She kept quiet, keeping pace beside him, climbing into the truck without protest. It was only once he was inside and had just kicked the engine over, that she turned and asked, “Noah, were you adopted?”
His hand froze on the gearshift. He met her gaze and admitted the truth. “Maybe.”
Chapter 14
Ping. Ping. Ping.
The incessant tap of rain against the window grated on Spider’s nerves as she tossed and turned in the big, comfy bed, disrupting the cat, who insisted on lying on her feet, and the two dogs, who formed a force shield around her in the centre of the bed.
Pushing to her elbows, she glanced toward the rivulet of shadows streaming down the wall where light managed to sneak through the blinds.
Was Noah asleep, or was he awake and thinking about all that had happened since they met as well?
She looked around the room. “Kate? Are you here?”
If the ghost was, she didn’t respond. It’s not like she could have answered questions anyway. Sinking back against the mattress, Spider tugged the sheets up to her chin, remembering that little-boy-lost expression on Noah’s face earlier when he’d explained what his brother had revealed a few days ago.
He was still partly in denial, unwilling to accept it as fact. That much had been obvious in his voice, in the defensive way that he’d argued that his mother hadn’t confirmed anything yet.
Spider’s instincts told her he was Kate’s son.
It made sense, given all that they knew, and all that Connor had implied. She could understand why Noah had a hard time accepting it though. Who wouldn’t?
After returning home, she’d left him alone, sensing his sombre mood and need for privacy. She’d thought she’d feel better uncovering that truth, but her chest ached for him. If she’d stuck around, she probably would have done something stupid, like wrap her arms around him and hold him until she’d chased that wounded look away from his eyes.
Her fingers found and played with the ends of her hair, drawing her gaze down to inspect the new colour. When she’d entered the salon this morning, she was determined to go pink for a change, but as she stared at herself in the mirror, Noah’s assertion that blue was his favourite colour had wiggled through her brain.
She had liked the blue hair she’d previously sported.
She’d also grown a little bit fonder of her natural colour as well. She’d hated her orangish-red locks, suffered countless teasing in school because of them, but now she was grateful that she was a redhead. It linked her to her mother, who had shared her colouring.
Red, for her mother, and blue for Noah. One would always be ingrained in her DNA; and the other, perhaps a passing fancy…
Combining the two colours had been an impulsive decision, one her hair stylist had questioned skeptically before raving about the results. Spider quite liked it herself. What did Noah think of it though?
“Ugh!” Pushing herself to her elbows again she glanced at the shadows still dancing on her wall and froze.
The shape of a person formed against the wall now, shifting until it came to a standstill. The eerie unease of seeing it sent a knot of tension falling straight to her gut. Uncertain if her eyes were playing tricks on her, she reached a hand down and shook Charlie. “Hey!” Her voice was barely a whisper. “Do you see that?”
Charlie lifted his head, looking the opposite direction.
Duh. Blind dog. Try the other one.
Even as she roused Costello, Charlie turned his head, moved to his feet and aimed his snout toward the window. Huffing, he lowered his head into a classic hunting-dog poise. A bark finally ripped out of him, and Costello sprang to his feet and began barking, not to be excluded from any ruckus.
The shadow fell away, and Spider flung the bed sheets off, bouncing to her feet and racing for her phone. Her phone! Where had she left it?
She found it and punched in Noah’s number before realizing she was even doing it. He answered on the first ring.
“Emma?”
“There’s someone snooping around my window!”
“Did you call the police?”
“Not yet.”
“Do it. Find somewhere and hide.”
Ending the call, she punched in 9-1-1 and glanced around for a proper hiding spot. She explained what was happening to the operator while she searched out the best location. She shut herself in the bathroom, but … the animals.
Bursting back out of the room, she tried to round up two barking, excited dogs and one MIA cat. Tossing the cardboard box from the day before onto the floor, Spider stepped back. Abbott darted out from behind the chair and into it as if they’d been practicing a circus act together for years.
