When Day Breaks(23)
He averted his gaze first, turning away. Disappointment seeped into her chest because she’d seen no sign that he returned her attraction. Just a steady gaze, returning her study in kind. He probably thought she was some brazen hussy on the make.
She turned when she heard the local news break in with a special report. The entire group stopped what they were doing and listened intently as the reporter spoke in rapid tones.
There’d been another shooting, and a suspect was in custody. She caught her father’s look of surprise and frowned. Before she could remark, her cell phone rang and she glanced down to see an unknown number on the screen.
Remembering that she’d given the detective her number, she hit the button to accept the call and brought the phone to her ear.
“Hello?”
“Miss Sinclair?”
“Yes, this is she.”
“This is Detective Barnes. I wanted to let you know that another shooting occurred this morning.”
“Yes, I just saw it on the news,” she said. “They reported that a suspect is in custody.”
The detective muttered a curse that sounded suspiciously like “fucking reporters” and then, “Yes, we do have a suspect in custody, but this is a slam dunk. I wanted to let you know so you didn’t worry further. We apprehended the shooter and he confessed to yesterday’s shooting as well. I can’t go into further detail, but I thought you should know so you can rest easy now.”
“Thank you for calling,” she said. “I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. Take care.”
She ended the call and looked up to see every single person staring at her expectantly.
“That was Detective Barnes,” she said. “He confirmed they have a suspect in custody and a confession for yesterday’s shooting.”
The result was complete silence as everyone exchanged glances, as if they didn’t know what to say.
“So, um, I guess all of this is unnecessary,” she said, gesturing toward the members of KGI.
“I disagree,” Raid said firmly.
Her eyes widened. “But they’ve arrested the shooter and it obviously wasn’t personal.”
“I’d feel better if KGI accompanied you to Paris,” her father said, a stubborn set to his face.
Her eyes narrowed. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Ryker slid his arm around her shoulders. “Cut us some slack, Eden. You were almost killed. It would make us all feel better if you had tighter security for your Paris shoot. Besides, they’re already here and plans are in place.”
“Lay off the emotional blackmail,” she muttered. “Raid has already poured it on thick enough.”
Her father walked over to her and framed her shoulders in his hands, his expression serious. “Do this for me, Eden. Please. I’d sleep better if I knew you had the best protecting you.”
She heaved a heavy sigh. “Okay, okay, whatever. But I’m going on record that this is totally unnecessary.”
“Miss Sinclair.”
Startled, she swung her gaze up to look at Swanny, who’d spoken her name softly.
“I think it is necessary,” he continued. “You’re already all over the news as having been involved in yesterday’s shooting. There are hundreds of crazy-ass people out there, and the likelihood of a copycat is possible. You should absolutely tighten your security for the next while at least. Wait for things to calm down. You can’t take this too lightly.”
The rest of the group looked as surprised as she was that he’d said so much. There was a firmness to his voice that told her he was absolutely serious.
“He’s right,” Raid said grimly.
She held up her hands in surrender. “I already said I would go along with it.”
“But you have to take it seriously,” Swanny said. “Which means you do what we tell you and don’t resist. Our job is to keep you safe, and we can’t do that without your full cooperation.”
She blinked but held his gaze, warmth invading her veins as he stared intently at her. This time he didn’t avert the side of his face. He looked at her almost challengingly, daring her to look away first.
“You’ll find I’m not a difficult person,” she said softly.
Swanny grimaced. “I didn’t mean to imply that you were. If I did, then I apologize.”
She shook her head. “No, no offense taken. I just want you to know that I’m not some spoiled diva who throws a tantrum if I don’t get my way. I’ll cooperate fully. I don’t want to make your jobs harder.”
“We appreciate that, Miss Sinclair,” Joe interjected.
“Please, call me Eden,” she said, sweeping the entire group with her gaze, including them all in her request.