Free Brutal Obsession (The Safeguard Series, Book One) by Kennedy Layne Page A

cleaners or maintenance guys, or maybe the coffee shop I like to frequent. I’m not unaccustomed to reading people either, Agent Coulter.”
    “I’m not saying you aren’t, but have you considered the individual we’re looking for doesn’t need to monitor you here? Whoever it is we’re seeking has a very extensive knowledge of computer systems and technology in general. I believe we’re looking for a male, most likely in his thirties due to the range of his experience at remaining undetected while conducting surveillance. I imagine it is also someone you’ve run into on more than one occasion and he’s taken a simple gesture as something more than what you intended it to be. This isn’t your average stalker, Ms. Ellis, and I believe your life could very well be in danger now that you’ve rejected his initial advances.”
    “Rejected him?” Ashlyn said those words as if warning the federal agent to continue. Keane pulled out the guest chair Garner had vacated earlier and took a seat, somewhat enjoying the developing scene before him. He’d thought of Ashlyn often over the years, missing her quick wit and the challenges he’d faced when debating with her over everyday things. She’d kept him on his toes those three months they’d been together and he could honestly say he’d missed it…not that he would ever tell her that in a month of Sundays. They’d had their chance to get it right and both had chosen to walk away. “You make it sound as if I’ve brought this on myself. I didn’t invite this man into my home. I work at least sixteen-hour days, if not more. My job requires me to be on twenty-four hour call, because these cases your agents dig up don’t prosecute themselves. Have I turned down invitations to dinner? Yes. Have I rudely rejected some guy? No. So I don’t appreciate you making it seem as if I’m to blame for someone else’s inability to accept no as an answer to his unwanted advance.”
    “Then let me rephrase,” Agent Coulter countered, not backing down from the profiles he’d most likely gotten from the behavioral analysis unit on the perpetrator and one on Ashlyn herself. Keane casually reached out and took a mint from the crystal dish positioned near the corner of her desk. “The subject we’re looking for believes he was rejected and we have no idea how he is going to react to the authorities being called in or the fact that you now have twenty-four hour protection, which will make it that much harder for him to gain access to you. I’m on your side, Ms. Ellis. We are not the enemy. We understand that you did nothing intentional to precipitate this individual’s level of interest in you. He has most likely developed a warped sense of self and a corresponding lack of interpersonal coping skills due to some trauma in his life. You popped up on his scope somehow and he was determined you are worth his focus and affection as he knows it.”
    Ashlyn inhaled slowly as she backed down from the affront she’d sensed being made, regrouping and then motioning with her hand for Coulter to take a seat. He declined with a shake of his head. Keane moved the mint to the other side of his mouth as he waited out this terse discussion, not in any hurry to be up next in the batting cage. It was a test with her. Everyone got their turn sooner or later. Only ten cents a try to knock the huge chip off of her shoulder , he imagined the carnival caller shouting.
    “I’ll meet you and Mr. Sanderson at your apartment in thirty minutes. I’d like to bring some equipment I’ll need into your apartment. This perp had a view of you in your office, as well as the front door. What he did not have is any audio or visual for the remaining space that we know of.”
    “But you think he might have had some,” Ashlyn responded, slowly sitting down in her desk chair. Keane wanted to reassure her that she was safe from harm, but he couldn’t do that. He wouldn’t lie. There was no telling what lengths