“I’m not a celebrity,” Holly argued. “I can’t afford a twelve-hour bodyguard, much less one who’s with me twenty-four-seven.”
“Brotherhood Protectors provide protection to those who need it, no matter their ability to pay for our services. Our founder, Hank Patterson, and his wife, Sadie McClain, set up a foundation to fund the work we do. All you have to do is accept our services, and we do the rest.”
“I really don’t want to announce to everyone that I’m scared and had to hire a bodyguard.” Was she really considering accepting their help? “Could we keep it on the down low?”
Simon coughed. “It makes sense to keep up the tale we fed your friend Cody.”
Holly rubbed the arm that still hurt from where he’d squeezed it so hard. “He’s not my friend.”
“Your former friend,” Simon corrected. “He doesn’t seem the type to give up easily, and I think you broke his nose.”
“He might come after me again,” Holly agreed. “So, you’re saying we should pretend that you and I are together, at least while I try to figure out what’s going on…?”
Simon nodded. “Unless you want someone else to take the assignment.”
Holly’s pulse fluttered again at the thought of being with Simon every minute of every day. He was a lot to take in. “It’s not like our relationship is real.” She could keep emotions out of it, especially if they were wrong and the curse wasn’t targeting her but the people she cared about. All she had to do was keep from caring too much for the guy. She could do that. She barely knew him. And she wouldn’t wish her affection on anyone the curse could target all because she was weak and allowed herself to actually...you know...fall in love.
Another glance at the message on the windshield helped her make her decision. “Okay. I accept your protection. When does it start?”
“Fifteen minutes ago,” Simon said. “I’m glad you agreed to let us help, because I was going to be with you whether you wanted me to or not.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “Is that right? And I wouldn’t have had a say in it?”
“You did have a say,” he pointed out. “Since you agreed, I won’t have to sneak around and provide your protection covertly.” He grinned. “Now, do you ride with me, or should I follow you to your place?”
Holly wasn’t sure she liked that he’d already decided to provide her protection without her permission. But then, there was that message on the windshield... “You can follow me,” she said, unwilling to give up every bit of her independence.
He nodded. “But first, let’s clear up one thing.”
She lifted her chin, stiffened and prepared to do verbal battle with the man who was going to spend who knew how long with her—at least until she figured out how to break the curse.
But he didn’t say a word. Instead, he leaned into her car and switched on the windshield wipers. Two seconds later, the message was swept away.
The starch left her body as she faced the open door, the driver’s seat and the car she’d always loved driving. Until now. The message was gone, but it lingered in her thoughts.
Simon touched her elbow. “Ride with me,” he whispered. “Let’s get a mechanic to look over your car to make sure the message wasn’t the only thing left behind.”
“Right,” Remy said. “I’ll have a tow truck take your car to a mechanic I know.”
If she hadn’t been so hesitant to get back into her car, she’d have blasted them for railroading her into riding with Simon.
“Okay.” Holly hated how pathetic she sounded. To make up for it, she added in a more forceful tone, “But just until they give my car the once-over.”
“You two going to be all right?” Remy asked. “I could follow you to Holly’s place as well.”
“We don’t even know if the words mean more than just words,” Holly shook her head. “One shadow is all I can handle for now.”
Remy grinned. “Got it. All you have to do is call if you need reinforcements.”
“Thank you,” Holly said, suddenly tired to the bone. She turned to Simon. “I’m ready, if you are.” To Remy, she added, “Keys are in the ignition.”
“We’ll take care of it.” Remy leaned into the car, shut off the engine and came out with a frown denting his forehead. “Does this look familiar?” He held up a small doll, handcrafted from brown twine wrapped mummy-style. Stuck in the doll’s heart was a single pin with a black plastic skull affixed to it.
Holly’s breath hitched. “I’ve never seen that before. It wasn’t in my car when I arrived for my shift.” She reluctantly held out her hand.
Remy placed the doll in her hand. “I take it that’s another message.”
She nodded.
