by Rebecca Deel
Frank’s face flashed into her mind, but she pushed the thought aside. Her ex wasn’t here and hadn’t made an appearance anywhere near her since Adam and Brent confronted him.
“Lacey, tell him about your former boyfriend,” Jake said, his voice soft.
“This isn’t his work. He’s ham-fisted and doesn’t plan ahead. He’s not smart enough to do this.”
“Let me be the judge of that.” Todd leaned forward. “Tell me about him.”
Knowing it was a waste of time, she told the detective the basics. No need to embarrass herself with her own stupidity.
“He hurt you, didn’t he?” The detective’s gaze was sharp, knowing.
She nodded. “I let it go on too long, but I realized the truth and walked away. Two friends convinced Frank to leave me alone.”
Todd turned toward Jake, eyebrow raised.
Her boyfriend shook his head. “Not me. I heard rumors, but I didn’t know Lacey well enough at the time to ask her about the relationship with Frank. If I had known or seen him hurting her, I would have stopped him.”
“One of the men is Fortress Security’s CEO. The other is Jake’s teammate.”
A wry smile curved Todd’s lips. “Is Frank still alive?”
“He was breathing when they left him.”
“Lucky man,” he muttered. “I’m surprised you didn’t kill him, Jake.”
“Jury’s still out on that.”
In order to make an impression on her former boyfriend, Lacey suspected Adam and Brent had done more than talk, but she’d never pressed for details. As long as Frank steered clear of her, she was thrilled.
Hearing Jake’s comment, though, made her realize Frank was in even more danger from the medic than he ever faced with the other two operatives. She would have to be very careful what she told Jake about her months with Frank. She loved the fact he was so protective. On the other hand, she didn’t want him in trouble with the law.
“If Frank was in Winston, you would know. He would have asked around town until he located me. Frank has moved on to another woman. He won’t think I’m worth the trouble.”
Jake’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know he’s moved on?”
“A friend of mine still moves in his circle. She told me. They appear deliriously happy, but every few weeks, the woman he’s dating goes on an unexpected vacation for a week or so.” She shrugged. “Same pattern that happened with me.”
“He has to want to change.”
Yeah, that was never going to happen. Frank was arrogant enough to believe he was in the right, and the woman he was with deserved the discipline he administered. Jerk.
The detective stood. “I’ll get my crime scene kit and check for prints before the maintenance people start repairs. All of you need to watch your backs. Especially you, Lacey. If the killer gets rid of your bodyguards, you won’t stand a chance against him. He’ll do to you what he did to his fifteen victims in the morgue.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Once Lacey was asleep, Jake called Brent and reported the latest developments.
“Did you see the security feeds from the cameras around the hotel?”
“Jones wouldn’t let me see them because they were evidence.” Jake wondered if Chief Beckett forbid him to share information with outsiders. “The recordings are on the hotel’s computer hard drive.”
“Perfect. Zane can hack into the system and copy what we need. How is Lacey?”
His gaze darted to the woman curled under the blanket on his bed. “Better than I’d hoped. She’s sound asleep.”
“Adrenaline dump.”
“She was also awake most of the night with Yvonne.” When Lacey had napped at the hospital, she woke every few minutes.
“Nothing from Adam and Veronica?”
“A text every hour confirming that Yvonne is safe. Harley went to the garage at noon. He’ll return after the place closes for the night.”
“What’s next?”
“A visit to the Chesterfields after I sleep. Cade takes over the watch in a few minutes.”
“I talked to Rafe.”
Something in Brent’s voice had Jake straightening. “What did he say?”
“The FBI’s team arrived and is helping with the autopsies. All the women they’ve examined were strangled to death.”
“Like he tried to do to Yvonne. Do you know if he raped the women before killing them?”
“Inconclusive.”
That was not a question he wanted to ask Yvonne. Maybe Lacey could talk to the doctor. Surely the medical personnel asked those questions when she was brought in considering the circumstances.
