Page 5 of Duty Unbound

“Yes. I’m Mel Rivers. My sister, Nova?—”

“Nova Rivers, right?” Officer Jensen interrupted, blinking.

I stifled a sigh. “Yes. That Nova Rivers.”

Detective Hollis shot his partner a look that immediately silenced him. “Tell me what happened, Ms. Rivers.”

Before I could explain further, movement at the top of the stairs caught my eye. Nova had changed into a silk robe, her damp hair twisted into an effortless bun, and—of course—her phone was propped up in front of her, live streaming.

“Oh, look! The police have arrived!” she said, voice dripping with excitement. “Hey, guys. Say hi to the fans.”

Officer Jensen muttered something under his breath.

I clenched my jaw. “Nova, stop.”

She ignored me, turning the camera on herself. “We think there was an intruder. I mean, it could’ve just been a dedicated admirer, but Mel, my lovely sister and dear manager, is freaking out.”

Detective Hollis cleared his throat. “Ms. Rivers, I’m going to need you to stop recording. This is an active investigation.”

His tone brooked no argument, and something in his expression must have gotten through to Nova because she actually lowered her phone, looking slightly chastened.

“Fine,” she huffed. “But you’re killing my content calendar. Toodles, everyone. Back later.” She wiggled her fingers at the camera.

I stepped forward, placing myself between Nova and the officers before I lost what little patience I had left.

“Someone got into the house while we were upstairs,” I told Detective Hollis. Officer Jensen was still making gaga eyes over Nova. “The power was cut, and when Nova came downstairs, we found roses and threatening notes on the kitchen counter. The side door was open.”

Detective Hollis’s expression sharpened. “Show me.”

I led him to the kitchen, Nova trailing behind us with Officer Jensen, who looked like he couldn’t decide if he should be taking notes or asking for an autograph.

Detective Hollis examined the roses, then carefully picked up the notes with a gloved hand. His eyes narrowed as he read them.

“Have there been other incidents?” he asked, looking directly at me rather than Nova.

“Not like this,” I admitted. “Some weird fan email and messages, but nothing that crossed this line.”

Nova piped up from behind me. “I get marriage proposals every day. And people who want to drink my bathwater.”

Detective Hollis’s face remained impassive. “What about the security system?”

“We have a guard at the gate at night, and there’s a camera up there.” I gestured to Ron, who was standing near the door. “And normally, more people here. But Nova sent most of the staff and her entourage home this evening.”

“Do you have an alarm system?”

“Yes, but a lot of times, we don’t turn it on.” But damn it, it would be from now on.

“Cameras here at the house?”

I shook my head. “No. Nova feels like they’re too invasive.”

“Everybody feels that way until someone breaks in.” Hollis ran a hand along the doorframe. “No signs of forced entry. This was probably someone aware of Nova’s habits and had been waiting for his chance.”

A chill ran down my spine at his words. I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling exposed in my own home.

“All right,” Detective Hollis said, straightening up. “We’ll dust for prints and check the security footage. Officer Jensen will take your statements.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. “In the meantime, you need better security.”

I took the card, frowning slightly. “We already have security. We have Ron. He’s like family.”

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