Frog barked out a laugh, but Josh could tell he was worried and irritated because he was so far away. “She has always had good instincts. I hope she’s right and this doesn’t push her stalker into taking radical action. Hell, I can’t even believe my baby sister is the Labor party leader.”
“Frog, the accident Ashley was in where her friend died. Are you positive there was no blowback at the time? The social media posts accuse her of murder and wrecking homes. Your sister assures me she’s never had an affair, and my investigations make me believe her.”
“Ash doesn’t lie,” Frog barked.
“Put yourself in my shoes. If it was Summer, and you were looking after her, you’d check and recheck every angle.”
A sigh echoed on the line. “Sorry. It’s driving me crazy I can’t be there for Ash.”
“She has two DPS officers with her right now plus me. They’ll be with her every moment until the threat passes. The cops aren’t brushing her off any longer. They’re taking this seriously.”
“Okay. Ash’s friend who died was the oldest in the family. She was a wild child, and my parents worried about her influence on Ashley. She had younger siblings, and Jess’s parents did split after her death. I don’t know if Jess’s death was the wedge that drove them apart or not.”
“Anything else? I’ve tried to trace them, but not even Summer has located them.”
“Bloody dog. I told Ashley to never swerve to miss an animal.”
“Since we lived in a rural area, it was one of the first things my father told us when he taught us to drive. It’s instinct though, Frog. You can’t blame Ashley for that.”
Frog sighed again. “I know.I know.I’ve been racking my brain. I can’t think of any reason for someone to stalk Ash. She’s dedicated and focused on reaching her goals and never dated much.” He barked out a laugh. “Most of her dates when she was younger were dumb Neanderthals, according to Ash. She felt her time was better spent socializing with her political friends and mentors. Honestly, Josh. Ashley is a straight arrow. She doesn’t lie. If she’d had an affair, she’d tell you, but she’s not the cheating type. I’ve never met anyone with more integrity than my sister.”
“That’s my reading too,” Josh said. “Do you know Charles Jamieson?”
“Yeah. I met him once. Man’s a dick.”
Josh grinned. “Those were Ashley’s exact words.”
“I doubt it’s him,” Frog said. “At school, he was the kid who dobbed in his mates and ran tattling to the teachers. I mean, check him out, but I doubt I’m wrong in thinking he’s innocent of the stalking.”
Josh snorted. “The guy has already tattled to the campaign manager, but he and the senior party members are standing by Ashley. This situation is frustrating as hell. Ashley has offended her stalker, and he wants everyone to know. Her schedule is available to everyone. It’s easy for this guy to learn where she’ll be. Hell, if he’s smart, he’ll case each place she’s due to make an appearance beforehand. It’s too damn easy for him to pull out a weapon and attack. If he doesn’t care if he gets caught and merely wants to shoot Ashley, there might not be much I or the DPS officers can do.”
“Ashley needs to be smart with her appearances.”
“The campaign manager has organized them,” Josh said. “Everything was arranged before the flood of social media posts. I doubt they can change things now or that Ashley will want to lose any opportunity to bolster the Labor party’s chances to win over the voting public. You haven’t seen her since her promotion. She’s scared, but she has this determined glint in her eyes that wasn’t present before. She wants to win.”
“I got that impression when Ash emailed me last night,” Frog agreed. “Keep me posted.”
“Will do.”
“Oh, and Josh. Don’t play with my sister’s emotions. She has wanted this since she was a kid, and she’s worked hard. If you put her off her stride in any way, I will break your pretty face.”
“Hey, it’s not me distracting her. It’s her stalker. You focus on him. I’m the innocent party—the one who’s doing you a favor.” Josh’s stomach clenched at the white lie. He liked Ashley. A lot. Their kisses had become personal and more than a token show of an affectionate couple.
Frog snorted, apparently unimpressed by Josh’s protestations. “Don’t forget. I’ve seen you in action. I’ve seen the way the women clamor for you. Don’t mess with my sister. Keep her safe and leave it at that.”
“You’re lucky you’re not saying that to my face,” Josh snapped, guilt still prodding his conscience even as he denied the charges. His remorse turned his voice sharper than usual.
“We’ll settle any problems the next time we meet.” Distinct relish shaded the promise from Frog.
“You and what army?” Josh snorted. “You’d better keep up your fitness levels. Even then, you’ll be pushing it.” He checked his watch. “Gotta go. Ashley should be finished soon if she hasn’t already.”
“Keep her safe.”
“Will do,” Josh promised.
As he returned to the hall, his phone vibrated again. Summer. He tapped out a quick message, promising to contact her soon. When he entered the room, Ashley was fielding questions.
“When are you getting married, Ashley?” a young man with a long black beard and his black hair styled in dreads asked.