“Rafe said the killer didn’t leave much evidence behind on the bodies.”
“In other words, no DNA.”
“Not so far.”
Might mean he used a condom if he assaulted the women before strangling them. Jake frowned, finding it hard to believe the killer hadn’t left a trace of himself behind. If he kept the others as long as he held Yvonne, not leaving evidence was almost a miracle. “Signature?”
“Ligature marks on the wrists, ankles, and bruises around the neck. Each of the women had the letters LC carved into her stomach.”
Jake closed his eyes briefly. Another confirmation the man wanted Lacey and the other women were substitutes. “This creep wants my girlfriend, Brent.”
A pause. “You and Lacey, huh?”
“Yes. Don’t tell me you have a problem with it. I’m not giving her up, and I won’t hand over her security to one of my teammates.”
“I don’t have a problem as long as you treat her right.”
He stiffened. “Have you ever known me to mistreat a woman?”
“Doesn’t mean I won’t be watching.”
“I hear you.”
“If you hurt Lacey, you’ll answer to me.”
Jake flinched. “Yes, sir.” His boss would beat him to a pulp if Jake was stupid enough to hurt the woman who delved deeper under his armor by the hour. Not going to happen. He had realized he was head-over-heels in love with Lacey Coleman while holding her wrist in a death grip. Nothing like holding onto the woman you loved over open air to clarify your emotional connection to her. Yeah, he was a goner, and he wouldn’t fight to save himself. The only thing that mattered in his life was Lacey.
After Brent ended the call, Jake scrubbed his hands over his face, beard stubble scratching his fingertips. He checked his watch.
Cade appeared in the doorway. He glanced at Lacey, his gaze going soft. “How long has she been out?” he murmured.
“An hour. The maintenance people should be here in a few minutes.” He turned, considered whether he should move his girlfriend. She wouldn’t be able to sleep with the noise sure to accompany work on the balcony. He also didn’t want to leave her vulnerable. Yeah, Cade would protect her. Didn’t matter. She was his to keep safe, and he didn’t want to hand over that responsibility unless it was necessary. “I’ll take her into the other room.”
A nod from Cade. “Stay with her and get some rest. I’ll keep an eye on things here.”
Jake lifted Lacey and carried her to the other room. Although Cade had drawn the curtains to block the sunlight, he’d left the bathroom light on and the door cracked.
Perfect. He didn’t want Lacey to realize someone was in the room with her and not be able to see who it was. Jake placed her on the beds and cupped her cheek with a light touch. In her sleep, she nuzzled his hand and pressed a kiss to his palm.
His heart turned over in his chest, love for her growing by the hour. He’d soon have to tell her how he felt. Would she one day grow to love him, too? His life didn’t bear thinking about otherwise. He longed for a life with her.
Jake lingered a moment before he laid on the other bed. Less than a minute later, he was out. At the four-hour mark, he woke, fully alert. His gaze zeroed in on the bed across from his. Empty.
He swung his legs over the side and a low murmur of voices led him to the other room.
/> Lacey’s face lit when she saw him. “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself.”
“Hungry?”
He spotted the evidence of room service on the table. “Starved. What did you order?”
“Club sandwich. I wasn’t sure what you would like.”
He smiled. “That’s perfect. Thanks.” Jake eyed Cade. “Repairs complete?”
“With a lot of grumbling about me keeping close tabs on them. The work is solid. I checked after they took off.”
At least that much was taken care of. Now if he could capture the man targeting his girlfriend and help Yvonne recover, life would be sweet. He’d romance the woman of his dreams and convince Lacey that spending her life with him was worth the risk.
He made short work of the sandwich and chips while Cade and Lacey talked. When Lacey asked Cade if he had someone special in his life, Jake noticed the hesitation before his fellow operative responded.
“Not really.” Cade finished the last of his water.
Lacey smiled. “Who is she?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “A friend.”
“Name?”
“Sasha. She owns the coffee shop in Otter Creek.”
