I gave them three, feeling Jack tense up next to me. These were people he knew also.
“I’ve received a few odd text messages which you can have a look at. And my first husband’s fiancé does have reason to dislike me.” I told a brief history. “Although given that if the restaurant doesn’t do well initially, her future husband won’t be able to sell his shares.” It made no sense for Trina to be behind it.
She asked me a few more questions, making notes. “Thank you. We’ll start investigating. In the meantime, your security seems good, we’ll add additional patrols and contact us straight away if you get any more messages.”
* * *
We werehalf way back to my car which was parked three streets away from the police station when Jack stopped walking and held me back.
“Did you mean what you said?” His eyes were dark and unreadable.
“About the chefs?”
He shook his head. “About how you feel about me.”
“Yes. I love you.” I suddenly felt embarrassed, realising that I’d probably picked the worst possible moment to tell him. Those words weren’t meant for a grotty police station, they were candlelight and good food, maybe an ocean and stars.
“I love you too.”
I knew my mouth was gaping open and my brain was trying to find words.
His hands found my waist and I wondered if he was trying to hold me up.
“You love me? Me?”
His laugh was louder this time. “Yes, Simone. I love you.”
“Why?”
He laughed again. “When we get back home I’ll explain it to you, but not here. I need time. Hell, I might need years.”
My hand in his, we walked back to where we’d left my car.
Jack saw it first. My four tyres, all flat. All slashed.
“Shit.” He pulled out his phone and called the number the police had given us, reporting it through while I stood there, open mouthed. Business always brought about enemies; competition and envy existed in every walk of life, but I had always been professional, keeping away from relationships and even friendships until recently. I understood what it was to piss someone off without intending too. Eliot had taught me that. But who would target me now like this – why? Why was I worth so much for someone to want to tear me down.
“We’ll wait here until the police come.” His expression was dark, angry. I’d never really seen Jack angry.
“I’m sorry.”
“What the fuck are you sorry for?” He really was angry.
“This. Dragging you into this mess. You didn’t sign up for this. I get it if we need too…”
His hand cupped my chin, still my face so I had to look at him.
“Simone, you haven’t done anything to deserve this. I want to fucking kill who’s done this, which I won’t because I have some control over my temper. I meant what I said.”
I looked at him, unsure what he was referring to.
“I love you. Don’t use this as a way to bolt because you’re scared.”
He was right. I was fucking terrified.
Chapter 14
Jack
