Page 91 of Under His Protection
When I come back inside, Haley is sitting back down at the table, white as a sheet. She looks like she’s about ready to cry. “I swear, I didn’t see anyone—”
“Of course, you didn’t,” I say as I walk to her side and open my arms. “It’s not your fault, honey.”
She rises from her chair, and I wrap my arms around her and kiss the top of her head.
“I’ll let Jake know the safehouse has been compromised,” Charlie says as she pulls out her phone.
I blow out a heavy breath. “I’ll call Mack.”
Haley pulls back to look up at me. “My dad will lose his shit.”
I nod. “I have to, Hale. When he finds out that you were being tracked—and he will find out, one way or another—he’ll never forgive me for not telling him.”
So I make the call.
“Philip?” Mack says as he picks up. “How’s Haley? Where is she?”
“She’s fine. We’re at the safehouse.”
“Can I talk to her?”
“Sure, but first, there’s something I need to tell you.”
His voice tightens. “What’s that?”
“We just found a tracking device in Haley’s purse. The stalker knows where she’s staying.”
“What the hell! Damn it, Philip!” Mack yells so loud Haley can hear him. She flinches. “I’m on my way,” he says. And then the line goes dead.
“Your dad is coming,” I say, even though I’m sure she probably heard him.
Haley winces. “I was afraid of that.”
“Get ready for more incoming,” Mateo says.
Charlie ends the call to our boss. “Yep. Jake’s coming, too.”
Damn, this is not going to be pretty.
* * *
Jake is the first one to arrive. He texts us to let us know he’s here. He lets himself through the security gate, parks near the house, and walks up to the back door. When he knocks, Charlie opens the door.
We’re all gathered in the kitchen. Haley’s seated at the table, and the three of us stand between her and Jake.
“All right, let’s hear it,” Jake says. With his hands on his hips, he’s a pretty intimidating sight. Jake is affectionately known in the company asThe Enforcer. He is Shane’s right hand when it comes to doing the tough jobs.
“We checked her backpack and purse every day for trackers,” Charlie says. “When we checked this evening, we found one. The stalker knows her whereabouts, so he knows the location of the safehouse.”
“Where was the tracker?” Jake asks.
“In her purse,” Charlie says.
Jake nods, but he doesn’t seem too upset. “It’s unfortunate he knows where she’s staying, but the security measures in place are enough to deter him. I don’t think we need to worry on that score.”
“Mack’s on his way,” I say. When Jake winces, I say, “I had to tell him. He was going to find out eventually.”
“I get it, Phil. No problem.” He shakes his head. “Oh, this is going to be fun.” He looks past me to Haley. “How are you holding up?”
