Chapter 8 - The Man at the Grocery Store
Elias noticed the same blue sedan behind him three times in one week.
It appeared near his house, outside Claire’s workplace and across from the grocery store.
He recorded the license plate and sent it to Detective Ortiz.
Then he continued shopping.
A broad-shouldered man followed him into the parking lot.
“Mr. Ward.”
Elias placed the groceries in his trunk.
The stranger stopped several feet away.
“My name is Brent. I work security for Vanguard.”
“Are you following my daughter?”
“I’m trying to prevent a misunderstanding.”
“Following her is creating one.”
Brent glanced around.
“Ryan wants his property returned.”
“The evidence is with law enforcement.”
That was not entirely true. Investigators had a verified copy. The original laptop was secured elsewhere.
Brent stepped closer.
“You think your military background makes you dangerous?”
“No.”
“Then what makes you so confident?”
Elias closed the trunk.
“I’m standing in a public parking lot covered by six cameras. I informed a detective you were following me before you approached. Your vehicle and face have both been recorded.”
Brent looked toward the store.
Elias had not raised his voice or taken a fighting stance.
Yet Brent suddenly understood that intimidation would not work.
May you like
He walked back to the sedan.
Elias waited until the car left before calling Claire.
