“My information is preliminary. The incident is under investigation. We’re reviewing security footage and taking eyewitness statements. What we know for certain is that Ms. Hubbard drove her car off the road into a ravine. The deputy arrived moments later.”
A ravine?
Reporters.
They were out of hand.
What the fuck?
As I walked back toward Vee’s place, my thoughts went to the first floor and more reporters. Velvet ropes and a black screen wouldn’t protect her if she walked through the lobby. “Please tell the deputy to take Ms. Hubbard inside the parking garage. I’ll be down there.”
“The parking garage. Why?”
Because I fucking told you to. I couldn’t say that. Instead, I took a deep breath. “There have been reporters on the first floor. From the garage, I can get her back to her condo. You’re certain that she’s not hurt?”
“She’s shaken, but Ms. Hubbard insisted on leaving the scene and not waiting for an ambulance.”
I shook my head with a little bit of a grin. That’s my Vee. “She can be stubborn.” I opened the door and entered the condo.
“Mr. Graham, I’ll contact Deputy Pittman. You can expect them in under ten minutes.”
“Thank you.”
Chapter 14
Fin
Throwing my key fob on the table, I made my way back to the kitchen. Leaning against the counter for support, I tried to make sense of what occurred as a concoction of emotions surged through my circulation. The worries and concerns from earlier in the day were superseded by the new information. “Fucking reporters,” I said to the empty room.
The deputy would be taking Vee to the garage. Suddenly, I worried that the police car wouldn’t be able to enter. Yesterday, when Jacob escorted us down to the garage, he gave me a card with the number for the concierge desk. I pulled it from my wallet and called.
“Ethan,” I said, “this is Griffin Graham from number 706. I need your assistance…”
The garage was chilly at this time in the evening. With my arms crossed over my chest and my foot bouncing impatiently, I waited for the sheriff’s car. Ethan was at the gate, ready to allow the sheriff’s vehicle to enter the garage. That kid and Jacob both deserved bonuses for all the extra work they were doing for us.
I tried to keep my thoughts from turning dark as I imagined the scene outside the Hubbard property. What happened? Why did Vee run off the road? Where was the deputy?
Security.
That was what Vee needed.
We’d hire private security.
Headlights brought my focus back to the present. I held my breath as I watched a car enter—a blue Jeep. Not a sheriff’s car. Turning away from the driver, I paced the length of two parking spaces until the car passed.
Another set of headlights shone from the entrance. My chest tightened like a fist.
Fayette County Sheriff’s Department was written on the side of the vehicle. I lifted my hand to shield my eyes from the bright illumination. Every muscle in my body pulled taut as the car came to a stop. Squinting, I tried to look through the windows.
Only the deputy was visible in the front seat. That meant Vee was in the back seat. In two strides I was there. Opening the rear passenger door, I scanned the gorgeous woman in the back seat. She was stoically calm, considering what she’d been through. Moisture glistened in her green eyes. I offered her my hand.
Vee stepped from the car without saying a word. She wrapped her arms around my torso and buried her face in my shirt. Instinctively, I encircled her body with my arm—a shield to keep her safe. With my other hand, I splayed my fingers over the soft satin of her blouse and held her against me. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” Her words were muffled.
Deputy Pittman cleared his throat, popping our bubble. While Vee pulled away, I kept my touch in the small of her back, unwilling to let her get away from me. “Deputy, thank you for getting Ms. Hubbard home safely.”
He nodded. “Ms. Hubbard, once again, I’m going to recommend you see a doctor.”
