14
“It seems I’ve got a problem for you, Bill,” Ezreal said when he dropped by the REKD Gaming head of security's office the following day.
“What’s up?” the silver-haired man asked, leaning back in his chair, his light tone belying his frown.
“I’m dating a lady— I know. Faint.” Ezreal took a chair. “Well, she’s divorced and has a couple of kids. I just found out that she’s actually in hiding . . .” He waited to give the older man a chance to digest those implications.
Bill groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Her situation isn’t anything like Ahri’s. She’s been here nearly two years and has a job. The problem is that she’s gotten word her abusive ex has been asking around about her. I’m hoping you can recommend a good private investigator.”
“A preemptive strike?”
“That’s what I’m thinking. I’d rather have some eyes on him to let me know if he ever leaves the state.”
“Where did she used to live?”
“Seattle.”
Bill raised his brows. “Isn’t that where you’re from?”
“Yeah, and that reminds me.” Ezreal rubbed his neck. “She freaked out when she found out the name of my father’s construction company.”
“You could ask your father if her ex is working for him—” Bill shook his head. “I can tell from your expression that you don’t like that idea. I’d go with your instincts. If you aren’t comfortable raising it with your father, then I wouldn’t. Let your PI dig that up. What else can you tell me?”
Ezreal explained what he knew.
“Could he have turned a new leaf and be looking for his kids?” Bill raised his hands at Ezreal’s expression. “I know, but I need to play the devil’s advocate. She has sole custody, but it doesn’t sound like she had his parental rights revoked. Maybe he just wants to see them.”
“He hurt them all, even the kids. It’s the violence that has me worried. I won’t stand back and let him hurt them again. That’s why I need some eyes on him. We need to know what he’s up to and who he’s associating with. She said he’s done some time for the abuse.”
Bill rose and went to stand by his office window, looking thoughtful.
“I have a friend who’s an ER doctor, and he made an observation once that’s always stuck with me. He said that everyone who comes in to see him lies. If they say they’ve only had a couple of drinks, then he assumes they’ve had six. If they claim to have taken only one pill, then they’ve taken at least three. He doesn’t know why they won’t be honest with him, but they aren’t.”
“What’s your point?” Ezreal asked, though he had a feeling he knew.
Bill took his seat again and leaned forward. “I’m worried your lady friend’s held something back that could be important. People who’ve been abused tend to be defensive.”
Ezreal heaved out a breath. “I’m not going to pretend I think she’s told me everything. She has trust issues, and I understand why. I’m working on it, and it’s a big deal that she’s told me as much as she has.”
“Well, here’s something else to consider.” Bill leaned back in his chair. “If this guy’s been in jail, there’s a good chance he’s rubbed shoulders with some unsavory types. Who knows what he’s gotten involved in since she saw him last? That’s one of the pitfalls of our judicial system.” He reached for an old-fashioned Rolodex and flipped through some cards. “I do have a couple of people I can suggest to you. You need to tell your friend to be careful about anyone who knows her location here and could be in touch with her ex.”
“She’s sensitive to that and says no one knows she’s here. Her name’s Sara Fortune.” Ezreal frowned. “I don’t know what her name was before.”
“That name’s familiar.” Bill rubbed his chin. “Is your friend the lady who Ahri helped with that piano lesson?”
“Yes.”
“She might want to postpone starting her lessons until this is resolved. How’s she planning to vet the kids who are in her program? She’ll be inviting a lot of different people to her property. Unless she moves somewhere else and only uses her house for those lessons.” Bill shook his head. “No. It makes me uncomfortable for her to do anything that could potentially broadcast her location. The program itself is likely to draw the attention of the press. You don’t want photographers to show up and post her picture on the news.”
Ezreal blinked, understanding her odd attitude at the beginning of Ryan's lesson. She’d been looking at the magazine with Rafe and Ahri on the cover. Sara must have thought of the potential danger of being photographed with Ezreal. Could being seen withhimput her and the kids in danger? Evidently, if her ex saw it, yes.
“You’ve finally come to it, haven’t you?" Bill asked softly.
“I don’t want to lose her,” Ezreal said, his voice equally low.
“Then you have to be careful that the two of you don’t get photographed together. Or get the interest of a paparazzi who wants to catch a shot of the infamously shy Billionaire Boy and his lady love. So, no dates around town.” At Ezreal’s wince, Bill added, “Nomoredates.”
