by Rebecca Deel
“Oh, yes. I know a pair of male shoulders when I see them. My Paul lifts weights. I appreciate a muscular man.” Her eyes traveled over Jake’s body in a leisurely perusal.
Right. “How long have the police watched Yvonne?”
“Years, dear.”
His skin prickled. “Guess.”
“I don’t have to guess. The policeman has been out there a few times a week since Lacey moved to Nashville.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Jake eyed the woman sitting in the recliner a few feet from him and Lacey. She practically quivered with excitement. He couldn’t imagine what her life was like if his questions were a high point of her day. “What do you know about the women who disappeared over the past six years?”
“They’re all young and blond.” She scooted to the edge of her chair. “Someone killed them.”
“Why do you think that?”
“It’s obvious to me. I know people say they moved on to another city or state. A few were rumored to have run off with a lover. Some went to help nurse elderly relatives back to health and decided to stay. Most of them were visitors, passing through town on the way to someplace else. But I don’t believe a word of it.”
“Why not?”
“That many young, beautiful women leaving the area without warning and never returning is too much coincidence. No one heard from them after they left. They made friends here. Some have relatives in the area. No, I’m afraid something bad happened to them.”
Smart lady. Jake turned his attention to the man leaning against the wall near the front door. “Do you know anything about the missing women, Mr. Chesterfield?”
A sneer bloomed on the older man’s face. “I’m not a gossip and I don’t pay any mind to the grapevine in this town. Only weak-minded people listen to that drivel. Those young women were out for trouble, if you know what I mean.” The old man’s gaze locked onto Lacey.
Jake’s muscles bunched. A soft hand on his drew his attention to the woman at his side. Lacey squeezed gently, a smile curving her lips. She didn’t want him to react to the deliberate insult. He gave her a slight nod and let it pass. For now.
Although Jake tossed more questions at the Chesterfields, he didn’t learn anything more. He stood and held out his hand to Lacey. “Thank you for talking to us. You’ve been very helpful.”
“I don’t see how since we couldn’t tell you much.” Nora turned to Lacey. “How is Yvonne feeling, Lacey?”
“The doctor says she’ll make a full recovery.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” She edged closer. “Is it true what they say, that she doesn’t know who kidnapped her? I can’t imagine. I guess she was traumatized.” Nora shuddered. “She must have been terrified with a madman hunting for her in the woods. Are her injuries severe?”
Jake squeezed her hand. He had a feeling the older woman was an incorrigible gossip, one who would spread information shared around town.
“A few broken bones. Those will mend.”
“Did she tell you what happened? Did the man assault her?” She leaned forward a little further. “You know what I mean. It’s every woman’s worst nightmare.”
Lacey’s hand clenched tighter over Jake’s, the one outward sign of her agitation. “Todd Jones is investigating. He doesn’t keep me informed of his findings. My main focus has been on Mom and her recovery.”
“Oh, of course. I just thought poor Yvonne would talk to you about what happened.”
“I’ll tell Mom you asked about her.”
“My dinner is probably cold by now. Go reheat it, Nora,” Paul said curtly. “I’ll see them out.”
“Yes, dear.” She left the room without a backward glance.
Incredible. If Jake had told Lacey to reheat his dinner using that same tone of voice, she would have dumped the plate of food on his head. He would have deserved it.
As they walked to the front door, Jake kept his body between Lacey and Paul. On the porch, he slowed to let his girl walk a few feet ahead of him and turned to face the other man. “I know what you did to Lacey,” he said, voice soft.
A frown. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve never done anything to that girl.”
“Oh, yeah, you did. She was fourteen years old and vulnerable. She’s not fourteen, and she’s definitely not vulnerable. If you ever touch her again, I will rip your heart out of your chest and feed it to you. I care about Lacey, and she is mine to protect. Am I making myself clear?”
Paul gave an audible swallow. “Yes.”
With another hard look at the older man, he caught up with Lacey and escorted her across the street to his SUV.
