Claiming Sarah (Ace Security #5)(24)

“Interesting,” Logan murmured. “What else?”

Relieved when no one said her impromptu elevator-psychology observations were stupid, she closed her eyes again. “We arrived on the bottom floor and headed to the cafeteria. Owen was walking a bit behind me, and when we got in line, he picked up a tray and followed me as I wandered around to the different stations. Then he picked up the exact same things I did for lunch. I got a banana, so he added one to his tray. I went and got a small salad, and he did the same. I ordered a ham-and-cheese flatbread, and he did too. As I said earlier, then we went and ate, and I did most of the talking.”

“When he spoke, what did he say, precisely?” Blake asked.

Sarah pressed her lips together and tried to remember exact words, but eventually she shook her head. “I’m sorry, I just don’t remember anything other than what I’ve already told you. It must not have been anything too weird or out there, because it didn’t stick in my mind at all.”

“It’s okay,” Cole said, squeezing her leg a little.

Feeling disappointed in herself, Sarah did her best to answer the rest of the questions the men had for her. Before she realized it, two hours had gone by.

“I think that’s enough for today,” Logan said. “Grace and Felicity are meeting for some girl time, so I need to get home to look after Nate and Ace. If we have more questions, can we contact you?” he asked Sarah.

She nodded. “Of course.”

“Good. In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing. Let Cole teach you everything he knows. Be on your toes. Lock your door, try to alter your schedule if at all possible. Order a camera, or lots of cameras, for your house. Continue to take pictures and document everything you receive. Ryder, I know Sarah said the cops weren’t much help, but can you talk to them anyway?”

“Of course. I’ll also give a call to Rex. See if he can help in any way.”

“Rex is Ryder’s ex-boss . . . for lack of a better word for him,” Cole told Sarah in a low voice.

She nodded.

“Good. Blake, Nathan? Got anything to add?” Logan asked.

“Nothing here,” Nathan said.

“I’ll have Alexis see what she can find in regard to why this guy’s receiving disability checks,” Blake added.

“Great. We’ll be in touch,” Logan said as he stood.

Sarah stood as well, and her knees felt a little weak. She wasn’t sure why. She was so relieved that someone was helping her. Ace Security had connections with the police, and they were going to talk to them. They’d believed her and seemed concerned about the letters and gifts. She knew things wouldn’t be resolved after one meeting, but even knowing they were continuing to investigate Owen made her feel better.

“Come on, angel,” Cole said from next to her. “Did you have lunch today?”

She looked up at him and said softly, “No.”

“Right, I can see your hands shaking. Come on, we’ll head over to Scarpetti’s. Francesca will take care of us.”

“I really should just go home. I’m sure you have lots of stuff you have to do today. You already took way too much time off for this.”

“The gym is covered.”

“But Logan said Felicity and Grace were going to do something,” she protested, not sure why she was trying so hard to let Cole off the hook. The truth of the matter was, she was starving. And she’d been wanting to try out the Italian restaurant ever since she’d heard some of the nurses at work talking about it. But she felt as if she’d taken up enough of Cole’s time.

Cole didn’t answer her. Instead, he gestured toward the cookbook. “You want that?”

“No!” Sarah exclaimed. She didn’t want anything Owen gave her.

“Didn’t think so. Hey, Blake!” he called out to the other man.

Blake looked up from his desk. “Yeah?”

“Take care of that, would ya?”

Blake looked to where Cole was gesturing and gave him a chin lift before looking back down at the computer in front of him.

“Come on, angel. Let me feed you.”

Sighing, Sarah gave up. She let him take her hand and followed him to the door. At the last minute, she turned and said loudly, “Bye. Thank you for your help!”

Blake and Nathan nodded, but didn’t look up.

“You couldn’t help yourself, could you?” Cole asked.

Sarah looked at him. “It would’ve been rude to just leave without saying anything.”

He smiled and shook his head, but didn’t reply. He pulled her out of the building and headed for the Italian place. “Have you eaten here before?”

“No. I’ve wanted to, but haven’t had the occasion.”

“You’re in for a treat then.”

Cole approached the door, and Sarah pulled back on his hand when she saw the hours listed on the front. “What are you doing?” she asked.

“Getting you some food. Why?”

“They’re closed,” she pointed out. “You can’t just walk in.”

“It’s fine. Francesca doesn’t mind,” Cole told her, opening the unlocked door.

“It’s rude,” Sarah hissed as they entered.

“Francesca!” Cole called out once the door shut behind them.