“The obvious thing is to go to a hairdresser and have them dye it blonde. It’s such a vibrant red. I’m not sure if blonde will cover it.”
“Go with the political statement and wear a red dress or suit tomorrow. Do you have anything suitable?”
“I do,” Ashley said, straightening, her mettle returning. “You’re right. If I can explain away the social media rubbish, I can do this without breaking a sweat.”
“You give ’em hell.” Ever-present pride in her squeezed his heart. “You should rest. Get in bed while I check with Nelson and Gerry again? I’ll fill you in when I get back.”
“You know what the worst thing is,” Ashley asked, standing.
“What?”
“That Robert is involved in this prank. I trusted him, and it hurts knowing someone close to me holds me in such contempt.”
Josh settled Ashley and left a bedside lamp on before he sought out Nelson and Gerry.
“She okay?”
“Yes.” Josh chuckled, recalling her words. “Told me he did her a favor by pelting her with the Labor-party-red. Would’ve been unfortunate if it’d been National-party-blue.”
Gerry barked out a laugh. “She’s gutsy.”
“She is,” Josh agreed. “Do we have anything?”
“We asked a patrol car to drop by Robert’s home and take him in for questioning. His house is empty. Guy isn’t home. His vehicle isn’t there.”
Josh checked his watch. “Ashley told me he works long hours, but even he couldn’t still be at the electoral office.”
“I’ve asked them to check.” Gerry rubbed his chin and yawned.
“What do you make of this stalker?” Josh asked.
Nelson scowled, the bags under his eyes showing his fatigue. “The guy is dangerous. Unpredictable. He’s not afraid to injure or worse. Ashley speaks at public locations. What’s stopping him from planting a bomb or pulling out a gun and taking out everyone? It’s difficult to focus on every aspect when the crowds and the press clamor for her.”
“Yeah.” Concern for Ashley and their inability to keep her safe had Josh’s shoulders slumping. “My conclusion too. Could Robert be the culprit?”
Nelson shifted his rugby-player body as if he fought the urge to pace. “It’s starting to look that way, but why do it in this manner? He could get to Ashley at the electoral office. She trusts him.”
“I’ve got nothing,” Josh said. “We’ll understand more when we find Robert.”
Nelson’s phone rang, and Josh stiffened, wondering if the cops had found Robert.
“Yes,” Nelson barked after glancing at the screen. “Crap.” He paused to listen. “Okay, let me know if you learn anything else.”
“Problem?” Gerry asked.
“Someone trashed Ashley’s electoral office and sprayed red dye everywhere. The officers arriving at the scene thought it was blood at first.”
“Anyone there? See anything?” Josh asked.
“They spoke to a homeless guy. He told them two men were inside. When they left, one man appeared drunk. They got into a vehicle and drove away. The guy didn’t hear much. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“Did he see their faces?” Gerry asked.
“No.” Nelson’s voice held concern. “He was too far away. He stays out of sight because the man who works there always calls the cops to move him on.”
“Did he recognize Robert?”
“Not with certainty, although he says the pair drove out in Robert’s car,” Nelson said. “This situation stinks. What I don’t get is if Robert is responsible, then why has he waited until now to act? I hate puzzles that make no sense.”