“What was that about?” Lacey asked.
“Don’t ask.”
“I already did.”
Figuring she wouldn’t back off, he unlocked the SUV and helped her inside before he caught her chin in the palm of his hand and kissed her. Yeah, he knew Chesterfield was watching, and Jake was staking his claim on Lacey.
Breaking the kiss, he eased back, smiling at her unfocused gaze.
After a couple deep breaths, Lacey’s eyes narrowed. “You warned Mr. Chesterfield off, didn’t you?”
Another short, soft kiss. “Did you think I wouldn’t? You’re mine to protect, honey, and there may be a time when you visit your mother while I’m deployed. I don’t want you having to defend yourself against a lecherous old man. I think he got my message loud and clear. If he makes another move on you, I’ll be back down here.”
“I can handle myself.”
“I couldn’t be here for you when you were fourteen. You’re not alone anymore, Lacey. We’re a team now. We take care of each other.”
She cupped his jaw with her soft hand. “But I feel like you’re doing all the giving and I’m just taking.”
“You give me more than you can possibly imagine.” A quick kiss, and he shut the door. Driving down the street a moment later, he said, “Where can we find Noah Holt at this time of day?”
Lacey gave a wry laugh. “Probably Sully’s.”
“A restaurant?” He preferred to talk to the man in a quieter location instead of a crowded restaurant. Noah would be more belligerent in a crowd than he would alone. A public venue would also hamper Jake’s ability to secure answers. Hard to apply certain kinds of pressure if a man was surrounded by friends and family who shored up his courage.
“A bar. Unless his tastes have changed, Sully’s is his favorite watering hole.”
Not what he wanted to hear. He’d wait to question Holt. “I’m not taking you into a bar. What is your mother’s favorite comfort drink?” He didn’t think Yvonne would be ready for outside food yet.
She looked sheepish. “Hot chocolate.”
“Sounds familiar.” Jake turned toward the center of town and stopped to purchase coffee, two hot chocolates, and one hot chamomile mint tea in case Lacey’s mother couldn’t stomach the rich drink yet.
Returning to the SUV with two takeout carriers, he set one on the floorboard at Lacey’s feet and handed her the other. Ten minutes later, they walked into the hospital and headed for Yvonne’s room.
Remy sat outside the door, drawing a lot of female interest as the medical staff and visitors walked the corridor. The Cajun’s expression brightened as they approached. “Lacey.” He gave her a short hug. “How is your arm?”
“Healing. Jake did a great job.”
“Not surprising. He’s the best.” He eyed the cardboard carriers. “Please tell me one of those is for me.”
Jake freed one of the coffees and handed his friend the cup. “How’s Yvonne?”
“Seems fine. Since she’s skittish with me in the room, I left Lily to keep her company.”
“Anyone interested in you or Yvonne?”
A soft snort. “Aside from women and men ogling me? No.”
Jake rolled his eyes. Much to Lily’s irritation, Remy was a magnet for attention. She said it was the dark hair, eyes, and tanned skin combined with that killer accent.
Whatever.
“Cops?”
An eyebrow rose. “Torres and Jones dropped by a few minutes ago, got nowhere with her. Right after Lily and I arrived, two other cops showed up, one in uniform, one not. Uniform was beefy. The other cop was older, looked like he might be a relative of Uniform.”
The Becketts. Didn’t they have anything better to do? In light of the information from Nora Chesterfield, he wondered which one of the men was Yvonne’s watcher. Probably Will.
“Someone in uniform has been watching Yvonne and her home at night several times a week for a while.”
Remy’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll make sure I’m in the room next time they drop in.”
“Lily can handle herself.”
The operative dropped his voice. “Yeah, she can, but she’s my wife.”
He understood. Lily was capable, but that didn’t mean her husband wouldn’t protect her. Jake gave a brisk knock to warn Lily he was entering the room, and ushered Lacey inside.
The female operative blocked his view of Yvonne with her body, hand hovering near her weapon. Lily relaxed when she saw Jake followed by Lacey. “Yvonne, look who’s here to see you.”
