lot where cops kept vigil in cars to make sure they got inside safely.
“It’s normal for civilians to be nervous.” Reaching over Anabelle gave her hand a squeeze. “But know that I’m not and I’ll control the scene.”
They walked into the restaurant entrance. No Jason. They went to the front and sat at the bar and sipped fake martinis. Julianne wished hers was real.
After fifteen minutes, Jason strolled inside. He wore khaki pants, a light blue shirt and a navy sports coat. His whole face brightened when he saw her and he covered the distance between them. “Julianne, You’re here! I had a feeling you might be.” He glanced dismissively at Anabelle, who was also watching him. Can I talk to you alone?”
“I don’t think so. Not after Saturday night. Annie’s going to stay.”
“I wanted to apologize for my behavior last week. I was shocked to see you with someone else.” He frowned. “I thought we had something special.”
She swiveled around to face him. “I’m sorry you feel that way. But I’m serious about Seth.”
“No, no you’re not.” His eyes flashed with an eerie kind of anger. “You just need to get to know me better.” He reached out before she or Anabelle could stop him and yanked her by the arm off the stool. She stumbled on the high heels—and went down on her side.
Plain clothes police converged on them. They yanked Jason away before he could even bend over. “Goddamn, son of a bitch! What’s all this about?” he asked as they cuffed him.
Anabelle bolted off the chair. “Assault, and maybe more, you fucker.” She spat out the words and knelt down beside Julianne. The other cops dragged him away.
“Are you hurt?” Anabelle asked.
“I don’t know.” Julianne pushed herself to a seated position and pain streaked through her. “My right shoulder’s sore.”
“Can you stand?”
“Uh-huh.” She kicked off the horrible high heels. Anabelle offered her a hand and Julianne was able to stand.
Closer now, she could see Anabelle’s usually neutral face had flushed and her eyes were wide and agitated. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t quick enough to intervene.”
“You told me not to swivel around to face him and I forgot. So, he had more access.”
“We got him, Julianne. And I’ll bet my badge his prints or DNA will match the evidence we found at the scene.”
“I hope so.”
“At least we have him for assault, now. Add to that harassment of texts and calls and the scene he created Saturday and he’ll get five to seven years imprisonment. You’ll have to press charges.”
“I will. The piece of shit.”
Another man approached them. “Hello, Ms. Ford. I’m Mark Lewiston. Detective Sanders’ supervisor.”
Anabelle stiffened. “I apologize for not reacting more quickly, sir.”
“None needed, Sanders. We can’t control everything about the scene. You got your guy.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
“Are you hurt, Ms. Ford?”
“My shoulder’s sore,” Julianne said, touching it gingerly. “I landed on it. It’ll be fine, though.”
“We’ll take you to the hospital.”
“No, no. I want to go home.”
“I’m sorry. Law enforcement policy. But we know the doctors at Memorial and we’ll get you in and out quickly.”
“Can I call somebody first?”
“In the car on the way.” He nodded to Anabelle. “Please drive her, Detective.”
“Of course.”
* * *
When he heard the key turn in the lock, Seth bounded off the couch. Julianne had called, said they caught whatever-the- fucker’s-name and he’d been taken into custody. But she’d fallen during the squabble and her shoulder was sore, so the cops insisted they take her the hospital to get checked out.
Now she was here.
At the door, he hugged her gently because her arm was in a sling. She leaned her face onto his chest and nosed in. “I’m so glad to be home.”
“Same here, love.”
Anabelle followed her inside and closed the door. He saw Gideon stand and do a double take on her.
“I can’t believe it’s over.” Julianne drew away. “Finally.”
“Not quite yet.” Gideon still sounded concerned. “Right Sanders?”
“If he’s the perpetrator, it’s over enough for Julianne.”
“What about the car keying?” Gid asked.
“Sure, we’ll try to get him on that, too. You know, don’t you, it could have been kids in the neighborhood defacing property?”
“But you’ll check it out, right?” Gideon again.
She snapped, “I said I would, Casella. Now back off.”
Seth was irked at the byplay. “I’d like to get Julianne to bed, if you two don’t mind.”
Julianne turned to Anabelle and hugged her. “Thanks for everything. I hope I see you soon.”
Anabelle hugged back. “You’re welcome. I’ll be in touch.”
Gideon came over and patted Julianne’s