“It’s a soft toy,” Nelson said, his voice harsh and controlled. “Bastard chopped off its head. Ashley, are you all right?”
“No injuries,” Josh confirmed.
“What is the red stuff?” Gerry asked.
“I think it’s dye.” Josh wiped at it with his hand. “Crap, it’s gonna stain your hair. I’ll get her in the shower.”
Josh hustled her to their bedroom and into the en suite. He turned on the shower. “Quick, sweetheart.”
Shocked and shaking, Ashley pulled off her jacket and stared at the red splotches. It was one of her favorites, and it was ruined. Her fingers trembled so much, the buttons became a chore.
Josh brushed her hands aside. “Let me.”
Seconds later, he shunted her into the shower. As soon as the water hit her, red liquid sluiced over her face and torso. She shuddered, staring at the swirling red.Blood-red.
“Rinse your hair,” Josh said.
She let water pour over her head, and his scowl deepened. “What?”
“It’s not washing off. Try shampoo while I check with Gerry and Nelson.”
Josh hurried back to the kitchen. “What else was in the box?”
“The other half of the toy plus a note,” Gerry said.
Nelson was busy taking photos.
“What did the note say?” Josh asked.
“You have blood on your hands,” Gerry said, his tone as grim as his face. “Ashley okay?”
“She’s shocked, and the red dye has stained her hair.” Josh had a thought and rang his sister.
“Do you know what fuckin’ time it is?” Nikolai growled. “If you’ve woken Sam expect a fist in your face, the next time I see you.”
“I’m sorry,” Josh said sincerely. “I didn’t realize it was so late. We’ve had a scare, and I need Summer’s help. I’ll tell you what. After the election, I’ll look after Sam for a night, and you and Summer can have private time.”
“Is Ashley okay?” Nikolai asked, his tone shifting to concern. “You? The security detail?”
“We’re okay, but Ashley’s hair is covered with red dye. I need Summer’s advice.”
When Summer took control of the phone, he explained the problem.
“I have an idea,” Summer said. “If Ashley agrees. I’ll ask Mac to look after Sam for a few hours. She won’t mind. I’ll be there tomorrow morning at seven.”
“No!” Josh snapped. “It’s too risky to come here.”
“This stalker has seen me at Ashley’s house,” Summer said. “I’ll bring Nikolai. He mentioned helping Louie to recheck your security lights.”
“Keep your wits about you and come straight inside. I’ll let Nelson and Gerry know to expect you.”
Josh returned to Ashley and found her sitting on the corner of her bed, crying.
“Sweetheart,” he murmured, going to her, hauling her onto his knee. She was typically so strong, and he hated to see her weep.
“My hair is terrible. How am I going to explain this? I have a meeting at nine tomorrow morning.” She gave a hoarse laugh. “At least it’s Labor colors. It would’ve been tragic if my hair turned blue.”
Josh grinned, imagining the political cartoonist for the Herald making a big deal if Ashley’s hair took on National party colors. “Positive spin. Perfect. Summer will arrive tomorrow morning at seven. She says she has a plan.”
