"You knew him?"
"No," he said quickly, "but I know his kind. Then when I caught him spying on me at the restaurant in Huntsville . . ." He sighed. "It doesn't matter."
Leaning back, she gazed solemnly up into his eyes. "Yes, it does matter. Do you know why he was spying on you?"
"I imagine because Howard sent him." He lifted an eyebrow. "Do you know why he'd do that?"
The blood drained from her face. She had forgotten who she was confiding in. " I . . . I didn't know . . ." she stammered.
"Well I do. Because he wanted to make me look bad in your eyes. Didn't you have any idea how he felt about you?"
Her breath came out in a quick sigh. "Not until today." So he thought it was all about Howard and a love interest. Well, let him continue to think so. He wasn't completely wrong. Howard was trying to find something on him. Hopefully, the why of it wouldn't come out until she could explore that building.
Slipping a hand around her waist, he helped her down the hall and across the living room. As he opened the door, a police car pulled up to the curb.
Len was eyeing Yancey's car and didn't see them until they stepped out the door. He dashed forward and grabbed Lisa's arm on the other side. "What happened?"
Yancey frowned at him. "Allen nearly strangled her to death. Where have you been?"
"I just got the message a few minutes ago." His attention returned to Lisa. "Here, why don't you sit down on this chair while I look you over and ask a few questions."
They both helped her to the chair. Her hands were shaking and her knees wanted to buckle. She felt sick to her stomach. Now that it was over, she was falling apart.
Len knelt in front of her and examined her neck. "You're going to have some bruises. Can you talk?"
Lisa nodded.
"Talk to me."
"I'm alright now."
He nodded and leaned back against the porch post. "How long ago did this happen?"
"I don't know - maybe thirty minutes ago."
"Tell me how it happened."
He listened attentively, asking questions now and then to clarify. She told him about everything but the kiss. He watched her thoughtfully for a few moments.
"Why do you think Howard would send Allen to check up on Yancey?"