Scooping him up, she wrangled the dogs into the bathroom and shushed them, straining to hear movement beyond the door or outside the window.
Honestly though, they’d have all been killed already if this were a horror film.
The dispatcher held on the line, conveying encouraging words, and trying to keep her calm.
A beep signalled she had a text message. It was from Noah.
“Whoever was here is gone.”
Releasing the breath she’d been holding, she opened the bathroom door and rushed to meet him as she read his second text.
“Footprints all over the place. Need to show you something.”
Making sure her grip on the dogs’ leashes was strong, she opened the front door and flung one arm around his neck, not noticing until he pressed her close that both his shirt and jeans were unbuttoned, his feet bare. Anywhere her skin was exposed felt hot and wet against his. She pulled away quickly, blinking.
“This was taped to the front door.” He nodded to something he held in one hand. A piece of paper.
“What does it say?”
The dispatcher cut in, demanding to know what was happening. Spider thanked the woman, explained that a neighbour had come over, and then ended the call.
Lips thin, eyes dark and glittering with something dangerous, Noah only stared at her. Wet hair dripped a trickle of water down the side of his face.
“Noah, tell me.” She reached for the paper.
“It says, ‘Stop looking into Kate Levine’s disappearance. I won’t warn you again.’”
She stepped back and away from him, startled by the words. Police sirens approaching preceded the glow of blue lights falling on neighbouring houses. Spider looked past Noah and saw Jack climb out of his patrol car. Another patrol car pulled up behind him.
Of course, it would be Paul.
Groaning, she pushed past Noah and went to greet them, only a slight mist tickling her face and arms now.
“Emma, what’s going on?” Jack’s gaze skimmed over Noah’s half-dressed figure beside her.
Crossing her arms to cover her own scanty attire, she took a step forward to meet him, ignoring Paul altogether. “Someone was at the window while I was sleeping. I called Noah, and he came over to make sure I was all right.”
Her glance strayed to where Paul stood, frowning at Noah before aiming an intense look of displeasure in her direction. She couldn’t help but wonder…
No. She wouldn’t allow herself to believe Paul had been spying on her tonight. He’d have had no reason to leave such a note anyway. But you’ve got to admit, he did get here awfully fast.
Lifting his flashlight, Jack quickly rushed to inspect the premises, instructing Paul to take the other side of the house. Pressing into his side, Spider pushed at the paper in Noah’s hand. “Don’t let them see this. Please, Noah.” She didn’t want to worry her dad – or have to endure a lecture from him tomorrow.
Narrowing his eyes, he hesitated before tucking the paper into his back pocket.
“What the hell is going on, Emma?” Paul’s voice demanded from behind her.
She spun, crossing her arms to cover herself, and raked her gaze over him. “Exactly what I told Jack.”
He pointed his flashlight in Noah’s face before blinding her with the beam. “You li
ttle slut! You’re shacking up with this guy now?” He took a step toward them, ready to fight. She felt Noah press forward, so she flung out an arm, holding him back.
“So what if I am?” she countered. “It’s none of your business, Paul.”
He grabbed her arm and jerked her against him. “You’re mine, goddammit! You’ve always been mine.”
Her feet slipped in the wet grass as she struggled against him. Hard to knee his groin if she couldn’t find her balance. “Let. Me. Go.”
He never got the chance. She was ripped out of his grasp, and he was sent sprawling backwards as Noah’s fist connected with his jaw. Noah shoved her behind him and growled, low and threatening, “Don’t ever touch her again.”
Paul scrambled to his feet, struggling to unholster his gun. Once it was free, he aimed the weapon at Noah. Spider lunged between them. “Stop it!”
Slushy footsteps came running up behind her as Jack’s voice called out, “Put the gun down, Paul.” Sidling up to them, hand held up in treaty, Jack placed himself as a barrier between them. “What the hell is going on here?”
