“No. The CSU tech will do that after he or she is finished. And locking your car is a deterrent in most cases—but for the immediate future, check your door afterward to be sure it’s not still open, in case someone happens to be using a jamming device.”

“For those to work, that someone would have to be nearby, watching for you to get out and lock your car—right?”

“Yes.”

“So if whoever left the note used one, he’s been tracking my schedule and knew about my speaking engagement.”

“That would be a reasonable assumption. You ready to go?”

“I have one more question first.” She swallowed. “The note said this was a final warning. That next time I’m not going to walk away. Do you think this is another scare tactic—or a serious threat this person intends to follow through on?”

He knew what she wanted to hear—but he couldn’t give her that assurance. Not when his gut was signaling a red alert. Telling him the situation was ratcheting up.

And he trusted his gut. Only on rare occasion had it let him down—or led him astray.

“I think increased caution is in order.” He tried for a measured tone, despite the apprehension prickling in his nerve endings. He wanted her attentive, but not panicked. People who freaked out lost their ability to think clearly—and made mistakes.

Sometimes fatal ones.

“As in I should bite the bullet and shell out the money for personal security?”

“If you can swing it, that wouldn’t be a bad investment at this point. Your home security system is first class, so you’d only need a bodyguard part-time, while you’re out and about. And I hope not for long.”

She expelled a breath. “Okay. I’ll give it serious thought. Can you recommend anyone?”

“Not officially.”

“How about unofficially?”

“A former County detective opened a PI/security firm a number of years ago called Phoenix Inc. It’s top-notch. All of the PIs have law enforcement backgrounds—police detectives, Secret Service agent, undercover ATF operative. If I ever wanted protection, that’s where I’d go.”

“Sold. I’ll give them a call and get pricing information.”

“Be ready for sticker shock. That kind of expertise doesn’t come cheap.”

“Thanks for the warning.”

“Shall we?” He motioned toward his car.

“Yes. I’m ready to go home.”

But he wasn’t.

And as they walked to his vehicle . . . as he held the door for her and she slipped inside . . . a powerful temptation to extend the evening swept over him—despite the warning flashing in his brain.

The smart choice was clear. If he didn’t want to get involved with this woman, he should walk her to her door—and walk away.

Fast.

Except he didn’t feel smart tonight.

He felt lonely.

And loneliness was a potent motivator.