Page 48 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Will do,” said Morgan, getting to her feet. The visit to the station had made her even more anxious to see Brad.

###

Morgan was working at her desk when Brad appeared, accompanied by a partner, who followed him into his office.

She stood, unsure about her next move. She wanted to run and greet him with a hug, but with the other partner there, she felt she couldn’t.

The intercom on her phone buzzed.

“Yes?” she said.

“Morgan, can you please come into the office. I need you as a witness and want you to take any necessary notes on the discussion about what happened at my house,” Brad said.

“Okay, I’ll be right there.” She picked up her tablet and went into his office.

Standing beside the other man, Brad said to her, “How are you?”

“I’m okay,” she answered, letting her gaze travel over him to make sure he was healthy and unhurt from anything that might be amiss. “How about you?”

“I’m fine. Glad to be back,” he answered in a soft voice that was husky with emotion.

The partner, Joel Smithson, stared from Brad to Morgan and back again. “What’s going on?”

“It’s been a trying couple of days,” said Morgan. “Frightening, really.” She was embarrassed by the sting of tears.

“We’re dating, Joel,” said Brad. “No one needs to worry about us. Morgan and I are professional enough that it won’t be awkward.”

Joel gazed at them both. “I get it. I don’t think it’ll be an issue.”

Brad went behind his desk and offered chairs to Joel and Morgan. “Let us tell you what has happened, Joel. You need to be aware of this. Morgan, why don’t you start?”

She cleared her throat. “Yesterday after work, I drove to Brad’s house to take care of his dogs. We’d agreed I would stay there for two nights while I oversaw his pets and my new Dachshund, Blue. It seemed easier that way. I was in the driveway about to unload my things when a dark SUV, a Cadillac, I think, drove into the driveway. The driver demanded to see Brad. When he realized he wasn’t there, he told me to tell Brad that he was a friend of Nick Carelli’s and handed me an envelope. Then he said they would be keeping an eye on Brad. I hurried into the house. I didn’t know what was inside the envelope until the two Dachshunds got hold of it and tore it open.”

“That’s all the man said?” asked Joel.

“Yes. He was scary both in the way he acted and the way he spoke,” she said. “Today, I took the money to the Police Chief and identified the man in a photograph in his office. I’ve been here working, waiting for any news.”

“While I was in New Jersey working on another case, I contacted the judge handling the Carelli case and informed him about what had happened,” Brad explained. “I’m representing Nick’s wife and son in a custody hearing. His wife wants to leave the family and wants their son with her, away from the family’s activities.”

“Understandable, but tough to pull off,” said Joel. “Especially with a son.”

“Although she’s in an untenable position due to Nick’s behavior, she’s willing to fight for what she wants in every way possible. We have enough proof of his abuse of her to make a case. He pretty well neglects the son because Nick has been using drugs. I have a feeling we’ll win at least temporary custody. The money was just to get my attention. The message is that there would be more coming if Nick won the case.”

“You were right to go directly to the judge,” said Joel. “The police have the money. What else can we do?”

“At this point, nothing,” said Brad.

“But the driver of that car warned me that they would be keeping an eye on Brad,” said Morgan. “That’s when I packed up the dogs and took them to my apartment. No way did I want to stay at the house if they were going to be spying on it.”

“I understand,” Joel said. “Are you safe at your house, Brad?”

“I have a crew installing a very sophisticated alarm system throughout the house and around the property,” said Brad. “They should be done in a day or so. The dogs are effective guard dogs, but I want to be able to capture anyone on film if they try to do something.” He glanced at Morgan.

She was satisfied, though, inwardly, she hated the idea of his having to do something like that.

“Is there anything I need to do for the firm?” asked Brad.

Joel shook his head. “Just keep me informed. We’ll discuss it at our next meeting, but until then, it appears you’ve taken all the necessary steps. I appreciate your honesty.”