Page 88 of A Dance With Obsession

“Is your client safe?” Liam is all business again.

“Nora? Yes, Nora is safe.”

Him referring to her as my client sets me on edge.

“Her safety is most important. I agree this has to end. He’s too much of a coward to face you head on. We’ll have to lure him out.”

“She. Will. Not. Be. Bait.” I speak each word through gritted teeth.

“We’ll address why you’re having such a vehement reaction to my words at a later date.” His tone is stern.

“I will not put her at risk.” I ignore his previous statement. My reaction is completely normal and rational.

“We’ve worked many, many jobs together, SJ, and every one of them has ended successfully. I heard you loud and clear. We’ll plan to draw him out without her being in harm’s way.”

“Good.” I end the call without waiting for him to respond.

I raise my hands in the air, my chest puffed out, ready to fight for what is mine. “If you fucking want her, you’ll have to go through me, fucker!” I scream out into the quiet night air.

People in the parking lot turn and stare, shocked by my outburst, but I don’t give a damn.

I crumple the note in my hand and head back toward the entrance to the restaurant.

Inside, everyone is gathered around Nora, shielding her. I immediately go to her, pulling her into my chest because I need the reminder that she’s here with me, safe and in my arms.

“Listen, everyone...” I speak quietly in a near whisper. “I don’t doubt he’s nearby watching. I don’t want anyone to panic, but I also won’t keep anything from any of you at this point.”

“What does the note say?” Nora looks down at the crumpled paper in my hand, but she doesn’t reach for it.

“He said none of us are safe if we don’t ‘set you free,’ his words.” I keep my eyes locked on hers. They get misty, and she blinks furiously, but only for a moment.

“He won’t intimidate us.” Walt speaks first. Marie is at his side with her fingers interlocked with his.

“I’m more than capable of protecting our family, son. You take care of Nora,” my dad says earnestly.

Nora takes a deep breath and curls into me. “He won’t control me or my life for another day. We have to come up with a plan to end this and end it now.”

Her bravery never ceases to amaze me. “We are, I promise. I’ve already spoken to Liam. You won’t be in harm’s way, and you will not be bait. I won’t ever agree to it. Got it?”

She shakes her head. “No, I don’t. I’ll do whatever it takes to stop him. I’ll be bait. I’ll be in harm’s way. And you’ll be there to protect me, every step of the way, remember?”

I sigh heavily through my nose. “There’s another way, and it’ll work. Trust me, okay?” I turn to my parents and lower my voice further. “Dad, can you fit Walt and Marie in your truck?”

“Sure thing. What’s the plan?” he answers.

“Walt, Marie, are you okay with going back to my parents’ instead of the hotel?”

“Yes, of course.” Marie responds.

Everyone is on pins and needles waiting for my reply.

“If David Miller is still here, he’ll follow Nora and me. You guys go back to the house; Nora and I will go to the hotel.”

“And then what?” Sam asks. A worried expression crosses her youthful face.

“Judging by his note, he’s become impatient, unhinged. He will make a move if it’s just us.”

“And how is that not making Nora bait?” Sam asks, this time emphasizing her question.

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