Vaulcron (Enigma Series Book 3)

by Kellen, Ditter

  The trill of a phone put a stop to her musing, and she abandoned the view with a little reluctance. A large oak desk faced the windows with a hideous painting hanging on the wall behind it. That definitely has to go, she thought as she toed off her stilettos and padded across the carpet to take the call.

  “Ember Wells.”

  She almost laughed when Laura’s voice came over the line, laced with a flat tone and a side of sarcasm. “Would you mind bringing me some coffee now that you’re up here with the big dogs?”

  Ember’s lips twitched at the request. “I’ll be right there, Your Highness. Will there be anything else? ” When a contemplative hmmm echoed back, she chuckled and hung up. Snatching up the office keys, she stepped into her heels and tucked her purse into the bottom drawer of the desk on her way to the door.

  It opened suddenly, and Alan Boyd stuck his head inside. “May I come in?” Without waiting for confirmation he stepped into the room “Nice office.” He took in everything with a quick glance.

  “I was just heading out. Can I help you with something?”

  He stopped just inside her personal space, wearing enough cologne to peel the paint.

  “Yeah…I was wondering if you had any plans for tonight.”

  Ember noticed he had something stuck in his teeth. She made a conscious effort to stare into his eyes, but her gaze strayed back to his mouth against her will. What in God’s name is that? Celery? Broccoli?

  Her attention remained on the unknown substance as she spoke. “I’m having drinks with Laura after work. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment.” She suppressed a shudder and tried to step around him, but he blocked her path.

  “How about after that? I could come over when you get home.” His knowing smile made it clear he wasn’t offering to hang drapes.

  “I don’t think so. I’m already late, and I really do have to go.” She skirted around him and marched through the open doorway, nearly running into the mail guy in her haste.

  Alan stormed from her office without another word. It was obvious he wasn’t happy, but it couldn’t be helped.

  Ember had agreed to go out with Alan a couple of years ago, and it was not something she wanted to repeat. Between his roaming hands and lack of Binaca, the date had ended in disaster.

  “Miss Wells?” Stanley held a manila envelope with her name on it. “This came Friday, but you weren’t in your office, so I kept it for you, ma’am.” He flushed and handed over the mail, making it hard to resist wrapping him in a hug.

  “Thank you.” She accepted the envelope with a smile meant to put him at ease and turned to lock her office door before heading off in the direction of the break room. “Have a nice day, Stanley.”

  Stanley had worked for the Hedger for two years before gathering enough courage to speak to Ember. She could only imagine how difficult he found it to make eye contact. Poor guy. He has to be the most introverted man I’ve ever met.

  The smell of coffee rolled through her senses as she entered the employee lounge. Tucking the envelope under her arm, Ember plucked two paper cups from the wall dispenser and filled them with Columbian blend. She stirred in some creamer and headed toward the exit.

  Movement could be seen through the partially opened door, and she backed up a few steps to avoid a collision. The heavy wood swung wide, admitting a frowning janitor pulling a cleaning cart that had seen better days. He was extremely tall with oily brown hair, dark beady eyes, and wore a navy-blue uniform with the name FRANK stitched over the left breast pocket.

  “Excuse me.” She gave him an expectant look, but he refused to step aside.

  Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Could you please back up some? This coffee is hot. I would hate for either of us to get burned.” Twice in one day? What’s up with the barricades? The longer he stood there leering at her, the more uncomfortable she became.

  His gaze traveled over her body in a way that made her skin crawl before he stepped back enough so she could inch by him.

  Once in the safety of the open hallway, she blew out a breath she’d been holding and made her way to Laura’s office.

  Her spirits lifted when the editor’s nameplate came into view along with a pile of blonde, curly hair that could be seen through the partially open door. Laura sat behind a massive desk, squinting at a computer screen while her fingers flew over a keyboard.

  “Shouldn’t you be wearing your glasses?” Ember bumped the door with her hip, forcing it open enough to walk through without spilling the coffee.

