Page 45 of Risk Assessment
“You know, I’ve met Clark. The other thing about stalkers is that, although they may have low self-esteem, they still think they’re the most important person in the room. And Clark certainly fits the bill there. He thinks he’s the center of the universe, and people should automatically do what he wants. And I’ve seen his temper. He blew up at—Josh, is it?— at the Bedford Hills country club one day when I was there for a meeting. It wasn’t pretty. I have no idea why that guy puts up with all the crap that Clark dishes out.”
“So, you think it’s possible?” Dylan asked.
Gabe hesitated for a second. “Clark doesn’t totally fit the profile, but profiles are an estimation. Not every criminal fits every profile to a tee. I think he’s worth checking out. Your point about the cameras is valid as well. Connor’s already looking at Raleigh’s security system. He’s the best at that stuff so, if there’s anything there to find, he’ll dig it up. I’ll follow up on Clark and see what I can find. Keep me updated,” Gabe said.
“Will do. And thanks again for helping me with this.”
“By the way, I ran that background check on Raleigh. She’s clean. Just wanted you to know. We’ll talk later.” And then Risk was gone.
Dylan put his phone back in his side pocket. He’d known in his gut Raleigh was telling the truth, but it was always good to have confirmation. Not that it mattered. Somewhere along the way, he decided no matter what the check came back with he was going to help her. She was an amazing woman and he was determined to help her any way he could.
Raleigh was still sitting in her chair. He scanned the pool area again, but Clark had left. His gut tightened. Should he go back to the cabin? See if Clark was there or had been there? He’d love to catch him in the act. Not without Raleigh. There was no way he was leaving her alone.
He stood there for a moment, pondering his next move. Someone called his name the moment he stepped onto the path. Turning, he saw Matt approaching.
“Hey. How’s it going?” Matt said. He frowned. “You don’t look so happy. What’s up?”
Dylan grimaced. “Raleigh’s having some issues.”
“Can I help?” Matt asked.
“Nah, but thanks.” He glanced over at Raleigh who was still sitting in her chair reading something. Jenn walked into his field of vision.
Matt nodded. “Okay. Let me know if anything changes.”
Matt started to walk away but Dylan touched his arm. “Can I ask you something?” Seeing Jenn brought the whole earlier episode to his mind.
“Do you know why Jenn blames me for her marrying Andrew? I’ve noticed she doesn’t seem happy about the wedding, and she yelled at me earlier saying it was all my fault. Do you know what’s going on?”
“If I had to guess, I think she blames you because you introduced her father to Andrew.”
“What? I don’t remember… Ah, the barbecue.”
“Yeah. Remember when Jenn invited the whole team to her parents’ place? Andrew was there.”
Dylan frowned. “That was just before I was kicked off the team.”
Matt nodded. “I guess Bill met Andrew and was impressed.”
“Let me guess, Andrew told Bill his idea for the software he built, and Bill immediately saw dollar signs.”
“That’s the rumor. Now the department is in major talks about implementing it and Andrew is being cast as the next Wunderkind of Silicone Valley.”
“And Bill wants Jenn to be the Queen.”
Matt shrugged. “That’s my take. I mean it makes sense. Andrew is a tech genius and a cop. Looks good on a resume. He’s on the way to the top so why not marry Jenn off to him. That way you get to keep the genius in the family.”
“Would Bill really be that cold about his daughter?”
“You tell me?” Matt said. “You’d know better than I would, but this deal at NYPD is worth millions. And if NYPD installs the software, then how many other major police departments across the U.S. will buy it?”
“And then there’s the rest of the world…” Would Bill sell his daughter for that kind of fortune? In a New York minute. “Thanks Matt. I had no clue.”
Matt nodded. “Dylan, I just wanted to say I’m sorry about your suspension.”
“Thanks, but I deserved it.”
“No, you didn’t. It was a tough call, and you made the right one but, I know you well enough to know you blame yourself, even though you shouldn’t. That kid is alive because of you and that’s the truth. But ditching me and the guys… I gotta admit that stung a bit.”
