Page 35 of Atlas
Hi, my name is Velna Zakis. You know my son Benjamin. I feel that I need to warn you. Ever since you opened that abuse case against my husband, all he talks about is getting back at you. He found your new address and tonight he left the house and wouldn’t say where he was going. I fear that he’s coming for you.
I tried to play it cool when I returned, but after I paid the bill and we were back in the car, Atlas asked,
“What’s wrong? You seem tense all of a sudden. Is it because of what I told you? You know, about the cult.”
“No.” I didn’t want to burden Atlas with my problems, but being a firm believer in honesty, I sighed and admitted, “It’s not that.” I pulled up my phone. “It’s this text message that I got.”
He read it. “Jesus Christ, Jolene. You have to tell the police about this. If this woman is right, her husband is on his way to Chicago to hurt you, and she thinks he has your address.”
“Yes.” I let my head fall into my hands because I didn’t want him to see the tears forming. “I thought coming here would finally give me peace. I’ve been so careful, so I don’t understand how he would have found me. How does she even have my new phone number?”
“At least she’s using it to warn you.” Atlas had sobered up too. “You’re not going home until we know where that nutter is at.”
“But all my things are there.”
“Screw your things. I’m not letting you near that place if you’re in danger.” He rubbed his forehead. “Tell you what. You’re sleeping at my place tonight, and then we’ll come up with a plan tomorrow when you can talk to the police and get more information.
“I don’t want to be any trouble.”
His eyes grew dark, and he spoke in a stern tone. “I once saw a psychopath kill people. There is no way that I’m taking this threat against you lightly. You’re staying at my place until we know what’s going on. In fact…” Looking thoughtful, he continued, “You could go to Europe. That will give the police time to find the guy.”
“Europe?”
“Yes, you wanted to interview my siblings, and they’re in Europe.”
“But…” I raised my brow, not sure what to say.
“Do you have a passport?”
“Yes. Friends of mine got married in Cabo last year.”
“It’s perfect when you think about it. You want to interview my siblings, and with our little sister’s birthday coming up in a few days, we’ll be in one place, celebrating her next weekend.”
“How old is your little sister?”
“Five, turning six.”
My face softened a little. I couldn’t help it. I was such a sucker for kids.
“Tomorrow, you report the text message to the police, and while they investigate, you’re coming with me to Dublin.”
“Dublin.” I suddenly felt very sober. “I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland.”
“Then it’s settled.”
Reaching over, I squeezed his hand with a brittle, “Thank you.”
To my surprise, Atlas pulled me in and placed his arm around my shoulder.
It was so lovely to sink into his broad chest and feel his body heat. In that moment, he wasn’t my boss, but the only friend I had in Chicago.
“I won’t let him hurt you.” His quiet promise sounded muffled against my hair, and when he placed a soft and unexpected kiss on top of my head, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
“Don’t cry.” He stroked my shoulder up and down, making soothing sounds.
I was a strong and independent woman, but I still wanted to crawl up on his lap and hide in his strong arms. Atlas’ decisive way of taking charge of the situation and telling me not to worry was like a cold cloth to a fever-burning forehead, soothing and calming, just like his intoxicating masculine scent.
If only Atlas weren’t my boss holding me in his arms out of pity. The first time I met him, I’d found him attractive, and now I could feel myself falling for him.
