Breaking Shadows (Darkness Falls Book 2)

by Melissa Sinclair

  “Why do I have the feeling you won’t find her?”

  “Probably for the same reason I don’t think I’ll find her. This case sounds too similar to Becky Plummer. Good girl, solid family home, a new friend in the picture, and now she’s missing.”

  “Sounds like she was being groomed to me.”

  “I thought the same thing. Regardless, I’m going to go through the motions and try to find her and talk to her. Maybe she hasn’t fled yet, or maybe she isn’t involved at all.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Your doubt is noted.”

  “You know as well as I do that isn’t going to be the case.”

  “Like I said, I still have to try. I owe it to her mother, and maybe something will pan out. Maybe I’ll get some inkling to where she went.”

  “Good luck. Keep me posted and be careful. If she’s caught up in this whole situation, well, we all know how ruthless the people who deal in sex trade can be.”

  Ethan had filled Bob in about the house that Becky’s friend had taken her to while Quinn had been in surgery. They all know how ruthless this group is, and Ethan wasn’t going to let his guard down, not for one second, not when his sister and the woman he’s crazy about were both involved. Caleb had probably tried to spirit Kara away on a much-needed vacation to get her away from the danger. The good news was, that for the most part, Ethan thought Kara wasn’t even a blip on their radar. Quinn was a different story. She was definitely in their crosshairs, and Ethan wasn’t going to let her get hurt again. Not if he had anything to say about it. Ethan checked his watch when he left Bob’s office and realized he needed to hurry if he was going to get to Quinn’s, get her settled in at his place, and still have time to get some work done on Kimora’s disappearance.

  Evie let him into the house when he got there, and he found Quinn sitting in the recliner. He noted that she had a tray of unfinished food and that she wasn’t looking as good as she had when he left her that morning. Her skin was flushed and almost looked like a rash had started to form. Alarmed, he looked at Evie, who was wringing her hands.

  “The rash just started a few minutes ago. I don’t know what it could be.”

  Ethan crouched in front of the chair that Quinn was sitting in and grabbed her wrist to check her pulse. It was racing.

  “Quinn, do you have any known allergies?”

  “Just avocado.”

  He heard Evie gasp from behind him. When he turned to look, she was covering her mouth with her hand.

  “I made her grilled cheese, and I added avocado to it. It’s all the rage now.”

  “How severe is the allergy?”

  “I didn’t eat that much of the sandwich. I noticed the avocado right away, but I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. I get hives from a small taste of it—not a big deal. It looks worse than it is. An allergy pill should help.”

  “Oh, you should have told me. I just feel terrible. Now I know why you weren’t eating it. I thought you didn’t like it because of the extra ingredient. Not everyone does, but you were trying to be polite by pretending to eat it,” Evie said, with tears in her eyes.

  “It really isn’t a big deal. It isn’t a life-threatening allergy, just annoying.”

  “Well, next time try not to be so tough, and just tell me. It wouldn’t have hurt my feelings. It would have been more hurtful if you ate it even if you hated it.”

  Quinn felt like such a jerk for not saying anything, but she hadn’t wanted to hurt Evie’s feelings. She had worked so hard to take care of her and made her such a thoughtful lunch. It wasn’t like there was much she could do once she ate some of it. The damage had already been done. The hives were definitely annoying and uncomfortable, but like she said, they weren’t life-threatening. Evie’s eyes widened, and she turned to leave.

  “What’s wrong?” Ethan asked.

  “Nothing, um, well the breakfast I made for her and put in the fridge has avocado in it, too. I’m going to go throw it out.”

  “Good idea,” Quinn said, laughing. Evie smiled, and Quinn felt better right away. She had felt terrible that this woman, who had been nothing but nice, was feeling guilty.

  “Well, other than the hives, how are you feeling?”

  “As good as can be expected. For now, it’s manageable, but the pain ebbs and flows all day. It hurts the most when I try to get up and move. Sucks the breath right out of me, but after I’m up for a bit, the stiffness goes away a little. Do you think there would be a problem taking a pain pill with my allergy pill?”

  “I wouldn’t think so. But I can call Kara, if you want?”

  “Actually, if you don’t mind? At this point, I think I should be cautious.”

  “I completely agree. Give me a minute, and I’ll find out.”

  Ethan left the room to call Kara. While he was gone, Evie flitted around the room straightening things, and folding the blanket Quinn had used in her vain attempt to sleep. It wasn’t very long until Ethan returned to the room with a smile on his face.

  “Good news, you can take both. Kara made sure to emphasize if the allergy pill didn’t seem to work we should bring you in just in case it’s a reaction to the pain medication and not the avocado. Speaking of pain medication, I think you’re due to take a pain pill now. I’ll grab one for you before we leave.”

  “It has to be the avocado. It’s the same reaction I have every time I eat it, and the pain medication they prescribed is the same stuff they gave me in the hospital. As far as taking another pill, I think I’ll take the allergy medicine and forgo the pain medicine until we get to your place. That way I won’t be as wobbly or fall asleep on the ride.” Her voice sounded self-deprecating, even to her own ears.

