He nods. “OK.” He turns his attention back to Tony on the monitor. “But that wouldn’t give him enough time, unless—” His eyes meet mine. “He’s been here in Cupid City all along.” It’s not a question—it’s certainty.
I see the fear in Chase’s eyes. Concern for my safety. It’s not that overblown big-shot security stuff I’m used to on tour. It’srealconcern. Chase believes I’m in danger. From Tony.
And I trust his instincts.
He motions for me to crouch down, and I do. There’s a sharp knock at the door, and goose bumps prickle up my spine.
“Harper? I know you’re in there!” Tony’s stern voice bellows from outside.
I look to Chase, unsure if I should respond, but he gives me a slow nod.
“Hey there, Tony,” I call out, trying to sound confident, but my voice wavers.
“This situation is dire, you understand?” Tony barks. In the monitor he shifts on his feet, like he’s nervous. “I can’t allow you to stay here. I’m taking you back where you’ll be safe.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m safe here, thanks!”
“No. You’re not.” He peers into the camera, his expression grave, presumably for my benefit. “The stalker is here, Harper. He’s been taking pictures of you without your knowledge. This is serious. That kid you’re in there with can’t keep you safe from someone like that, but I can.”
Kid, huh? Chase is no kid.
“Sorry, Tony. Not gonna happen.”
Tony’s eyes narrow, his jaw tensing. There’s something menacing and fearsome in his eyes that makes me break out in a sweat.
He turns away from the camera, and when I see him lay a hand over the weapon in his holster my stomach drops out.
What is he going to do? Shoot us?
“You give me no choice, Harper. I’m coming in!” I watch in horror as he draws his handgun and aims it at the door.
“Get down!” Everything’s moving in slow motion as Chase lunges for me, rolling us toward the bedroom as a shot sounds. It’s so loud it makes my ears ring.
“Hold your fire!” Chase hollers, but there’s a heavy thud against the door. Tony’s slamming his shoulder against it, again and again, and the wood frame is splintering as he tries to force it open.
Chase ducks down and crosses the room, taking cover just inside the front door with his gun drawn. Then his eyes dart to me. “Stay back!”
I nod, slinking against the wall.
“Be careful!” I cry, and Chase nods, but I know Tony is highly skilled. He has years of military training, just like Chase.
The door bursts open with acrack, and Tony stumbles inside. I watch in terror as he tries to get his footing, but Chase tackles him, disarming him instantly. Tony’s gun slides acrossthe floor as Chase wrestles him to the ground, pulling his elbow behind his back and pinning him in place.
Tony cries out in pain. “Get off me!”
But Chase is in control, and he holds firm, sweat beading on his brow. He’s neutralized the threat. He protected me.
“That’s breaking and entering.” His voice is strong and commanding. “Assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted kidnapping. You’re being detained until police arrive.”
Tony writhes under Chase’s grip, and a small black box tied with a red ribbon tumbles from Tony’s jacket pocket.
“It was you!” I stand, snugging up my sheet as I stomp to swipe the box from the ground. I unwrap it carefully, and inside is a tiny note with those familiar little block letters. It reads, “You’ll never see me coming.” It’s a play on the title to my song, “I Never Saw This Coming.”
I’m so angry, I’m shaking. “You’re the stalker!” I stare down at his pathetic figure on the ground. “It wasyouthe whole time!”
But Chase’s expression is all business. He angles his chin toward the couch, gesturing to me. “My bag. The zip ties.”
“Right.” I hurry to rifle through the bag and locate a bundle of long black zip ties, which Chase uses to cinch Tony’s hands behind his back.