“Hmm. This sounds promising. Have you taken her on a date?”
Cade’s cheeks flamed. “It’s not like that. We’re friends.”
“But you want her to be more?”
One shoulder lifted.
“You should ask her out, Cade.”
“I’m working on it,” he mumbled.
Jake ducked his head to hide his amusement, replacing the cover over the plate. Not too long ago, he’d been in the same situation as Cade. At least now he didn’t have to worry Lacey wasn’t interested in him. He no longer had doubts about that, not with her response to his kisses. Man, she burned him up with her reaction to his touch. “I can put in a good word for you,” he offered, amused at the horrified expression on Cade’s face.
“Pass. I’ll find my own dates. I get enough ribbing from my teammates. I don’t need you adding fuel to the fire.”
“But it’s so much fun.”
“No.” He piled the empty plates on the tray and placed them outside the door. “Yvonne’s in pain this afternoon. Other than that, the medical staff says she’s doing great.”
“The police been by to see her again?”
“Yeah. They weren’t happy that Adam and Veronica stayed in the room while they questioned Yvonne. Adam said they didn’t learn much. Yvonne remembered a tattoo on the guy’s left wrist. An infinity symbol.”
“Know anybody with that tattoo?” he asked Lacey.
“Doesn’t sound familiar. I’ve been away from Winston for six years, though, and when I’m here, I spend time with Mom instead of in town. Besides, unless someone has those ink sleeves, I don’t really pay attention to tattoos. A lot of Coffee House patrons have them.”
When they caught the guy, the tattoo would help identify him. Had the killer talked to Yvonne? Maybe asked about Lacey or taunted Yvonne with her helplessness? Even though Lacey’s mother hadn’t seen her kidnapper’s face, hearing his voice would be another way to solidify the ID.
“Do you still want to talk to the Chesterfields?” Lacey asked.
“I do. Why?”
“They should be home eating dinner now. They are creatures of habit. Paul wants his dinner every night at 6:00 on the dot.”
Cade gave a huff of laughter at that.
Jake shook his head. He’d lost count of meals he’d missed while on missions. You learned to eat when you had the chance. “You coming, too, Cade?”
He shook his head. “I need to do some computer work unless your gut says otherwise.”
“I can handle it.”
“Brent called about the sample we sent to the lab. The substance is blood, but it’s not Yvonne’s. Wrong type. The lab is running the DNA profile.”
“That will take a while.” For all he knew, the blood might be from Harley. Might be worth asking if the mechanic had hurt himself in the garage or at least bled on the concrete floor. “We’ll be gone a while. I’m driving Lacey to the hospital after we talk to the Chesterfields.”
A nod. “I’ll let you know if I learn anything else.”
“Remy and Lily will check in before they head to the hospital.” He escorted Lacey to his SUV.
They drove to her mother’s house where he parked in the driveway. “Is there something your mother would enjoy having at the hospital? Maybe a book to get her mind off pain.”
“That’s a great idea.” Inside the house, Lacey went to the master bedroom and grabbed two of her mother’s favorite books, and her nightgown and bathrobe.
Once they deposited the items in a small bag and placed them in his SUV, Jake said, “Where do the Chesterfields live?”
“This way.” She led the way to the yellow, two-story house across the street with lights gleaming in the windows.
Cheerful place on the outside. He rang the doorbell, gaze scanning the neighborhood. Seemed like a nice place to raise kids. The houses were thirty years old or more, the lawns well kept, the facade of the houses in good repair.
He frowned, feeling eyes on them. Another careful sweep. Nothing. Could be a nosy neighbor. He didn’t see curtains moving, but that didn’t mean much. Night had fallen.
A chain rattled, the door opened, and a man in his sixties, topped by a thick head of silver hair, stood in the doorway. Icy blue eyes dismissed Jake with a glance, then settled on Lacey. The ice melted, replaced by a heat that set off Jake’s instincts. This guy was a predator. What kind remained to be seen.
