Chapter 4

The next day I am filled with a nervousness and anxiety when it comes to thinking about the situation we are in. What if they're waiting for me out there? Would they try anything? When it comes this revenge they are so determined to complete, I wouldn't doubt anything they would do. "Shorty, I want to talk to you about something real quick." I hear Alex say from behind me. Turning towards his direction I throw him a questioning glance as I continue getting ready for work. "What is it? I'm running a little late for work." I ask him as I continue rushing around the bedroom trying to get ready. "That's actually what I would like to talk to you about." I hear him say as I rush down the stairs.

Before I make out the front door, Alex softly grabs my arm to stop me before turning me around to face him. "What is it Alex, I'm late." I say impatiently. I was never one for being late for anything, not even in high school. "I love you Shorty, but I don't think it's a good idea to keep going to the store." He says almost hesitantly. "Why would you say that? The store is my life, I don't know what I would be doing if I wasn't there. I know you're worried but in case you haven't noticed we pretty much have a protection detail for the next few days. There's nothing to worry about. I'm going." I say with finality in my voice while giving him a hug before turning to leave again.

"I just don't want anything to happen to you when I'm not there." I once again turn my attention to Alex, but before I can say anything else he takes a closer step to me and slowly puts his hands on my face, brushing hair behind my ear. "I just don't want to lose you again." he says softly before placing his forehead to mine. I close my eyes tightly as tears make their way down my face. Taking a deep breath, I open my eyes slowly before leaning towards him and giving him a kiss. He almost immediately kisses back before I start to pull away. "I know you're worried and I love that about you. I don't want to lose you either, but we can't let this stop us from living our lives." I say to him softly as he lets out a breath and closes his eyes as if he knew I was going to say this. I continue before he has the chance to have anymore say. "I won't stop going there, I just can't put my job on hold. But I can promise you I'll be there less. I'll work shorter days and even take an extra day off a week, but that's all I can promise you." I finish as he opens eyes and gives me a soft smile before kissing me again. "I think I can live with that. I know you love it there and I wish you'd listen to me, but I can't control what you want to do. Just promise me you'll be safe? If you even think you see them, I want you to close early and stay locked inside your office until I get there okay?"

I knew this compromise wasn't easy for him to make as well as it wasn't for me. However, marriage is all about compromise, right? "I promise." I say before kissing him one more time before leaving and heading to the store. I quickly notice one of the others from the patrol car get out and walks slightly behind me as to not be noticeable.

I noticed you buddy.

Soon after I reach the store and proceed to open the store noticing the officer following me stop for a second before walking up to me. "Mrs. Henderson?" He says as he stops beside me making me pause what I'm doing to give him my full attention. "Yes?" I say wondering why he wants to talk to me and not just linger around. "I was wondering if it would be okay with you if I stay unnoticed inside? It'll be kind of hard to my job when I can't fully see the faces of everyone that walks inside never mind the fact I can't stop suspicious people from entering a book store." Curiously I think over my options before opening the door and inviting him in. "I don't really see why not, but wouldn't it be suspicious of my customers if they see a man here all day until I leave?" I ask him as he laughs quietly at it before I get an idea. "Why don't you 'work' here? That way you won't seem suspicious and you can keep an eye out at the same time. You can just stock the shelves?" I offer him as he thinks over the proposition. "Would I get paid?" he asks with a smirk on his face making me laugh and shake my head. "Do you really need the extra money being a police officer?" I inquire before disappearing into my office hearing nothing else but his laughter and then Sean showing up for his shift.

I pretty much stay in my office for the better part of the day. Occasionally, I would step out for only a few minutes to check on Shawn and the officer as well as the customers. I told Alex this morning that I would work less hours and I will stick to that promise, but I begin to question if that would start today as we have for once become busy and papers keep piling up. I debate on whether or not I should text Alex and tell him or not. If I text him, he would just throw a fit and demand I go home, if I don't he could still find out I stayed longer than what I said I would.

Seeing sense, I grab my phone and start to call his office. "Hello?" I hear him say on the other end of the phone. "Hey Alex, it's me. Uhm, I just wanted to let you know that-"

"Let me stop you right there Shorty, you better not be calling about having to stay later or I will make sure the officer watching you, drags you home. Kicking and screaming if it comes to it." He cuts me off to say. "Look Alex, I know I promised I would work less in the day, but I have so much to do." I say hoping he will understand. "I'm sorry Shorty but it can certainly wait until tomorrow for you to finish can't it?" He asks making me think over my next words. "I mean technically no, but technically yes?" I respond as I'm not too sure about it.

"You own the store, therefore you are your own boss. If you say it can, it can." He says sternly making me know he silently means that it can and I'm making this difficult. Sighing, I silently agree before answering. "You're right, I'll just grab some papers to work on at home and head out. I love you, Alex." I say as start packing papers into my bag that I think has to get done tonight. "I love you too." He says before hanging up. Heading out the office, I tell Shawn I'm taking the rest of the day off and head out with the officer following me.