“That isn’t making me feel better.”
I leaned in and took her mouth in a slow kiss. “What about now?”
“That helps.”
The corner of my mouth kicked up. “Glad to hear it.”
We made our way up the stairs and inside. Officer Williams greeted us with a smile and a wave. “Head on back. The boss is in his office.”
“Don’t call him the boss,” Hadley quipped. “It’ll go to his head.”
Williams chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
We wove through the desks where deputies were beginning to take their seats. Hayes’ door was open, and he waved us in, his gaze zeroing in on the bag in my hands. “Please tell me you brought me breakfast.”
I riffled through the bag, handing him an egg sandwich. I set Hadley’s burrito in front of her and took my breakfast out. “I’d never leave you hanging.”
“You’re a godsend. I haven’t had time to grab anything this morning.”
Hadley sat in one of the chairs opposite Hayes’ desk, toying with the rim of her coffee cup. “Spill.”
Hayes’ gaze went from his sister to me. “What’s up?”
I lowered myself into the second chair. “Unrelated to Hadley’s case. I had a run-in with Jackie just now.”
“She threaten you?” he asked.
“No talk of lawyers, but I’m worried this might escalate. I don’t want her approaching Birdie and Sage. Something isn’t right there. She’s fixated on me, and she needs help. I gave her Dr. Kensington’s card, and I’m hoping she’ll use it.”
Hadley shifted in her seat. “What do you mean, threaten? Did she do something before?”
I realized I hadn’t filled Hadley in on that little conversation with Jackie. “She said she was talking to a lawyer about filing a request to reinstate her custody or visitation rights.”
Hadley’s jaw slackened. “Can she do that?”
“She can file anything she wants, but I don’t think it’s what she’s actually hoping for.”
Hadley didn’t look away from me. “She wants you.”
I winced. “Not really, but she thinks I’ll make her feel safe again. Protect her.”
She leaned back in her chair. “You are good at that.”
I reached over and slid a hand under Hadley’s hair, squeezing her neck. “It doesn’t matter what she wants. You know that, right?”
“I do. I just—ugh, she makes me so mad. And I almost feel bad for her, which just pisses me off more.”
Hayes chuckled, and Hadley cut him a glare. He held up both hands. “Sorry. I’d say go for a restraining order, but she hasn’t made any overt threats, has she?”
I shook my head. “I just need her to back off.”
Hayes drummed his fingers on his desk. “I’m going to send Adams to have a word with Jackie. She might be able to convince her to get some help, and at least then Jackie knows we’re watching.”
“Appreciate that, man.”
“Of course.” Hayes looked back at his sister. “How are you hanging in?”
“I’m doing a lot better. Tell me you found something.”