My phone buzzes on the charger. Snagging it, I sink down onto my bed. Shit. Thirty-seven missed text messages and six calls—all with voicemail.
This can’t be good. Four of the calls are from Nelson. Those can wait. The other two…a Detective Mitchell from Austin PD.
Glancing over at the closed door, I wonder if I should get Jasper. He’ll want to listen in. Except…if there’s even a shred of evidence someone purposely blew up my car, he’ll never let me out of his sight again. And probably demand I go into hiding.
I press play on the first message.
“Ms. Marsh, this is Detective Nolan Mitchell with the Austin Police Department. You spoke to my colleague, Officer Devlin, last night after your car exploded. I’d like you to come into the station this morning so we can give you an update. Please call me at your earliest convenience.”
Well, if that isn’t the vaguest message in the history of vague messages. The second is no better. If anything, it’s worse.
I try calling the detective back, but it goes to voicemail, and Nelson texts me again before the greeting finishes playing. This day is getting on my last nerve and it’s only just started. If I don’t respond, I’m afraid he’ll send out a search party—or at least that bodyguard he keeps talking about.
Emi: I’ll be in a little after noon today. I’m fine. Just sore. Once I talk to the police, I’ll know if I need five minutes in the A block tonight.
Nelson: Five minutes? I thought your piece on Fowler was done for the week.
Emi: I thought so too. Until my car blew up. You wanted me to take the death threats seriously. Now, I might have to. I’ll see you after lunch.
I hope Nelson understands that’s my way of telling him to stop texting me every ten minutes. My head hurts too much to handle him when he’s this intense.
Because now, I need to deal with someone who makes Nelson look like the chillest man on the planet.
Jasper.
Chapter Eleven
Emi
Emi
Jasper sits at my breakfast bar, frowning at his phone, with a fresh cup of coffee at his elbow.
“Is everything all right?” I tug at my sweater, one of my many bruises protesting against my bra strap.
“My brother needs a permanent attitude adjustment,” he mutters. “AJ made some calls to his contact at Austin PD. Have you heard from a Detective Mitchell?”
“He called twice this morning.” I show Jasper the transcripts from the voice mail messages.
“That fucking idiot should know better than to leave such a useless goddamn message. That ain’t much more than I got from AJ. Sombitches. Both of them.”
I lean against the counter next to him. “Tell me how you really feel.”
Jasper laughs, a rich sound that vibrates his entire being. I could fall for that laugh. Easily. Hell, I’m already falling for it—and him.
“Mitchell and my brother would probably get along like two pigs in slop.” He runs a hand through his hair, tugging on the dark brown strands. “You call him back?”
“I tried. But I might as well just go in. It’ll be faster.“ I move to the fridge, rummaging inside for a container of yogurt. “Wait. You put my groceries away?”
“Yes, ma’am. Might have eaten some of your cheddar cheese popcorn, though. I missed dinner last night and left my groceries in the truck.” He nods toward his hat and keys resting on the counter. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll drive you to the station.”
“You will do no such thing. For fuck’s sake, Jasper. You have a life to get back to. I’m fine.”
“I’m not askin’.”
Well, hello. Over-the-top Jasper is sexy as hell. Even if I do want to give him a piece of my mind. “I’m a grown-ass woman, Jasper Blade. You don’t get to tell me what to do.”
He growls—actually growls—and it does something to me I’m not prepared for. I’ll need to change my panties if he keeps this up. But I won’t back down either. He does not get to tell me what to do and expect me to be happy about it. I ball my hands into fists at my sides so I’m not tempted to grab him and kiss him senseless.
