Page 19 of Protecting Clove
“Leave!” Keith yelled without even turning to see who’d walked in. That was one thing she hated about Keith. He thought people would just obey him because he wanted something.
Rickey shook his head. “I don’t think so. I think you’re the one who is going to leave now.”
Keith spun around, obviously expecting someone who wasn’t young and fit. She noticed Keith jerking back, trying to get out of Rickey’s reach. She would have laughed, but Keith being here in California worried her.
“You’re leaving,” Rickey growled. “Either in cuffs or on your own, but you’re leaving. Now, come on. It’s time for you to go.”
For a second, Clove thought Keith wasn’t going to comply, but he must have some sense left in his head because he didn’t argue and left with Rickey.
The sigh of relief slipped out, but panic rose quickly. Keith was here in California. She would have to be careful. If he followed her from here, he would find Neo. That wasn’t an option. He couldn’t have access to her daughter. No way would she ever let him close to Neo.
18
Bud got in contact with Tex and decided to stop by Thario’s place after talking to Tex. They’d missed something, and now Clove and Neo were at risk. He was almost at Thario’s place when his phone rang. He answered, seeing Clove’s name pop up on the display.
“Hey, you answered,” Clove said, surprise sounding in her voice.
“Yeah. I just got back. I wanted to warn you that we don’t know where Keith is.”
“Oh, I know where he is. He showed up at my work.”
“What?”
“Yeah. He was run off by one of the security guards.”
“Crap, Clove. I’m so sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize.”
“But I said we would keep tabs on him, and we?—”
“Hey, it’s okay. I knew he would show up, eventually. I just wished I didn’t have to deal with him.”
“I’ll see what we can do. I’m headed to Thario’s place. Maybe you should come over here.”
“I’m picking up Neo.”
“Bring her. Thario’s dog will get a kick out of meeting Neo. He likes kids.”
“Oh, okay. Is the dog safe?”
“Very. Frog is the best. He is very good with kids.”
“Send me the address, and I’ll be there.”
“Okay, I’m pulling over and sending it now. Be careful.”
“I will be.”
He was excited to see Clove but also worried for her. How had her ex found her? Now, Clove and Neo were at risk. He would have to work to keep her safe.
Clove pulled up at the address Bud had sent. The place was one story, and there was a ramp out front. The door opened, and Bud stepped out along with another man with a huge dog. Neo gasped, and for a second, she worried that her daughter was afraid of the dog.
“Oh my goodness, look at that sweet doggie.”
“Neo, remember to be careful around dogs.”
“I will, but he looks so sweet.”
