“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“I’ll see you in a few minutes. Don’t touch the vase or the flowers.”
Too late. I’d already touched both, so had Gran.
“Do you think they’re poisoned?”
Jack chuckled. “You watch too many crime shows, Ashley. I’m hoping we can lift prints.”
“Right, right.” Probably not poisoned.
“I’ll be right there.” He hung up.
“If we can’t touch them, you can’t eat them,” I said, pulling Prince off the counter before he could chew on the petals or knock the vase on the floor.
Chapter 14
Nathan
Jack and Jamie called me into a meeting after lunch. When I wrapped my knuckles on his door frame, Jaime said, “Come in and close the door.”
Jack added, “Have a seat.”
This can’t be good. I sat and balanced my laptop on my thighs.
“What’s up?”
“Ashley called earlier,” Jack said. My back stiffened as I leaned forward. I pressed my feet into the floor and held my laptop with a death grip to minimize my reaction.
“She got an unexpected delivery.” Jack showed me the pictures he’d taken of the black roses. “I bagged everything. Dad’s dusting the vase for prints now.”
“Note?” I failed to sound calm.
“None. She wasn’t home, and the delivery person was gone by the time her grandmother answered the door.”
If it was fucking Finn… Instead of finishing my thought, I asked, “Neighbors see anything?”
“No, and before you ask, I talked to them all.”
I nodded.
“What can I do?”
“You’ve met Finn. We haven’t. What’s your impression?”
Ashley had dated Finn for several months but had never introduced him to her friends.Interesting.
My impression was that Finn was a spoiled, narcissistic brat who needed someone to break his nose, but I couldn’t say that.
“He’s arrogant and used to getting what he wants. Acted like a tough guy when it was just Ashley but tucked his tail and ran when I challenged him.” I left out my less-than-subtle threats.
“Does he strike you as the type to send anonymous black roses?”
“Maybe.” Sending anonymous gifts was the behavior of a coward. A way to harass her without repercussions.Was it dumb luck or by design that they delivered the flowers while Ashley was out?“I don’t know him, but from what I’ve seen, I wouldn’t rule it out.”
“Anything in your interaction lead you to believe he’d stalk her?” Jamie asked.
I held eye contact while I considered it. Given what I knew, I had to say yes. Finn struck me as a guy who’d think stalking and harassment were acceptable behavior to get what he wanted. And he wanted Ashley.
