Calculated Risk (Triumph Over Adversity #1) - Lynn Shannon Page 0,30

I thought it was done by vandals looking for a quick buck. Given what happened this afternoon, however, that theory needs to be reassessed.”

Addison stiffened. “Was the equipment stolen before or after the explosion at the abandoned store?”

Trevor paused. “After.”

Jason edged closer to Addison, as if his presence alone could shield her. A break-in, a bombing, and now a hit-and-run. All of them had been planned. Whoever was behind this didn’t care how he accomplished the task.

All that mattered was ending Addison's life.

“I’ve got every officer in the state looking for Wendall and the SUV with a decal.” Trevor planted his hands on his leather duty belt. “We’ll catch him. In the meantime, Addy, it’s a good idea for you to leave town. Take a vacation, go to see your parents in Florida.”

Addison shook her head. “I have obligations to my clients. The McCormick trial starts tomorrow.”

“Postpone it. Given the circumstances, I’m sure the judge will agree.”

“Absolutely not. Chloe deserves to have this case settled so she can move on with her life.” Addison jutted up her chin. “Not to mention, we don’t know who is behind these attacks. Can you guarantee I won’t endanger my parents by going to their house?”

Trevor opened his mouth to answer and then snapped it shut. He blew out a breath. “No, I can’t. You’re right. Staying with your parents is a bad idea. But so is maintaining your routine. You come to boxing class every Monday.”

Addison sank into a chair. “He’s stalking me.”

“I believe so. Your house, your office, the courthouse. They’re all places you frequent regularly and it leaves you vulnerable to another attack.”

“That may be, but I have a job to do. I can’t walk away from it.”

Trevor puffed out his cheeks. “You’re being stubborn.” His gaze shifted to Jason. “Help me out here.”

Jason didn’t like the request or the implication that went with it. His gaze settled on the detective. “Addison makes her own decisions.”

She shot him a grateful glance, and Jason placed a hand on her shoulder. He understood Addison’s commitment to her clients. Especially Chloe. Still, Trevor had a point. Addison needed a bodyguard until her attacker was caught. “If you’re determined to see your cases through, Addy, then I’d like to help.”

Seventeen

Addison chopped fresh basil and oregano, letting the familiar scent soothe the last of her jagged nerves from the attack in the parking lot. On the stove, pasta sauce simmered. Another pot, filled with water, waited for the noodles. Garlic bread was baking in the oven. Comfort food. Something she could use right now. It’d been hours since the incident in the parking lot, but the fear lingered.

Shelby twined between her legs. Addison glanced down at the Siamese mix and smiled. “No, ma’am. Kitties don’t eat spaghetti with meatballs.”

The cat meowed in protest before plopping down to clean her paws. Addison tossed the herbs into the sauce and stirred. Jason, Nathan, and Kyle were coming over for dinner to discuss the case.

Addison was anxious to get to the bottom of things. Hopefully, Jason’s friends had uncovered some information that would shed light on the identity of her stalker. The sooner he was caught, the better.

A knock came on the back door. Jason was visible through the glass. His hair was combed back from his face, but a five-o’clock shadow followed the powerful line of his jaw. He hadn’t bothered with a jacket to ward off the cold, but had chosen a moss-green sweater instead. The fabric molded over his muscular shoulders.

Addison’s heart skipped several beats. Every minute with the handsome Marine made it harder to ignore her growing feelings. She’d nearly kissed him in the break room this afternoon. If she was being honest, the pull toward Jason began long before the threats on her life. Their budding friendship over the last few months had laid the groundwork of trust and respect. She felt safe with him.

But was she taking advantage of his kindness? Since the break-in, Jason’s life had been threatened twice—once with the bombing and then today he’d nearly been run over while rescuing her. But this wasn’t his fight. Addison had an obligation to tell him so. Especially since he’d volunteered to be her bodyguard until the attacker was caught.

She fumbled with the alarm before opening the door. Connor bounded into the house, feet sliding over the tile. Jason tossed her a heartbreaking smile. “Hey.”

“Hi.” Addison shut the door against the wintry night. “Thanks for coming over a bit early. How’s your elbow?”

“It’s