Built For Her

by Riley, Alexa

  I need to talk to my sister and find out what happened. I should have talked to her about it more and let her know she could tell me, but I also tried to give her space. It’s clear Mark isn’t staying out of our lives. I know Steph won't come back to this town until Mark is long gone. I also know he won’t be done until he gets what he wants. And I have a feeling he’s got his eye on my Genevieve.

  I pull out my phone and check her location. We shared it on our phones yesterday just as a way to stay connected even when we are apart. I was worried I was being overprotective, but I see now that my fears were valid. When I see she’s still safe at work I breathe easy. He wouldn't be stupid enough to fuck with here there. Well, at least in the building.

  I hit call. “Hi, honey,” she chirps into the phone, surprising me when she grabs it on the first ring.

  “Hey, lady, what are you doing?” I try and keep the tension I’m feeling out of my voice. I don’t want her to ask me any questions about why it might be there, because I don’t want to make something up. And I don’t want her to worry about anything or anyone who might be watching her.

  “Just got back from lunch with Gabi.” God, how can someone sound so sweet? Her voice is like a calming balm to the rage that was building in me.

  “All is good?” I ask as I look up and see two black SUVs pull into the driveway.

  “Everything is perfect. More than perfect. I miss you.”

  “I miss you, too. So much that I want to come pick you up when you’re done at work.” I try to play it cool. I’m not worried about someone coming up to her as she leaves work, but I have a need to keep her safe.

  “But I’ve got my car. It would be silly to leave it at work when I live so close.”

  “But I want to pick you up. Tell me I can,” I push. She’s silent for a second. “I have plans for us,” I add quickly.

  “Oh. Okay,” she says, and there’s excitement in her voice. “I’ll text you when I’m about finished?”

  “Perfect.” I move toward the SUVs because I’m eager to talk to the security guy Sam about everything that’s going down. He normally wouldn't be out on a job as small as this one to install security, but I give him a ton of leads for work. Every project I touch, I always recommend his company.

  “Okay, so I’ll text you later,” she says. I know she doesn't want to get off the phone, but I have to right now. I need to get this done and then I need to get to her.

  “See you see soon, my ladybug. Love you,” I say, then hit the end button on the phone and slide it back into my pocket.

  Chapter 21

  Genevieve

  I stare down at my phone wondering if he really just said that to me. I debate calling him back and asking him, but I don’t want to come off pushy. Maybe it was something he accidentally said. He forgot he was talking to me and not to one of his sisters. It’s crazy to say I love you already, right? He can’t really love me this fast, even though I’m having those feelings. I swear I feel it in the way he touches me.

  Instead of calling him, I dial Gabi. She’ll have the answers. Maybe she can reassure me. Look at her and Neal. They say they fell in love instantly.

  “Miss me already?” she sing-songs into the phone. My sister can hardly sit still right now unless she’s throwing up, but that doesn't stop her for long.

  “He said I love you,” I blurt out. “I’m not sure if he meant to. It was while he was hanging up,” I explain.

  “Hmmm. I’m not sure.” She clicks her tongue loudly.

  “Yeah. I know.” I sigh, and my shoulders drop. It was too soon. Maybe he just wants the package. A wife and child with nothing more.

  “Oh my god, you’re a freaking dork ball!” she laughs into the phone.

  “I don’t see what’s so funny.” I sit back in my chair and roll my eyes. While is she still laughing?

  “You just spent the entire lunch telling me how he wants a baby with you and how he’s moving in. We even talked about your wedding. I thought you knew the man was in love with you. It’s written all over his face when he looks at you. Everyone can see it.”

  I can’t help but smile because it’s all true. I know I love him, but I just needed an outside source to confirm that I’m not crazy. I guess it’s almost too good to be true. I’ve never in my life felt like this with another person. I haven't even been close to anything like this before. Mostly I’ve been running from them.

  “You’re right. I’ll just wait and see if he says it again.” I’m sure he will. Or maybe he didn't even realize he’d said it, but either way I know he does love me and the words will come.

  “Neal,” Gabi giggle, and then I hear some muffled whispers between them and I know what they are doing. Neal doesn’t stay off my sister for long.

  “I’ll talk to you later.” I hang up and put my cell on my desk and shake my head. It’s crazy how much my life has changed in such a short amount of time.

  “You’re back,” Janet says as she walks into my office. She looks stressed and it’s unlike her.

  “You don’t look like you’ve got good news.”

  She sits down in the seat in front of my desk. “I don’t want to have to involve you because it’s not something you should have to worry about, but something has happened.” Her eyebrows pull together and worry lines show in her face.

  “Relax, Janet, whatever it is I’m sure we can get it worked out,” I reassure her.

  She lets out a long sigh. “I went to the police chief about Mark. We decided to let him go. He’s like you and only freelance, so it was an easy decision that wouldn’t affect the department. We explained to him that it was due in part to cutbacks just so that everyone was covered, and then afterwards the chief said he was going to keep an eye on him.” She folds her hands in her lap and shakes her head. “He pulled up a lot of things in his past that we didn’t initially see on his basic background check. A few red flags popped up.”

