Could it be Hazel?
A moment later, I have my unwelcome answer.
It’s not. It’s the Bliss Police Department.
My forehead creases in confusion. Why is the Bliss PD calling at ten o’clock at night? It can’t be about my office, because then the Stowe police would be calling. Did they discover something about Hazel’s car? Or is it something completely unrelated?
But if it’s GMG business, why call me? We have a good relationship with the police department, but even if they wanted us involved—unofficially, that is—they’d call Enzo, not me.
On the third ring, I give myself a mental shaking.
Answer the call. Then I’llknow.
Crisply, I answer, “This is Alec.”
There’s a hesitant pause when all I can hear is breathing.
“Hello?” I ask. Irritation tinges my tone. “Can I help you?”
“Alec?”
The voice is soft. Shaky. Feminine.Familiar.
My feet slip off the table, and I jump to my feet.
“Hazel.” I say unnecessarily. “Is that you?”
A moment later, I feel like slapping myself. Ofcourseit’s her.
“Alec,” she starts again. She takes a shuddering breath. “I’m sorry to call you so late. But… you said…”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m at the police station. And… I’m not sure what to do.”
“Hazel.” Worry urges me towards my car keys hanging by the front door. “What happened? Why are you at the police department?”
“They told me I could use their phone,” she says. “The officers who brought me here. Since I didn’t think to grab the one you gave me when—” Her voice cracks. A hitching breath comes through the line.
“Hazel.” I try to keep my tone low and soothing. “What happened?”
She makes a small noise that sounds like she’s crying. “Someone broke into my house. I’m not sure how. I was in the living room when I heard… I got my pepper spray. And… I sprayed him with it.”
My heart leaps to my throat.
I shove my feet into my shoes and lunge for the door.
“Are you hurt?” I ask. “How did?—”
Shit. Now’s not the time.
“Nevermind,” I continue. “I’m on my way.”
“I’m sorry,” she nearly whispers. “But I didn’t know… You told me to call…”
As I race towards my car, I take a steadying breath to calm the adrenaline surging through me. “I know. And I’m so glad you did.”
Hazel’s accidentwasn’t a fluke.
