Page 71 of Carte

“From everything you worked for?” He gasped.

“Yes,” I said without a flicker of hesitation.

Tim flinched like I slapped him.

“I’m sorry, Harley,” he rubbed his forehead, and when he looked into my eyes I could see remorse swimming in them. “I got carried away. We’re all under stress to get everything right, and with this shit swirling around us, it’s getting a little crazy. I just want the best for you. I want you to thrive.”

I took pity on him, “I know. But this is one thing you’ll leave alone.”

“Okay,” he said. “I am sorry, though.”

I wasn’t sure if he was sorry because he seriously stepped over the line trying to exploit the most private part of my life, or if he thought he was missing a golden opportunity. But looking at his forlorn face, I took pity on him, “It’s okay. We won’t mention it again. Okay?”

He nodded, “Are there any new leads? Any new suspects?”

“I honestly don’t know, Tim. I didn’t ask for details. I know he didn’t give up, and is doing anything he can to keep me safe, even from a distance. That’s all I need to know.” Carter wanted to tell me, to fill me in on everything. It was my decision not to know. It made me jumpy and suspicious of everyone, and I didn’t want to have to put walls to hide behind while I was with my fans. I was already giving them a version of me, not the real me. I felt if I took another step back to create even more distance between us, I would sever that fragile cord and I would lose them.

It didn’t matter in the end. While Carter was away, I couldn’t help but constantly look over my shoulder expecting someone to jump me at any given moment.

“Is there something else you want to know?” I was over this whole conversation.

Tim cleared his throat, “No, no that’s all.” He shook his head, before sliding into business mode, “Don’t forget you have that radio interview in half an hour. And then you need to get ready for the cover shoot. Cassie’s got all the details.”

I relaxed. Finally we were back to familiar grounds. This was the Tim I knew.

“Ugh,” I threw my head back. “Why did I let you talk me into a cover shoot for a fashion magazine. I don’t know anything about fashion. My haute couture consists of washed out jeans, tank tops, and a jean jacket.”

“Because you know it’s good for you and your brand.”

I rolled my eyes, “Yeah, yeah.”

I turned and opened the door to my room, “Just be ready in half an hour. As soon as the interview’s over, the car will take you to the location.”

I saluted Tim as I entered my room, “Yes, sir.”

I could hear him muttering as he headed down the hall, “Smartass.”

A laugh bubbled out of me.

It felt good. I could feel all the stress leaving my body. And to know that I could have a serious conversation in one moment, then give Tim shit in the next served as a reminder that we were all in this together, and that he had my back no matter what. Even if he did go about it in the wrong way.

Sure, he sometimes strained from the path, but I was able to pull him right back on track.

Sometimes it was good for the soul to mess with Tim. I needed to remember that.

I was still chuckling softly as I got deeper inside the room.

There on the table a cream long box stood. It was wrapped with a dusty pink bow. And on top of it, a white small envelope stood.

Carter.

That was my first thought as I walked over to it and picked up the envelope.

I pulled the note out, and read the words written on the stocky card.

You’re not alone. I’m closer than you think.

A smile stretched my face.