“Swordfish?” Jude’s eyebrows quirked.
“Yeah, that’s what he resembled.”
“You told them about Bobbie Jo and her friend?”
“No, I decided to keep that tidbit to myself.” Jude usually didn’t miss a beat. “There are times you really aggravate the shit out of me, of course, I did.”
“You better start thinking about all the people you met personally and I hate to say this, as a possibility, with Pressley International. Have you had any falling out with some of the crew at work? What about your gas and cattle leases? Would your neighbor be a consideration?”
“I had to ask for a guy’s resignation about six months ago. His name was Haines. He wasn’t happy about it, but I don’t think he’d kill me over it. Besides, Haines would be too far back in time to know about Shelby.
“The renewal on the cattle contract has been the same for the past ten years so that wouldn’t be a problem.
“And I terminated the agreement with Pressley International’s energy division, several years ago.” Kyle shook his head. “Like I said, none of this makes sense.”
“The latter two don’t seem like there should be a problem, but firing a guy could be one. Just because you didn’t know Shelby back then, we can’t assume or follow he wouldn’t know her now and somehow found out about the Kachina doll.”
Jude had an innate fault that drove him nuts. His brother mulled over a problem until he solved it.
Usually, that would be a strong point, but damn, he’d rather be burned at the stake than rehash the same subject that put Shelby and him at odds. He needed a break. Therein lay the catch, how could he distract him?
With every heartbeat, Kyle’s ankle throbbed. Screw it. “Calm down, Jude, I’ll let the authorities know if I think of anyone else who might be of consequence—We’re here.”
Kyle rolled down the privacy glass.
The sunshades on the team captain belied where his gaze landed. “They want to do another sweep before you go in.”
Kyle nodded.
When cleared, numerous guards encircled the three of them.
Kyle kept Shelby in front of him shielding her from behind. Once inside the penthouse suite, suitcases were lined neatly in the entry and the smell of sausage, bacon, and fresh bread wafted through the air. “Hmm, breakfast.”
“What bedroom is mine?” Shelby asked.
“I’ll show you.” Kyle carried her backpack, guided her upstairs and opened the door to her room. He placed her bag on the floor waiting for her to enter. When she didn’t, he retreated beside her, lifted his hand, and cupped her cheek.
Shelby leaned into his caress, then took a sudden step back, crossed over the threshold, and quietly closed the door.
Even though she drifted into his palm for just a few seconds, then jerked away, he’d take any amount of time and affection she was willing to give to him. He raised his voice a smidgen. “I’ll wait for you so we can eat together.”
“I’m not hungry. I’m going to lie down for a while.”
Kyle strolled down the steps and helped himself to the breakfast buffet. “Jude, she’s really upset. I’ve never seen her like this and I’m worried. I want to talk to her before I call Andy. Or maybe, I need to leave her alone so she can rest.”
“The two guards were a little rough and scared her. I’m with you, let her process all that’s happened and give her some time. I think having the doctor look her over is a good idea too. He can talk to her and evaluate whatever her needs are. And right now, I’d say we’re not on her best-friends list.”
“You do have a way of stating the obvious.” Kyle picked a chair at the dining table and sat. “This whole situation is a bunch of bullshit.”
“Yeah. I’m going to stay a few days, then I’m heading out.”
“Where? Besides, the detectives wanted you corralled too.”
“I’ve hired a couple more bodyguards, but they won’t be available for another couple of days. By then, we should know more. I’m sure we’ll need a break from each other. You and Shelby on the other hand, should use this time to talk things out, mend, and heal. I don’t want to be here when you’re mending and healing.”
Off the top of his head, he could think of a several ways to say he was sorry to Shelby. And all of those ideas would start in the bedroom. “I particularly don’t want you around either, but you shouldn’t leave and become a target.”
Jude waved his hand. “I’ll be fine.”
Kyle wiped his fingertips on the cloth napkin. “Let’s get a game plan for the next couple of days. We should talk to management and see if they’d close the workout room, swimming pool and such to the guests during the early morning hours. We could use some of the amenities the resort has to offer and shouldn’t get too bored. They should be able to handle the closings during the slow times since this isn’t the peak season yet.
“Also, we could buy a couple of laptops and use the company’s secure server, since ours are being checked out. Surely, the authorities will know whether it’s someone avenging me or directed at Pressley International in a few days.”
“I’ll talk to the manager and you can call for the computers.” Jude snatched a link sausage with his fingers, then popped the whole thing in his mouth.
Kyle grabbed his plate and silverware and headed for the kitchen. “Consider it done.”
Shelby hadn’t come down for lunch and Kyle bounded to the second floor and knocked. “Baby, you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
She was still at the “fine” stage. He softened his tone. “Would you please let me in?”
The knob rotated and the door opened. He entered. She crossed the room and sat on the edge of the chair, her spine straight.
Kyle trailed her steps and knelt beside her. “Are you all right?”
Shelby nodded…stopped…then slowly shook her head. “How could you believe that I’d want to kill you?”
“Shel, I never did.” Kyle cradled her hands in his, turned them over and kissed her palm, first one then the other.
