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“I’m a little worried that it’s escalating to something more drastic. And fast. I need you boys to scare off these little shits for good.”
Brewer nodded. “Yeah, we can do that. Won’t be a problem.”
“Thank you,” Pete replied. His gaze moved over to me. “I was also hoping you might be willing to keep an eye on Dani for me. She has two friends visiting her for the weekend. I know you wouldn’t let a damn thing harm a hair on her head. It would really put my mind at ease.”
How could I say no to that? My gut churned with guilt. If Pete knew I was having filthy, indecent thoughts about his daughter, he wouldn’t be saying any of this. And he certainly wouldn’t put his daughter’s safety into my hands.
“I can go get her, bring her back to you,” I offered.
Pete shook his head. “No. It’s probably better that she isn’t at home right now. If it gets any worse, I’ll be sending my wife away until I can get this cleared up.”
After I’d agreed to keep an eye on Dani, Pete gave me the address of Dani’s apartment building. I didn’t point out that I knew where she was already since I’d followed her home last night.
Pete clasped my hand with a tight grip.
“I owe you one, brother.”
I swallowed the pang of guilt. He didn’t owe me anything. I would have gladly protected Dani, no matter the cost. And if he knew the thoughts I had about his daughter that morning, Pete wouldn’t be thanking me.
I waved him off and headed for my bike.
Chapter Four
Dani
In the morning, I found Hannah in the kitchen, making a smoothie. She’d shared the guest bedroom with Amy last night, blankets and pillows sprawled across the floor in our usual sleepover chaos. I could still see Amy fast asleep through the open bedroom door, her makeup smeared across her pillow.
I stifled a yawn, hoping coffee would make me feel more awake. I’d barely slept at all the night before, preoccupied with thoughts of Crow.
“If you’re looking for coffee,” Hannah said. “You don’t have any. I already checked. We should probably drag the birthday girl out of her death-like slumber and go get some.”
Considering how much Amy had to drink the night before, I doubted she would be interested in any public spaces if she had a choice.
“Why don’t I run down to that cute French cafe on the corner and grab breakfast instead?” I offered.
Hannah shrugged. “Sounds like a better plan than waking Sleeping Beauty in there.”
After getting dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a loose-fitting t-shirt, I grabbed my sneakers and headed out the door. The cafe was close enough to be within walking distance and maybe a little exercise would get my mind off Crow.
My phone buzzed with a text and I pulled it from my pocket. It was probably Amy, demanding an elaborate birthday-girl-sized coffee order.
But when I opened my phone, I found it was from my dad.
Vandals hit the house last night.
I texted back right away.
Are you okay? What about Mom?
It felt like forever before Dad texted back, even though it was only a few seconds.
Everyone is fine. Stay with your friends. Just wanted to let you know.
I shook my head.I should come home.
Not necessary. Have a good time. I’ll tell you if anything changes.
I hesitated on the sidewalk, torn between continuing my plans to distract myself, and being with my family. But what could I do? Dad had already talked to the cops about this issue, more than once. It wasn’t like I would go home and everything would be better.