Paul’s face contorted as he snarled, “This asshole hit me. You’re under arrest for assaulting a police officer. Go ahead. Handcuff him, Jack.”
Jack glanced around, met Spider’s eyes, and grimaced. He turned back to Paul. “Did you not hear me when I said to put your gun away?”
“But—”
“But nothing.” Jack stepped forward and took Paul’s gun straight out of his hands.
“I’m pressing charges. I said handcuff him!”
Jack shook his head, glancing back at Spider. “I didn’t see him hit you. Emma, did you see anyone hit Paul?”
She shifted on her feet, uncertain. “N-no.” Gaining courage, she straightened. “But Paul tried to assault me. Maybe I should be the one pressing charges.”
Jack frowned, turning back to Paul. He shoved the younger officer toward his car. “What the hell is wrong with you? Huh? Don’t you know better than to threaten a woman? Get the hell out of here before I punch your smug little face. Go cool off before you lose your badge.”
Sputtering, face so red it looked close to exploding, Paul punched his car and ducked inside, putting it in gear and tearing away.
Scrubbing a hand over his eyes, Jack walked back toward them. “You do realize I’m about a year away from getting my pension, don’tcha? I don’t need this kind of excitement.” He patted his chest. “You two okay?”
Spider crossed her arms and nodded. Noah stepped closer and slid his arm around her shoulders. “Thank you, Jack.”
Glancing around, the older man said, “Whoever was here is gone. Did you get a good look at the person?”
Rubbing away the chill in her arms, Spider shook her head.
“Probably someone trying to steal copper from the air conditioning unit. I noticed it was right outside one of the windows. Left side of the house?”
Spider swallowed the lump in her throat and lied. “That’s where I was.”
Shoulders relaxing, Jack nodded. “I hate to say this, but the person snooping around could have been Paul. He’s not even supposed to be patrolling this area tonight, and he almost beat me here.” Something twisted in her gut upon hearing those words, making her feel nauseous. Jack continued, “I’ll need to take a statement from both of you for the report. I’ll have someone patrol the area at night, keep an eye out. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure it’s not Paul.”
The mist was starting to pelt her skin with more force, so she led Jack inside. She retrieved a towel for Noah and tried not to stare when he rubbed the cloth across his damp, exposed chest.
They each told Jack their sides of the story, leaving out all mention of the note that had been taped to her door.
“I think you’ll be safe, but if you want to go home, Emma, I’m happy to wait for you to get dressed and follow you,” Jack told her when he finished taking notes.
She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
Jack exchanged looks with Noah, shrugged, and pushed out the front door with the offer to call his cell phone if she got spooked again. Charlie shot forward, but Noah caught him before he could squeeze through the opening.
As she closed the door, Spider noticed someone peeking through the curtains of a neighbouring house.
“I’ve got to be the worst house-sitter in the history of anything.” She covered her eyes and groaned. “Wait until Zach finds out about this. I’m. So. Fired.”
Noah’s arm curved around her shoulder and pressed her forward. “We need to talk.”
Letting her hands fall away, she caved into his warmth for a fraction of a minute.
“Emma.”
She pulled away, picking up the grousing cat and hugging him to her chest instead. “I know what you’re going to say.”
“I doubt that.”
Worry and fear were a potent mix. It threatened to send her running into the bedroom to gather her stuff and leave.
But she wouldn’t.
Emma would have, but Spider refused.
“You want me to go someplace safe. Drop my investigation, and leave.”
He crossed his arms, nicely sculpted biceps covering his deliciously muscled chest. He hadn’t buttoned it. Why hadn’t he? “That sounds about right. This just became a dangerous situation. I’ll come over every day and check on the animals. I’ll make sure no harm comes to them.”
“No way.”
“Emma—”
“No,” she insisted. “Don’t you get it? Whoever killed Kate is worried we’re onto him. I’m not going to let him scare me away before she gets justice!”