  “Well, I’m glad he’s gone then. But why do you still look so worried?” It seems like they did the right thing, but as she fidgets with her hands, I know something is still wrong.

  “Mark somehow knows it was you who voiced a complaint and he thinks you’re the reason he got fired. Apparently one of the guys who was assigned to watch him is a friend of his and passed this information along. It was strictly confidential and against the assignment.”

  The blood drains from my face as I connect the dots. I witnessed how Mark’s temper could fire up easily. Especially when it comes to women.

  “I’m so sorry, Ginny. I can promise you that his friend on the force lost his badge. But we can’t undo the damage.”

  My heart pounds in my chest when I think about what happened to Steph. It’s clear the man is capable of horrible things.

  “I don’t think he’ll come after me,” I tell her. “I mean, it would be incredibly stupid. Everyone would know it was him. Plus, I have Barrett to keep me safe. He stays glued to my side.” I’m not sure who I’m trying to reassure, her or me.

  “So you and Barrett are really a thing? There will be a trail of broken-hearted women all over town. He wouldn’t ever give anyone the time of day, just like you.” She smiles at me. “Well, it makes sense that the two of you would end up together. And from what I’ve heard, the man is obsessed with you.”

  I feel myself blush, and the thought of Barrett and me makes me forget about the Mark thing for a minute. “Yeah, we’re together.” I want to say engaged, but I’m not totally sure of that. He told me we’re getting married. But I don't have a ring on my finger to show off.

  “I’m happy for you, Ginny.” Janet stands. “It does make me feel better knowing Barrett can keep an eye out for you. I promise our whole team is working on this and hopefully it will all be taken care of soon. The chief is building a case and I know that takes time. So, while that’s happening just be careful, okay?”

  I come around the desk and give her a hug. This wasn't her fault and I don’t want her to think I’m mad at her about i
t. “I know you’ll handle it. You always do.”

  “I’ll keep you updated,” she tells me as she leaves my office. While she exits, a flower delivery guy walks into my office. “That man is in love with you,” Janet says with a smile.

  “Oh wow,” I say in surprise when I absorb the sight of the flowers. “You can put them here,” I tell the delivery guy, motioning for him to set them on a table in the corner of my office. I’ll be able to see them and they’ll have great light.

  I sign the form and thank him before he leaves. The flowers are simple white roses. That surprises me. They’re not really not my style, and Barrett and I spent a lot of time talking about flowers. White roses are a bit too perfect for me. I like colorful and a little messy. But they’re still pretty nonetheless.

  I pull out my phone and snap a picture of the flowers then send it to Barrett.

  Me: Thanks for the flowers!

  I reach for the little card and open it up as I smile to myself. I’ve never gotten flowers before.

  – I’ll never forget.

  You were always meant to be mine.

  I’m confused as I read it again. Never forget what? I stare at the card then back at the flowers. A suspicious chill runs down my back. These are really unlike Barrett. I read the note again and then it hits me.

  Time’s up and I’ll never forget.

  I’ll never forget was on the note Steph got when the restraining order expired. I drop the card like it’s on fire and singed my fingers. I take a slow step back to get away from it.

  It takes me a minute to realize my cell phone is in my hand and it’s ringing. I put it up to my ear without thinking and answer it.

  “Hello.” I can’t stop my voice from trembling.

  “If it would have been me I would have just fucked you in the kitchen this morning. But don’t worry, we’ll have our time soon enough. Besides, I’ve never had twins before. It’s going to be so much fun.”

  Marks voice makes me sick to my stomach as terror and anger hit me all at once. He sounds unhinged.

  “Stay away from my sister!” I scream into the phone before I toss it away, wanting it as far from me as possible.

  He saw us all this morning? He was watching Barrett and me? Gabi was there, too. A cold sweat breaks across my skin. That’s how he knows about her. What if he’s already going after her?

  Chapter 22

  Barrett

  I blow through the red light and screech to a stop in front of City Hall. The second that picture hit my phone I was on the move. I didn’t send her those flowers, but it doesn’t take a detective to see who did.

  I climb the stairs three at a time and my chest burns with panic. When I race down the hall I can hear Genevieve shout. When I burst through her door I go to her and immediately scoop her up in my arms.

  It takes her body only half a second to relax against me. But that’s when I can feel her shaking and the tears begin.

  “What happened?” Janet asks as she comes in behind me. Her assistant June is hot on her heels.

  “That motherfucker sent her flowers,” I growl, and Genevieve leans back away from my chest and wipes away her tears.

  “I’m fine. He sent a note and then he called. Oh god, Gabi! We need to get to her.” She tries to climb out of my arms, but I hold her tight.

  “Shh. It’s okay. We’ll get to her.” I turn to Janet and start giving orders. I probably shouldn’t be doing it to the mayor, but right now I just need to make sure the woman I love and her family are safe. “Get the chief of police on the phone and have him send a patrol car to Gabi’s house.”

  “Got it,” she says and rushes out.

  “We’re going over there right now. Where’s your phone?”

