Page 37 of Archer

“Go ahead.”

I walked across the deck, then answered. “Hey.”

“Finally.” Alexis’s voice was tight with worry. “You said you’d call today. I’ve been waiting.”

“Sorry. I got distracted.” I glanced at Archer. “But I’m fine. Better than fine, actually.”

“The security guy?”

“Yeah. He’s here now. We have a protection plan.”

“Perfect.” She paused. “Are you sure you’re okay? You sound different.”

“It’s just been a long day. Can I call you later?”

“Of course. Don’t forget.”

“I won’t.” I disconnected and found Archer watching me.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“Yeah. She worries.”

“Sounds like more than a manager.”

I nodded. “She’s a good friend.”

My phone buzzed again, and I turned it around.

Blake’s name and number centered on my screen.

My stomach knotted. I’d blocked his number twice, but he always found a way around it.

Archer noticed my expression. “What is it?”

I showed him the screen.

“How many times has he called today?”

“A few.”

“Do you want to answer it?”

“No.” I rejected the call and shoved the phone into my pocket.

Archer studied me for a moment. “I’m happy to answer the next time he calls.”

I blinked. “What? Why?”

“It will give me an opportunity to gauge his reaction to your situation.” He pulled out his phone and made a note. “On the off chance that he’s your stalker, hearing you have professional protection might rattle him. People make mistakes when they’re rattled.”

“And if he’s not the stalker?”

“Then I’ll make it very clear he needs to stop contacting you. Either way, it’s actionable information.”

The phone buzzed again. Blake Stewart.

I looked at Archer. He held out his hand.