Turk strode into the office, talking. “These could go either way since they’re online. Ava’s convinced it’s a social media troll, but the messages started a week ago, as her return date got closer.”
“Probably right when she got back on her socials in earnest,” Yak said.
Turk nodded. “Maybe. That’s what Ava believes, but my gut says this might be more.”
“She isn’t dancing again tonight, is she?” Punc asked.
Yak’s dead-eyed stare surprised him, but Turk’s eyes were filled with concern.
“We went over this yesterday, Punc. She’s dancing.”
He slowly exhaled through his nose. “Have the other men been informed about this? We have to be ready for anyone who might be a threat.”
Turk nodded. “Yeah, seeing as I think it might be more serious, I’ve alerted everyone but you, until now.”
“I’m following her home after her shift,” Punc said.
Yak shook his head. “A prospect—”
“She’s my sister’s best friend. I’m following her home.”
Six hours later, Punc parked his Harley sideways in the driveway, behind Savannah’s car.
In the time it took her to gather her things, he’d swung off his bike and popped a piece of gum in his mouth to calm his temper.
“Thanks for following me, Punc. As you can see, everything’s fine.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “Really? It’s fine? Not from what Yak tells me, it isn’t.”
She exhaled and her posture drooped. “I didn’t want you to overreact.”
He lowered his chin. “I’m far from overreacting, Ava.”
Her brows rose and a cynical gleam hit her eyes. “Your anger practically hangs in the air, Punc. Besides, an online troll won’t find me.”
“You won’t know until it’s too late.”
Her silence said it all.
“Let’s go inside,” he said.
Savannah quietly unlocked the door and opened it.
“You don’t have to be quiet. Nome must have heard you two outside, barked, and woke me up,” Catalina said from the living room.
“I’m sorry, Cat. You should go back to sleep. Ted’s just here to make sure I got home safe.”
Catalina pressed her lips together as though trying to hide a frown.
“What’s wrong, Catalina?” Punc asked.
From the rise of her shoulders and chest, she took a deep breath. “Someone was in the backyard tonight.”
“What? How do you know?” Savannah asked.
At the same time, Punc asked, “Did you call the cops?”
Catalina shook her head.
