It occurred to him the police were now worried about him. Four officers stood close by, their posture broadcasting a tense physical alertness that Remy recognized from his brother’s friends. Another guy lurked behind Erin—but he seemed more relaxed as he spoke into his cell phone and paced around the back door. He recognized the man from a quick introduction the week before—Erin’s brother Scott.
“You need an alarm.” Remy didn’t care about the tense cops or the pacing brother.
He cared about keeping her safe and making sure the police never had a reason to respond to a call from her again.
“I left the back door open,” Erin admitted. “That’s my fault for not being more careful.”
“An alarm isn’t a bad idea, Erin,” the youngest-looking detective spoke up. “Now that you’re helping women who are in difficult circumstances, your chances of running into bitter ex-husbands and boyfriends definitely increases.”
Erin nodded as she threaded her fingers through Remy’s and squeezed. “I’ll take care of it. Thank you for coming.”
“We’re going to ask for a restraining order if you don’t hold this guy,” Remy informed the officers as they filed toward the door, his brain engaging now that the adrenaline flow had slowed down. “Keep that in mind if you’re driving by the place.”
“Will do,” the youngest one assured him. “I assure you, the state of Tennessee does not look on aggravated assault lightly. We’ll throw everything we’ve got at this guy.”
Everything inside him stilled while the cop went on his way with a wave at Erin. Remy’s chest squeezed painfully.
“Aggravated assault?” He’d spent enough time in courtroom legalese to know when a weapon was involved.
“Thanks again!” Erin called to the departing officers. When she turned back to him, she appeared worried, her lip caught between her teeth. “It’s okay. He’s gone now.”
“Aggravated assault? What happened?” he ground out, the remnants of old fear spiking. “This sounds like more than a ‘disgruntled visitor.’”
“Erin, I’m taking off,” her brother called from the back of the store. “I don’t want to keep Bethany waiting. You sureyou’re okay?” The guy’s eyes wandered to Remy and then back to his sister.
“I’m fine.” Erin let go of his hand to hug Scott. “Thank you so much.”
“I’m glad I was here.” Her brother hugged her hard. “Call if you need anything.”
“I will, I promise.” She kissed his cheek. “Go enjoy your date.”
Her words reminded him that this was the brother who’d been having problems with his wife. Remy wondered if the guy knew how lucky he was to be married long enough to bicker over chores and date nights.
Damn, but that sounded bitter.
“Erin.” He didn’t think that hearing what happened tonight would improve his mood, but he needed to know. “What went on here?”
He dropped into a seat behind the front desk, weary to his toes and scared for whatever she might say next.
“You remember Jamie Raybourn?” She switched off a few old-fashioned desk lamps that were operated by pull chains.
“She’s the one we filmed for the extra segment.” He steepled his fingers together as he listened, trying to hold on to his patience. “We got really good footage at the hair salon.”
“Yes. And her ex-boyfriend lives in the next town over.” Erin set aside her phone and leaned on the front desk across from him. “He heard that I helped Jamie get on her feet and make a fresh start. That ticked him off.”
“So what good would it do to come over here?” He wished he’d been with her.
“He said I needed to tell Jamie that a woman’s place was with her man.”
“And?” he braced himself.
If the dirtbag had pulled a gun on her, Remy didn’t think he’d be able to stay in his chair.
“Scott came in the back door then, thank goodness, because the guy drew a knife.”
“A knife?” He swore even as his head swam with dark visions of what could have happened. He leaned forward in the chair to slap a stabilizing hand on the surface of the counter.
“I know.” Erin shook her head. “It was tense for a minute.”
