He grins. “We gotta beef him up if he’s going to be your guard dog.”
“I don’t need a guard dog. I live next door to a family of cops.”
But I might’ve spoken too soon, because later in the afternoon, I find another anonymous envelope sitting in my mailbox.
My hands shake as I unfold the paper. I suck in a breath when I see the detailed sketch of Wilbur playing at the dog park. My stomach churns, and I feel sick.
I groan and rub my forehead. Wilbur paws at my leg, looking up at me as if he’s asking what’s wrong.
“Your dad isn’t gonna be happy, Wilbur.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?”
I grimace. “I’m sorry, okay? I thought it was just a fluke. But then I got this one from the dog park today.”
“Someone sketched a picture of you, Phoenix. This isn’t a fluke. This is purposeful and planned.” James jabs the paper with his finger. “This person is stalking you.”
I place my hand over my chest. “A stalker? Are you serious? But it’s just a couple of pictures.”
“That’s how it starts. Whoever it is knows where you live. They followed you to the park today. Think about it, babe. Who knows where you live?”
“I literally have no idea. My mom and my brother.” I shrug. “I haven’t spoken to anyone else since I got out of Clearview.”
“What about your friend? Does Drew have your address?”
“No.” I pause, chewing my bottom lip. “Plus, he’s still in Clearview.”
James’s eyebrows shoot up. “He’s your friend from the mental health facility? What is he in there for?”
I toy with the hem of my shirt. “Schizophrenia.”
He pinches the bridge of his nose and inhales deeply.
“That doesn’t mean he’s behind this, James. I was in there too, you know. Just because he’s schizophrenic doesn’t mean he’s a stalker.” I hold up the blank envelope. “And this isn’t addressed. There’s no stamp on it. Someone had to have put it in my mailbox. So, it can’t be Drew.”
James nods. “You’re right, I’m sorry. This just really worries me. I don’t like this.”
“Can you take this to the station? Maybe get it checked for fingerprints.”
“We’ve both touched it, so the chances of finding a viable fingerprint are slim. I can try though.” He grabs his keys off the counter. “But I’m going to install some Ring cameras around your house.”
I nod. “Cameras are good. Then we’ll be able to catch who it is.”
“You’re coming with me. I’m not letting you out of my sight until we handle this.”
Adrenaline courses through me. “Do you really think I’m in danger?”
“I don’t know. Anything is possible, and I’m not taking any chances.”
I glance up at him as we walk to the front door. “Is it weird that you’re kind of turning me on right now?”
He smirks. “Now is not the time to get turned on.”
I grip his large bicep. “I can’t help it. I like it when you’re in cop mode.”
He stops on the porch and tips my chin. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Phoenix. I’m going to protect you.”
Then he lowers his lips to mine, and I feel the verity of his words throughout every cell in my body.