“Lace. Hi, sweetheart.” Although her careful movements indicated she was still in a lot of pain, Yvonne’s eyes were clear.
“Brought you a hot drink, Mom.” Lacey set a carrier on the rolling table. “Would you like hot chocolate?”
Her mother grimaced. “I don’t think I can stomach that right now. Thanks for thinking of me, though.”
“We also brought chamomile mint tea.” Jake handed her the cup. “This will settle your stomach.” While she lifted the cup and began to sip, he turned to Harley who sat where Jake left him earlier in the morning. “How’s our girl, Harley?”
“So beautiful she makes my heart leap every time she smiles.” He winked at Yvonne who had teared up. “She’s also a might grumpy.”
Chuckling, Jake handed Lacey a hot chocolate, gave Lily coffee, and looked at the mechanic. “You a coffee man?”
“Don’t drink no girly stuff.”
No tea or chocolate for the tough guy in the corner. He handed Harley the third cup of coffee and took the remaining hot drink for himself. He preferred coffee, but caffeine was caffeine in his book.
Lacey grabbed the bag she’d brought from the SUV. “Jake and I stopped by your house and picked up a few things for you.” She pulled out two books, and a nightgown and robe.
Yvonne’s eyes brightened. “Thanks, Lace.”
They stayed an hour. When Jake noticed Yvonne’s eyes drooping, he drew Lacey to her feet. “We should let your mother rest.”
Lacey kissed Yvonne’s forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Mom.”
“Okay. Love you, Lace.” The response was faint, her eyes closing already.
Jake eyed Harley. “You staying again tonight?”
The older man’s chin lifted. “Would you leave Lacey in this place?”
His lips curved. “No way.”
“There’s your answer.”
“Need anything before we go, Lily?”
The woman Remy called Elf raised her coffee cup. “This is all I need. Rest, Lacey. Harley, Remy and I will watch over your mother.”
Jake had to smile at the way she’d included Harley. Hearing himself mentioned as part of the security detail had the older man sitting up straighter.
In the corridor, he talked to Remy a minute before walking with Lacey to the elevator. As they reached the gleaming silver doors, they opened and a dark-haired man well over six feet tall with steel gray eyes stepped out.
His expression shifted from one of boredom to avid interest. “Well, little Lacey. It’s been a long time.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Ice formed in Lacey’s veins. Great. Just the person she didn’t want to see right now. “Noah.”
“You’re looking as beautiful as ever, darling.”
“Don’t call me that,” she snapped.
“It’s just an expression of affection.” His tone was mild, but his eyes hardened at her words.
Jake’s left arm circled her shoulders and he drew Lacey against his side. “I’m Jake Davenport, Lacey’s boyfriend.”
Lacey wanted to laugh at his blatant claiming of her. Noah’s obvious annoyance at Jake’s statement brought her a lot of pleasure. Noah Holt had been the bane of her existence in high school. He and Will made it their mission in life to antagonize her. No one dared intervene when the terrible twosome started in on anyone. They were too afraid of repercussions if they interfered.
“Noah Holt. Lacey and I are old friends.” He sized up Jake. “How long are you in town?”
“Until Lacey goes home.”
A frown at that as he turned his attention to Lacey. “You here to see your mother?”
She nodded.
“How is she?”
“Recovering.”
“I want to check in on her.”
“She’s sleeping. Mom needs her rest.”
“I’ll look in on her, then. Won’t be a minute. Wait for me. We have much to discuss.”
No way.
“You won’t be allowed in the room,” Jake said.
That elicited a scowl. “I go anywhere I please in this town.”
“Not this time.”
A snort. “Who’s going to stop me?”
Jake signaled Remy, who watched the interaction by the elevator, and received a slight nod in response. “The guard at her door.”
Noah’s head whipped in the direction of Yvonne’s room. His jaw clenched. “A guard? Why would anyone want to hurt her?”
