“A stalker is often someone the victim knows. Has she any ideas?” Dillon asked.
“He told me there was trouble when she was younger. A passenger in a car Ashley was driving died. I’ll check that out, but Frog seemed to think the accident wasn’t a problem. That it had been squared away.”
“What story will you tell your mother?” Ella asked, her eyes twinkling with suppressed merriment.
Josh gave a heartfelt groan. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“I recommend the truth,” Dillon suggested. “Less trouble that way. She won’t blab. Not important stuff.”
“When did you meet Ashley?” Ella asked, her hands fisted and held up like a reporter’s microphone. “When did you know she was the one?”
Josh had memorized Frog’s suggestions, sent via email with strict instructions for him to read, remember, and delete. “We met at Frog’s birthday party and clicked. Ever since we’ve kept in contact and met when we could. Now that I’ve retired, we’re taking our relationship to the next level.”
“Not bad.” Dillon lifted his glass in salute. “I believed that.”
“And other women?” Ella asked. “Not that I want details, but I’m putting it out there. From what Dillon has disclosed, you’re not a monk.”
“Hey! I haven’t misbehaved in the last six months. Mainly, for lack of opportunity.” Josh offered a rueful grin, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “Frog got to me before I mingled with the local ladies.”
Dillon released a snort. “What about money?”
“According to Frog, most of the accommodation and flights, plus the food is included. Ashley will even pay for extra clothes. Frog offered a wage. I told him to pay me half of what he suggested. That he’d earned the friend discount. Besides, I have savings. At least this is space to consider my future. I loved army life, but it wasn’t the same after you left. Two others who started the same time as me have retired too. I’ve been lucky and decided not to continue when my heart wasn’t in the job.”
“Do you have an engagement ring?” Ella asked. “Women notice that sort of thing.”
“You can borrow Hana’s ring,” Dillon said.
“Are you sure?” Josh asked. Hana had been Dillon’s first wife, and she’d died in a home invasion.
“Yeah. I wanted Ella to have her own ring. Hana’s is sitting in the drawer. You might as well use it if you need it.”
“Thanks,” Josh said. “Have I missed anything?”
“Get Summer to help with research, et cetera. Barber, for instance,” Ella suggested.
Josh nodded. He’d have to speak to his sister- and brother-in-law anyway, and Summer was a wizard with research.
“Nikolai might offer back-up if you need help. Louie and Jake too,” Dillon said. “If you’re down this end of the country, I’ll be available if you need me.”
Ella’s eyes brightened. “You can call on me too.”
Josh laughed at his brother’s growl of disapproval.
“Pfff!” Ella puffed up with indignation. “I am a kick-arse bitch. I can do anything.”
“Steady, tiger. Remember our deal? I try not to act too over-protective, and you won’t run into dangerous situations.”
“You growled first.” Ella sniffed, but mischief sparkled in her expression.
“You did,” Josh agreed. “But you’re off the hook, bro. Most of the functions will be in Auckland since Ashley’s seat is in Manurewa.”
“This election might prove interesting now,” Ella said.
“One point.” Dillon paused as if to collect his thoughts. “How will you keep your fiancée safe without a weapon? They won’t give you a license to carry. Only the DPS are allowed to carry a gun.”
“True,” Josh said. “But given the tightening of gun laws in New Zealand, this works against the bad guys too. Frog told me he has taught his sister self-defense moves. I can make certain she practices in case she needs them and watch her back. That’s the best I can do. Everything else we’ll play by ear.”
“Who are you voting for?” Dillon asked.