  “You know, it wouldn’t bother me if you fall asleep or if you get wobbly and need a hand. If the pain is too much, I would prefer you stay on top of it and take the pills,” he said as he handed her an allergy pill and glass of water then turned to place the pain medication in the bag that was on the floor by her chair.

  “I can manage…for now.” She added the last part because she knew that the threshold for what she could handle was just about at its max.

  Looking at her skeptically, Ethan picked up her bag and slung it over his shoulder while Evie moved the tray out of the way so he could give her a hand up from the chair. Part of her wanted to protest, but the meek side wanted the help, needed the help. Her body hurt, and her mind was exhausted. All she wanted to do was climb in a soft bed and sleep for days. Which really didn’t seem to be something that was going to happen for her. The couch at her house that she had always thought was comfortable was nowhere near comfortable when in pain. Maybe Ethan’s couch would be a more pleasant experience.

  “I’ll stick around and clean up the dishes before I leave. If that’s okay?” Evie asked.

  “Absolutely not. You shouldn’t have even made me lunch, much less clean up after me!” Quinn protested.

  “Don’t be silly. You can hardly wash dishes one-handed.”

  “I have a dishwasher.”

  “Just let me help you,” Evie said quietly.

  At that moment, Quinn saw it, saw how easy it was to fall in love with this woman. With her family. A woman who took the time to come and play nursemaid for someone she hardly knew because someone she considered a son had called and asked her to do so. The woman standing in her living room was amazing and a force to be reckoned with, and Quinn was already attached to her. She hoped that Evie’s children realized how utterly amazing their mother was. Of course, she knew they did. There was no doubt in her mind that Caleb thought his parents walked on water. While she didn’t have as much contact with Grayson, she knew the same could be said for his feelings about his parents. As for Taylor, she worshipped both her parents. So much so that she tried to hide how much her rape still affected her severely. But, because they were good parents, she couldn’t fool them, and they knew.

  “You collect abandoned puppies,” Quinn whispered.

  “Excuse me?” Ev
ie responded with a confused look on her face.

  “I just, well, I mean you find and collect stray or abandoned people and adopt them, bring them into your home, and make them part of your family. It’s nice that you do that, make people feel so included, so at home, at peace. You have a gift.”

  There was no doubt in her mind that she sounded stupid and she had a hard time making eye contact with Evie, but it was how she felt, and Quinn made it part of her daily practice to be honest about everything with the exception of, and probably because she couldn’t share, her past. That big black part of her life festering inside her with no outlet made her honest to a fault about everything else. Well, not everything, since she was still lying to herself about her feelings for Ethan.

  “Well, thank you, that means a lot.”

  Quinn looked up when she heard the thickness in Evie’s voice and was shocked to see the older woman had tears in her eyes. Rewinding the moment in her head, Quinn tried to think what she had said that made the woman cry and found herself suddenly embarrassed, thinking she must have said something wrong.

  “Um, well, anyway, I can clean up tomorrow when Ethan brings me home,” she stammered in a ridiculous attempt to change the subject, her eyes darting around the room as she shifted from foot to foot.

  “Nonsense, it is the least I can do after such a lovely compliment.” Evie sniffed a little and patted her cheeks, appearing embarrassed by the sudden emotion, but then she smiled at Quinn and gave her a hug and kiss on her cheek and whispered in her ear, “I hope you allow me to find you and make you part of my family, too.”

  14

  Quinn was feeling sentimental over the words that Evie had whispered to her. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so included. Her memories of her parents were nonexistent. There was no way to know how old she was when she last saw them. Given the opportunity to see them again, Quinn would walk the other way. There had been a time for them to be parents, and they had failed. Evie was what she would have wanted for a mother: loving, a protector and nurturer for her family. It was obvious that she was the glue that kept her family together, the center of their universe.

  “You’re awfully quiet,” Ethan said softly. “Are you feeling okay?”

  “Yes. The allergy pill took away the itchiness.”

  “So, care to tell me what’s wrong?” His question was tentative.

  “Not really.” Realizing how rude that sounded after all he had done, she quickly continued. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like it sounded. It’s just, well, Evie whispered something to me when we were leaving, and I was thinking how nice it would have been to have a mom like her when I was growing up.”

  “You weren’t close to your parents?” Another tentative question from him.

  “Not really. I mean, I don’t remember them. I think I was really little the last time I saw them.”

  “When was that?”

  “No idea.” Quinn shrugged.

  “You don’t know the last time you saw them?”

  “Nope.”

  He must have sensed that she didn’t want to talk about it anymore because he didn’t push, and she silently thanked him for not pressing her to talk about what was clearly a painful topic for her. They rode in silence for a bit until they pulled into a driveway in a middle-class neighborhood in the city. The house he lived in was humongous. Even though she knew it was split into apartments, it was still impressive to behold. It was an old Victorian house that some entrepreneur had decided to refurbish, make into apartments, and rent out. Whoever had done the work knew what they were doing.

  “This house is gorgeous. It must cost a fortune to rent here.”

  “Not really.”

  “Come on, the rent has to be terribly high. The neighborhood is top-notch, and the building looks completely renovated.”

  “It is.”

  “And the landlord doesn’t charge premium dollars for it?”

