Page 15 of Save Me
He laughed. “Yeah, only we won’t need you to stay on the line to trace the call. We’re just looking for the number he’s calling from. Then we’ll go from there. Most likely, it’s a teenager just looking for thrills.”
“But… the details that he knew,” she reminded him. She felt sick to her stomach, remembering the voice describe her own body to her in such detail.
“Cops have been known to leave case files lying around,” he assured her with his calm tone.
She turned slightly towards him, frowning as she remembered how he must have felt after all those reports that said he should have known what his partner was doing right under his nose.
“Cops can be bad too,” she said softly, trying to encourage him. She reached out and touched his hand softly. “Whatever happened to me and the others… it wasn’t your fault.”
He took a deep breath and turned his eyes away from hers, towards the calm waters of the pool.
The sound of her phone chiming caused them both to jump slightly.
“That’ll be our new guests.” She got up. He stood up suddenly as well.
“I’ll greet them with you,” he said, not leaving her a chance to deny him as he started walking towards the front gate.
“I can—” she started, but he stopped and turned towards her.
“From now on, I’m by your side anytime new guests arrive,” he said in a low tone. “It’s just part of my service,” he added with a grin.
She smiled and nodded. “Fair enough.” She motioned and they continued down the pathway on the side of the larger home towards the front gate.
“I’ll be adding some more security cameras soon.” He motioned to the side of the house. “I noticed that there are a few blind spots.”
She nodded again. “I’ll let the new guests know you’ll be doing some updates while they’re here.” She smiled towards the family standing on the other side of the large iron gates.
Instantly, she knew the young family had nothing to do with stalking or terrorizing her. First off, they were so busy arguing about where they’d parked the car that she doubted they even knew she existed.
Brock stood back and let her do her job and listened quietly to the well-planned speech that she made to new guests. She showed the couple around, then understood that they were just the first part of the group. Before they were done, Crissy’s phone chimed signaling someone else had arrived at the gate.
“Continue here, I’ll go greet the rest,” he offered.
A few moments later, Brock showed the three other couples, with five more young kids, inside. These couples were happily chatting with one another as they lugged all their luggage inside while trying to keep their kids in line.
When everyone was inside, Crissy started her speech all over again and answered any questions the couples had about the area and the rental. Brock leaned against the doorframe and listened and watched her.
She really loved this part of her job—showing off the property, explaining the wonders and joys of the area. Seeing the excitement on the guests faces as they stepped out and saw the pool area.
Finally, while the family got settled, she and Brock stepped back outside and walked around the pool towards the pool house.
“It’s obvious that you enjoy your job,” he said easily. “I take it that this is a lot better than waiting tables?”
She stopped walking and turned to him. How many times had she feared someone would find out what she’d done for a living before they had moved there? So many times, she’d been looked down at by people for waiting tables in a strip club. Each and every person who knew her used it against her. Carl surely had, during the divorce, even when he’d been the one pushing her to take the job. He’d even pushed her to try out for a job stripping.
Brock knew where she’d worked. Knew all about… everything. Yet by the way he chose his words, she knew he wasn’t looking down at her.
Before she could stop herself, tears filled her eyes, and she had to quickly look away in hopes of hiding those emotions.
CHAPTER SIX
Oh god! What had he said to cause her the tears? He scanned his memory. Tried to think of something he’d said that would have offended or hurt her.
Finding no fault, he reached out and touched her shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I… didn’t mean…” he started, but she shook her head quickly and dashed her eyes dry.
“I… yes. I love my job.” She stepped through the glass doors to the smaller place. He followed her and then stopped when she turned suddenly, almost toppling her over. His hands moved once more to her shoulders to steady her. She was so small. So… soft. Instantly, he wondered what she’d feel like pushed up against him. Then he shook that thought from his mind and dropped his hands and took a step back. “Why?” she asked suddenly, causing him to smile when it reminded him of Emma’s questions a few hours earlier.
