Chapter Sixteen
Birch was greeted warmly by Detective Jones and they talked through how his protection detail had gone and how the stalker had been apprehended. He was able to push away the frustration about how short his time was with Allison, for a few minutes at least.
They sat in the detective’s office and the man turned to him. “The only odd thing is he’s claimed over and over again that he did not attack Miss Bradford or you, and we’ve found no knife in our search of his property.”
“Well of course he would claim innocence. Being a joke of a stalker won’t get him near as much prison time as assault and attempted rape.”
Jones nodded and then said, “Would you be interested in watching the questioning and seeing if you can think of ways to lead him into a confession? We don’t really need it, but it could seal the case.”
“Sure.”
They stood and Birch followed him to a room that had one-way glass. The suspect was brought in and Birch had cold chills wash over him. He pointed. “That’s the guy?”
“Yes.” The detective nodded as an interrogator entered the room and started the questioning.
Birch stared. The guy’s build was similar: fit and lean, but Birch was certain the man he’d fought with had been taller. The shape of this criminal’s eyes was more round and his eyes were hazel. “No, this isn’t the man who attacked Ally.”
Detective Jones whipped to him. “Excuse me?”
“The man who attacked Allison Bradford had blue eyes and he’s taller than this man.” Birch pushed out of the door and rushed down the hallway. Yanking his phone out he dialed Allison’s number. It rang and rang and then her voicemail picked up. Birch cursed.
Detective Jones followed him.
“Where is she?” the detective asked.
“I left her at her apartment getting ready to go meet her agent.” Birch turned to him. “Put out an APB and get the closest officers to her apartment, now.”
“I’m on it.”
“Also, find out who her agent is and send officers there. Jessica is the talent agent’s first name. That’s all I know.”
“Got it.”
Birch didn’t even thank him but ran for the door. Ally! Hopefully, her real stalker would have no clue she was back in California and they’d get the police there quick. The only good news in all of this … his protection detail on Ally wouldn’t be over. Now he just needed to get to her side.
* * *
Allison showered quickly. She didn’t have much time before she needed to be at her agent’s office. An Uber would be there in about ten minutes and the drive would take at least an hour. Luckily, it was almost ten now so rush hour would be through.
She heard her phone ringing as she put on makeup and brushed out her hair. She’d check it on the ride. Her doorbell rang and she groaned. She had no time to get the door, but then she perked up. Maybe it was Birch. How great would it be to have him come with her to meet with Jessica?
She shoved her phone into her purse and hurried to yank the door open. Divine Destiny stood on the threshold. Her smooth, tanned skin looked a little sallow today but her long red hair was as glorious as ever.
Allison’s eyebrows went up and her phone started ringing again. What was Birch’s sister doing here?
“Hi,” she greeted her cautiously, remembering her agent had said Divine was upset she didn’t get the role.
Divine smoothly pulled a pistol out of her purse and tilted her head to the side. “You and I are going for a walk.”
Allison’s eyes widened in horror. “What are youdoing?”
Divine shoved the gun into Allison’s abdomen and sidled in close. “Move.”
Chills raced down her back as they slowly walked away from her apartment door. She heard sirens ripping through the air. The sound was common, but she prayed they were coming for her. Yet, how would anyone know Divine had lost her mind and was shoving a gun into her abdomen?
They walked along the sidewalk as if they were two friends going for a stroll. “What are you doing?” Allison asked.
Divine glanced at her. Her dark eyes were malevolent. Allison could see no resemblance to Birch. “My agent heard from Jessica that you were back in town and planning to sign that contract. We’re going to have a little talk about you not accepting that role. I’ve got another one for you that you’ll love. G-rated movie, Pollyanna type, perfect for a prude like you.”