He pulled out the chair across from her and sat, leaving a respectful distance between them. “I work with a federal task group that deals with crimes where victims often do not realize they are targets until it is too late. My assignments require patience, observation, and trust.”
Her hands shook. “Why are you telling me this.”
“Because for the last six months, you have been under observation,” he said. “Not by us alone.”
The blood drained from her face. “By who.”
He opened a folder and placed it on the table. Inside were grainy images taken from parking structures, sidewalks, and office corridors. In several of them, a man stood partially out of frame, always near, always watching.
“That is the garage near your office,” Robert said. “This individual has followed your routine, learned your habits, and chosen you because you are quiet, careful, and unlikely to draw attention to yourself.”
Tears blurred her vision. “And you.”
“I was assigned to ensure he never reached you,” Robert said. “But to stop him permanently, we needed him to believe tonight would unfold exactly as he planned.”
Anger flared through her fear. “You used me.”