“Lacey.” Chesterfield’s voice was almost a purr. “You look beautiful, as always. I was shocked to hear about your mother. Come in and tell me how she’s doing.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chesterfield.”
“Please, my dear. It’s Paul. We’re more than neighbors.”
When the older man reached for Lacey, Jake stepped between them, hand outstretched. “Jake Davenport, Lacey’s boyfriend.”
Ice crept back in his eyes along with a hard glint of anger. “I see.” He turned away without bothering to shake Jake’s hand.
Quick footsteps hurried their direction. “Paul, who was at the door?” A soft, round woman rushed into the room and came to an abrupt stop. “Oh.” Her hand went to her throat when she saw Jake, then her gaze shifted to Lacey. “Took you long enough to show up. Your mother was missing for days.”
Stunned at the viciousness of the attack, Jake laid his hand on his girlfriend’s back in silent support. She backed up a step until she was in the circle of his arm.
“I had been calling her for days, Mrs. Chesterfield. Jake and I came as soon as Chief Beckett told me she was missing.”
The woman’s gaze skated back to Jake.
“I’m Jake Davenport, Lacey’s boyfriend.”
At his words, the tension in the woman’s body melted away. “Yvonne didn’t mention you.”
Doubt Lacey’s mother would have told this busybody even if she’d known. “I’ve been interested in Lacey for months, but found the courage to tell her recently. Lacey says you’re observant. Do you mind if we ask you a few questions about Yvonne and what’s been happening around Winston the past few years, Mrs. Chesterfield?”
The woman cast a triumphant look in her husband’s direction before bestowing a smile on Jake. “I don’t mind at all. Sit down so we can talk in comfort.” She gestured toward the living room to the right, furniture still covered in plastic.
Jake resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Barely. Seriously? His mother was a fanatic about everything being in place, but she believed in comfort. Plastic-covered furniture wasn’t comfortable. Jake’s grandmother had done the same thing, a practice his mother hated. She was told children would mess up expensive furniture in Gigi’s house. As a result, Jake’s mother felt unwelcome in her childhood home, and vowed she would never treat her own children that way.
He urged Lacey to the end of the couch and
sat next to her to prevent either of the Chesterfields from getting close to her. Instead of sitting, though, Paul leaned one shoulder against the wall, his gaze fixed on Lacey. Nora hadn’t noticed yet, but it was only a matter of time.
For now, Jake focused on Nora although he kept Paul in his peripheral vision. “May I call you Nora?”
“Oh, please do.” The woman’s cheeks flushed a pretty pink. “What questions do you have for me?”
“Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary in the neighborhood?”
A frown. “Like what?”
“People or vehicles that don’t belong in the area. Someone watching Yvonne’s place. Things that don’t fit the pattern of what you normally see on your street.”
Disappointment filled her eyes. “No.”
“What about someone watching Yvonne or her house on a regular basis?”
A quick glance at her husband. She scowled before turning back to Jake. “Yvonne always has people watching her, including the police.”
“Are you sure?” Lacey asked.
“A thing like that is hard to miss. I’m sorry, dear, but your mother’s past isn’t a secret. If your boyfriend doesn’t know, you should tell him.”
“Mom hasn’t been turning tricks or drinking.”
“That you know. You don’t live here. You don’t know what your mother does now that you’re gone.”
“You think I wouldn’t recognize the signs? I lived with her addiction and the downward spiral. That’s not what I’m seeing. Besides, I don’t think she could hide alcohol abuse or prostitution from Harley.”
Another flush in Nora’s cheeks, this time from embarrassment. “Perhaps not.”
“You said the police are watching Yvonne,” Jake said. “Do you recognize the officers staking out her place?”
“I couldn’t see who it was. The car was parked in the shadow of a big tree.”
“A marked patrol car?”
She shook her head.
“How do you know it’s a cop?”
“I saw his badge glint in the moonlight.”
“But you didn’t see his face?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“You’re sure it was a man?” Lacey asked.
