“That’s because he’s not in LA,” I say. “He’s close to her. Right here in New York.”
Silence settles over the room.
Mark studies me, eyes narrowing just a fraction. Less surprised and more intrigued. “How do you know?” he asks.
“Because if I were a psychotic stalker with boundary issues, that’s where I’d be.” I close the file and blow out a slow, measured breath. “Close enough to touch.”
CHAPTER 25
Harrison
“So we’re all agreed?” Mark says it more like an order than a question.
I drum my fingertips, unease creeping in. “Keeping Ava in the dark is a mistake.”
Gabe shakes his head. “Most of what’s in that file, she hasn’t seen. She saw a few notes. That’s all. I buried the rest because she already has enough shit on her plate with the press. She doesn’t need this, too.”
“I still don’t like it.”
“Well, I don’t like my sister being mind-fucked by a psycho,” Gabe fires back. “But here we are.”
Zac closes his folder. Final. “We stick to the plan. Quiet surveillance. Where’s she staying?”
“She’s staying with Harrison,” Gabe says, like it’s nothing.
Every head turns to me.
Brian’s brow lifts, interest sparking.
I kick him under the table. “It’s just for the night,” I quickly add. “I’m checking out her hotel as soon as we’re done here.”
If she ever texts me.
Any day now, Pix.
Mark nods. “Then you’ll take point, Harrison. Gabe, when are you heading home?”
“When I’m done here. I’ve got a few leads I want to chase, then I’ll be back.”
“Let us know if you need anything at all,” Mark says.
“Will do.” Then Gabe ends the call.
Mark turns to Zac and Brian. “Give us the room.”
Without a word, Zac closes his tablet. Brian pushes back from the table, his eyes flicking between us once before he stands. Neither of them asks a question. They just go.
The door clicks shut behind them.
The room feels smaller. Quieter. Mark studies me the way he does when the stakes are high enough to matter. When they’re personal.
“The world’s watching Ava Alvarez. And her protection just became our number-one priority.” He pauses. “It’s hardest to protect the people closest to us. If you want another detail assigned?—”
“I’ve got it.” There’s no hesitation in my voice.
“You’re sure?”
“Mark, Gabe is my best friend. And nothing, and I mean not one fucking thing, is going to happen to Ava Alvarez on my watch.”
