Page 30 of Unhinged

Raúl made a low sound in his throat. “Think there’s trouble there?”

He glanced at the screen where Scott Gerber stood toe-to-toe with his wife in what appeared to be an intensely heated conversation.

“I’ll go check it out.” It would give him something to do and get Hannah off his mind for a few minutes, at least.

Pushing open the door, he strode into the lobby just in time to see Scott grab Audrey roughly by the arm and jerk her toward him. Red flashed across his vision and he was across the room before he realized it. “Hands off!”

Scott immediately released Audrey and jumped back at the sound of his voice. His eyes darted wildly in Luke’s direction, a mixture of surprise and loathing filling the depths.

Disregarding the other man for the moment, Luke turned to Audrey. “Is everything okay?”

“I… I’m fine.” She smoothed down her blouse and pushed her hair behind her ears. “But he has to go.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Scott grabbed at Audrey again and Luke planted a hand firmly against his solar plexus, shoving him backward.

Scott coughed roughly from the contact, and Luke pointed at him. “Touch her again and I’m calling the police. Understand?”

“Who do you think you are?”

“Security. I’m here to make sure our staff and clients are safe.” The man’s eyes glimmered with hate but he gave a jerky nod, and Luke stared him down for a moment before glancing back at Audrey. “What’s going on here?”

“He’s not supposed to be here. We’re going through a divorce right now and today is my day for appointments, but⁠—”

“Until the paperwork is finalized, I can go wherever I want, whenever I want,” Scott bit out. Luke shot a warning look his way, and he fell back a step with a glare at his soon-to-be ex-wife.

“Anyway,” Audrey continued, “he was waiting outside and followed me in to harass me about the proceedings. You need to leave,” she directed at her husband.

“Not until we talk.”

Audrey threw her hands in the air. “We have nothing to talk about. Go to hell, Scott, and take the bimbo with you.”

“Don’t be a bitch,” Scott shot back. “You’re just pissed that she’s younger and more beautiful than you.”

Uncomfortable at witnessing the details of what was obviously a very messy divorce, Luke intervened. “Dr. Gerber, I think it would be best if you leave. If you put your hands on your wife again, I’ll have you arrested for assault.”

“But—”

“It wasn’t an option. You’re leaving.”

“This isn’t over.” With one last glare at his wife, he shoved the door open angrily and stormed outside.

Luke turned back to Audrey. “You okay?”

She nodded, but her hands shook. “I’ll be fine. Thank you.”

“If something like this is happening, we should be aware of it so we can put precautions in place.”

Audrey dropped her chin. “I know, I’m sorry. Things were going okay for a while, but… Ugh, I can’t wait until this is over.”

He nodded. “I understand. This is a public space, so I can’t stop him from entering without a restraining order, but I can keep him away from you if that’s what needs to happen.”

“Please. I just… He’s not dangerous, he’s just an idiot. I don’t want to deal with him at work, too.”

“Has he been bothering you at home?”

She shrugged. “Just little stuff. He’s been calling a lot, showed up a couple times.”

“Listen.” He pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to her. “If you think you need someone to watch over your place for a few days, deter him, let me know. I’ll recommend one of my buddies. They’ll take care of him.”