  “Nope.”

  “Nice guy. Maybe you could introduce me, and if an apartment ever opens up, I’ll have a better chance at getting in.”

  “I thought you liked your house?”

  “I like that it’s close to the center and that the clients can stop at any time, but…”

  “But, you also live alone, and the clients’ exes could stop at any time?”

  “It isn’t that so much. I mean, it is. On more than one occasion a pimp stopped by my house looking for one of his workers who'd quit the trade. Those situations can get dicey, and before the center it was a necessity. Now that there’s a place for them to find me that is safer, more controlled, I’ve been thinking about moving and keeping the address confidential.”

  “Would you sell your house?”

  “I actually rent, and the lease is about up, so now is the time to do it if I’m going to.”

  “Not a bad idea and good timing for you. The building is recently renovated, so none of the apartments are filled yet. There are a couple with one bedroom and one bath.”

  “Really?” She got excited at the thought of moving into this beautiful house. It really wasn’t that far from the center. “Could you introduce me to the owner?”

  “Sure.”

  “That would be great. I suppose I’ll have to wait until I’m feeling better, probably wouldn’t look great showing up like this.”

  “Pretty sure he wouldn’t care.”

  “He’s probably really busy.” She looked out the window again and sighed. “It would be nice to move in here, though.”

  “Safer neighborhood, and there is an added bonus of living in the same building as a hotshot detective.” He winked at her.

  “When do you think I could meet with him?”

  “How about now?”

  “What? No way, look at me. Anyway, how would that work? Does he live here, too?”

  “Yep.”

  “Really? I would think he would live somewhere else, somewhere fancier.”

  “It makes it easier to maintain the building if he lives on site. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind meeting with you.”

  She looked at him, indecisive, knowing if she waited, she might miss a huge opportunity.

  “All right, if he’s home and doesn’t mind.”

  “Great! I’ll help you get settled and then get him. I’m sure he has pictures of the apartment to show you. It’s on the second floor, and you’re probably not up to climbing those stairs today.”

  “Probably not. Pictures would be great.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Opening his car door, he walked around to the back and grabbed her bag before coming around to her side. She had opened the door, but he was already there ready to help her out of the car. Her body yelled at her, but she just ignored it and pushed up and out of the car only leaning on him slightly. As they walked up the sidewalk to the front door, she took in the gingerbread trim and warm colors that the owner had used to make the house a home—not just an apartment building. The man had an eye for architecture and renovation, or at least, the team he had used did.

  “This house is just breathtaking. I have always loved Victorian houses.”

  “I’m glad you think so. I love it, too.”

  Once inside, Ethan helped her settle on the couch in his living room. She had to admit that she had stereotyped him to have the epitome of a bachelor pad, all contemporary and leather. But his apartment was a delightful surprise. Warm and cozy, the couch was beyond comfortable, way nicer than her own couch and she knew she would have no problem getting some sleep on it.

  “Let me get you a glass of water so you can take that pain pill now.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he held up a hand, silencing her. “Don’t pretend you aren’t in pain. I saw you get out of the car, the look on your face, the grimace and pain in your eyes. Pain pill or I won’t get the owner.”

  “Oh, fine.”

  After he returned with the water, he grabbed the pills out of her bag and handed her one. She dutifully took it and settled back into the cou
ch. She began to have doubts about meeting with the owner. She was beat and wanted nothing more than to take a nap.

  “I’ll be right back; make yourself comfortable. Never mind, looks like you’re doing just that,” he said with a smirk as she yawned.

  After he left, she closed her eyes and rested her head on the back of the couch, waiting for the pain pill to take effect. As much as she didn’t want to take them, because they made her feel groggy, she also welcomed the reprieve from the sharp pain in her arm. The door opened quietly, and she sat up and tried to smooth her hair and clothes. She was confused when she saw only Ethan, but she was also happy. She had decided having this meeting now was not a good idea.

  “I thought you were going to go get the owner. Wasn’t he home?”

  “He was home.”

  “Is he busy?”

  “No.”

  “Then, where is he?”

  “You’re looking at him.”

  “Wait, what? You’re the owner?”

  “Yep. I just had to go grab my mail and I have a small office in the foyer where the tenants can drop off concerns, if they have them. I also have a portfolio of pictures in the office and wanted to grab it to show you.”

  “Why didn’t you just tell me you’re the owner?”

  “I did.”

  “Well, yeah, but just now. I mean, you could have said so when I first started asking questions.”

  “I could have, but you didn’t really ask the name of the owner.”

  “You stinker. You’re totally enjoying this right now, aren’t you?”

  “A little bit. It got you out of your funk, didn’t it?”

  As soon as Ethan said it, he regretted it. She had been out of her funk. Had being the operative word. As soon as he drew attention to it, her brows narrowed, and the sad, haunted look returned to her eyes. Ethan wanted to kick his own ass. Why did he have to go and say that? He knew better and was usually more charismatic and attuned to what needed to be said and done to reach a person. But he had blown this one, and his only excuse was that she did something to him to make him feel off center. This wasn’t the first time, and he doubted it would be the last time that he’d say or do something stupid around her.