Calculated Risk (Triumph Over Adversity #1) - Lynn Shannon Page 0,27
he could do any real harm.”
“I’m so thankful he was there. At the break-in and the store explosion. To think of what could’ve happened…” She shuddered before grabbing a towel from her bag and patting her brow. “What’s the story between you and Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome?”
“There is no story. We’re friends. Jason’s a good guy, but things are complicated enough right now. I can’t think of anything more than friendship at the moment.”
“Are you sure that’s not just an excuse?” Lisa held up a hand to ward off Addison’s denials. “Listen, I don’t blame you for being nervous about starting something new. No one understands better than me.” A flush crept across her cheeks. “But perhaps the key is moving on with the right person.”
Addison arched her brows. “Ummm, is there something you aren’t telling me?”
“Henry Rittenhouse and I started dating.”
Addison knew Henry well because they’d gone to school together. He was a firefighter and volunteered tirelessly for church projects. His family was also wonderful and caring.
Addison couldn’t keep the grin off her face. “When did this happen?”
Lisa’s flush deepened. “We were on the volunteer committee for the Winter Fair and something just…clicked. He’s kind and generous. Church-going. Incredibly sweet with my girls. It took me a while to get enough courage to take the first step. There was a lot of prayer involved. But I’m glad I did.”
“I’m so happy for you. Henry’s a great guy.”
“He is. And so is Jason.” Lisa lowered the towel. “Don’t close your heart off to possibilities because you’re scared, Addy. God has a plan for you. Don’t tune him out.”
It was excellent advice. She nodded. “I’ll pray on it.”
The door to the exercise room swung open. Rachel came in. Her dark hair was pulled back into a braid and she was dressed in comfortable gym clothes. She raced across the room and embraced Addison. “I was hoping to run into you here. How are you, Addy?”
“I’m okay, Rach. I appreciate the funny text messages you sent to lift my spirits.” Addison pulled back and flashed her paralegal a smile. “And thanks again for offering to come and stay at my place last night. It was very sweet.”
“It was the least I could do. The explosion yesterday was terrifying. I heard it all the way at the Dress Drive booth. It’s a miracle no one was hurt.” Rachel frowned. “People are saying it was some kind of gas leak, which struck me as strange considering someone had tried to kill you just 24 hours earlier.”
“You’re not the only one questioning the chain of events. The police are looking into it, but so far they can’t connect the two incidents.”
“Have they made any progress at all on the case?”
“It’s complicated.” Addison ran through everything that’d transpired since the bombing. “I’d assumed these attacks were connected to my job, but they may not be. Wendall could be behind them.”
Rachel tossed her braid over her shoulder, a concerned look on her face. “Do you think Steven was telling the truth about not knowing where his father is?”
“I have no reason to doubt him.” Addison pulled up the photograph of the SUV with the decal on her phone. “Kyle cleaned up the image of the SUV. Take another look. Have you seen it before? Or noticed anyone lingering around the office in the last few weeks?”
Rachel zoomed in on the decal. “No. This is distinctive. I would’ve remembered it. And I haven’t seen anyone hanging around our offices lately.” Her brow furrowed. “However, the floor above us is going through renovations and they have workers coming in and out all the time. I don’t recognize most of them. Do you have a photograph of your father-in-law?”
Addison nodded and retrieved Wendall’s mug shot that she’d saved on her phone. He had an angular face, beady eyes, and a full beard. “This was taken seven years ago. He’s aged since then. Maybe shaved off his beard.”
Rachel studied it for a few moments and then shook her head. “I don’t know. He doesn’t look familiar, but I can’t be certain we haven’t crossed paths and I simply don’t remember. Can you send this to me? I’ll give it to the security guards at our building and ask them to keep a look out. The SUV too.”
“That’s a great idea.” Addison quickly forwarded both images.
Rachel’s phone dinged. “Okay, I’ll take care of that first thing in the morning. I’d better run or the trainer will be waiting for me. See