Chapter 40

“You do realize that my cover is officially blown now?” she said when they were seated in the kitchen having breakfast, which Abigail had prepared while Rick was in the shower.

“And?” Rick prompted, taking another bite of his pancakes.

“You don’t need me here anymore. The police are already working on your case.” She told him, “Besides, whoever this psycho is, probably already knows by now that I was working undercover.”

Rick put down his fork, leaned back in his chair and looked at her.

“So what? You’re just going to leave?”

She shook her head.

“You know I can’t do that. Not until I’ve seen this through.”

“So what are you saying?” he asked exasperated.

Abigail sighed.

“I’m just saying that, now my reasons for staying on this case have changed.”

Rick raised an eyebrow.

“It’s become more personal.” She added.

“Well, I should think so.” He commented.

“This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen. Rick, if anything ever happened to you….” Her voice trailed off and she took a deep breath. “I would never be able to forgive myself.”

“Hey,” he pushed his chair back and went over to her. She turned to face him and he squatted down until they were eye level. “Nothing’s gonna happen to me, okay? As you said before, the police are all over this. Plus, I’ve got one of the best detectives here with me.”

“That’s just what I am Rick.” She told him, putting a hand on his arm, “I’m a detective, not a bodyguard. I think you should get Tony to stay here with you for a while or some police, I can’t protect you.”

“I don’t want you to protect me.” He told her firmly, “You think I like the idea of you putting yourself in the line of fire for me? Hell no! Abby, I went out of my mind that night you got shot! It shouldn’t have been you there trying to save me. That’s what I’m paying my bodyguards for. But they weren’t there. They didn’t even notice anything strange. But you did. I’ve told you this already, but I’ll say it again. You make me feel safe, Abby. You’re smart and quick-minded. It’s what makes you such a great detective and I’m just happy to have you here with me.”

Abby smiled a little at the compliment.

“I would still feel a lot better if you got your bodyguards here for a while with us, just so I don’t have to get shot again.”

He pulled her up against him and held tight.

“Please don’t remind me.” He said softly, “The thought still send s chills down my spine. But if you really want me to get Tony here, I will.”

She pulled away and looked at him.

“Rick, after everything that’s happened, I’m surprised you don’t have people staking out this place. COPs should be all over your house right now.”

“Whoever’s doing this to me wants me to be very afraid and I’m not going to give them that satisfaction. Besides, we’re constantly surrounded by people. When I come home, I want some privacy.” He explained.

“I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to give that up for a while.” She squeezed his hand.

“Yeah, I guess so. If it’s going to keep you safe, then I’ll do it.”

“Us.” She corrected, “It’s going to keep US safe. I wouldn’t put anything past this person we’re up against.”

Rick nodded.

“Ill go call Tony.”