Page 14 of Shadow Killer

Perhaps she hoped to ease the tension, but when those arctic eyes finally looked down at her, it was evident that she had to take the lead if she ever wanted to get answers. “I don’t know where you live, but my place is about fifteen minutes away.”

When he only nodded, Noelle scanned the area herself. What was he looking for? Was someone following them? It was comfortable around the city to imagine people where there were only shadows.

Out of precaution, she took streets that even at the late hour were still busy. Noelle wasn’t a fool. Even if she was prepared and cautious, a woman around here, away from the busiest spots, could become an attractive target.

Her place was a small shotgun house just far enough from the action to be quiet at night, but close enough that she didn’t need a car to move around. Public transport wasn’t perfect, but she made the best of it. After all, it wasn’t as if she needed to go anywhere. Even in the moonlight, the yellow clapboard and white trimming brought her joy. It had been an inheritance froma late aunt, and it took her years to renovate it, but now her home was her pride and joy, her refuge.

Once they were inside, Brandon checked the windows, closing the curtains and making sure everything was locked before finally relaxing.

His tall frame filled the space so much it almost looked as if her house was too small now. And when he turned to tower over her, her home wasn’t the only thing that felt tiny.

“Now, we can talk.”

There was no way Noelle would be intimated by his macho act. “I need to ask a question first.”

Brandon shook his head. “Is your question related to the potential threat on our lives? If not, I think I have priority.”

Her heart somersaulted. “What threat?”

“You tell me. Dominique is your friend. What did she tell you about people possibly after me, and you by association?”

“Brandon, you’re not making any sense.”

Now he started pacing her small living room. “Stop it. This is serious. Were you planning to bring me to your friend’s store? How did she know who I was?”

He wasn’t precisely aggressive, and his voice didn’t hold an accusatory tone, but Noelle couldn’t help but be on the defensive.

“Do you think that was a setup? I didn’t know you’d be part of the tour, let alone that I was going to invite you to meet one of my dear friends, which honestly, I’m kind of regretting right now. I don’t have a clue what Dominique said to you, but I’ve known the woman for most of my life and she’s never been deceitful with anyone, so watch your words, lieutenant.”

Her vehement words didn’t seem to impress him one bit. “She told me about someone threatening me, and possibly you. And I’m certain I saw something from the corner of my eye. I won’t apologize for attempting to protect us both.”

Even if she still wanted to punch him in the gut for insulting Dominique, her friend had somehow tried to convey a message and that was where their focus should be.

“What were her exact words?”

Brandon sighed but indulged her. “There was a shadow that’s intensified since I arrived and it’s now hovering near you more and more.”

That sent a wave of relief through her, and also concern. “She didn’t say anything more?”

“I asked her who posed a threat, to give me a name, but she didn’t say who it was. Why don’t you call her? Ask her what she knows? Maybe you could get the ball rolling.”

Noelle paused, searching for the right words, and decided instead to turn and walk into her kitchen. It wasn’t a surprise that he stayed close.

“Did you hear anything I said?”

Noelle foraged through her half-empty fridge. “Every syllable. Are you hungry? I don’t think I have anything fancy, but maybe an omelet wrap. I think I have a few tortillas in the freezer.”

She could hear shuffling behind her. “Noelle! Damn it!” Two large hands grabbed her waist, picked her up, and moved her away from the refrigerator.

“I’ll make the food. You call Dominique.”

“I won’t call Dominique.”

The fridge door shut with a bang before the giant of a man turned to face her. “Why?”

It wasn’t going to be easy, not with this pragmatic man. “Maybe we should sit for this discussion?” Without waiting for his answer, Noelle returned to the living room, but he caught her hand.

“Stop. Just stop. You’re skating around something. You know something about what Dominique said, so spit it out!”

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