Free Shelby's Secret (Once a Marine, Always a Marine Book 4) by Kori David Page B

waiting.
    “I’ll get you all wet,” she warned.
    “It’s over a hundred degrees out, Shel. I’ll dry without a problem.”
    So she reached up and his big warm palm enclosed hers and he pulled her, one-handed, from the water as if she weighed nothing. He wrapped a towel around her bikini-clad body faster than she could process the fact she was already out of the water.
    She moved to the shade and sat on one of the chairs to dry out a little. “Have there been any new developments in the case?”
    Mike sat across from her. He leaned over with his elbows on his knees and looked at her. “Something happened that needs immediate action.”
    His expression was one she couldn’t really decipher. Her breath caught. “Another murder?”
    “Not yet.”
    Shelby searched his face. She did and didn’t want to know what he might say, but she couldn’t help but ask. “What happened, Mike?”
    “There’s been a kidnapping. Unless we find that girl soon, she will be the third victim. We’ve got all the best detectives on the situation, plus a host of patrol officers that are solely dedicated to her case.”
    She gasped and put a hand to her mouth to somehow hold in the horror she felt. “How can you be so sure? I mean, are you positive it’s related to what’s happening now?”
    After pulling the picture out of his pocket, Mike extended it.
    She took it from his hand and quickly looked down. And immediately wished she hadn’t. “Oh no.”
    “The resemblance is uncanny.”
    “He took her because she looks like me,” she said it flatly. It was the only reason that made sense. “So what does this mean for us? I mean, Madge hired off-duty officers, so we have extra security. What else can we do?”
    “Cancel the concert.”
    Shelby shook her head. “I can’t do that. Not only would it be devastating to my fans, but that kills my plans for Rebecca. I need the money those concerts will bring.”
    He narrowed his eyes and frowned. “Is your life worth a pile of cash?”
    “My life is about that little girl inside and anything I can do to make her life better, I will do. And that includes making sure these concerts go off perfectly so I can retire and take care of her.”
    He nodded, but the frown remained.
    Shelby had an idea he’d already known her answer.
    “Then I have an alternative for your safety and Rebecca’s.”
    Shelby couldn’t help but be wary. She was already in what she considered protective custody, what more could he want? Posting officers inside the house was out of the question, doing so would scare Rebecca. “What’s your idea?”
    “You and Rebecca come with me. Today. Now, as a matter of fact. I have a place up north that’s secure. Only one person at the department knows where it is, and I can see anything that’s coming. I can keep an eye on you and Rebecca, and you’ll be safe until the concert.”
    Shelby shook her head. “I can’t just run off with you to God-knows-where. I have to rehearse and prepare for the shows. The band needs me at some point, and a thousand different things still need to be done.”
    “And Madge will handle them all. This is non-negotiable, Shelby. I’ve already spoken to the Chief and the Mayor. Both agree getting you out of town would be best for the safety of the public.”
    “I’m considered a public menace?” That made her feel lower than a snake’s belly—the thought that she was somehow bringing all this horror to the city she loved.
    “It’s a fact someone out there is obsessed with you to the point of killing innocent women to get your attention. While that isn’t your fault, being locked up in a gilded cage that is easily accessible to this guy isn’t wise. Especially since his cooling-off period is getting shorter.”
    Shelby swept around her hand, encompassing the house. “We have men with guns patrolling the grounds. How is that easily accessible?”
    “This guy is clearly smart, Shel. He’s methodical, meticulous, and patient.