Once all the necessities were taken care of, he waited.
To his surprise, Cassidy didn’t say anything. Instead, she curled into him, her mind seeming a million miles away.
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close, tucking her head under his chin. Slowly, her breathing evened out and her heart thump, thumping against him seemed to slow. She smelled like salty air, and her limbs were covered with sand, but he didn’t care. He was just happy she was okay.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he murmured, her hair tickling his chin.
“Not really.”
His muscles began to tighten uncomfortably again. “Maybe we should call the police.”
She stiffened. “No. Definitely not.”
“Whoever did this to you needs to pay.” Because this hadn’t happened by accident. No, someone had hurt Cassidy. That wasn’t okay.
“The police will only make things worse.”
“How so?” She wasn’t making any sense.
“I promised not to tell.”
His breath caught. “Who did you promise? What aren’t you telling me, Cassidy?”
“I can’t say.”
“You’re not making any sense.” He was tired of being left in the dark.
“I know.” She raised her head and rubbed her temples.
“Can you please tell me what’s going on, Cassidy? Let me in.”
She turned toward him, her big eyes full of apology and regret. “Let’s just say I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. These men thought I was spying on them, but I wasn’t. Then they tried to abduct me.”
His stomach clenched tighter. He didn’t like the sound of this. “Cassidy . . . I’m sorry.”
She said nothing, only continued to rub her temples.
There was still something that didn’t make sense. . . “But I don’t understand what that has to do with a promise of any sort. You were in the wrong place, at the wrong time.”
She glanced at him again, pleading with her eyes. But there was something else in her gaze as well. Was that determination? Anger? Ty wasn’t sure.
“They said they’re going to find me, Ty. If you call the police, they’ll know. They’re watching.”
“Who were these guys?” He needed more.
Cassidy slowly swung her head back and forth. “I’m not sure, but they’re up to no good. They said they’d take me back to their boss. That he would like me.” Her voice cracked.
Anger flared up and down Ty’s spine as he pictured the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens. Cassidy had come dangerously close to disappearing, and he could hardly swallow the thought.
“I don’t like the sound of that. Could you just start at the beginning?”
Cassidy pulled away from him, and Ty instantly missed her closeness. But he gave her the space she needed—that she’d silently asked for. She ran a hand through her hair and removed the frozen corn from the side of her face.
“After you fell asleep, I left and started back to my place. But I heard something the next street over. A pop. So I went to make sure everything was okay.”
“Without calling me first?”
She shrugged. “You were sleeping really well, and I figured it was just fireworks.”
“It doesn’t matter. You could have woken me.”
“But I didn’t think it was a big deal. Not really.”
Ty wasn’t sure if he believed that. If it hadn’t been a big deal, she wouldn’t have checked it out. But he let her continue.
“So I went to make sure everything was okay, and these two men appeared. They started threatening me. I managed to get away—to hide. It was dumb luck. But . . . for a while there, I wasn’t sure it was going to work.”
Ty pulled Cassidy back toward him and wrapped his arm around her. Part of him wished he never had to let her go, that he could keep her safe forever. “Cassidy . . .”
“I knew if they took me, I would be a goner. No one would ever see me again.”
There was that thought again—the one he couldn’t stomach. Instead he turned his thoughts to the tangible. “Were these men you saw doing something illegal?”
“I . . . I don’t know. I couldn’t tell. But they were acting suspiciously. Wearing all black. And masks.”
Ty knew there was more to Cassidy’s story. He’d found a stash of guns hidden at her place. He hadn’t told her that yet. But he hadn’t forgotten either.
“I should go,” she muttered, starting to stand.
Ty caught her arm and tugged her back down beside him on the couch. “Cassidy . . .”
He had so much he wanted to ask her. But he wanted Cassidy to trust him enough to open up. He didn’t want to have to pull the information from her.
As Cassidy’s gaze caught his, Ty felt all his defenses weakening. She did something to him that he couldn’t remember anyone else ever doing.
“Renee was a fool to leave you,” Cassidy whispered.
The fear was gone from her eyes, along with the anger. The secrets. Instead, he saw . . . love? Was that what it was?
“I just want you to know that,” she finished.
His defenses crumbled even more. Ty cupped his hand on the side of her face, wanting to forget his promise—his promise that he’d honor Cassidy’s request and give her time. Cassidy’s eyes were like whirlpools that pulled him under every time.
“Cassidy . . .” he whispered.
He closed his eyes and implored every ounce of his strength. Because everything he wanted was in front of him right now.
Chapter 23
Cassidy wasn’t sure what she was doing. She only knew that, at this moment, Ty meant everything in the world to her.
Renee showing up here had solidified her feelings for the man, as had the thought of losing him.
And even though she knew she should resist, Ty Chambers seemed too good to pass up.
Before she could second-guess herself, she reached up and pressed her lips against his.
The next instant, Ty swept her toward him, and his lips ravished hers. Maybe it was the knock on the head that had done it to her. Or the thought of Ty being with someone else. Or the tenderness by which he’d tended to her wounds.
