Page 65 of Cold Silence
“My dog’s vet is very accommodating,” Eric said. “He’s been our family vet for as long as I can remember, and he’s just down the road. I can give him a call. I’m sure he’ll do it if I ask.”
“Make the call,” Travis said and stopped walking so they could arrange this X-ray before they departed.
Julie looked at him. “Why do you want the package X-rayed?”
“Could be from Claire’s stalker, and we want to see what it contains before we open it. Just to be safe.”
“Shouldn’t you just give it to the police?” Julie asked.
She was asking good questions. Ones that Travis didn’t want to answer, but he also didn’t want to raise her suspicions by being evasive. “We will, but they’re not so good at sharing and we need to know what it contains to make sure Claire is safe.”
Julie rested her hand on Claire’s shoulder. “It just plain stinks that you have a stalker. I wish I could do something to help find this guy.”
“There’s nothing you can do.” Claire gave her friend a wobbly smile. “But thanks for your support. That means a lot.”
Travis tuned them out to listen to Eric’s conversation. He handled the vet like a man of privilege who was used to others doing his bidding. Didn’t seem to be the kind of guy who would date Julie, someone he or his family might perceive as beneath him. But then he was clearly in love and love didn’t look at social standing. Love just happened. No matter if you were trying to stop it. Travis knew that better than many men.
Eric shoved his phone into the pocket of his dress slacks. “We’re good to go. You can follow me to the office.”
“Hey, thanks, man,” Travis said.
“Claire’s Julie’s friend and I want Julie to be happy so…” He shrugged.
“Then let’s go. I need to make a quick stop at the front desk. Go ahead and pull your car out front, and we’ll follow you.”
Eric strode over to Julie and took her hand. “My vet agreed so let’s go.”
“Thank you, Eric,” Claire said.
“No worries. You know I’m always glad to help.” He led Julie to the door.
“Is that true?” Travis asked Claire. “Ishe always glad to help? I got the feeling on his phone call that he’s used to being catered to.”
“He’s a great guy. Most of the time you’d never know he had prominent parents who no one says no to. There are moments when it comes out, but for the most part, he’s just a regular guy and I like him.”
“I suppose it would be hard to fully eliminate something you were born into.” Travis gestured at the door. “We should get going. We’ll stop at the front desk and hopefully get the video.”
Claire’s phone rang. “It’s Michelle.”
Claire answered and put her on speaker. “Sorry, Claire. My manager said he’s not allowed to release any video except to law enforcement if they have a warrant.”
The answer Travis expected, but didn’t like. But he wouldn’t give up. He wouldn’t leave Claire’s side, and there was no reason to take Claire to the lobby just to get the manager’s information for the call Travis intended to make to plead their case. “Could you give us his contact information so we can follow up with him?”
“I can text it to you.”
“Perfect,” Travis said. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” Michelle ended the call.
“Let’s get out of here.” Travis took Claire’s elbow and moved her toward the door. “I’ll have Gage circle back to talk to him. I’m sure he’ll be more persuasive.”
They exited and used transport protocol, whisking Claire into the vehicle, then following Eric and Julie to a small vet’s practice on a side street a few blocks away.
Gage hopped out with the envelope to join Eric, and they disappeared inside.
Eryn tapped her finger on the wheel, likely eager to get to the office and start her network search. Travis was eager for that to happen too, but this envelope could be their best lead yet. And, of course, keeping Claire safe in this lot and transporting her was top priority now.
Gage came marching out of the office with the package and headed straight for Eryn’s SUV. Travis lowered his window.
