Page 44 of Triggered By Love
“I have a fashion show to prepare for,” Avery said. “I’ve meetings with my model wrangler, fittings and adjustments, choreography, and publicity. I can’t be stuck upstate all week.”
“Do you want to be alive for your show?” Chase’s voice was deep and growly. “You know what happened last year.”
Avery clamped her jaw shut and crossed her arms, hugging herself despite the heat. Of course, she knew what happened to Brando. She’d been living and reliving the consequences every day.
“I’m still trying to get over my anxiety and panic over what happened, but I can’t hide out forever.”
“You won’t be hiding at The Manor. You can have your meetings in the conference center.”
“I could, but it would be inconvenient for my assistants.”
“We can work out the logistics,” Chase said. “I can move your sewing and design equipment up to The Manor, and we might be able to house your assistants close by.”
“Chase, I appreciate it,” she said, even though she could never out-argue her brothers, especially the oldest one. “But there are last-minute adjustments and design changes all the time. I’m always running to the garment district to get this or that.”
“You can order stuff online.”
“No, won’t work. Sometimes, I go for a particular piece of bling and I see something else that’ll work better. Fashion is an art, and I never know when inspiration strikes.”
He turned the corner and stopped the Hummer in front of her apartment building. “Avery, your life is more important than the fashion show. Pack your stuff, and we’ll work everything else out.”
* * *
Jason was dyingto call Avery, but he couldn’t break away from reviewing the videos that were turned in, looking over witness statements, and filing the paperwork.
The doorman at her apartment said she left with her eldest brother in a Hummer, and Alida said she was spending the evening up at her parents’ place, so he knew she was safe.
After showering and changing, he buzzed Tatiana Renzi at her apartment.
“It’s you again?” she answered the intercom, having seen his face on the video feed. “Did you bring me a present?”
“I have new information on the man seen leaving your apartment,” he said. “I’d like to come up and ask you a few questions.”
“Only if you brought me flowers or chocolate.”
“Raincheck for coffee okay with you?”
Tatiana sighed and unlocked the door. “You’re so controlling, but yes. Come on up.”
Jason glanced at Mrs. Bonet’s door when he exited the elevator but decided not to disturb her in case she hadn’t heard about the attack.
Tatiana was standing at her doorway waiting for him. “I told you I’m not prosecuting. In fact, I don’t want word getting out that I’m helping you.”
“Are you?” He raised an eyebrow and gave her a twisted smirk as he stepped into her apartment.
“What do you have?” She eyed the video on his cell phone.
“Recognize this guy?” He watched her expression carefully.
“Could be anyone. Dark clothes, average height.”
“True, but what about the shoes?”
“Nope. I’ve never seen him wearing athletic shoes. That’s not his style.”
“But the figure, the way he walks and carries himself. Does that remind you of anyone?”
“He’s wearing the wrong type of sunglasses. The way he carries himself is similar.”