Shelby withdrew from his hold and stood then strode to the glass doors overlooking the ski runs. “I’m not certain I believe you.”
Kyle rose, and followed. He wrapped his arms around her waist, nestling her back against his chest. His mouth lowered to her neck moving her hair with his chin.
He hovered over her ear. “I’m sorry the detectives had to interview you by yourself. Hiring Lindbergh was the only way I could have someone in your corner. Afterward, they were instructed to bring you to me. I waited for you in another room. When Lindbergh sought me out and I realized you weren’t with him, I inquired and found out you had already left. I tried to call you.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “I know.”
He ran his cheek down her jawline. “When I couldn’t reach you, I started putting a few things together and figured you would be at the airport. I confirmed my suspicions with Alessa this morning.” Kyle chuckled. “You sure are giving a lot of business to Zip Away car rental.”
She pivoted to face him. “They demanded to know everything about us. I answered as truthfully as I could.”
“Truth goes a long way.” Obviously, Shelby needed to talk to him about what had happened. Maybe he should listen while she vented her frustrations.
“You don’t understand. They interrogated me. What was our relationship, when it began, when it stopped, how close we were to each other, were we intimate and for how long. Did we have any disagreements, fights, and when did we make up. How I could afford the plane tickets, rental cars and absence from work weeks at a time. Did I use Pressley International’s perks, did you give me money, and was I expecting more. Some were like the wife beating questions any answer produced a negative connotation.”
“I didn’t think it would be a walk in the park.”
Shelby released his arms from her waist, pacing across the bedroom, her voice rose with each step. “Walk in the park. I don’t think you hav
e fully grasped my position. In fact, I’m sure of it.”
He bristled at her accusations. “I did understand your circumstances and took the correct actions necessary for your well-being.”
“I was implicated for tampering with personal property and attempted murder, accused of using you for money and power. Do you know what the next lines of questions were?”
She didn’t give him a chance to respond and he wanted to.
“They may open Tim’s case with me as the suspect because the detectives knew you were investigating us. Jesus Kyle, this is blowing my mind. I didn’t realize how far people go to protect you. And why in the hell am I a damn suspect?”
A few seconds slipped by and her eyes locked onto his. “Unless, you’re the one calling the shots…You are… aren’t you?”
He steeled against her condemnation and tempered his anger and words. “No, if I had any control over this situation and you wanted to go home, you’d be in Texas with my damn army to protect you.
Her eyes widen and her mouth drew into an O.
“However, I do admit to handling your travel arrangements and legal counsel.” Any man worth his salt would have done the same thing.
“Everyone thinks I’m guilty.” Her head dipped a few inches.
“And I know you’re not.” Damn, he loved this woman.
“Thank you, I really needed to hear you say that.”
He held out his arms. Thank God, she launched across the space and embraced him willingly. “I missed you.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’d like for you to see Andy.”
She angled several inches away from him. “Why?”
He placed his forehead against hers. “Because I want to make sure those yahoos didn’t do any damage beyond what I see.”
“You’re being ridiculous, but if it would make you feel better…I will.”
“That’s my girl.” He removed the wisps of her hair that had caught on his whiskered jaw, making a mental note to shave again.
He speed dialed his personal assistant to contact Dr. Humphreys.
“Done…now where were we?” Kyle slid the phone into his back pocket.
He ached to kiss her. His gaze found her lips and she swiped her tongue across them. The plump and moistened skin called for his attention. His mouth lowered and danced lightly over hers, then she opened. He tasted, loved, and paid homage.
His cell rang. He released Shelby and a curse flew from his mouth. “Sorry, give me a second.” He yanked the mobile from his blue jeans. “Kyle.”
Jude explained the circumstances to him and told him to call the flip. “Heads…Damn, call and tell them I’m on my way.”
He glanced over his shoulder to find Shelby watching him. Her eyes questioned, and her lips quivered as if she wanted to ask, but wouldn’t. “I need to go down to the police station…I’ll be back in a few hours.”
Her chin notched a few inches in the air. “Did something new happen?”
For some reason he couldn’t put his finger on, she was still scared. “No. It has to do with Pressley International and I lost the coin toss with Jude...Shelby, I’ll protect you with every available resource I have at my disposal—”
“I don’t do well with fifty-fifty chances either.” She pivoted from him changing the subject.
He sidled next to her. “You believe me right? If you let me, I’ll take care of you.”
She shrugged.
Kyle locked his arms around Shelby. “You can count on me, baby.”
Her squeeze answered him.
“You should grab a bite of lunch. I’ll be back for dinner and we’ll eat together.”
Shelby nodded and angled into the haven he kept just for her. Kyle swore he’d keep her safe.
After Shelby promised him to eat, he closed the door then strolled downstairs. Sam leaned against the threshold waiting for him while his team was outside.
Kyle stuck out his hand. “Good to see you. Ready to head out?”
“You know I’m going to stick to you like a duck on a June bug, no matter how many times you tell me to go be somewhere or how ornery you get. I’m not having you get beat up again especially on my watch.”