  “Did you have to pedal to Starbucks?” her friend asked without looking up.

  She smiled and deposited Laura’s caffeine on the desk before taking a seat. “I just saw your man in the break room.”

  That brought her head up. “Brad Pitt?”

  “More like arm pit.” Ember took a sip of coffee to hide her grin.

  “Is that what took you so long? Making out in the lounge is against company policy. You, of all people should know that, especially after that last incident with Alan Boyd.”

  “Yeah. How could I forget? I still have nightmares of garlic breath and cologne baths as a painful reminder. Speaking of Alan, he made an unwelcome appearance in my office a few minutes ago, right before I ran into arm pit in the break room.”

  Laura’s blue eyes twinkled. “So, you did them both?”

  “Ha. You know I don’t kiss and tell.” They shared a laugh for a moment before Ember sobered. “So, who’s the new member of the Adam’s family? He seriously gave me the creeps a few minutes ago.”

  Laura blinked in response. All trace of humor disappeared from the other woman’s face. “What are you talking about?”

  “The new janitor.”

  “I wasn’t aware they had hired anyone. Did something happen?”

  “Nothing serious. He just had that whole Lurch thing going on with a side of Deliverance.” She shivered with the memory of his stare. “He blocked the exit when I tried to leave. Maybe he’s slow and didn’t understand, but something wasn’t right. His eyes…” She shook off the thought. “I’m sure it was just my overactive imagination.”

  “That’s understandable considering what you’ve been through. Are you still having trouble sleeping? And you really should rethink talking to someone about your nightmares, Em. It’s over. He’s behind bars.”

  “I’m fine, honey.” Ember really didn’t want to rehash the past or mention the changes in her dreams. Laura worried enough as it was. Ember had never known anyone quite like the talented editor. She was loyal, funny, dependable, and giving.

  Since the discovery of the first picture over a year ago, the curly-haired vixen had been by her side protecting her with an unconditional love and friendship that was humbling.

  The photos began appearing shortly after a body had been found in an alley not far from the Hedger. Ember had been dispatched to cover the breaking news and soon learned she wasn’t the only one photographing the grisly scene. A couple of days later she’d received a package at work with no return address. Inside were two images: one of the body’s chalked outline and one of herself. That had been the start of a yearlong investigation ending in four murders, several suspicious photographs, and ultimately the conviction of Malcolm Carnley aka the Watcher.

  He’d been named the Watcher by the media for his uncanny ability to hide in plain sight, aware of every move his prey made.

  Ember would still be looking over her shoulder or possibly dead by now if not for the diligence of Detective Clay Harper. He’d led the investigation with the efficiency of a general, eventually catching the Watcher through evidence left at one of the crime scenes.

  “I know of a really good doctor if—”

  “I need a drink not a shrink,” Ember interrupted, effectively cutting her off.

  “Okay. You win. Where are we going tonight?” Laura’s gaze softened.

  “I thought we would go to Sam’s Pub. They have a live band and the best wings in town, unless you’d rath
er have sushi?” She took a drink of the now lukewarm coffee and glanced over the rim to wink at Laura, whose blue eyes were narrowed in her direction.

  “I don’t know how you eat that nasty stuff. It’s raw and sticky. Not to mention it reeks. I’m surprised you ingest it with that bad-breath fetish you have.” Laura visibly shuddered.

  Ember laughed. “It’s not a fetish. It’s an aversion. And sushi is an acquired taste much like oysters.”

  “I’ll stick with the wings. You’re freak enough for the both of us.” Laura chuckled and picked up her coffee. “Are you driving or riding with me?”

  “I’ll take my car. I have some things to do this evening, so I’ll just meet you there.”

  “You really need to get laid, Miss Lead Photojournalist. Did you ever call that cop? He seemed pretty interested in you.”

