The tension in her shoulders eased slightly. That sounded like Carson. Patient. Understanding her caution.
She pulled out her phone with shaking hands and dialed the station. The receptionist answered on the second ring.
“Blackridge Police Department.”
“Hi, this is Nora Bell. Can you confirm that Detective Carson Black is currently out of the station? He’s at my location?”
“Let me check.” A pause. Keys clicking. “Yes, ma’am. Detective Black signed out about twenty minutes ago. Said he was following up on the Whitmore interview.”
Relief flooded through her. It really was him.
“Thank you.” She ended the call and unlocked the door.
Carson stepped inside, and she caught his expression—equal parts understanding and concern.
“Sorry,” she said. “I know you said to—”
“No.” He held up a hand. “Don’t apologize. That was exactly the right thing to do. Verify everything. Trust your instincts.”
The approval in his voice made her chest warm. “What happened with Eugene?”
Carson’s expression darkened. “He lawyered up immediately. Wouldn’t answer any questions. But here’s the interesting part—he knew I was coming. Someone tipped him off.”
Nora’s stomach dropped. “How?”
“That’s what I need to figure out. But it means whoever’s doing this has access to information they shouldn’t have.” He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “Which makes this a lot more complicated.”
“What do we do now?”
Carson met her eyes, and something in his expression made her breath catch. Determination. Promise. Something else she couldn’t quite name.
“Now I find out who tipped off Eugene. And I make sure you stay safe until this is over.” He paused. “Which might mean moving you again. This hotel might be compromised.”
Fear spiked through her. “Where would I go?”
“Somewhere secure. Somewhere only I know about.” His voice dropped lower, the look in his eyes intensifying. “My place.”
Nora’s heart stuttered. “Your apartment?”
“It’s secure. No one would think to look for you there. And I’d be there to make sure nothing happens.” He held her gaze. “But only if you’re comfortable with that. I can find somewhere else if—”
“No.” The word came out before she could think it through. “Your place is good. I trust you.”
I trust you.
Three words that meant everything. That changed everything.
Carson’s expression shifted, something warm and intense flickering in his eyes before he locked it down. “Okay. Pack your things. We’ll head there now.”
As Nora gathered her belongings, her hands shook—but not entirely from fear.
She was going to stay at Carson Black’s apartment. Alone with the detective who made her feel safe and terrified and alive all at once.
The detective she was starting to trust with more than just her physical safety.
And she had no idea if that was the smartest decision she’d ever made or the most dangerous.
Chapter 6