He slapped Sam on the back. “Remember, I’m the one who told you to—go be somewhere as you put it. Quit lambasting yourself over something you had no control over. Now, let’s get going, we’re burning daylight.”
****
Shelby opened the glass door and stepped onto the balcony into the rays of the October sun. The frigid blast of air scurried around her, but the warm stream of heat saturated her skin, trickling into her bones. It felt wonderful.
She drew in a deep breath. Kyle had believed she was innocent. His opinion allayed her trepidation and he had bequeathed an intangible inner peace. She trusted him to protect her.
Twenty-four hours ago, this horrible journey began everything beyond their control. She had to admit she’d given up on him and thought the worst when all she needed to do was to talk to him. Communication, a simple act, sometimes it didn’t even require words, a true art form in itself. In her instance, she should’ve accepted his phone call last night, demanding an explanation. Hindsight was always twenty-twenty.
As for Bear-Claws’ request, Kyle had a mind of his own and he damn sure walked to the beat of his own drum. For the first time since her husband’s death, her perception changed, purging all the frightening what-if scenarios, fear no longer dwelled in the far recesses of her subconscious, and she entrusted Kyle with her life.
She felt free, as though she had sprouted wings and soared through the sky. If worries were clouds, there wasn’t any as far as she could see. Her endorphins kicked into high gear, giving her a euphoric high and making her giddy. She giggled and she spun lifting her hands as high as they could go then she broke into laughter.
A man’s voice called out, “Hey!”
She squealed, then lowered her palms to her side and panned to pinpoint the origin.
Her gaze met a gray-haired gentleman dressed in black from his turtleneck to his sports jacket and trousers.
His aviator sunglasses reflected the light and he adjusted his timbre to a more paternal tone. “It’s safer if you stay inside.”
She nodded. “Sorry.” Then she chuckled again. She wouldn’t allow anything to bring her down.
Just as she stepped inside, a knock echoed inside the room. “Come in.”
Jude crossed the threshold along with another gentleman. “Shelby, this is Andy’s son, Dr. Chris Humphreys. Chris, I’d like you to meet Shelby.”
Dr. Humphreys ambled over and shook her hand. “I finally get to put a face to your name. My dad spoke highly of you.”
Several inches taller, he was certainly handsome in every detail. He could’ve been a model for a romance book cover or a designer cologne ad. He probably had every nurse in the county or for that matter, the surrounding states flirting with him. She figured a few of them propositioned their bodies as a sacrificial offering too.
His shirt defined every muscle. His thick chest, well-honed arms and thighs had a balance that came by many hours of hard exercise and a propensity for proportion.
“Thank you and I think your father is an exceptional man. He bragged on you and seemed very happy when you chose to join his practice. I’m glad to meet you also. I expected him, is he all right?”
“I told him to go home and spend some time with Ma.” He set his case on the floor beside the coffee table, motioned for Shelby to sit on the couch and followed suit. “I heard the bodyguards decided you were their morning workout session?”
His gray eyes twinkled at his own joke and she couldn’t resist the banter. “I felt like I was Olive Oyl caught between Popeye and Brutus.”
“Let me see what they did to you.”
She rolled up her sleeves. “It’s nothing really.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
Marcus, the head of security, popped his head in the room. “Jude, can I see you for a moment.”<
br />
“Sure, I need to step out for a few minutes.” Jude said in more of a statement than a question.
Chris gently took her arm in his hands. “Leave the door open, this won’t take long. Her bruises look superficial, but I want to make sure.”
“Will do.” Jude disappeared with Marcus.
“Shelby, Shelby, Shelby.” Chris’ fingertips curled into her flesh.
Chapter Sixteen
“Doctor, you’re hurting me.” Shelby attempted to extricate out of his grasp.
He jerked her toward him. “Don’t scream or move…You’re going to listen and obey me.”
His hypnotic gaze had a profound effect and his words commanded her attention. She couldn’t break the connection.
Chris released her, rose and tapped the door closed with his foot then turned. He smirked. With a flick of his wrist, a black aura oozed from his frame. The emanation engulfed her, suffocating any thoughts of running. “Don’t look surprised, my sweeting, I know about your gift.”
She recoiled, drawing her legs up until her knees settled below her chin then she wrapped her arms around them. “What do you want from me?” If the man in Austin was a warrior, Chris was a five-star general.
Snakes of fire whipped, cracking in front of her face like a bullwhip. “You, my dear, will give me Ten-Blue-Sun when I tell you to do so.”
“The Kachina doll?”
“Come now, you seemed surprised.”
“I can barely breathe from your stench, do you mind?” She blanched when he released his evil, guttural laugh.
He retreated giving her a foot of space. She sucked in a clean breath of air and sighed with relief.
“When Ten-Blue-Sun’s stones light indicating all the stages have been completed, you will bring her to me.”
Confused, she stared waiting for him to clarify what he meant.
“Hell, you’re about as clueless as your husband.”
“What about Tim?” she asked scared witless he had everything to do with his murder.
“My pet—”
“I’m not your—”
“Silence.” Blood-red slime slammed against her.
Walking Into Her Heart (A First Realm Novel) Page 17