Or maybe she’d just lost all her common sense. That was the most likely conclusion.
Cassidy only knew she never wanted to let Ty Chambers go.
And that thought was both thrilling and terrifying.
Cassidy pulled away from him and sucked in some deep breaths, lowering her head so Ty couldn’t see her eyes. Beneath her fingers, she could feel his heart pounding just as rapidly as her own.
You’re going to leave him one day, just like Renee did. Without explanation.
The thought slammed into her head so fast and hard that it jarred her.
Cassidy wanted to deny it. But she couldn’t.
Because that was the truth. When everything played out, she was going to break his heart in the end. This situation was no win for both of them, and she’d be wise to keep that in mind.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” she whispered, staring at his chest—at anything but his lips.
Ty leaned closer—close enough that his breath tickled her cheek. “I would have to disagree with you.”
His voice sounded intimate and low and sent another round of shivers up Cassidy’s spine.
She sucked in a breath, reaching up to stroke his cheek and stare into the gaze she’d come to love. That was her second mistake. Because the warm brown eyes that stared back at her melted her heart . . . and nearly her resolve.
“I need to go.” Cassidy’s voice cracked with emotion.
Ty gripped her arm, keeping her in place. “Do you need to go? Or are you running away?”
What she wouldn’t give to tell him the truth—about everything. But she couldn’t. And that was a big burden to carry.
“I don’t know. Both.”
He tilted his head. “You’re killing me, Cassidy.”
“That’s the last thi
ng I want to do.” She slid her hand from his jaw to the back of his neck. Everything in her urged her to let go. To leave. Yet she couldn’t seem to obey.
“I wish you’d talk to me,” he whispered.
“I should go.”
When she looked into his eyes again, she saw the heat there. The attraction. The longing.
He cleared his throat. “You probably should. I can walk you back.”
She quickly shook her head, feeling the urgent need to get away from him before she did something she regretted. “No . . . no. I mean, I’ll be fine. It’s better if you stay.”
On more than one level.
Ty ran a hand through his hair, leaving it messier than usual. “I’ll watch you go back then.”
“That’s . . . good. Perfect, actually. You can just watch.” Move your hands away from his neck, Cassidy told herself.
Yet she found herself arching forward, just as Ty dipped down. Their lips met again, just as explosive this time as last.
She could kiss him like this . . . forever. Yet those thoughts made her lose touch with reality.
Bad idea.
They finally pulled away, and it was like a sonic boom sounded in the room.
“I should go,” she said again, her voice hoarse with emotion.
This time, Ty didn’t argue.
“What happened to you?” Rose rushed to meet Cassidy as soon as she walked in the door to her house. “Your eye is black, you’re bandaged up and . . . even your lips are swollen.”
Cassidy’s hand went to her mouth, and she felt her cheeks redden. Well. . . how would she explain that? Easy—she wouldn’t.
“I’m fine.” Cassidy closed the door and locked it behind her, surprised to see all the women were awake still. It was nearly morning. “I just had a little run-in with the men who abducted you.”
All three women gathered around her, and Cassidy told them what happened. Most of it, at least. She left out the part about the kiss.
“What are we going to do?” Rose paced the living room. “They’re going to find us.”
“They don’t know who I am or where I live,” Cassidy told them, perching herself in an armchair. The physical and emotional exhaustion she felt at the moment overwhelmed her. “So you’ll be good for a while longer. I’ve been trying to figure out who these guys are.”
“I’m glad you’re okay.” Kat sat on a stool at the kitchen counter and pulled her sweatshirt sleeves over her hands.
“Thank you. You didn’t have to wait up. I’m sorry to make you all worry.”
“We thought they killed you.” Trina’s voice trembled. She leaned against the wall with her arms drawn over her chest. She wore one of Cassidy’s tank tops and a flowy skirt that looked huge on her skeletal frame.
“No, but they were scary.” Cassidy pulled out her phone and typed in a few things on her Internet browser. “Do you recognize either of these men?”
First, she showed them the picture of Martin Chaser. Next, she showed them Smith Anderson.
None of the women showed any recognition to either man.
Rose’s jaw flexed as her eyes narrowed. “Do you think one of these men is responsible?”
“I’m not sure,” Cassidy admitted. “The island isn’t that large, but it is full of tourists. So it’s a matter of sorting through them.”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us,” Trina said.
“I wish I could do more.” Cassidy released a long breath, hating feeling like she was powerless. “I’m going to keep digging. There’s someone I know who might be able to help me. But I’d need to tell him what’s going on.”
“What?” Rose stood, fire flaring to life in her eyes. “No. You can’t. You promised.”
Cassidy raised her hands in the air, hoping for some peace before emotions got out of control. “And I won’t—not without your permission. I’m just saying this is a lot to do on my own.”
Rose stared at her, cynicism in her cool gaze. “How do you know you can trust this other person?”