“One man already did,” Lacey pointed out.
“Some john who didn’t like the terms of their agreement.”
Rage filled her. She wanted to get in Noah’s face, but found herself held against Jake’s side. Fine. She didn’t have to touch Noah to make her point. “When will your pea-sized brain accept that my mother is not a prostitute?”
Noah surged forward only to find himself blocked by Jake.
“No.” Her boyfriend didn’t elaborate.
The other man backed off a step, then two. “We need to talk in private, Lacey. Now. I’ll take you to the coffee shop if you insist on being someplace public, but I’ve had enough of your attitude and it’s time we hashed this out.”
“I’d rather stick a fork in my eye than go anywhere with you. I guess you didn’t pay attention to Jake’s introduction. He’s my boyfriend. I respect him enough not to meet another man alone for anything, including in public. Even if Jake and I weren’t together, I don’t want to talk. Stay away from me and my mother, Noah.”
His voice dropped to a growl. “You might not live here, Lacey, but your mother does. I can make life uncomfortable for her. You might want to think about that the next time you throw insults in my face.” With that, he left.
Remy approached. “Who was that?”
“Noah Holt, a jerk I knew in high school. He and Will Beckett are best friends.”
“What did he want?” Remy asked, his gaze following Noah’s progress down the corridor.
“To check on Mom. I don’t know why. They don’t have anything to do with each other.”
“He acted as though he had authority or power. Does he?”
Lacey scowled. “Only in his mind. His father is Senator Randy Holt.”
Jake and Remy grimaced. Yeah, her feeling exactly. Randy Holt was well known in national politics and billed as the next contender for President of the United States. Wealthy and charming, he was thought to be a front runner if he ran for office.
Lacey shuddered. She wouldn’t vote for him, the senator too slick for her taste. Didn’t matter if he was the hometown boy. He wouldn’t change her vote.
“Explains his entitlement mentality.” Jake studied her face. “You have a story to tell me about Noah.” A statement, not a question.
“Not much of one. I was three years behind Noah and Will. They lived to torment me.”
“How?”
“Noah did the same stuff Will used to do, asking how much Mom charged and if she gave discounts to minors. Stupid stuff.”
“Words designed to hurt you.” Remy laid a hand on her shoulder. “Did Yvonne know?”
Lacey wanted to spout off, but Remy didn’t know. “Mom drowned her sorrows in booze when she wasn’t working the streets. She couldn’t help or offer advice.”
“I’m sorry, Lacey.”
“It’s in the past.” Unfortunately, no one in Winston would let the past die. That was why she moved to Nashville. A fresh start and new life far from her painful past.
Remy turned to Jake. “I’ll let you know if Holt makes an appearance again.”
“I don’t want him to bother Mom,” Lacey said.
“If your mother doesn’t want to talk to him, he won’t be allowed in the room.”
“Thanks, Remy.”
“Later,” Jake murmured to his teammate, and turned to the elevator. This time, they weren’t intercepted.
Lacey gave the medic a sidelong glance. “Where are we going now?”
“Hotel. I’m hoping Zane sent the security videos. I’d love to know who to point out to the cops.” He unlocked the SUV and opened the door for her although his attention focused on a shadowed corner of the lot.
“See something?”
“Someone is watching us.” He cupped her cheek when she would have turned to look. “Right here. We don’t want him to know we’re aware of his presence. Easier to catch him off guard.” He dropped a quick kiss on her lips, then closed the door and circled the hood to slide behind the wheel.
Minutes later, they were back at the hotel. At their entrance to the room, Cade glanced up from the bed, computer balanced on his thighs. “How’s Yvonne?”
“Same.” Jake locked the door. “We stopped by her place to pick up a few things for her. We also visited the Chesterfields.”
A smile tugged at Cade’s lips. “How did that go?”
“Not like you’re hoping.” Lacey sat on the edge of Jake’s bed. “No punches thrown.”
The operative’s eyes narrowed at Jake.
“I warned him off. Did Z send the security footage?”
