She swallowed hard, fists tightening.
“How did you find out about Lynn?”
That question had been gnawing her for days. Keeping her awake. Clawing at her thoughts.
He looked at her for several seconds. Then — instead of answering — he smiled.
“If we ever meet again, I’ll tell you.”
She clenched her jaw. She had no intention of seeing him again.
“But not today,” he added, and opened the door.
She wanted to say something. To throw something sharp after him, demand answers — but it was too late.
Jasper stepped outside without a backward glance. The door closed behind him, leaving Nina in a silent house.
She sank onto the nearest chair, pressing her hands to her temples. Her body shook. The crash of adrenaline came hard and fast.
She had faced Jasper Garth.
He had been in her home — and she… she had finally stood her ground.
CHAPTER 21
She was nervous and burning with impatience at the same time.
Nina paced across the living room, the sheet she’d torn from her notebook clenched between her fingers. She couldn’t decide if it was too early to call. What if Jasper hadn’t warned the man yet? Or worse—what if Jasper had lied just to get her off his back?
Finally she couldn’t take it anymore and dialed the number.
“Hello?” a pleasant male voice answered.
“Good evening. My name is Nina Osborne. Jasper Garth told me I could call you.”
“Ah. Nina,” the man repeated her name as if tasting it.“Nice to finally speak with you. My name is Nolan. How can I help?”
She bit her lower lip. He didn’t ask what this was about, didn’t pretend ignorance. Jasper had actually spoken to him.
“I’d like to meet you as soon as possible,” she said plainly.“This isn’t something to discuss over the phone. And honestly… I don’t have much time. It’s urgent.”
“How soon is‘as soon as possible’?” he asked.
“Tonight.”
A brief pause stretched across the line.
“You don’t like dragging things out, I see,” he said with a soft chuckle.“Alright. What time works for you?”
“I can come anytime,” Nina cut him off.“The earlier, the better.”
Another pause.
“Very well. Then come in an hour. I’ll text you the address.”
“Thank you,” she breathed out.
“No need. You can thank me once I’ve actually done my job.”
