"Already on it. Chief's aware. We're keeping our eyes out."
After we hang up, I stand there gripping my phone, trying to get my rage under control before I turn back to Steph.
She's watching me with wide eyes. "What happened?"
"Elliott's been asking around town about you." I force myself to keep my voice calm. "Trying to find out where you live. Whether we're really together."
Her face goes pale. "He can't do that. The restraining order—"
"Doesn't cover asking questions." I cross to her, unable to stop myself from reaching out and taking her hand. "But I'm handling it. Martinez is on it. The entire department's watching for him."
"Kevin—"
"He's not getting near you," I say firmly. "I promise you that."
She looks up at me, and there's fear in her eyes, but also something else. Trust. She believes I can keep that promise.
It makes my chest feel tight.
"I should get ready for work," she says quietly.
"You're not going in today."
Her eyebrows shoot up. "Excuse me?"
"Elliott's digging around, trying to figure out your routine. I want you to stay here where I know you're safe."
"Kevin, I can't just hide—"
"One day," I interrupt. "Just give me one day to figure out what he's planning. Please."
She searches my face, then nods slowly. "Okay. One day."
Relief washes through me. "Thank you."
"But you have to let me help," she adds. "Whatever you're planning, I'm part of it."
I should argue. Should tell her to stay out of it and let me handle everything.
But the determined set of her jaw tells me that's not happening. She needs to feel like she has some control over her life, and I can’t fault her for that.
"Deal," I say.
I'm on the phone with Simon while Steph showers.
"I want better security at the bar," I tell him. "Cameras on all the entrances, including the back alley. Better lighting in the parking lot. And I want Archer to have backup on busy nights."
"Done," Simon says. "Whatever you need. Steph's one of ours."
"I know." I glance toward the bathroom, where I can hear water running. "And I appreciate it."
"How's she holding up?"
"She's strong," I say. "Stronger than she knows."
"She's got you," Simon points out. "That helps."
After we hang up, I make a few more calls. Troy agrees to increase his presence at the bar. Ace and Levi commit to regular drive-bys. I even call my former CO from my military days, who now runs a private security firm, just to get his read on the situation.
