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“The staff?”

“No,” I growled. “You need to leave. I’ll escort you to the parking lot.”

Her shoulders stiffened. “I don’t think so.”

“Carly,” her boss interrupted. “Maybe you should listen.”

A scraping sound, like something metal scratching along the outside wall of the shed to our left, ended the debate. I rushed forward, snatched Carly, and hauled her over my shoulder as I ran from the shed. I didn’t wait to confirm if the serial killer had shown up or if one of the staff tried to scare us. Either way, I had to get the woman in my arms out of there before something bad happened to her.

My protective instincts kicked in before I considered the consequences.

Carly screeched as she pounded her fists against my lower back. “Put me down!”

“I will once I reach the parking lot,” I panted, tightening my hold when she tried to wiggle free. If she didn’t stop, I’d slap her on the ass. It was fucking tempting.

Carly went still. “Hey, big guy?”

“Yeah?” I huffed, nearly to the exit.

“Um. Are you the only one wearing a Ghostface mask tonight?”

“I am.”

“None of the other staff?”

“No.”

Since she was pressed close to me, I felt her tremble. “There’s one chasing us. He’s got a machete like yours.”

Fuck!

I ran faster, holding her tightly to my chest as she clutched at my flannel. When I finally reached my truck, I set her down, prepared to fight the guy who chased us as I spun around. We were alone.

No one was there.

I scanned the other cars in the lot and the edge of the forest. “Where did he go?”

Carly sagged against my truck. “I don’t know.” She shoved her phone into her pocket, and I wondered when she ended the call with her boss. It didn’t matter.

Since I didn’t need my blade, I opened the door and placed it behind the seats. Added my Ghostface mask too. No point in wearing it any longer. “Where are you parked?”

“A few rows over.”

“Hey, it’s gonna be fine. I’ll follow you to your place to ensure you’re safe.”

She lifted her head to stare into my eyes. “You try to manhandle me again, we’re going to have a problem.”

Didn’t she understand that I just saved her life?

My phone buzzed inside my flannel. I reached for it and checked the screen. Greg had been texting me. He confirmed suspicious activity and an unknown Ghostface on the premises. Penny saw him on the monitors. Lucky for them, no one else seemed to notice the guy wasn’t a staff member.

Except for Carly.

I responded with a quick text, letting them know I was with the reporter. My gaze lifted to stare at the pretty brunette in front of me. “Understood.”

She pushed off the driver’s side door of my truck. Her green eyes seemed a little too bright. Like she was fighting tears. Or she could be pissed. I couldn’t tell.

“That’s me.” She pointed to her car. “No need to follow. There’s no one around to follow me.”