Carson left the office without responding.
Because he didn’t know how to tell his captain that it was already too late.
He’d already lost his objectivity.
And he wasn’t sure he wanted it back.
Chapter 7
Nora woke to the smell of coffee and the sound of Carson’s voice in the other room, low and authoritative as he talked on the phone.
For a moment, she lay in the unfamiliar bed, disoriented. Then reality settled over her like a weight. She was at Carson’s apartment. Her own apartment had been destroyed. Someone had writtenFOUND YOUon her bedroom wall.
Eugene was looking for her.
And Carson was out there, already working, already fighting to keep her safe.
She pulled herself out of bed and padded to the bathroom, catching her reflection in the mirror. Dark circles under her eyes. Hair a mess. She looked like someone running from danger.
Because she was.
Nora splashed water on her face and tried to pull herself together. She couldn’t fall apart. Couldn’t be a burden. Carson was already doing too much—letting her stay here, protecting her, putting his career at risk.
The least she could do was not be a complete mess.
She changed into jeans and a soft green sweater, then ventured out into the main living space. Carson stood at the kitchen counter, phone pressed to his ear, his back to her. Even from behind, she could see the tension in his shoulders.
“I don’t care what his lawyer says,” Carson said into the phone. “Get me that warrant. Find a judge who’ll sign it. Eugene broke into her apartment last night—that’s escalation, that’s intent.” A pause. “No, she’s secure. She’s...” His voice dropped lower. “She’s safe. That’s all that matters.”
Something in Nora’s chest warmed at the fierce protectiveness in his tone.
Carson ended the call and turned, stopping when he saw her. “Hey. I was trying not to wake you.”
“It’s okay. I should be up anyway.” She gestured to the coffee pot. “Can I?”
“Help yourself. Mugs are in the cabinet above.”
Nora poured herself a cup, hyperaware of Carson watching her. The kitchen felt smaller with both of them in it. More intimate.
“Any news?” she asked, not sure she wanted to hear the answer.
“Judge is considering the search warrant for Eugene’s apartment. Should have an answer by this afternoon.” Carson leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “Until then, I need you to stay here. Don’t leave the apartment. Don’t answer the door. Don’t—”
“I know the rules.” She took a sip of coffee. “Stay invisible. Stay safe. Wait.”
“I know it’s hard.”
“It’s necessary.” Nora met his eyes. “I get it. I just...I hate feeling helpless. Like I’m hiding while you do all the work.”
“You’re not helpless. You’re smart. You trusted your instincts, you reported what was happening, you’re taking precautions. That takes courage.”
The compliment made her face warm. “I don’t feel very courageous. I feel scared and isolated and like my entire life has been turned upside down by some guy I’ve never even had a real conversation with.”
Carson’s jaw clenched. “When I get the warrant, when I search his place and find evidence—and I will find evidence—he’s going away for a long time. I’ll make sure of it.”
There was something dark in his voice. Something almost dangerous. It should have scared her.
Instead, it made her feel protected. Valued. Like someone was finally on her side, willing to fight for her.
