In his office, Phil’s actually smiling. It’s not a big one, but it’s real, and my lips curve in response. “Yeah.”
“So it’s actually a recommendation from both of you. I’ll talk to this guy—got his number?”
“I’ll text it to you,” I promise. “His name’s Harold.”
We wrap it up there, and I text him Harold’s details. Then I text Harold to let him know to expect a call. Damian’s not the type to let this wait now that he’s got the idea in his head. My money’s on Harold starting the new year with a new job.
He must have his phone in his hand, because he texts me back immediately.
Thank you – really appreciate you putting a word in. Phil says you still have some holiday shopping to do. Anything I can help with?
That gives me pause. Is he serious?
Do you mean that? No harm if you’re just being polite.
His reply is preceded by three laughing emojis.
I don’t say things just to be polite. Send me your shopping list. I’ve got you covered. Do you want everything wrapped, or are you one of those weird people who likes to do it themselves?
Bitch, please. Wrapped and labeled would be amazing. Thank you.
I add the link to the doc where my holiday shopping list is saved. There’s nothing I hate more at this time of year than having to browse stores, so I’ve already done my research and picked out a few options for everyone—all Harold has to do is buy whatever’s still in stock.
With that off my to-do list, the call to Damian done, Phil safely in a meeting with Calla, and Spears not here yet, I have some time to go through my emails. But first, I want to get in touch with an old buddy who went into private security when he left the Marines. I’m positive I heard that he’s had clients with stalkers, and if there’s anything I need to know to protect Phil better, I want to know it.
CHAPTER THIRTY
PHIL
I’mgrateful to still be verbal by the time Detective Spears arrives midmorning. Everyone in the workroom, including me, has been doing their best to make it a calm morning for me, but anxiety doesn’t always care that I’m in a familiar environment with minimal stress, my favorite tea, my bestie, my boyfriend, and the world’s best dog. This one time, I wouldn’t even blame my anxiety if it decided to ride roughshod over me—no matter how hard we’re all trying, the mere existence of this situation is enough to skyrocket my stress levels.
Maybe I’m getting so used to my anxiety being at its current level that I’m functioning through it. That’s one of those things that seems like it’s good but is actually so, so bad.
After careful thought, I decided I should talk to Spears in my office. Calla was worried that bringing stalker talk into the room would make it less of a safe space for me, but I don’t think that’s the case. It’s where I’m the most comfortable here at work, and I need every comfort I can get if I have any chance of staying verbal through this meeting. I’m sure the detective will step out if things get too overwhelming for me, but I really hope that won’t be necessary.
I’m standing beside my desk, Vivi in my arms and Griff’s solid, reassuring bulk at my side, when Calla brings Spears in, and I manage a smile as I extend my hand to him.
“Thank you for coming, Detective.”
His smile and the pressure of his hand are reassuring, somehow. “Phil, I’m happy to make this as easy for you as possible. If you need to take a break during the interview, please let me know.”
Griff’s grunt is approving, and I hide my smile as we all take our seats. It might be a little rude of me to sit behind my desk, but the familiarity of it is another layer of reassurance.
“Thank you,” I tell Spears. I want to ask if he’s learned anything about my stalker, but not enough to actually ask it. Words are at a premium right now.
“I won’t waste your time, so first I’d like to talk about the email and card you were sent, and then we can discuss Saturday’s package and where we go from here. How does that sound?”
I nod, wondering if he’s this gentle with all his cases. He does apparently deal mostly with celebrities, so that would make sense, but it might also be me. I hate it, but I’m also grateful.
“Do you mind if I record this interview? I’ll take written notes as well.”
“That’s fine.”
He sets up his phone to record, then says, “Okay, Phil, tell me about the email you received on November twenty-eighth from the person who signed off as Mary.”
“There’s not much to tell. It annoyed me a little. She claimed to be a new fan, but what she said wasn’t all that nice.” I shrug. “It didn’t seem important. I didn’t know her, and it was unlikely she’d become a client.”
He writes something down. “Why unlikely?”
