Hot and Bothered by Erika Wilde

Author:Erika Wilde [Wilde, Erika]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Erika Wilde
Published: 2020-07-27T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Noah’s day in Reno had been a long one, but very productive, and for that he couldn’t complain, despite the disturbing details of Natalie’s past he’d uncovered. After his flight had touched down in Oakland, he’d decided to swing by the office and update Cole on the information he’d discovered, and get his brother’s input on Natalie’s predicament.

Sitting in one of the chairs directly in front of Cole’s desk, Noah told him what he’d learned from Natalie’s ex-landlady, an older woman named Vivian who’d seemed genuinely fond of Natalie and concerned about her welfare. Once he’d shown proof of his identity as a private investigator and explained that Natalie’s life was possibly in jeopardy, the woman had offered him a wealth of valuable information that had been incredibly helpful.

Now Noah passed on the details of their meeting to Cole. “While Natalie was attending college at the University of Nevada, Reno, she started dating a coed by the name of Chad Freeman,” he said, recanting what the older woman had shared with him, while at the same time trying not to let the rage he’d experienced during the conversation with Vivian resurface again. “According to what the woman witnessed, the relationship started out well enough, but gradually she saw a change in Chad, who became more domineering and possessive of Natalie.”

Cole rubbed a hand along his jaw as he considered that information for a moment. “Did the landlady see any signs of abuse?”

Noah shook his head, though his stomach constricted at just how badly she’d been mistreated. “No, not physically. Vivian felt as though the relationship was more mentally abusive. There were times when she heard Chad’s raised voice coming from Natalie’s apartment, criticizing her, putting her down.”

Despite Noah’s best efforts, a spark of anger ignited deep inside of him. “Apparently, things turned ugly when Natalie took on a job as a showgirl at a casino to make some extra money. Chad couldn’t handle it. They had an explosive argument in the hallway of the complex. He called her a whore for using her body to make money, and she finally broke off the relationship.”

“Good for her,” Cole said, his tone laced with disgust.

Noah’s lips flattened into a grim line. “Unfortunately, Chad didn’t appreciate being dumped and he stalked and threatened her for a few months, and finally attacked her one night after work.”

“Holy shit.” Cole sat up straighter in his seat. “Why didn’t she contact the police to slap Chad with a restraining order?”

“I’m betting she was afraid of infuriating Chad even more, and she feared what he’d do in retribution for her involving the police.” Noah also suspected it was a classic case of self-preservation that had prompted her to leave Reno. “I suppose it was easier for her to pack up and start over somewhere new than to stay and risk Chad attacking her again—which brings her here to Oakland.”

Opening the case file he’d made for Natalie, Noah shuffled through a few pages of notes and came

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