“Edward was released from prison?” Each word she repeated was painful.
“Due to a technicality.” The detective’s expression was hard as he studied her. “Worst decision I have ever heard,” he continued. “Letter of the law police work wasn’t followed according to the judge, so he released Carter, saying he regrets the decision but he has to apply the law.”
He continued, “There was talk of a new trial, but the DA said the case was smashed with the ruling, suppressing evidence and essential testimony. So Carter is back on the streets.”
Keri heard Fred give several short barks from the back courtyard, as if expressing what she couldn’t get out. A denial that what the detective had just told her was true.
The detective gave a single nod. “Do you have someplace you can go for a while?”
“What?” Confusion followed the shock of hearing of Edward’s release and she felt her forehead wrinkle. “Why would I need someplace to go?”
“Your testimony is, in part, what helped lock the key on Carter’s prison door.” The detective dragged his hand down his face. “Considering his violent history toward you, as soon as I got word I thought I should let you know.”
For a moment Keri just stared at him. The memory of Edward’s threats years ago seemed to reverberate in her ears. “You’ll pay for this, bitch. One way or another you’ll pay.”
Sharp pain shot through her knee and she flinched. After what Edward had done to end her career, she had thought that was what he had meant by what he’d said—that he would hurt her again.
Detective Boyd flexed his hand and a muscle ticked in his jaw. He looked like he was getting ready to punch his fist through a wall. “Not only did he hurt you, but Carter had my partner, Jerry Marks, gunned down seven years ago. He was never tried for that, but we know he did it.”
Kerri sucked in her breath. “I remember Detective Marks. He spoke with me before the FBI did.”
Detective Boyd’s next words came out in a growl. “Jerry had a wife and three kids.”
The words hit as hard as learning of Edward’s release. Detective Boyd’s partner. A wife and three children left behind. More lives that Edward had ruined.
Fury burned her skin. Fury over what he had done to her. What he had done to this detective’s partner and his family. What he had done to countless people, including all the lives he had affected just by running drugs and pushing them. He had been the cause of ruined lives and probably more deaths than she had ever wanted to know about.
“It’s best if you get out of the house and find someplace to stay until we know you’re safe,” Detective Boyd was saying.
Keri struggled to move her thoughts from violence against Edward to attempting to regain focus on what the detective was saying and what steps she should take next.
Keri met the detective’s warm brown eyes. Eyes that just moments before his news had drawn her to him.
“Detective—” she started.
“Adam,” he said.
She nodded. “Adam, if I start running now, I’m letting Edward control my life,” she said. “It’s also unlikely he’ll find me. I moved after he went to jail and I get my mail at the post office. I don’t have anything delivered here.”
“If he wants to bad enough, he’ll be able to find you.” Adam was frowning. “Don’t forget that I had someone track you down.”
Keri frowned too. “I have my dance studio and my students, and I need to be available to my parents, especially my mom, who is in poor health,” she said. “What am I supposed to do about them?”
“We’ll figure that out,” Adam said. “Right now what we need to do is get you away from here.”
She paused for a moment. “I appreciate you taking the time, but I’ll be fine. I don’t think Edward is going to want to jeopardize his freedom.”
“I hope you’ll reconsider.” He stood and offered his hand.
She reached up and allowed him to help her to her feet. When he grasped her hand, Keri caught her breath. Incredible currents traveled between them. A zinging sensation went through her abdomen and her heart rate picked up.
His fingers were warm and callused, his grip strong. She had to look up at him to meet his eyes. At five-six, she was a little over average height and the detective had a good eight inches on her.
She drew her hand away and focused on not abandoning the important things in her life. “I can’t just leave.” She shook her head. “I can’t.” She straightened and took a deep breath. “I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”
“Be careful, Ms. Holliday—Keri,” he said. “We don’t know what to expect. He’s a dangerous man and you shouldn’t take any chances with him around.”
Keri tried not to think of her firsthand experiences as she gestured to the back door that led to the courtyard. “I carry Mace and I’ll keep Fred inside with me.”
Adam glanced in the direction she was pointing. “Your dog?”
She nodded. “Golden retriever. He’s a great watchdog.” She waited for him to say something else, but he didn’t. “How can I reach you?” she asked.
Adam brought out his wallet, with his detective’s shield on the top, and from it he withdrew a card. Keri reached for it, but it slipped from her fingers and fluttered to the floor.
At the same time, they both crouched to grab the card and bumped heads so hard that Keri fell back and landed on her butt.
With a laugh she rubbed her forehead. “So much for grace.”
He grinned as he stood and took her hand to help her up. “You okay?”
She nodded and he gave the card to her. It
