poster in the classroom with those words on it. Despite the cheesy rhyme, the words were still true. Bree wanted to be thankful for the opportunities she’d been given instead of complaining about them. However, that slope felt slippery.

  Dez ended his call and lowered his phone. She waited for what he had to say.

  “Our guard rotation is all set up.”

  “That sounds great. I’m really sorry you’re having to go through all of this trouble for me.”

  Dez leaned against the counter. “It’s no trouble. Keeping you safe is our priority.”

  “It sounds like you’re good at what you do.”