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“While you investigate.” Flat.

Not exactly. “While we investigate. We.” A heavy emphasis on the we. “I want to go back to Florida. I want to dig into the past. I want to see if I can figure out exactly what happened that night.”

He took a step back. “Six women died that night. You nearly became the seventh. You survived.”

“And became a real-life final girl.” Goosebumps rose onto her arms. “I know.” Being a walking, talking final girl had led to plenty of issues. Even…occasional stalkers. That would circle back to her whole point about not liking to be in social situations. “I’ve had problems before,” she revealed. “Going back to the scene of the murders—it’s going to stir people up. I want to be safe.” Being safe was a requirement in her world. That was why she was always so careful. Even as that careful life threatened to suffocate her. “I need a bodyguard, and I need a partner in this investigation.” She inclined her head toward him. “I need you. I was told you would be the perfect solution for me.”

He didn’t speak.

That was not so perfect.

“I’m prepared to make this venture worth your while.” Did that sound professional? Or…

His lashes flickered. “How so?”

Or did it sound like some kind of weird sexual thing? “Cash,” she rushed to say. She’d researched the going rate for good investigators. “I can pay you time and a half.” At least, Shelby thought she could. Unless her estimate about his bill was way off. “I have the money.” Her parents were both dead. They’d been dead long before her attack. When she’d hit twenty-five, she’d gained access to the trust fund that her grandfather had left for her. That trust fund had sat untouched for years. This investigation seemed like the perfect way to use the money.

I can’t let an innocent man die.

And…

The nightmares are about to drive me to the brink. I need to know what happened that night. I need to know everything.

Because, what she hadn’t told him…

Sometimes, in her nightmares, in the new flashes that swept into her head, she was the one holding the bloody knife.

“You want me to be your bodyguard. Day and night.”

Her tongue darted over her lower lip. “You acted as Declan Flynn’s bodyguard for a time. If you can protect him, I’m sure you can protect me.”

“Oh, I can protect you. Have no doubt about that.”

She wished that she could read the look in his eyes.

“When do you want this case to start, Shelby?”

She liked the way he said her name. Raspy. A little rough. But…warm. “Would immediately be too soon for you?”

One eyebrow rose. “I think I could make that work.”

Excellent. Relief rushed through her body. “It’s been almost seven years since the murders.”

“Yes.” Just that. He waited.

“I was contacted by the Public Relations VP at my old college in Hathaway, Florida. They’re planning a big dedication and memorial event for the seven year anniversary. They asked me to come.” Her first instinct had been to refuse the invitation. But the new memories were getting stronger. Sharper. I have to go back. “It will be the perfect cover for us. We can investigate while we’re there.”

“Let’s just make sure I have this all down, shall we? You want a bodyguard.” He leaned a bit toward her. “And an investigative partner. You want me to go with you back to Florida. You want me to help you dig into the murders. Tear apart the case. Bring old pain to the surface for people who’ve been trying to move on with their lives.”

When he put it that way…Her shoulders rolled back. “Yes.”

“Huh. Well, just wanted to be clear on all that.”

“Does this mean you’re taking the case?”

He stared at her.

“Or that you’re not interested?” Maybe she should offer him more money. Maybe⁠—