Page 97 of Under His Protection
Chapter 28 – Philip
We use the weekend as a time to recharge. Poor Haley’s been through the wringer, and I can understand her desire for some quiet downtime. We decide not to go anywhere. We stay in, watch movies, and Saturday evening Mateo runs out for pizza.
When Sunday evening comes around, Haley gets comfortable on my bed and cracks open her political science textbook. I’m reading a Stephen King novel.
I glance over at Haley’s book—Political Science in the Modern Era.Frankly, that sounds really boring. “So, a double major in history and political science?”
She nods. “I thought that would be a good basis for law school.”
“Makes sense.” I still think it’s boring.
We hear a knock on the bedroom door.
“Come in,” I say.
Charlie opens the door just enough to pop her head in. “Mateo and I are turning in for the night. The house is secured. Call if you need anything.”
“Roger that,” I reply, saluting her.
Charlie shakes her head. “You two are adorable, like two peas in a pod.”
When Charlie leaves, I lay my book aside to talk to Haley. “How about you play hooky tomorrow?”
“What?Why?” She reacts like I just suggested she run naked through the streets.
“Because tomorrow evening is the sting operation. It might be a good idea for you to avoid campus until after this is over.”
She starts chewing on her lower lip, a clear sign she’s not happy with the idea. “I don’t want to skip classes tomorrow. I’ll get behind.”
“But it’s just one day.”
“I never miss class. This will all be over tomorrow evening, right? I only have to make it through one more day.”
“Assuming the stalker shows. He might not. He might get cold feet.”
She sighs. “I just want this over with.”
“I know, babe.”
She sets her textbook on the nightstand beside her, switches off her light, and lies down. “I’m tired.”
I think she’s more anxious than tired. I switch off my light as well and settle in beside her. “Don’t worry.” I roll to face her and brush back her hair. “We’ll get this guy.”
“What if something goes wrong?”
“If there’s a problem, we’ll deal with it. That restaurant will be filled with our people, plus Bauer and local police. You have nothing to worry about. Charlie and Mateo will be hovering around your table. Your dad and Jake will be there, as well as some additional McIntyre Security assets. You’ll be wearing a wire and an ear piece so we’ll be able to record everything you and the stalker say. Your job is to get him to acknowledge he’s the stalker. Once we have that admission on audio, the officers can swoop in and arrest him.”
She’s so still, so quiet. I hate that she’s worried about tomorrow.
“And I’ll be close by in the kitchen,” I say as I cup her face and turn it to mine.
She nods. “I just want my normal life back.”
I lean in to kiss her, and then I pull her close. She feels so small and fragile in my arms. It infuriates me that this asshole is preying on her. “It’ll be over soon, I promise.”
* * *
Breakfast turns into a strategy meeting. The four of us are seated at the kitchen table eating pancakes and sausage.
