Page 68 of Pick Your Spot

Marcus tilted his head. “Still no idea what split the two up?”

Knox shook his head, and Marcus turned his attention back to Thea. “I’m guessing the answer is no, but do you think Gammon would be connected to any kind of organized crime?”

Thea laughed. “I sincerely doubt it. I can’t imagine organized crime having any interest in farm country, Iowa. And I can’t imagine Triple-A even knowing how to get involved.”

Marcus smiled. “Okay, I can guess that’s your name for Gammon. One A for Andy? One for Asshole?”

Thea smiled, and Knox loved that their new friend was so good at putting her at ease.

She grinned. “And the third one for Arrogant.”

Marcus laughed. “Nice. Okay. Anyone who is determined enough can find people to do just about anything on the internet. It would take some digging and some careful questions, but it’s doable. Someone would have to have some skills to hack into your data provider and secure information about your phone’s location. I’m guessing Gammon probably doesn’t have those skills.”

Thea shrugged. “I don’t know him well but I can’t see him being capable. He struggled to even use his phone to look up research when we were working.”

“Definitely not a hacker type. So he’s probably hired someone to hack into records and find your location. Tell me what happened once he arrived.”

Knox tensed as Thea recounted how Gammon surprised her when she was working the compost. If the bastard had a weapon, he could have hurt her. Or taken her against her will.

They added as many details to the report as they could. Knox wondered if they should add another dog. One trained to protect. Fox was awesome, but he was as friendly a dog as Knox had ever met. Although hehadgrowled at Gammon. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt Thea if he was nearby.

Marcus tapped his fingers on the desk. “Did he make an outright threat?”

Thea shook her head. “No. I suppose it would be easier for you if he had.”

Marcus shrugged. “I’d prefer not to have my friends threatened at all. There’s enough of a pattern of behavior here to indicate a potential problem. Emails, texts, calls, then showing up here. Would you like to proceed with a restraining order?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’ll write it up. I have the messages, but I’d like copies of the emails and texts. Be prepared that he may use other numbers and emails. Don’t answer anyone you don’t know. You can always change your number if he continues.”

She nodded. That would might cost a bit, but it would be worth it.

“In the meantime, I’ll see if Triple-A has taken a room at the B&B. If so, I’ll drop by there and serve him with the restraining order. I’ll also tell him he will be charged with trespassing if he steps on your property again.”

Knox leaned forward. “And if he’s not there?”

Marcus grinned. “I don’t give up that easily. I have his phone number and I’ll be calling if I can’t find where he’s staying. For this kind of jerk, I’d prefer to show up unannounced but I can give the message over the phone.”

“Thank you.” Thea’s voice gave away her surprise.

Marcus obviously heard it as well. “We’ve got your back here, Thea. If you need any backup, all you have to do is call. I’d also like to get a picture of Gammon and show it to the local business owners. I’d like to know if he stopped here and asked around about you. It would surprise me if anyone here gave him the information of where to find you but maybe he was subtle enough not to trigger any alarm bells.”

Hell, that hadn’t occurred to Knox. Even if Gammon had located the phone, he might have tried to get more information before approaching. “It would also be great to have them aware. They could let you know if he comes in with questions.”

Marcus nodded. “Exactly. If he’s been in town or if he comes, we’ll know about it. We also have a local security company, Midnight Security. They’re all friends. They’re mostly former FBI and do a lot of training with bodyguards and law enforcement groups. If you want to install any security systems, they can get you a good deal and help set it up.”

That was something proactive he could do. “I’d like that. We should wire up the farmhouse and Thea’s cabin for a start. We can look at the barns and the other farmhouse later on.”

Thea reached to squeeze his arm. “You don’t have to spend all that money. I’m sure Andy will take off once he hears from Marcus.”

He took her hand. “Not taking a chance and it’s already on the to do list. Adding security is never a bad idea. I’ve worked as a bodyguard as well as in the military. I’ll feel better once the system is installed. It’s better to have preventative measures in place instead of facing regrets later.”

Marcus laughed. “A man after my own heart. When Elina first arrived in Phail, there was a man who wanted to hurt her. Having her safe behind the security system meant the world to me. I think you’ll both feel better for having it.”

Thea nodded but didn’t look sure. Knox knew she worried about money, but he’d convince her that it was a good investment. Because he’d pay and do anything to keep her safe.

Thea tried to keep in the sigh as they left the station. Marcus Ramirez appeared to be the very best kind of police officer. Thorough, kind, and a man of action.

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