  “Clay? Not yet. And before you say anything, he’s been on annual leave for a few weeks. He was back at work last Wednesday from what I hear, so maybe I’ll give him a call this weekend.” She stood and tucked the envelope back under her arm. “Speaking of interests, I heard from Shon last night. He said to tell you hello, and he’s planning to pop in soon.” Laura showed no reaction to the news other than a slight blush.

  Ember smirked. “Go ahead and ask. I can smell your curiosity from here.”

  A sigh came from the other side of the desk along with a raised middle finger. “Okay. I’ll bite. Wait. Let me guess. Your cousin broke another heart and is looking for someone to fill the bubblehead’s shoes?”

  Ember wasn’t fooled by Laura’s display of sarcasm. Beneath the editor’s cool exterior lay a vulnerability visible only to those closest to her. “He’s going to Daytona for bike week and was hoping you would ride with him.”

  “He’s persistent, isn’t he? It must run in the family.” She winked. “I’ll think about it. Now go do whatever it is you do, and let me finish this report before Kalli crawls up my ass.” She made a shooing motion with her hands. “And stay away from that janitor; he’s mine.”

  They both laughed as Ember turned to go.

  “Oh, wait. When is bike week?”

  “Friday after next,” Ember responded while fighting a smile. This is going to get interesting.

  She strode off in the direction of her new office while making a mental note to text Clay. Laura’s right. I do need to have some fun. The last date she’d been on was with Alan the Octopus. He was a nice enough guy if you could get past the overpowering cologne, roaming hands, and dragon breath. Yeah, not my cup of tea.

  It didn’t take long to reach her destination, which was a blessing since both feet were cramping with every step from the new shoes she’d worn against her better judgment. She unlocked the door and hurried inside, tossing the envelope onto the desk before heading to the bathroom.

  Ember poured her coffee down the sink and practically limped to the computer chair to remove the painful stilettos. Relief was instant. Why the hell did I wear stilts to work? And new ones at that.

  She opened the bottom drawer and fished out her cell while glaring at the offensive heels. The desire to flush them down the toilet along with her coffee would have been tempting if she thought for one second it would work.

  It only took a moment to locate Clay’s name and type out a quick message. Her finger hovered over the Send key a second before pressing it. That wasn’t so hard. She shook her head and set the phone aside. There was an article due in an hour, and it wasn’t going to write itself.

  Ember fought a yawn and switched on her laptop, thankful she’d remembered to bring it. The report she worked on was far less daunting than her last assignment where a woman had been found strangled in her home across town. An autopsy was being performed to determine the cause of death while the police searched for the victim’s missing fiancé for questioning.

  Something about the case didn’t sit right with Ember. There were too many holes in the story. According to family and friends, the two had recently become engaged and were pretty much inseparable, other than working hours. The fiancé had no criminal history as a juvenile or an adult, and yet, he was the last one to see her alive and hadn’t been seen since.

  Ember pushed aside her scattered thoughts and opened the work-in-progress folder, forcing her brain onto the subject at hand. There was much to be done before the night’s celebration and not a lot of time to do it.

  Chapter Two

  The hours passed at a snail’s pace, and Ember glanced at her watch for the tenth time. Thirty minutes, and she could leave for the day. She was all too aware that Alan wasn’t happy about being on call, but she’d covered for him on last rotation so he could help a friend move to a new apartment.

  Ember shut down the laptop and placed it in the leather case she carried everywhere. She removed her purse from the desk drawer and dropped her cell in a side pocket before attempting to organize the desk.

  Her office phone rang just as she bent to put on the heels that were obviously designed by a man who’d never walked in a pair before. She snatched it up on the third ring. “Ember Wells.”

  “Hey, it’s me.” Laura sounded as tired as she felt. “The editor in chief wants to see us before we leave.”

  “Both of us? This can’t be good.”

  Laughter echoed through the line. “We’re in no trouble, goddess of suspicion. She said it wouldn’t take more than five minutes.”

