Collide & Burn by Claudy Conn Page B

identify him, as he paid cash for the basket and we believe was in some sort of disguise. The florist we tracked down in Port Jefferson—and we had to go through five of them first—said he remembered because he thought the guy was wearing a cheap wig under his baseball cap. As far as Gloria is concerned—you did see her that weekend. She was there. Seems she is obsessed and is now seeing a shrink about it, but she denied sending the basket, and when we got down to it we discovered she was telling the truth.”
    “What aren’t you telling me?”
    He sighed. “My team thinks the poison was in fact meant for me—that you have a stalker, and he wants me out of the way.”
    My hand flew to my mouth and then my forehead. “Why?”
    “Because another attempt was made. I received a box of pears from a shop I frequent in the city. My security detail wouldn’t let me sample it until it was tested, and again, arsenic poisoning.”
    I felt my world start to spin.
    Someone was trying to injure, maybe even kill, Wade? Because of me?
    He drew me into his embrace and murmured against the top of my head, “I thought you would be safe down here with your parents while we concentrated on locating him. To be safe, Tim, who heads security for my firm, has a man who’s been watching you. And I’d like to escort you home tomorrow . ”
    “My parents?”
    “Are fine. They’ll be fine, but Tim says that stalkers very often become violent with the object of their desire when they aren’t successful. Right now, baby, all I know is that I have to keep you safely near me until my people find and deal with the threat.”
    “This sounds like something out of a TV show  … I can’t believe it,” I whispered.
    “Come on, let’s go in and invite your parents to dinner. I know a place on the water that is absolutely fantastic. My people are here, and we have nothing to worry about. In fact, they believe he has temporarily backed off.”
    “Are you sure, Wade? Are you sure my parents will be okay?”
    “I’m positive, but if it will make you feel better, I will leave a man here for the next week to just make certain. How’s that?”
    I relaxed. “Yes, that’s good  … but who would stalk me? I can’t think of anyone   …”
    “We’ll talk about it more when we get back. For now, let’s go in and make arrangements to wine and dine your parents. It is the least I can do to show my appreciation for making it so easy to buy Norcross with a built-in beauty for a tenant.”
    That jarred me a little. He might have thought it a ‘cute’ thing to say, but it hit me wrong. However, it was said, done, over, and it was what it was.
    Besides that, I had bigger things to worry about. I had—no, we —had a stalker in the shadows.
     

 
     
    ~ Twelve ~
     
    WE RETURNED HOME via MacArthur airport in Wade’s jet. I have to say, I was impressed. More so because he told me he could fly it.
    “Really—you can fly a jet?”
    “Yes, but it isn’t something I enjoy, so I don’t usually.” He shrugged it off. “Really, once you get the hang of it, it’s no different than driving.”
    “Yeah, right.” I snorted.
    He laughed and hugged me close. “Charlie, your parents were great, but I’m not sure your dad is happy about you  … and me.”
    “My dad is a man. You are a man. He doesn’t think you’re the ‘settling down’ kind of man and doesn’t want me hurt.”
    “And your mom? She doesn’t agree with his theory?”
    “My mom thinks like a woman. She believes if it is meant it is, and if it isn’t  … then it isn’t. She knows either way I am strong enough to deal with it.”
    “And is she right? Are you strong enough to deal with the day we discover it’s over?” he asked, and there was a strange catch in his voice.
    “Yes, I am,” I lied. At that point I didn’t think I was. “But are you, Wade Devon, are you?”
    He took my hand to his lips. “Don’t leave, Charlie  …”
    “What makes you think I