nothing came up on my computer. Either the battery is dead, or someone shut it off.”
Liz didn’t think so. “More than likely, if Clint stole it and sent me those texts, he got rid of it.”
The detective nodded his agreement.
Tate got a far-off look. “I never noticed his car or him.”
Liz voiced her suspicions. “He had to have been following you, too, otherwise how did he know you were in town?”
Tate sighed. “Why make it look like I broke up with you? He had to know we’d eventually talk and figure out that I didn’t do it.”
“He might have hoped she’d believe it long enough for it to drive a wedge between you,” the detective suggested.
“He’s been doing that from the start, making her think my intentions were bullshit to begin with.” Tate stared down at her and her heart broke.
“I’m sorry he’s made me question you and us. These last few days have been wonderful.” She went right into his arms. God, it felt so good to be wrapped up in his strength, protection, and love. Because she did believe he loved her. They’d been friends too long for him not to feel that deeply for her. She believed that love had grown. “I won’t let him tear us apart.”
Tate hugged her closer. “Not going to happen.” He wanted to protect her. Just like he said, she meant so much to him.
“Just like with Tate’s stolen phone and you receiving the text messages, there is no evidence it was Clint even if we think he did it. And I don’t think it was an accident he showed up at lunchtime, just after Liz got those messages.” The detective had only bad news for them. “Whatever you do, don’t confront him about the phone and texts. He’ll just deny it anyway and use your anger and her refusal to see him as an excuse to come after one or both of you again. The best thing you can do is nothing. Engaging him will only set him off. Aubrey got away only by cutting off all communication, switching jobs, and not associating with anyone who knows him.”
“And so he found a new target. Liz.”
“Let’s hope Liz dating you deters Clint from taking this further.”
“He killed someone who warned Liz away from him.”
“Exactly. So maybe she’s not the one in immediate danger.” The detective hinted toward another target.
Her heart stopped for a split second as that hit her. “You think he might go after Tate.”
“Women have always been Clint’s victims, but I wouldn’t put anything past him now that he’s crossed this line. He beat Aubrey several times while they were together, but never too severely. If he took her from the deli, drove her to the bridge, and pushed her off all without being seen or leaving any evidence, that’s cold even for him.”
Tate went rigid beside her. “You mean it’s an escalation.”
“He wanted Aubrey to pay for interfering with his relationship with Liz.”
Tate swore. “Aubrey spoke to Liz. I’m Liz’s best friend and the guy who took her away from him.”
The detective’s lips pressed into a tight line. “Let’s hope he doesn’t start thinking of you in that way.”
“I think it’s a little late for that,” Tate snapped.
The detective headed for the door but turned back before he walked out. “I’ll update you with any relevant information. Call if you need help. Report anything he does.” He turned to Tate. “Report your missing phone. You never know, maybe he kept it and we’ll get him for that.”
“Possession of stolen property. Big fucking deal.”
“It could be the thing that trips him up. You never know.” The detective left them with little hope anything would touch Clint, let alone put him behind bars.
She went to the door, locked it, and leaned back against it and stared at Tate. “I’m sorry. You didn’t sign up for any of this.”
“Are you kidding me? You think I’ll let him mess up what we have because he’s a dick who can’t accept it when a woman doesn’t want him? He wants to control you. Possess you. And since he can’t have you, he thinks he can manipulate you back to him. When that doesn’t work, will he try to force you? Hurt you again?” Tate grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed. “I can’t stand to think of anything happening to you.”
“The worst thing that happened to me today was thinking I’d lost you.”
Tate held his arms out. She walked right into them again