Way of the Warrior (Troubleshooters #17.5)(67)
And staying at his cousin’s place in Tennessee. “Not worried about danger, sir. In fact, a little excitement would do me some good. I’m fine with sticking around.”
“Only if you’re an employee.” Chase arched an eyebrow. “I do have room for another J-Man.”
Griff stepped outside and waved his arm to encompass the woods surrounding the lodge. “This is where I belong.” Hidden from society. Out in nature, where the animals didn’t care that he was scarred.
Away from the kind of beautiful women like the one who stood with the film crew talking about the camera she held. But Griff’s gaze was hardly on that fancy camera with the foot-long lens. It was riveted to the tall woman with the straight blond hair and lithe figure. When she spotted him and Chase, she handed the camera back to the man next to her and walked over. Griff waited for her eyes to settle on his face, ready for the flinch. Everyone had some kind of reaction, though most tried to hide it. She didn’t even blink as she approached, but her light blue eyes gave away a smidge of pity.
Chase said, “Kristy Marsden, this is Griff Tate.”
She was clearly making an effort to keep those gorgeous eyes on his and not let them drift over his ruined face as she held out her hand. “Thank you so much for doing this.”
Her fingers slid over his palm before connecting in a handshake. Her touch was gentle, probably deferring to his condition. He firmed his grip to let her know he wasn’t fragile. Then he released her, because her hand felt a little too good enveloped in his. “I’m happy to do whatever it takes to wrap up this sick son of a…gun. I understand this was your idea?”
“The concept of a setup was. Chase helped me disappear after Eye, the name my stalker uses, broke into my apartment and attacked me. For eight months, Eye couldn’t find me. I guess that pissed him off.”
“So he threatened your friend.”
Kristy nodded, guilt pushing her mouth into a frown now. “Aisha didn’t deserve to be dragged into my mess. I should have known he’d figure out a way to monitor my Facebook and Instagram pages. He saw a lot of pictures and selfies with me and my bestie.”
The beautiful black model had received a threatening call: if he couldn’t find Kristy within the next two weeks, he would shift his attention to Aisha. He was probably betting that Kristy wouldn’t let that happen.
“Chase and I went to the police, but we were faced with the same problem we’ve had from the beginning. We don’t know who this guy is. That’s when I came up with the idea of luring him to someplace where we could at least photograph him and maybe capture him. The police were trying to figure out the logistics.”
Chase shook his head. “But we don’t have time to wade through the red tape. The compromise is that we’re starting the op now with their guidance. Detective Burns will bring in his team if they get clearance in time. If not, he’ll at least come when we’re ready to pull the plug and make sure it’ll stand up in court.”
“And Kristy will be out of here before the first ad airs,” Griff confirmed.
“Back in my safe house,” she said with a sigh.
Chase put his hand on Kristy’s shoulder. “Which must feel like a prison, though I know you’re too kind to say it in front of me. Once we get this guy, you and Aisha will be able to live in the open again.”
Live in the open. The words resonated. Not something Griff could ever do. It wasn’t fair that this gentle woman had to hide, to live in fear. Griff, well, he’d signed on for that shit the moment he put his signature on the enlistment paperwork.
Kristy flattened her hand against her collarbone. “Living out loud,” she said on a sigh. “After almost two years of hiding, I can go shopping and have lunch with friends and see a play!” She spun around but came to an abrupt stop. “I’m almost afraid to hope that it can be over. I used to think he’d lost interest when I hadn’t heard from him in a week or so. But he always came back.”
Now Griff could see the vulnerability and weariness Kristy masked with her brave smile. Probably the way she’d masked her horror at his scarred skin, his misshapen nose, and crooked mouth.
“We’ll get him, one way or the other,” Chase said. “If the police don’t get approval in time, I have a decoy to pose as Kristy. My former Navy SEALs will secure the scene.”
Griff caught Kristy looking at him, though she quickly averted her gaze. “Let’s head on over to the bog.” He winked at her as best as he could with the tighter skin around his right eye. “You ready to get muddy?”
She gestured to her black shorts, bathing suit top, and the net shirt she wore over it. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
He figured she’d be prissy and maybe a bit superior, and some part of him was relishing seeing her all covered in mud. But damn, her trepidation and determination twisted him up inside. Be careful, Griff.
He hadn’t been remotely interested in sex since the explosion. The warning in his head seemed unwarranted.
“Let’s head over and situate the film crew,” Chase said. “Then we’ll bring in the supposed competition.”
Griff pointed at a large SUV. “Take that one. It should fit the crew and equipment.” He tossed a key ring toward Chase.
Chase caught it with a flick of his wrist. “Kristy, why don’t you ride with Griff? Since you’re going to be working together, you can get to know each other.”