“It’s not worth your life.” His voice was a firm, grumbling roar.
They stared at each other, neither willing to budge. Spider crossed her arms, arched a brow and said nothing, mimicking him.
Seconds passed.
He slid his arms apart, revealing his bare chest again, crippling her defences a smidgen. “You’re very stubborn.”
She lifted her chin. “I know.”
His lips twitched. “All right then. If you won’t leave, neither will I.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I’m staying here with you.”
Oh no, no, no. She was pretty sure having uninvited guests over would propel her from Worst House-sitter Ever into Terrible Friend territory. She shook her head, even as he half-smiled and dropped onto the sofa.
“What are you doing? No. You can’t stay.” She tried to push his feet off the coffee table when he made himself comfortable. His legs were like steel beams that wouldn’t give an inch.
“Not only did some maniac tape a threatening note to your door, your ex is a psychopath. I’m starting to wonder if he’s been following you and knows what you’ve been doing. He might have left that note, hoping you’d turn to him for help.” He shook his head, his eyes dark and dangerous. “I’m not leaving you alone, Emma. Not tonight.”
She sighed. “Thank you for standing up for me, but I don’t think Paul will be back. He won’t risk losing his badge.” Was Noah right? Could Paul have left that note? She’d only been joking when she’d insinuated that Noah was stalking her, but she had felt like someone had been watching her lately. She’d assumed it had been him, but what if it had been Paul?
“Not buying it.” Noah spread his arms out wide. “You stay. I stay. That’s the deal.”
“Zach wouldn’t like it.”
“That didn’t stop you before.” He stretched his arms up and clasped his hands behind his head. “Remember the night I stayed in the guest room?”
“That was different.”
“How?”
“It just was.”
He shrugged. “Take it or leave it.”
Letting him stay probably wasn’t the major crime her conscience painted it as, but she wasn’t comfortable with the idea for several reasons. No, this wasn’t her house, but mostly, his presence had the ability to turn her into a sex-hungry blabbering imbecile.
What if he wandered into Zach’s office and saw that she had his house wired for sight and sound?
No, thank you.
Surely he wanted to leave and grab some extra clothes or something. Okay. She’d wait until he did and refuse to let him back in. Problem solved.
His eyes turned dark and hot as they scanned from her legs up to her chest – and stopped. Heat warmed her neck as she fidgeted, refusing to look down at her choice of sleepwear. It was a simple solid-white tank top paired with little grey shorts. No funny statements. No cartoon characters or superhero shields to draw attention to her bosom. Just plain and simple her.
The air sizzled. She knew she was a reasonably attractive woman and he was a man. A sexy, virile man who’d already proven he was interested.
Something about that thought flipped a switch in her brain as if her mind had finally finished processing all of the data that had been uploaded over the past few days. Noah had flirted, yes, but he’d always been careful not to cross a line with her. The only exception being the night she’d kneed him in the groin.
He knew the effect he had on her, and he used it to his advantage whenever it suited him.
What if she tried to tease him? Would it disorient him, scare him enough to make him leave?
Pulse racing, mouth dry, she licked her lips. Yes, she thought it might. She was willing to test the hypothesis.
It took every ounce of courage she could muster to drop her arms and saunter over to the sofa. Sinking down beside him, she stretched her bare legs out next to his, feigning a loud yawn. “Well, I suppose I’ll sit here until you change your mind then.”
His attention seemed glued to her legs now. “What?”
She reached an arm out along the back of the couch, leaned closer to him. “I’ll wait. Here. Until you leave.”
He shot up as if she’d poked him with a hot branding iron. His fingers worked the shirt buttons into place. “I’m not leaving.”
Ah, so she did have an effect on him.
Good to know it wasn’t one-sided.
“Suit yourself.” Standing, she made a point to brush against him, letting her bare arm slide along his as she reached for the spiral notebook sitting on the counter beside where he stood. His skin was oh-so-hot to the touch.
Spirited Away Page 16
