Before taking off for home, he sent a text to Willa, hoping she would reply. He wanted her to know he was back in California. On the way to his place, he stopped by the store to pick upsome food to get him through the first few days of being home. Usually, he kept something in the freezer for when he returned, so he didn’t have to order in the first night back from a mission, but he hadn’t gone shopping before leaving.
He was standing in front of the frozen food, weighing the downside of picking up two microwave meals, when his phone rang. It was Willa.
“Hey, how's it going?”
“Shit, he’s following me.”
“Tell me where you are, and I’ll get you to safety.”
The idea of obtaining food was gone as he abandoned his basket beside the eggs and banana display at the front of the store and dashed out to the parking lot.
“I left work. I’m only a few blocks away. I was headed home.”
“Head back to Aces. I’m at the store a few blocks from there.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”
“On God, he’s gaining on me.”
“Drive safe. Don’t speed up. There are plenty of people on the streets right now that he won’t pull something stupid. Just keep it steady and stay safe.”
“Will you stay on the phone with me?”
“Yes, Willa, I’m here for you.”
He heard a car horn in the background as worry exploded through him. What was that idiot up to? And when had he gotten out of jail?
“You still with me?” Cy asked.
“Yes. He was cut off by someone and had to stop at a light. I should head home now.”
“You’re almost back to the bar. Just come here, and we’ll make sure he is gone.”
“I hate this,” Willa whined over the phone.
He didn’t blame her for whining. She was in a shitty position with a crazy stalker following her. Surely one of the conditions of his release was to stay away from Willa. He needed to look into it. Willa needed peace, not some crazy guy running around threatening her.
“I’m about to pull into the lot.”
“I’m almost there.”
“Good.” He turned into the lot and saw a car headed his way. “Okay, I think I see you.”
“I’m pulling in.”
He stepped from his vehicle and was relieved to see that no one was following her. She ended the call as she threw her car into park and hopped out.
A wave of shock pulsed through him as she threw herself into his arms. Her fingers twisted in his shirt material as she clung to him.
“I was so worried. I didn’t think he was free, but he showed up, and I knew he was going to follow me.”
He wrapped his arms around her, smoothing his hands down her back. “It’s okay. I’m here now.”
Cy’s gaze stayed on the entrance to the lot, watching for Robert’s car. After a moment without seeing his car, Cy felt like the guy had probably given up and gone a different way.
He leaned back and met Willa’s gaze. “Hey, I’m here now. Follow me to my place.”
