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“I understand,” he said.
“I don’t want to have to get a restraining order. But if I did… would I apply for that in Benton County because that’s where she lives? I don’t want to cause trouble for anybody. I swear.”
He took another sip of coffee. “I can’t give you legal advice. But you’d file in your own county.”
“I don’t want to. I don’t trust the courts. Until I met you, I didn’t really trust cops either. Can you make sure she stays away from me? I’m willing to keep everything informal. Like I said, I’m not interested in getting Mina in trouble or anything. But this isn’t right. It’s harassment, isn’t it?”
“It’s unacceptable,” he said. “But she’s also made some accusations against you. She believes you vandalized her car and broke into her home.”
“Are you kidding? That’s ridiculous. How would I even know where she lives? I’ve never done anything to her. Now I wonder if you talk to her, will that make things worse? I just thought maybe if she could be told to cut it out and leave me alone. I mean… before I have to do something that’s public. I don’t want the attention that might bring. This is the kind of thing a nosy reporter might pick up on. I know they go through court filings.”
“It’s okay,” he said. “I’ll do what I can.”
“You’ll talk to her?”
“Yes. But I want to be very clear. I’m doing this because you’re asking me to. Not because I want to dissuade you from pursuing your legal rights. But if you’ll give me a chance to talk to Mina first, I’m happy to do that.”
“Okay. Yes. I was so worried about how you’d react. Lasalle Harbor is a small town too. I know she’s one of you.”
“Corrine,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “If someone breaks the law, they will face the same consequences no matter who they are. But you understand, I have no legal authority to do anything on this one. If you want to press charges, that’s your right, but you’ll have to do it in Kalamazoo County.”
“I understand. And I really don’t want to. That’s all I’m saying.”
“But if you’re asking me to talk to Mina informally, I’m willing. If this does happen again or if you walk out of here and decide you want to proceed and file a police report, then do it.”
“I get it,” I said. “I’m not asking you to bend the rules. And you’re not asking me to either. We’re on the same page.”
“Okay,” he said. His scowl softened into a smile. “I am glad you called me. I know you’ve been through a lot.”
“I’m okay,” I said. “I’m stronger than I look.”
“I don’t doubt it. I’ve seen it myself. Now, if you’ll forgive me, I’ve got to get back.”
He rose and extended his hand for me to shake. For as much of an alpha male as he was, he didn’t try to crush my knuckles as some sort of dominance move like a lot of guys did. I really did feel like he could be someone to trust.
He walked me out to my car and thanked me again for calling him. I sat there for a moment before turning my key. I held my phone and pulled up my camera roll. My most recent photo made me smile.
Lock and me. Just this morning. Right before I left for this meeting. We were in bed together. Lock had a dreamy expression on his face. The one I loved most, right before he was fully awake. His eyes half closed so you could really see his luscious dark lashes. I looked straight at the camera as I extended my arm to take the selfie. He leaned his head against my shoulder. I tapped the photo again, pulling up the option to set it as my screensaver.
THIRTY-EIGHT
MINA
“Mina?”
A light tap on my shoulder pulled me out of the dream. I’d been running through fog, trying to get to the source of faint light but never reaching it.
“Mina?”
I nearly rolled off the couch. Ashley stood over me, worry lining her young face.
“What time is it?” I asked, vaulting to my feet. I had no concept of whether it was day or night.
“Just after eight,” she said. “I just got here.”
“No one else is in the office?”
Ashley surveyed the room. I’d pulled the blinds, but forgotten to lock the door. I set an alarm on my smartwatch but must have slept through it.