“Because he’s helped me before. He has a lot of connections. The thing is, time isn’t on our side at this point. And me doing this alone . . . it’s slow. I need help. You all need help.”
The women looked at each other, and Cassidy could sense they needed to talk.
“How about this?” Cassidy stood and softened her voice, knowing better than to try and back them into a corner. “Don’t give me an answer yet. But think about it overnight and let me know. I know you all want answers, even more than I do.”
“We’ll think about it,” Rose promised, her voice as pinched as her expression.
“Good,” Cassidy said. “And now I’ve got to get to bed. I’ll talk to you all in the morning.”
But it looked like she was back to square one. Smith Anderson was out, as well as Martin Chaser.
There was always Niles Shepherd. Maybe. She wasn’t convinced he had motive, means, or opportunity.
But Cassidy knew these ladies couldn’t stay here indefinitely. They needed help—physically, emotionally, and maybe even spiritually.
Chapter 24
14 Weeks Earlier
“Help us,” one of the women whispered. “Please.”
Dear Lord. What in the world . . .
These women were being held prisoners. The scent of body odor and urine rose up around Cady, indicating there were no facilities. Had these women even eaten?
Cady’s heart pounded so rapidly she feared she might pass out. She had to do something. But what could she do that wouldn’t blow her whole cover?
She wasn’t sure, but she couldn’t turn a blind eye to this.
One of the women stared up at her, a gag in her mouth and fear etched into her eyes. Her blonde hair was stringy around her face—greasy, as if she hadn’t showered for weeks. She wore a white shirt that was stained with sweat and droplets of blood, along with some jeans.
Cady squatted down. “I’m going to help you,” she whispered.
She grabbed a small rod she’d used to pick the outside lock and worked on the cuffs around the woman’s wrists.
As soon as the cuffs were off, the woman pulled off her gag. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Cady said, knowing that this was far from over. “Are you okay?”
The woman didn’t say anything. Cady knew the truth. These women were far from okay. She could only imagine what they’d been through.
The cuffs came off one by one. Slowly. Painfully.
But they were off. And the women were rubbing their arms, crying, hugging each other.
“Please, help us get out of here,” the gaunt woman she rescued first said.
Cady glanced at her watch. “We have an hour until these guys get back. Listen to me, and listen closely. Go left out the hallway and exit the door at the end. You’ll be in an alley. Go to the street corner, to the right, and into a restaurant called Sidewalk Joe’s. I know the man who works there, and he’ll help you. Do you understand?”
The women nodded. No, these weren’t women. They were girls. Teenagers. Had Raul lured them off the streets? Had he promised them a better life only to take them captive?
Cady couldn’t stomach the thought.
Just then, she heard a sound outside the door and froze.
A footfall.
Was Sloan back?
She put a hand to her lips, motioning—pleading with—the women to be quiet.
One of them held back a cry. Another wrapped her arm around her, quietly shushing her.
What Cady wouldn’t do to help them. To really help. To give them hugs, and food, and a clean place to stay.
The bigger picture, she reminded herself.
She hated that phrase more and more every day. It seemed a crime to sacrifice anyone. There were no little people in this world. Cady was convinced that everyone mattered.
Right now, these women mattered. They mattered to her.
She pressed her ear to the door. Silence stretched o
n the other side.
What if Sloan was lingering in the hallway? If he caught Cady in here . . . she’d be a dead woman. She wouldn’t be much help to anyone, including these women, if she died.
She counted to thirty. Then she slowly opened the door.
She scanned left. Scanned right. It was clear down the dim, dank hallway.
With her throat tight, she motioned for the ladies to exit.
“Remember what I told you,” she whispered. “I’m going to go distract the guys who are here. Be quick.”
“Thank you,” the first blonde said, her eyes hollow. “Thank you.”
“You can thank me by getting out of here alive. Now go.”
The woman nodded and rushed behind the rest of the group. Each appeared skeletal as they hurried away, most likely shells of who they’d once been.
Cady could understand that. Because, at times, she also felt like a shell. Just one piece in a game that she wanted out of.
But there was no turning back now, for better or for worse.
“Anyone know what happened?” Raul barked.
Cady, Orion, Sloan, and two others were gathered around him. Sweat covered the man’s forehead and his pupils were dilated—he’d obviously just taken a hit of flakka. He’d gone ballistic when he learned the women were gone, and he looked like he was about to fly off the handle again.
“I saw Sloan going down that hallway.” The words nearly caught in Cady’s throat. “Twice.”
“Were you watching him?” Raul’s beady eyes fixated on her.
Cady raised her head. “As a matter of fact, I was. Something struck me as off about him.”
“Oh, no, girlie. You’re not throwing me under the bus—” Sloan started, stepping toward Cady with a look of pure vengeance in his eyes.
Raul raised a hand to Sloan’s chest and stopped him in his tracks. “Let the lady talk.”
Lantern Beach Mysteries Box Set Page 50
