Ashley let Josh take possession of her phone. “I don’t give out my phone number to people. Not this one at any rate. How did he get it?”
He tapped several keys and studied the screen. “If he’s the one who broke into your house, he might have noticed a phone account or paperwork.”
“But I had my laptop with me. I receive electronic statements.” This man… She…
Numbly, she lifted her gaze to Josh. He wore what she privately labeled his warrior's face. Her brother possessed a similar one which always meant it was butt-kicking time.
A pain in her hands had her releasing her grip. She’d gouged crescent marks into her palms. The sense of violation, the spreading tingle of fear had tears burning her eyes. This was meant to be a day of celebration. A day of personal triumph. She’d taken a giant step toward obtaining her driving goal, and this man had spoiled the sweet taste of success for her.
She bunched her hands to fists. This time, she embraced the pain and let it center her mind, to beat back the terror. Did she want to be a sniveling coward? Give up and go away to cry in a corner?
She. Did. Not.
Maybe she should go public about her stalker. At the very least, it might swing the tide of votes her way. Her party deserved a turn in government, and she was determined to do good and help the New Zealanders who required their support. The children. Low-income families. Those who currently struggled to get ahead under the incumbent National Party.
“Ashley.”
Something in Josh’s tone slashed at her burst of confidence. He radiated pity, concern.
“What is it?”
“The guy has flooded social media with obnoxious posts concerning you. He’s attempting to smear your reputation.”
Ashley swallowed hard and steeled herself. “Let me see.” She retrieved her phone. Seconds later, she was scrolling through a social media feed. Dozens of posts, tagged with her name, filled the page. They called her a criminal. They accused her of wrecking homes. They stated she was unfit to run for parliament.
Each post insulted her integrity.
Anger was a fiery ball in the pit of her stomach. It pulsed and expanded with each lie she read. The comments… Well, some were plain disgusting. Ashley moved on to the next social media app. In this one, she was trending as #AshleyCriminal.
Ashley heaved out a harsh breath, fury pumping through her veins. “What happened to the business card the cop gave me?”
Josh rose and retrieved it from the stack of opened mail and flyers she’d tossed in a basket on the counter. “What will you do?”
She dialed the number and held up a hand for silence. “Detective Alexander? It’s Ashley Townsend here, the leader of the Labor party. Can I talk to the contact person for the Diplomatic Protection Service? Yes, I’ll wait.” Her gaze met Josh’s, and his bright blue eyes glittered with approval. “Yes, I’m here.” She reached for a pen and pad and noted the phone number he’d given her. “I received an anonymous phone call a few minutes ago. The man threatened to destroy me and told me to check the social media. He has flooded the internet with slanderous posts and graphics. No, I’ve no idea of his identity. Yes, I’ll speak to the DPS. No, my fiancé is here with me. Okay. Thank you.” She hung up and set her cell phone on the countertop with a firm click.There! Take that.
“Good girl,” Josh said with approval.
“I refuse to let this cowardly arsehole ruin everything I’ve worked for. I’ll fight to the end.” Her pulse raced, and in truth, dizziness had her clutching the counter for stability. But she also felt empowered and damn glad she had Josh at her side.
“What do you intend to do?”
“Well, I won’t post on social media. That would be fruitless and a waste of my time. I believe I’ll use my first public meeting tomorrow, which is a talk to university students, to speak out against bullying. It’s a huge issue worldwide, and kids growing up in New Zealand suffer as much as others. And I think it’s best to ask for help from the DPS. The leader of the opposition party is sometimes offered security under certain circumstances. Let’s see if this situation warrants their help.”
Ashley picked up her fork. “Might as well do it on a full stomach.”
Her phone rang again. Charles.Of course.She’d return his call later after she’d put her plan into motion.
8 – Extra Protection
Two DPS officers arrived at Ashley’s house at seven the next morning, which pleased Josh because he worried at the way this situation was heading. Ashley’s stalker had sounded angry yet controlled. The man had a plan and possessed the patience to follow it. Josh got the impression her stalker was toying with her at present.
The DPS officers, both men, were older than him but bore fit physiques and sharp gazes that never settled but constantly assessed for risk.
“Thank you for coming,” Ashley said. “Your boss told me you’d require nearby accommodation and one of you would drive my car since it’s big enough for all of us.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man stood at around Josh’s height of six-four and held himself with a military bearing. His tan skin suggested Maori ancestry as did his close-cut black hair and brown eyes.
“Call me, Ashley,” Ashley said. “Ma’amalways makes me feel like my old school teacher. The one who used to rap us across the knuckles with a ruler if we misbehaved.” She paused to peer at them, her lips twitching. “You don’t come bearing rulers, do you?”