  Ember checked the time and almost groaned. “It can’t wait until tomorrow?”

  “Obviously not. See you there. And, Em?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Congratulations again on the promotion.” The line went dead before Ember could respond.

  Returning the phone to the cradle, Ember shouldered her purse just as a text message sounded from its depths. She fished out her cell and slid a thumb across the screen. It was from Clay. Hi. Working until eight tonight. Can you stop by?

  Nerves made her stomach tighten. She ran a hand through her long, dark hair and sent back a response. Have plans tonight, but will stop for a short visit on my way home from work.

  Ember had thought about the detective many times in the last couple of months. He was about six feet tall with pale blue eyes and dark blond hair that rested on his collar. He obviously spent time at the gym to stay in shape and filled out a pair of jeans in all the right places.

  Nice. She rolled her eyes at her lustful thoughts, slipped the phone back into its resting place, and grabbed the black leather computer bag. The forgotten manila envelope caught her eye as she turned to go. She stuffed it into her purse before switching off the lights and locking up.

  Ember took the stairs up one floor to Kalli’s office with more than a little curiosity leading the way. The editor in chief rarely called after-hour meetings, which told Ember one thing—something was up regardless of Laura’s lack of concern.

  Tapping lightly on the door, Ember stepped inside to find Laura already there, seated in front of the editor in chief’s desk. Both women smiled in greeting.

  “You wanted to see me?” She took a seat and set the computer bag next to her chair.

  Kalli got to the point. “There’s been a complaint.” She held up a hand when Ember would have interrupted. “I know it’s bullshit, but it has to be addressed. I don’t have time for petty games, and I believe that’s exactly what this is. You made lead photojournalist, and that’s going to come with a certain amount of problems. I’m telling you this so you know to be careful.”

  Ember cleared her throat. “May I ask what the complaint was?”

  Kalli rubbed her eyes, causing the light to reflect off the three small rings of her eyebrow piercing. “You’re accused of landing the lead position by sleeping with Barry Freeman.”

  “What?” Laura practically shouted. “That’s the biggest crock of shit I’ve ever heard.”

  Ember was too stunned to respond. Freeman was the president of the Lakeland Hedger, an older man in his late fifties or early sixties. She just stared at the editor in
chief as if she’d grown an extra head.

  She finally found her voice. “Who is my accuser?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t answer that. It’s against company policy. But I will say this. He is obviously upset you were promoted.” Kalli gave Ember a knowing look before turning her attention back to the pissed-off blonde stick of dynamite. “Calm down, Laura. I’ve addressed it and closed it all in the same breath. Believe it or not, I can smell shit long before it enters that door.” Her chin jerked in the direction of the entrance.

  Laura gaped at her. It was obvious she was attempting to choose the right words. “What an ass.” Or maybe not.

  Kalli’s lips twitched before she turned her attention back to Ember. “Congratulations on a job well done. Have a great time tonight. You deserve it. And don’t give this another thought. Just watch your back; I’ve seen it happen before.”

  “Thank you. I will.” She stood to go, still stunned by what she’d just heard.

  Laura got to her feet and extended a hand to the editor in chief. “Come with us. It’ll be fun. Think of the complaints that would pour in. We’d all be accused of doing Barry before the week’s end.”

  Kalli accepted her palm and winked. “Tempting, but I have a date this evening.”

  “Oh?” The petite blonde’s brows shot up.

  Kalli retrieved a book from the desk and winked at her. “My fantasy date for the evening.”

  Laura’s gaze zeroed in on the gorgeous cover model on the front. “Damn, he’s hot.”

  The other woman laughed. “You have no idea. I’ll drop it by your office when I’m done with it.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to run. You two, be careful tonight.”

  They said their good-byes, and Ember practically limped to the elevators in her Satan-spawned stilettos. She exited the building and made her way to the new Honda she’d just purchased. She loved the black SUV, had always wanted one. The pay increase with her recent promotion had made it a reality.