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reason, he wanted more. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. At first he started failing me in his class; when that didn’t work, I noticed him standing outside my apartment. The guy creeped me out. He was old enough to be my dad. When I was in his class, he would stare at me. It was almost as if I could read what was in his mind. My tires ended up slashed, and my car was keyed, but none of that compared to coming home to find my cat lying dead on my doorstep with a note beside him, telling me that I was next. His dark eyes threatened me daily until I couldn’t take it anymore, but when my cat… That was when I had enough. I told my dad, and he helped me transfer schools so I could finish out my degree, and then he relocated me here after that.”
    Claire stood and put her arms around Elizabeth ’s shoulder. “Everything is going to be all right.”
    Elizabeth shook her head. “I’m tired of running, and the only reason my dad is here is to convince me to leave.”
    Claire nodded. “I see. Well, that just won’t do. I’ll deal with your dad; you’re going to have your hands full with Mike. He’s kind of protective of you, you know.” Claire smiled. “Let’s go back inside. I’ll explain everything, and we’ll come up with a plan.”

 
     
    CHAPTER 7
     
     
     
     
     
    Elizabeth sat back down next to Mike when they went inside, and as promised, Claire told everyone. Regardless of how she’d come to this point in her life; it was time for a change. Time to stand her ground and stop the cycle of running that she’d created.
    Even Mike’s coworker, Briggs had shown up for coffee to hear her the whole horrible tale. Elizabeth felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She felt dirty, like somehow it had been her fault the professor had become fixated on her. A shiver ran down her spine. Mike put his arm around her. As the details emerged, his hold on her became tighter. With every detail, he’d pulled her closer to his side until she was nestled safety in his steel arms.
    “ Elizabeth , what’s the professor’s name? We need to find out where he is and deal with him.” Mike asked with concern in his voice.
    She hadn’t told them everything; she’d left out the most important part of the story—his name. If she was going to trust them, she needed to tell them everything. Elizabeth cleared her throat. “I think Abby likes to refer to him as Professor Ito.”
    Mike pushed out his chair and jumped to his feet. “Shit, then we’re the reason he’s here.”
    Elizabeth sighed heavily, her voice filled with resignation. “I think he came before you called. Remember the parking garage? I believe that was him making his presence known.”
    Mike plopped back down in his chair; his face a mask of determination. “Let’s bring him in for questioning.”
    Elizabeth placed her hand on Mike’s arm. “It won’t do any good. I’ve already been down that road. I don’t have any proof.”
    Abby leaned forward, crossing her arms on the table. “What are we going to do? The captain said he’s the best. He’s the only one that has even heard of the blue drug. If we run him out of town, we may never get the answers we need.”
    Sam put his arm around Abby. “Don’t worry Abby, we aren’t going to let anything happen to Elizabeth .” Sam kissed her forehead and nodded toward Mike.
    Elizabeth rose. “It’s okay, really. This isn’t your problem. I can’t blame you; he is the best in the field. I’ll be fine.”
    Gracie stood and took Elizabeth ’s hand. “I think we need to listen to Dad and get out of town. Once this is over, maybe one day you can come back, but right now, it isn’t safe for you.”
    Mike shook his head and stood to cup her cheek. “No, Doc, you aren’t running.” He brushed his lips across hers. “Give us twenty-four hours and we’ll come up with a plan that keeps you safe and gets the answers we need for the drug.” He kissed her again and let his forehead rest on hers. Elizabeth