Page 45 of Knox

“And, to use your own words, ‘my stage blew up, so there’s that.’”

Her mouth tightened.

“Listen. Carter talked to me. He told me he can cancel the opening act with Brett Young, and I agree.”

“What? Why would you do that?” She pushed off the swing, rounding on him.

He held up his hand. “Because I’m trying to help.”

“Then don’t interfere. I thought maybe if you heard the story, maybe you’d be on my side—”

“I am on your side!”

She shook her head. “What is it with you Marshalls that make you think you can chase me down, stick your nose into my world—”

“Hey. You pay me to stick my nose in your world.”

“Fine. You’re fired!” She turned and stalked away.

“I don’t think so.” He caught up to her, grabbed her arm. “Listen. Idounderstand.” He ground his jaw, then, “I understand, more than you realize, the need to prove yourself. To show yourself that you’re not afraid, not the person who is going to run. But if you don’t face this now, in a year you might not have anything left to give.”

She pulled away from him. Met his eyes. “And if I quit now, I might never get back onstage. And if you can get on board with that, you can stick around.” She unlatched her arm from his grip and strode away.

Oh yeah, he had a real charm with women. He blew out a breath and made to follow after her as she took the path back to the bus, her frame already under the park lights.

“Tate.”

The voice stilled him, and he turned.

What, did every Belle go out for midnight strolls? Glo stood just outside the perimeter of the kiddie park. She wore a bulky sweatshirt, pajama pants, and flip-flops, her short blonde hair captured in a hairband. The look only accentuated her high cheekbones, those luminous, now angry, hazel-green eyes.

Maybe he should quit while he still had his skin. He shoved his hands into his pockets, frowned at her. “What are you doing out here?”

She came up to him. Glanced at Kelsey.

“Were you following her?”

“You, actually. Both of you.”

“Still trying to figure out if you can trust me.”

He wasn’t kidding, but a tiny smile tipped her lips. “Maybe.”

Super. “I don’t know why I’m even here, Glo. Kelsey told me about her past. Tragic and yes, she has a right to be jumpy, but I don’t seriously think she’s in any danger—”

“What about me?’

He stared at her. “What about you? Do you have a stalker I need to know about?”

Something flickered in her eyes and for a second—wait—what—?

But then it vanished, and she shook her head. “No. I don’t. But she didn’t tell you everything.”

He cocked his head.

“I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but she was also raped. She was fourteen. Her assailant also promised to find her when he got out of prison and do it again. And this time finish the job.”

Oh. He felt sick.