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“It’s not just about the building, Natalie,” I begin, starting from a place I know she can sympathize with. “If things keep getting damaged and we keep falling behind schedule, it’s not just the Langford project that will suffer.” My voice grows firmer, underscored by the broader implications.
“Our reputation is on the line here,” I continue, meeting her eyes. “My company is known for being reliable, efficient. Incidents like these... they could really hurt our standing with clients, not to mention future jobs. My guys rely on our reputation. It’s how they feed their families.”
Natalie’s expression turns solemn, understanding the gravity of the situation not just as an isolated incident but as a threat to the livelihood of everyone involved. “What can we do?” she asks, her defensiveness dropped.
“We need to be proactive,” I reply, starting to formulate a plan. “First, we beef up security around the site. More cameras, maybe even overnight guards.” I pause, gauging her reaction. “We need to communicate with the police, push them to prioritize this. It’s not just vandalism; it’s targeted sabotage, possibly with intent to harm. They need to see the seriousness of it.” My jaw sets with determination, and I hope Natalie hears what I'm really saying: that she needs to see the seriousness of it.
To my relief, Natalie nods, surrendering. “I’ll get in touch with the police. I’ll emphasize the escalation and the specific threat this time,” she offers, already pulling out her phone, but she pauses, her gaze flitting between Aria and me. “They used your name, Julian. It’s clearly personal.”
“I know.”
Aria speaks, her voice quivering and barely audible as she begins to piece together what all of this means. “My name is Rodriguez, too.”
Her words cut into my chest like jagged ice. Reaching for Aria's arms, I slide her around to my front where I can hold her close. She burrows into my neck as I kiss her head, and I hold her as tightly as I can, praying she can feel the love and safety in my embrace.
“This isn't about you, sweetie. You're safe. Everything is going to be okay.”
From the moment Aria was born, I knew I would do anything to protect this beautiful little child of mine. I'd lay down my life for her, if it ever came to that. Hopefully this situation won't warrant such drastic measures, but Aria's fear alone is enough to make my blood boil and spark protective outrage.
I begin walking back toward the parking lot, determined to soothe Aria's anxiety by distancing her from the damage. Natalie follows with a furrowed brow, her worried thoughts almost visible in her expression.
“Is there anyone who might be holding a grudge against you?” she asks cautiously, probably afraid of upsetting Aria, but unable to keep herself from fixating on the problem.
I shake my head, trying to remind myself that my frustration is with the situation and not Natalie. "It's hard to imagine anyone around here would have it out for me this bad." The thought seems absurd, yet the reality of the situation makes it a chilling plausibility.
Natalie steps closer, her voice low. "We need to consider your safety as a priority here."
"What about you?" I ask, my voice tightening with a protective edge. "You're involved, too. This isn't just about me."
She nods, acknowledging the risk, but her next words are firm, laced with determination. "I can handle myself, Julian. We should both be careful, especially here at the site. But maybe we should think about some personal safety measures, not just the site security."
The idea of Natalie possibly being in danger because of her association with me adds a new layer of urgency to the situation. I can protect Aria—I’m sure of that—but it's a lot more difficult to convince a grown woman to stay in your line of sight twenty-four seven.
"I don’t like the idea of you getting caught up in this," I admit, my concern for her safety overshadowing my frustration. "Maybe you should stay away from the site for a few days, at least until we get the new security measures in place."
“Geez, not you too,” Natalie groans with a roll of her eyes. Then she brightens, giving me a reassuring smile and a gentle squeeze of my arm. "I appreciate your concern, but I’m not backing away. We'll face this together, okay? We're stronger as a team."
Her words bolster my resolve, and I nod, grateful that someone else—probably Jack—is also watching out for her welfare. "Together, then," I agree, anger shifting into motivation. "We’ll figure this out. For now, let’s document everything we can and report it to the police. We need to make sure they take this seriously."
A silent moment passes as we stare at each other, a strange energy passing between us. I want to hold her, draw her close and kiss her, take her home with me and make sure she's safe. But it's more complicated than that. This thing between us is so new, so fragile. I'm still finding my footing on new ground, and I'm not sure I'm ready to introduce Aria to that world, either.
But the memory of our time together flashes through my mind, intensifying my desire to protect Nat and the need to touch her, even though I know she is more than capable of looking after herself.
Deciding a small contact wouldn't be so bad, I shift Aria’s small body under one arm, and extend my other hand to Natalie, and she readily takes it, lacing her fingers with mine.
I look into her eyes, the resolve firm in my voice. "Whatever this is about, I won’t let it hurt you, Natalie," I declare.
Aria lifts her head. “Or me, right Daddy?” Her voice is small, timid.
I rest my cheek on her hair, sending all of my love for her through that simple touch. “Right, kiddo. Daddy always keeps you safe.”
Natalie’s expression softens, touched by the sincerity in my words, or maybe my affection toward Aria. "Then we’ll just have to make sure we both stay safe," she quips, lightening the mood with a playful pinch of Aria's ribs. "Besides, you're not getting rid of me that easily."
I almost laugh, and I'm grateful for Natalie’s ability to balance concern with humor, easing the weight of the situation. "That’s reassuring to hear," I reply, my spirits lifted by her optimistic presence. "Speaking of staying safe, I like your idea of getting some personal security. For us and you. It’s just that I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you because of this... mess."
She nods in agreement, her gaze serious again. "That sounds like a good idea. I hate to think it’s come to this, but better safe than sorry. I'll do some research tonight and let you know what I come up with."
The decision feels like a solid plan, an actionable step we can take amidst the uncertainties swirling around us. It’s a protective measure that offers a semblance of control, something concrete we can do to safeguard not just our physical safety but also our peace of mind.
