“Yeah, I think it’s someone here, someone who is familiar with her schedule and her daily activities.”
“And when you arrived and started messing with her activities and taking her out, it pissed him off. That’s why it’s getting more threatening, more dangerous. I think the stalker sees you as a threat to what he considers his. And he considers Haley his.”
“Then that makes him good as dead,” Jayden growled.
“I agree. But I want you to be careful. He may start targeting you. I’m thinking you need some backup.”
“Actually we ran into Kate and Braxton. They were with us when I got into that fight.”
“I’ll call Braxton. If he’s interested and willing I’ll assign him to stay in Fayetteville with you. He’s been asking about information about signing up to be a Guardian anyway. This would be a good practice for him. I’m sending Zane, Lucien and Jaxon as well. They’ll be there today. They are to provide backup so you won’t see them unless you need them.”
“Appreciate it.” Jayden sighed. “We need to catch this guy and soon. I’m not sure how much more Haley is going to be able to handle.”
“If my gut is right, he won’t wait much longer before he gets bold and shows himself. It’s been my experience that assholes like this don’t like it when they sense someone else is moving in on their property.”
“He’s sick and delusional. If by God, if he’s a Were I’m going to want to take this before a Tribunal, Barrett.”
“If he is a Were I’ll grant you that request.” Barrett replied. “In the meantime, keep her close and call if you get anything else.”
“Will do.”
“And, Jayden, do me a favor.”
“What’s that?”
“Call your Granny. She’s been dogging my ass trying to find out where you are. No matter how many times I try to explain that your whereabouts is confidential she keeps calling.” Barrett sounded more weary than irritated.
“Shit. All right I’ll call her later. Preferably when I’m about to lose reception.”
“Whatever. Just call.”
#
Braxton followed Jayden out to the back deck of the house. Jayden had called him after he’d gotten off the phone with Barrett to update him.
“How’s Haley?” Braxton crossed his tattooed arms across his chest and looked out across the backyard. The Were might look like a badass thug, with his tattoos and blue hair, but Jayden knew the guy had a heart of gold when it came to protecting women.
“She’s trying to be strong, trying to keep it together.” Jayden shook his head. “But I see through the charade.”
“What’s the plan?” Braxton kept his eyes ahead and let him talk. Jayden appreciated the gesture.
“Stay close to Haley. See who reacts to her, especially when she’s out. The stalker will be watching, trying to find a way to get close to her.” Jayden faced Braxton. “Hell, that’s how he got to her purse at the bar.”
“Can’t blame you for that. I saw how that guy was touching her. I would’ve done the same with Kate. That shit ain’t cool.”
Jayden nodded. “I need you to be available to tail us whenever we go out. See if you can catch him following us.”
“You got it.” Braxton nodded toward the house where Kate and Haley were inside drinking coffee. “Kate‘s going back to Eureka Springs tomorrow. She has guests coming in and has to get everything ready.”
“It’s not those crazy writers is it?” Jayden grinned.
“Actually it is.” Braxton faced him. “They are having another writers retreat and booked the Bella Luna for a full week. If you think we need more backup we could call them in.” He smiled.
Jayden snorted. “Might not be a bad idea. I bet those women just might put the fear of God in that asshole.” Jayden shook his head remembering when he’d first met the group of romance writers at Kate’s bed and breakfast.
Jayden had gone to Eureka Springs to help Braxton when he was being hunted by the Assassins. He expected guns blazing and the opportunity to rip out a few throats. What he got was a bunch of middle-aged, oversexed women who wanted to act out their fantasies. All in the name of research for their books. Or so they said.
“Tell Kate to keep them on hand.” Jayden smirked and faced the kelly green yard. He’d been surprised that Barrett kept his backyard so manicured with flower beds bursting in all colors.
There were a lot of things about Barrett that surprised Jayden.
“Don’t worry. He’ll fuck up. It’s just a matter of time.”
Jayden nodded in agreement. Yes, just a matter of time. He just hoped it wouldn’t be too late.
#
“I want to go out.” Haley looked over her notebook at Jayden sitting in the recliner.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He kept his eyes glued on the TV. The only time he looked away was to check his phone for messages from Barrett.
There hadn’t been any.
Haley cocked her head. “Did Barrett say I couldn’t go out of the house?”