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I saw you go to him. You have to stay away from him.” He gave her another shake. “I can’t protect you if you don’t stay away from him.”
    Rachelle tried to hold back a whimper as the hand squeezed down. The arm on her waist was hard muscle and felt like it would snap her in half. “You have to stay away from Clairbourne!” The voice growled in her ear then the arm was gone. With all the air squeezed out of her and the support gone, Rachelle went down. Her arms went out to catch her but it was her head that caught something. A sharp pain knifed through her head, then faded as she dropped into nothingness.

Chapter Six
     
     
    “If you’re done with me, I think I’m going upstairs,” Britt said, as they ended their discussion on what to do next.
    “We’re done. I’ll let you know when I get copies of all the reporters’ photos and stills from the video.” Todd held up the surveillance tape they’d just picked up. “Are you going to stop and see someone on your way upstairs?”
    Britt looked to the elevator one more time. “I think I might.”
    “Good idea,” the man said.
    “Match making, detective?”
    “Just a man who’s learned not to let a good thing slip away.”
    “Sounds like experience.” Britt looked to the lawman.
    “You could say. I met the right woman, but I pulled back. I was worried about dangers of my job, worried about leaving a widow.”
    “I have a feeling there’s more to this.”
    “Yeah, she was killed when she stopped to get gas and walked into a robbery. The kid was so strung out he didn’t even know he shot her.”
    “Man, I’m sorry.”
    The detective nodded. “Just be careful what you let slip away.”
    Britt entered the elevator with the thought going over again in his mind. Stopping on the fourth floor, he greeted several people as he passed.
    “Good morning, Lois.” He stepped in the office, glancing to Rachelle’s empty desk. “Where’s Rachelle.”
    “I’m not sure, and I’m worried. She’s never been late before. I’ve called her home but there’s no answer.”
    “She was downstairs and got on the elevator a good fifteen minutes ago.”
    “But,” Lois stood, “let me try the ladies room.”
    Britt followed her out of the room. He stopped at a room with an open door down the hall. “Have you seen Rachelle Harris this morning?”
    “She passed here at least fifteen minutes ago.”
    “Thank you.” He turned back as Lois came toward him.
    “She’s not there.”
    “She passed here but didn’t make it,” he paused in the middle of his sentence. There were only two doors between where they stood and her office. Lois moved to the closest to check while Britt stepped across the hall.
    He pushed open the door to the supply room but wasn’t ready for the sight of Rachelle lying motionless on the floor. Fear like he had never experienced hit him. “Rachelle.” He dropped beside her, feeling a burst of elation as she stirred slightly. “Rachelle,” he brushed back her hair, stoking a finger over her silky cheek. He heard Lois gasp behind him, and figured the woman would call for help.
    Rachelle stirred again, her eyes fluttered open. She blinked as if to focus them, confused. With a groan, she lifted her hand to her forehead.
    “Lay still.” He caught her hand. “I’ll get the paramedics.”
    “Britt,” she tried to push up.
    “Don’t try to move.”
    She ignored him, pushing her way into a sitting position. “I’m okay,” she said, but reached for him for balance. Britt slid his arm around her, urging her body against his.
    “It’s my head.”
    “Let me see.” Placing a hand under her chin, he tilted it up, gently sliding his hand into her hair. When he touched a bump, she flinched.
    “You have quite a bump. Lois has someone on the way.” He was certain that was where the woman had disappeared to after he heard her at the door.
    “I’m okay, if you’ll just help me up.” She started to rise.
    “You should stay still,”