That’s why he wanted to leave? To confront someone? She shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“He owns the BMW. Can he afford both?”
Very aware of Cannon standing there, hearing everything, Avery nodded. “Yes.” She tried to collect herself. “But he also said he was trading in the BMW, remember?”
“I remember.” Stern, Rowdy lifted her chin. “I’m going to see if it’s him hanging around, that’s all.”
“Baloney! What if it is him? Then what? You’ll confront him and—” She looked at Cannon, wishing for a little help. “He’s dangerous.”
“I know, babe. I’ll be careful.” He said to Cannon, “Keep her in here.”
Avery took exception to that. “I don’t need a damned babysitter. And just so you know, I’m calling Logan right now!”
Rowdy either didn’t believe her or he didn’t care. He went down the hall to the back door and Avery started to shake in indecision. What should she do next?
Cannon helped her decide when he asked, “You’ll stay put?”
By way of answer, she gave him a shove. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
With a salute, he took off after Rowdy. Meager backup, Avery thought, but it was something.
Running back up to the front of the bar, she dug her cell phone out of her purse, fumbled through her contacts and found Logan’s number. While the phone rang, she went through the bar to the front window. She could see the car sitting across the street but hadn’t yet spotted Rowdy or Cannon.
Logan answered with an official sounding, “Riske here.”
“Logan, it’s Avery.” The words came out more rushed than she’d intended.
With new awareness, Logan asked, “What’s wrong?”
Of course as a police detective, he picked up on her worry. “Rowdy went outside to confront a guy in a car, but it could be a trap of some kind because police called to say my apartment was broken into, but I’m not sure I believe that and it’s too many things happening at one time.” She sucked in a breath. “I think Rowdy might be in danger.”
That convoluted explanation could have muddled even the sharpest mind, but Logan said only, “Are you inside? Safe?”
“Yes. I’m in the bar.”
“Make sure the doors are locked and stay put. I’m not that far away.” He hung up, leaving Avery standing there with only her rising worry.
Ella touched her shoulder, and she nearly jumped out of her skin.
Giving her a funny look, Ella patted her. “What’s going on, sugar? You okay?”
Avery wanted to shout. Just that morning everything had felt so promising, so fresh and safe and...wonderful. She turned back to the window. How could she explain to Ella something she didn’t quite understand herself?
Jones joined them, too. “What’s going on?”
Knowing she had to tell them something, Avery pointed out the window. “See that car?”
Ella leaned in close. “Ohhh. Fancy.”
Jones cocked a brow. “What’s a car like that doing hanging around here?” He made a wrong conclusion. “Rowdy ain’t selling the place, is he?”
“No, nothing like that.” Where was Rowdy?
“Then what?” Ella asked. “You’re shaking.”
Avery clasped her hands together to calm the nervous movement. “It could belong to...” A man who wanted to rape me. No, she couldn’t say that. “There’s a guy who wanted to marry me, but...” I ran away from my entire life to dodge him. She searched for Rowdy but didn’t yet see him. “The thing is—”
“There’s Rowdy,” Ella said.
Her stomach dropped. Wide-eyed, Avery watched as he came up behind the car on the passenger side where he’d be less noticeable. There was no hesitation in his stride as he approached. He didn’t hunker down or sneak.
Hand to her heart, Avery waited.
Ella snuggled closer.
Jones wrung his hands on his dishcloth.
They stood there together, collective breath held. Was Cannon close? If something happened, what would she—
Rowdy stepped around to the driver’s side, his head dipped down to see in the darkened window, his hand reaching out for the handle—
The car suddenly pulled away from the curb with screeching tires. Lurching back, Rowdy barely missed being run over. He stood there watching, fists propped on his hips, as the car disappeared around a corner.
Avery wanted to wilt. For now, at least, Rowdy was safe.
Jones pulled out a chair and said, “Here, now, sit down.”
“Thank you, but I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine,” Ella said, and she took the chair. “So what was that all about?”
“A guy I used to know,” Avery summarized. “He’s not a nice person.”
“He’s been bothering you?” Jones asked.
“I’m not sure. Maybe.” She stayed glued to the window until Rowdy headed back in. Rather than have him walk around back, she went to the front door and unlocked it. She wanted to throw herself against him, to hold him tight. And she wanted to smack him for scaring her like that, for taking unnecessary chances.
Since Cannon had come out of the alley and joined Rowdy, Avery didn’t do either one. Somehow she would convince Rowdy that she wasn’t a damsel in distress. He didn’t have to take risks for her.