wearing the fraternity ring and Dix certainly hadn’t gone to an Ivy League college.
Dean gave his business card to Josh and one to her. “I’m going to open a file, and I need some time to setup a data search. In the meantime, we’ll bring in your employee to work with an artist sometime this week. It’s just a hunch, but based on the profile of sexual predators, we know they often act out on their fantasies with other women, even though you are the focus of his attraction.”
Josh had remained relatively quiet while she’d given Dean her history. Like a massive rock of confidence sitting beside her, he gave her hope that this all might end.
“Thanks for your time, Det. Dean,” she said, standing up.
The police detective’s eyes narrowed. “CDR Hunter has given us a head start with the video and investigating the ring. Predators will often take the opportunity to get close. They’ll track a woman. Stand behind her in a line. Sit behind her in a coffee shop. In this case, you own the coffee shop and with the notes left in your business, we know he’s placed himself near you. I’m going to ask a couple of our detectives to venture to the Erotic Bean. You won’t know who they are, but they’ll be around.”
Josh rose and placed his thick arm around her shoulder. “One of my tactical analysts suggested that the ring could be a ruse. If he knows what I do for a living, he may suspect I’ll involve myself and use assets at my disposal.”
Dean nodded. “True. A psychopath’s narcissism gives them a feeling of superiority. He may not wear the ring all the time, but did so knowing the security video would record the details. Although he hid his face, he knows full well the ring is visible and in his disjointed way wants to give Dixie a message.”
She shrugged. “What message?”
“That he’s intelligent. Highly educated. Possibly wealthy. It’s subliminal manipulation. He wants to lure you closer. Psychopaths often know law enforcement processes. He’s taking a chance by revealing the ring, yet he feels it’s worth the risk, knowing he can share something about himself with you.”
Dix shook her head. “He’s one sick bastard, isn’t he?”
“Yes, unfortunately, he is.”
She no longer saw her ex-fiancé as a cocky teenager but a capable man. A Special Forces warrior. A decorated officer. “Will he try to hurt Josh first?”
“Let’s go, Dix,” Josh said, trying to usher her out of the room.
“No.” She resisted and stood her ground. She wanted to hear what he had to say. “Detective?”
Det. Dean rubbed the tip of his nose and sighed. “Yes, Miss Hammond, that’s most likely the case. But I wouldn’t worry. CDR Hunter is a combat veteran and highly trained Navy SEAL. He has the skills to protect himself.”
The detective escorted them from the office and to the front lobby of the police station where he said he’d be in touch when he had some results.
****
Back in Josh’s pickup, he started the engine.
“Can you drop me off at my shop, please?” As he backed out of their spot, she kept her attention on the cars in the parking lot.
Josh stepped on the brake. The seatbelt held her in place but her head bobbed forward.
“Let’s get dinner in town,” he suggested.
She watched a couple patrol cars drive into the small lot. “I’m not hungry. Please, drop me off at the Erotic Bean.”
When Josh’s rough fingers gripped her forearm, she refused to look at him, her gaze on anything but him.
“Then let’s go find you a home security system. We’ve got plenty of time before the stores close,” he said. “We’ll get dinner later.”
Her pulse raced since hearing the detective confirm the stalker would target Josh. “Please, drop me off at my shop.”
He squeezed her arm. “For the love of Christ, look at me.”
She shook her head.
Josh, being a stubborn man, thrust the gear shift into drive, pulled ahead a few feet and shoved the shifter into park. Then he turned off the engine. The Erotic Bean was under a mile away. Guess she could use a walk.
“I’ll see you, Josh.” She tugged on the door handle. Locked. “Open the door,” she said calmly. He tapped the steering wheel with his fingers and ignored her request. “Did you hear me?” Of course, he’d heard her. “Josh! Open…the…fucking…door.”
Dix unclipped her seat belt and swiveled, resting her left knee on the seat and stretching over his lap. About to hit the lock