TEN

Once Rachel's car drove out of sight Shane reached for his phone. He had gotten a good look at the license plate on the red pickup truck, and as he entered it into his phone, he prayed he was right; someone from California really had recently moved into Rachel's neighborhood, and all the truck sightings were simply a coincidence. When he arrived home, he put Lucy out and placed a call. To his relief, it didn't go to voicemail.

"Northrup Investigations."

"Lamar. It's Shane."

"Hey, Shane, how you doing? I sure hope you're not calling to give me a hard time about not coming to the class reunion. I really was in the middle of a case."

Shane was intrigued. "So what was it? Some sort of cybercrime?"

"Well, sort of. Someone thought one of their employees might be embezzling funds, but he didn't know who."

"Well, at least it had something to do with numbers. I still can't believe you ended up becoming a cop and then a private investigator. I always figured you'd be the next Steve Jobs."

"Nah." There was a chuckle in Lamar's voice. "One Steve Jobs was enough, and there'll never be another one like him. Besides, I love this job. It's much better than being a cop. Better pay, and a hell of a lot less stress."

"I'll bet."

"I've also started working with a community outreach program for African-American youth." Lamar's voice pitched with excitement as he spoke. "And let me tell you, those kids can really keep you on your toes, but it's great to be a positive role model, and that's what it's all about." His tone changed. "But something tells me that's not the reason why you're calling."

"No, I'm afraid it isn't."

"I see. So what's up?"

"It has to do with Rachel. Rachel Bennett. I saw her at the class reunion, and since that time we've become good friends. You may remember her. She took our math club photo for the senior yearbook."

"Did she? Sorry, but it doesn't ring a bell. I know the photo you're speaking of. I just can't recall who took it. So, what's going on?"

Shane quickly got to the point. "A few years ago, Rachel was working in Reno, and she befriended a co-worker who, unbeknownst to her, wanted to be more than just friends. Then she got a promotion he felt she didn't deserve, so he turned on her and started stalking her. Later on, she took another job in Arizona, so he cyberstalked her, at least for a time. Then he turned up at the same hotel where we were having our class reunion, and as soon as he saw her, he called the cops. He made up some story about her harassing him."

"I have to ask. Did she know he'd be staying at the same hotel?"

"No." Shane's voice was firm. "I saw her reaction when the sheriff's deputy showed up. She was genuinely scared, although she tried her best to hide it. Then, after she left, I went into the bar and struck up a conversation with him. The guy is creepy as hell, Lamar. I can certainly understand why she'd be afraid of him."

"So what exactly did you say to him?"

"I gave him a phony name and told him I'd only met her that night, but it was obvious, by the things he said, that he's a total control freak who has to have it his way or else." A chill ran down Shane's spine as he spoke. "Then he asked me if I was going to the alumni picnic the following day. Fortunately, Rachel and I had exchanged phone numbers, so I called her the next morning and took her to a movie instead. After that, we thought the guy was gone, but now I'm not so sure."

"So what happened?"

"Earlier this evening, as we were leaving a restaurant, a red pickup truck drove past us in the parking lot, and Rachel got upset as soon as she saw it. Apparently, she's been seeing it around her neighborhood for the past few weeks. It has California plates, and since you're in San Diego, I was wondering if you could find out if the truck is registered to a man named Craig Walker."

"Do you have the license number?"

"I sure do." He quickly read it to Lamar.

"I'm at my computer, so let me see what I can do. You said Craig Walker, correct?"

"Yes."

Shane waited anxiously for Lamar to come back on the line.

"It's a red Dodge Ram pickup, registered to a Craig Thomas Walker with a Sacramento address."

Shane's blood turned to ice. "Damn. You're sure about that?"

"Positive. It's on the screen right in front of me."

Shane sighed. "So why is he in Tucson if he lives in Sacramento? And how the hell did he get her address?"

"Those are very good questions, and I'd be happy to do some digging for you. Hopefully, I can find out what he's up to."

"I'd appreciate it, Lamar, and please, send me a bill when you're done."

"Will do. In the meantime, please tell her to be careful. I'm not familiar with Arizona law, but she might want to go have a talk with the local cops."

"She already has, apparently more than once, and she keeps getting the run around. They keep telling her it's a civil matter and to get a restraining order."

"I understand, so let's see what I can find out. Maybe it'll help her case."

"Thanks, Lamar. At least we know where the red pickup truck came from."

Shane sighed as he ended the call. Rachel would have to be warned, and he wanted to do it in person. He checked the time. It was getting late and he already knew he wouldn't sleep well that night. He picked up the phone and called her. Her voice sounded cheerful as she answered.

"I just wanted to make sure you got home okay."

"I'm fine, Shane, and I'm sorry if I got carried away over that pickup truck. You're right. It's probably someone who's just moved into my neighborhood. I'm being way too jumpy."

He grimaced at her words and tried to not alarm her. "I know, but it never hurts to make sure your doors and windows are locked."

"Of course. I always lock the door behind me as soon as I get in, and I don't open the door to strangers either."

"Good to know." He paused for a moment as he searched for the right words. "And speaking of which, I keep meaning to ask you, do you have any kind of security software on your computer?"

"I have a Mac, and it has a pretty good firewall."

"I know, but it still wouldn't hurt to have your friendly neighborhood computer nerd stop by and take a look at it."

Rachel chuckled. "I see. Well, since you've so generously treated me to dinner the last few times we've gotten together, I suppose I could return the favor and invite you over for a nice, home-cooked meal. And I just happen to have a pork tenderloin in my freezer."

"Sounds wonderful. I love pork roast. So, when is good for you?"

"I don't know." Her voice sounded coy. "What's your schedule like?"

"Well, let's see*tomorrow's Saturday. I need to stop by the office for a little while, but then I'm free for the rest of the day."

"And I'm getting together with Pilar tomorrow afternoon."

Shane didn't want to sound too anxious. "I see. So are you free tomorrow night?"

"Yes. Pilar and I are going to the mall, but I should be back in plenty of time to get the roast in the oven. How does seven o'clock sound?"

Her voice still sounded cheerful. He hated the idea of having to tell her about Craig, knowing it could ruin their evening, but she also needed to know he would do everything in his power to protect her.

"Seven o'clock would be perfect. I'll see you then."