Lena swallowed and the blade dug into her throat. If Kyle came home and walked in or heaven forbid, her mother walked over to help her out, either one of them could be in danger. Cole had sent this man to scare her and she was rightly terrified as the sharp blade dug into her skin, the trickle of blood down her throat convincing her to agree to anything.
“Yes, yes.”
He laughed. “There’s a good girl. And just in case you decide to change your mind, I know where you live with that kid of yours, understand?”
Lena closed her eyes, praying for him to let her go. She felt the thump from behind and found herself flying through the air. She landed on the floor, face down on the cold concrete. Her teeth jarred and the wind got knocked out of her. The knife that had been pressed to her throat clattered to the ground and she scrabbled away, clawing at the ground to get traction. She huddled behind the serving counter, shaking uncontrollably.
Adam’s voice reached her ears but she hid, her heart pounding in fear.
“Slimy dirty bastard.” Another thump rocked the space and the crack of bone followed by a cry of pain. Still she hid with her hands over her head, the whimpers forcing their way from her throat. A chair clattered to the ground, the snap of timber almost drowned out by another cry of pain, a grunt and then silence.
“Lena, Lena where are you?” It was Adam’s voice and even in her terror she could sense the panic in it.
She opened her eyes, her hands over her face. Footsteps rubbed on the floor of the café and his shoes stopped in front of her. He crouched down and reached out to her. “Hey, shush. It’s okay. You’re safe now.”
Sobs tore from her lips as she reached for him. Adam pulled her to shaky feet and wrapped her inside the safety of his arms. The tears filled Lena’s eyes and she clung to his shirt as the shock set in. Her body wracked with shudders and she couldn’t stop shaking.
“It’s okay, I’ve got you.”
“But, but he...”
“He’s out cold. He’s not going anywhere. When you’re a little calmer I’ll call the police.”
Calmer, was he kidding? Lena wrapped her arms around Adam and clung to him until she was composed enough that her legs wouldn’t give out when he released her. She stood back and wiped her eyes on her sleeve before peeking over the counter at the man who had come to scare her off.
She reached for Adam again, needing to feel his body close to hers. “Why? Why would Cole send someone like that to hurt me? I gave him everything he wanted.” She tucked her arm through his, keeping her eye on the unconscious thug.
“I think he might be regretting that threatening phone call. I’m going to let Jeremy know so he can make sure he adds this to the list of charges.”
All for this? The idiot. “He thinks I’m stealing his customers. As if I could out here? We’re too far away from the coast to make an impact on the restaurant.”
“Did he have any debts be couldn’t cover that you know of? This guy mentioned he was a customer of his boss. To me that sounds like mob money.” He took his phone from his back pocket and dialed before sliding her arm out and turning away from her.
When Adam came back to her he put an arm over her shoulders, pulling her in close. “You okay?”
Now I am. “Yeah, thanks for coming to my rescue. I appreciate it.” Just don’t let go, not yet.
“My pleasure. Let’s just wait for the police to come and take this scum away, and we can call Jeremy and see what he can find out.”
Chapter 31
“Seems your ex has developed quite a gambling problem.” Papa stood beside Adam and gave her the news after a brief discussion with the federal police. Lena had refused to close the café tonight, insisting her diners didn’t need to know what had happened. After the police had taken her attacker away, Adam made her a strong coffee and refused to leave her alone again and her father had agreed. Together they sat and watched over her until closing time.
“And how did he think that was my fault?”
“There is no rhyme or reason for rash decision when someone is under pressure. He’s no different, and that doesn’t excuse what he’s done. There will be hell to pay for that, take my word on it.” Papa shook his head. “I didn’t believe the man you married could have done that to you. I’m sorry.”
No, I’m the one who married him. I should be sorry for dragging you all into the mess. “You couldn’t have done anything to stop it, Papa. Don’t blame yourself. I’m fine now thanks to Adam.”
“It’s very lucky he was on the spot. You could have been killed.” The look of grief on her father’s face tugged at her gut. His gaze went to the bandage on her throat covered by a red bandana.
“I wasn’t and for that I’m forever grateful. I wonder what’s going to happen now?”
Papa seemed to gather himself. “Jeremy called earlier and told us the police have already picked him up. Another charge of attempted murder will be laid against him. I think he’ll be looking at a long jail sentence for what he did. I’m sorry you had to