  Genevieve points to it, and I pick it up. The screen is cracked, but it still works. I scan it quickly and see he called from a blocked number. “Let’s go,” I say as I hold her against my side and we walk out of the office. “June!” I call down the hall, and she comes running.

  “I’m here. What can I do?” she asks, looking between Genevieve and me.

  “Have the chief send a detective over and get that note as evidence.” I point towards Genevieve’s office. “You are to stand guard on this office until the team arrives. Nobody else is allowed in.”

  “Understood,” she says, and right then Janet comes down the hall.

  “He said there’s a patrolman on his way.”

  I tell Janet what I just told June and she nods in confirmation. “I’ll make sure it’s taken care of. You take all the time you need, Ginny.”

  I hold her tighter as we leave the building and rush out to my truck. I pick her up and strap her in and then go to my side. I’m cranking up the truck and throwing it in drive before I can even get my own belt snapped.

  “What if he’s gotten her? He said he’d never had twins before.” There’s a sob in her throat that is threatening to escape, and I squeeze her hand.

  “He won’t lay a hand on her. Do you hear me? Neal would die before he allowed it, and so would I.”

  She squeezes my hand back and I feel her regain some of her strength. My stomach rolls thinking about what he might have said to her. I’ll find out the whole story later, but right now she’s not going to be at ease until she’s got her arms around her twin.

  My phone vibrates and I answer it.

  “Hey, Barrett, the chief said everything is okay,” Janet says.

  “Gabi is all right,” I relay to Genevieve, and her body immediately relaxes. “Thanks, Janet. We’re on the way to her house now. Should be there in just another minute.”

  “The chief needs Ginny to come in and fill out a report. I explained this to her earlier, but we’re trying to build a case against him. We let him go yesterday, but someone let it slip that it was in part due to a complaint made by Ginny.”

  I grip the phone so hard that I’m afraid I’m going to break it in half.

  “Keep her close and keep her safe. I feel like this is all my fault. I never should have hired him in the first place.”

  “I’m going to protect her.”

  “I knew she’d be safe with you. We’ve got the whole team on this, Barrett. I want him nailed to the wall.”

  “Just make sure I’m the one holding the hammer,” I say, then tell her we’ll be at the station in an hour to make a statement.

  When we pull up to Gabi and Neal’s house there are three cop cars outside. Genevieve jumps out of the truck and runs straight up to her sister on the porch and wraps her arms around her.

  “Barrett, what the fuck is going on?” Neal asks as Gabi looks over Genevieve’s shoulder at me with pleading eyes. “These cops show up saying they’re doing a welfare check on my wife. She’s pregnant and throwing up constantly. She shouldn’t be getting this stressed.”

  “We’ll explain. Let’s go inside and have her lie down,” I say as I turn to the cops and shake their hands.

  I thank them for coming out and explain that I’d appreciate it if they could perform some periodic patrols. They all agree to keep a close eye on her house and the neighborhood. After that’s taken care of, I send a text to my security guy Sam to let him know I need a full system in this house, too.

  When I walk inside, Gabi is lying down on the couch with a washcloth on her forehead, and Genevieve is sitting on the coffee table in front of her holding a water bottle. Neal is pacing nearby and stops when I come in.

  “I think we all need to talk,” I say as I walk over and pull Genevieve in my lap. I take a seat across the couch from Gabi.

  I tell them about my sister and Mark. Then we both explain what happened on Genevieve’s date with Mark and how it’s all connected to today. Genevieve tells us about the phone call and what he said. It takes everything in me not to tear out of the house and go looking for him, but that fucker is slick. He’s managed not to get caught so far, and he has to know after that phone call today he’s got a target on his ass.

  “So, what am I supposed to do? Ju
st sit here locked in the house with my wife and baby, hoping that it all works out?” Neal barks, and I feel the exact same way.

  “Right now, Genevieve and I are going to go to the police station and she’s going to give her statement about today. She’ll tell them about the night of her date with him, too, just so we have it on record. My security guy Sam is going to be here in an hour to equip this whole house with a security system, and you’re going to have neighborhood patrols from the local cops,” I say, trying to reassure him that it’s not totally beyond his control. “You and I are going to make sure our woman are protected in every way possible. And in the meantime, we’re going to plan a wedding and baby showers.”

  Genevieve and Gabi look over at me, and I can see the same surprise in their eyes.

  “He’s taken enough from us. I won’t have you two living in fear. You’ll be smart about where you go and what you do, and you won’t go anywhere without us. Agreed?” I ask and look at Neal, who is nodding. “Neither of you goes out of our sight. And lady, you might not like it, but you’re going to be taking an extended vacation from work until we get this whole mess resolved.”

  “I totally agree,” she says, surprising all of us. “What? I’m not stupid. I’m going to stick by your side.” She cuddles against my chest.

  “Me too. If I’m not with Neal, I’ll be with you guys,” Gabi says, and Neal finally stops pacing to sit down beside her on the couch and take her hands in his.

  “All right then. Let’s go give that statement and then we can go over the security stuff at the house. Call me if you need anything, Neal.” Just then there’s a knock on the door and I can see Sam’s black SUV’s parked outside. “That’s the team. Let me introduce you so they can get started.”