My jaw tightens. “You know I wouldn’t ask you if this wasn’t important. Thank you.”
“Trust me, I know.”
Matteo is not deeply involved in his family’s business, so for me to call and ask for his help is a big deal.
I’d never put him in this position if I didn’t have to.
We hang up, and I take my suitcase from Benny. “Listen, I can’t get into details yet, but the man I ran after? He’s bad news. And he’s been in this building more than once.”
Benny’s face drains of color. “Did I let him in? Was he on the list?”
“No. No, you’re good, Benny Boy.” I grip his shoulder briefly. “We don’t know who he is yet. But something’s not right. My security team is on the way, and they’ll be stationed outside and on my floor. They’ll fill you in.”
“Okay,” he says, still rattled. “Let me know if you need anything.”
I’m about to get in the elevator when I see three men who are wide and tall enough that they need to maneuver themselves through the door, and I know from that alone that they’re part of the security team.
“Hi. Nathaniel Davenport.” I extend my hand. “We’ve met briefly before while you were working for my sister-in-law and niece.”
“Yeah, we remember. I’m Danny, I’ll be your contact,” the first guy says in an accent I can’t pinpoint.
“Who will be stationed where?”
“Having been here before with Juliette and Claudina, we’re familiar with the building, and although Ethan’s original plan would normally suffice, we think it’s better we have two men manning the outside since you have a freight entrance. Your floor is secure with one guard since you share it with your brother.”
“You’re the professionals. I trust your judgment.”
They all exchange a quick nod. “Any idea who we’re looking for?”
“None,” I snap too quickly, then exhale sharply. “Sorry. It’s not even six in the morning, and it’s already been one of the most anxiety-inducing days of my life.”
“We understand, trust me. We don’t underestimate any situation, and we can only imagine what you’re going through.”
“There’s no obvious threat on my end. But with my family history, it could be anyone. Hell, I wouldn’t even rule out mybiological parents. Maddie’s brother is also in the public eye, and he has a laundry list of people who hate him, men and women.”
“Mason Cunningham, quarterback for Philadelphia?”
Of course, they already know him.
They have a profile on anyone who steps in or out of Claud and Jules’s lives.
I nod once. “Is there anything else you need from me? I need to call my brother and get up to my girl.”
“When you can, send us Madeline’s contact information.”
“Will do.”
I walk toward the elevator and immediately dial Leo.
When he doesn’t answer, I call him three more times. “Pick up, fucker.”
Five more times until finally his croaky voice comes over the speaker.
“Calm down, you pussy. I’m leaving now to stay with Maddie.”
“Leo.” My voice breaks, and for the first time, I let my emotions show.
I’m fucking petrified, and I know he hears it.
