She did. After what that man had put her through, she would’ve catalogued every single visit.
Before getting out of his car, he pulled out his cell and called Ben. He still hadn’t crossed paths with the guy.
Ben answered on the third ring. “Colt, is everything okay?”
“I need to know the details of my mother’s security and what you’re doing about Gordon.”
There was a small pause. “She told you.”
“No. I saw him for myself. Sheshouldhave told me.”
Ben sighed. “Yeah, she should have. I’ve been telling her that every time he makes an appearance.”
“How many?”
“Every two or three years.”
Jesus fucking Christ. “Has he ever touched her?”
“Once or twice. Nothing serious. He always wants money.”
He’d touched her. More than once. And Colt hadn’t been here to protect her.
“She doesn’t give him any,” Ben continued. “She calls me. I get here. Scare him away and tail her to make sure he doesn’t get close. Although, this time, I can’t find him. I’ve checked all the usual motels. I’m going to check the Airbnbs this week.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. You stay away from him, Colt. The main reason your mother didn’t want you knowing was because she was afraid of what you’d do.”
Afraid he’d kill the guy? He wouldn’t. Or at least, he was pretty sure he wouldn’t. “You’re going to protect her, right?”
“With my life.”
“Good.” Ben and his mother had always been close. He was the one his mother had called the night those men had shown up, asking for money. He’d been the one to inform Gordon that he wasn’t welcome in the house anymore. Ben was more of a father than his own dad had ever been. “I need you to keep me updated.”
“You’ll know everything I know.”
“Thanks. And Ben…thank you for looking after my mom.”
“Always.”
He hung up. Colt had always had this suspicion that Ben was secretly in love with his mother. Why nothing had ever happened between them, he wasn’t sure.
Inside the station, a middle-aged woman smiled from the front desk. “Hi. Can I help you?”
“I have an appointment with—”
“Colt.”
He looked up to see Jesse stepping out of the hall, coffee in hand.
Colt dipped his head. “Hey.”
“Come in.” Jesse indicated toward the office to the right.
Colt followed the other man in and closed the door behind him. “Nice office.”
“Thanks. Comes with a side of arrests and a shit ton of paperwork.”
