The pain in my skull makes it hard to keep eye contact with Connor as he glances my way. “We are a hundred percent in. This case became personal to us as soon as Keith’s family was involved. Give me a day and we’ll come up with a plan.” He shakes hands with the police chief who heads out of the conference room with his three men.
Connor then rolls his chair, turning completely to us. “We’ll meet in the afternoon. Bring everything we have on this guy.” He points to the scant evidence board.
Like everyone, I get up from my seat. I need to get some coffee and a shower, but Connor calls my name, asking me to wait.
Fuck! What does he want?
Once the door closes and it’s just the two of us in the room, he says, “Clementine was not on the campus last night. This morning, she came in a taxi to pick up some of her stuff and left again. If I were someone following her, the perfect opportunity would be now. Shoot the taxi driver and take her.”
My blood runs cold at his matter-of-fact tone. The image of Clementine in some deserted place, hurt and left to die, chills my bones.
“I have no interest in your personal life, Keith. I don’t care if she decides to stay at Vanshionista or here. What I need to know is where I should station my guys. I’ll not have my team run wild throughout the town.” Connor rolls out from under the table, before giving me a hard look.
“I also don’t want my men showing up at work stinking of booze. Get cleaned up. I need your head in the game so you aren’t putting everyone in danger.”
My jaw tightens at his words and tone, but I leave the room to do exactly what he said.
28
CLEMENTINE
“You don’t have to call me every day,” I tell Lukas.
“I know, but I’m just checking on my neighbor. How is the fashion world?”
“Too hectic.” I grab a muffin from the breakfast bar and a bottle of apple juice. “I think I haven’t slept for more than four hours in the last two days.”
I don’t tell him that every time I try to sleep, Keith’s face swims before my eyes. His smoldering gaze on me, the way his neck muscles corded as he held himself above me. His strength. His gentleness.
“Are you still there?”
“Yeah. Sorry, I got distracted.” I clear my throat. “Too focused on my work.”
“No worries. I just wanted to remind you that Merida is returning today.”
I haven’t forgotten about Mere. How can I? That sweet girl sends me at least five texts every day. I’m so happy for her that she’s enjoying time with her friends and is safe with Carter, away from St. Peppers. I’m sure Keith’s anxiety will abate once Mere is back. The guy behind my kidnapping is still out there.
Shut up, Clem!
Keith’s anxiety is none of your concern.
“Will I see you back at the apartment?” Lukas asks, and I realize he’s still on the line.
“I, ah, don’t know, Luke. There is so much to do. But I’ll try my best.” I cannot imagine going back to the apartment, while Keith has made it perfectly clear that our night together meant nothing to him.
I mean nothing to him.
“Just let me know when you’re leaving and Clem, call one of the guys stationed outside your office, okay? We don’t want a repeat of the other day. You roaming around town in a taxi is not safe.”
I assure him I’ll follow all his rules before ending the call. The previous morning when I went to Kings Security to get my things, I didn’t think about my safety.
Stupid! I know.
But these days, Keith has hijacked a major part of my brain.
I’m in my office, looking at everything once again.
My phone rings and I grab it with trembling hands, my traitorous heart hoping it’s Keith. But it’s Merida.