Taken by You (Killer Next Door #2)

by Carlie Sexton

  “They didn’t break up. Rose was murdered. The police found her arm and leg in North San Diego. They didn’t have enough evidence to arrest anyone.”

  Paulina thought she was going to be sick. Why would Roger lie about breaking up with Rose? “I don’t understand,” she said. “Rose is dead?”

  “Yes, she’s dead.”

  “You said there wasn’t any evidence. Are there any suspects?”

  “Who do you think the suspect might be?”

  Paulina didn’t want to utter his name, but it was the only name on her tongue. “They suspect Roger? Roger is the one they think did it?”

  “Yes. When they interviewed me about Rose, they told me he was the primary suspect, but they didn’t have the evidence they needed to arrest him.”

  Paulina sat there stunned. Her mind was blank and she had no idea how to respond to the information Darcy had laid out for her. Darcy didn’t say anything either, giving Paulina a minute to digest everything.

  “Paulina, do you have somewhere else to stay? Do you know anyone Roger doesn’t know?” Darcy asked with great concern.

  “No and no,” she said, closing the lid to her computer. She wasn’t going to spend any time on the web now.

  “You could stay with us, but if he found out, both of us would be in grave danger,” Darcy said, taking out a pen and paper from her purse. She wrote on the paper and handed it to Paulina. “Here’s my phone number. If you want to stay with me, we’ll find a way to work it out. You may have to leave in the middle of the night. It’ll be risky, but I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “Thank you. I’ll think about what you’ve said and I’ll let you know. I’m sure everything will be okay.”

  Paulina wanted to believe her own words, but they seemed to get stuck in her throat.

  Darcy smiled. “I understand. Call me if you need anything.” Looking at her watch, she said, “I’ve got to go. Talk to you soon?”

  “Yes, I’ll call you.”

  “Okay, bye,” Darcy said, standing and beginning to walk away.

  “Bye.”

  Paulina sat there for a long time, trying to process what Darcy had told her. She didn’t know what to think or do. But, two questions bothered her immensely. First, why hadn’t Roger told her Rick went missing? Second, why had he said he and Rose broke up when she’d been murdered? Her conclusion to these questions terrified her. Had she just moved in with a killer?

  Paulina was brought out of her trance when a handsome man asked if the seat next to her was taken. She shook her head. His broad smile indicated he might be interested in her. Normally, she would’ve engaged him in conversation, but she wasn’t in the mood. She looked at her watch and realized she needed to pick up some groceries. She packed up her things and promptly left Starbucks, wishing Darcy had been wrong about Roger.

  When Paulina got home, Roger was already there. She was terrified of him but she couldn’t let it show. She had to be careful, for her sake and Jacob’s. Jacob ran to his room to put his things away. Paulina brought in the groceries and put them on the table.

  “Are there more groceries in the car?” Roger asked.

  “Yes, I got everything on the list for Thanksgiving, so there are many more bags.”

  “I’ll go down and get them.”

  “Great. I’ll put these away.”

  Roger left the apartment to go downstairs and Paulina busied herself in the kitchen. She took in some deep breaths in an attempt to calm her rapid heart rate. How did he seem so normal? She never had any indication he was capable of murder. She’d do her best to stay out of his way until she could sneak out with Jacob. She had some money in the bank and could stay at a motel until she could get a flight back to Germany for herself and her son. She didn’t want to jeopardize Darcy’s safety by staying with her.

  Roger returned with the bags, placed them on the table, and went back out for the rest. Jacob joined him to help. Paulina opened a recipe book and began organizing her timeline for making all of the fixings for their holiday meal. She’d made it clear to Roger she didn’t want Rose to come, but maybe she’d been too hasty. If he asked again, she would relent to make him happy. Having other people around meant she and Jacob would be safer, didn’t it?

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Kate

  It was Thanksgiving and Kate knew this was going to be the biggest day of Charlie’s life. She was so excited for her best friend. She called Mitch to give him support and ask if there was anything she could do to help him make this day even more special. He said he had it all under control. He was planning on serving her the ring for dessert at her parents’ home. He would present her with a plate that had a covering over it. When she lifted the cover, she’d find the ring inside its box and he’d drop to one knee and propose. He’d been preparing what he would say for the last week. Since Charlie was so close to her family, he knew she would want to share their special moment with them.

  “That sounds amazing! I’m so thrilled for you both,” Kate said. “I can’t wait for Charlie to tell me all about it later. You’re going to sweep her off her feet.”

  “That’s the general idea. She means the world to me and I can’t wait to marry her,” Mitch said, great anticipation evident in his voice. “Listen, I better go. I have a lot to do before the big event.”

  “Okay, talk to you later.

  “Later.”

  Kate pressed the End button on her phone. She was grinning from ear to ear as she thought about Charlie and Mitch’s engagement. She needed some good news after what she’d endured during the past few weeks.

  Neil strolled into the living room. “Good morning, baby. You look mighty fetching this morning with that big smile on your face,” he said, bending down to kiss her.

  “I just got off the phone with Mitch. He’s going to propose to Charlie today. I’m so excited for them,” she said, beaming with happiness. “They’re a great couple.”

  “They sure are. What’s his plan?” he asked, making his way toward the coffee maker.

  “He’s going to propose at her parents’ house, by putting her ring on her dessert plate with a cover over it, so when she removes the lid, she’ll see the ring box…Isn’t that sweet?” she asked, her big brown eyes still dancing.

  “Yeah, I guess so,” he said, returning with his coffee.

  “What do you mean, you guess so? I think it’s romantic.”

  Neil nodded. “Of course it’s romantic.”

  “Charlie will be thrilled he’s asking her to marry him. She won’t care how he does it,” she responded.

  “You’re right. She will be,” he said, bending down to kiss her.

  “When are we leaving for your parents’ house?”

  “In about two hours.”

  “Don’t forget we’re picking up Natalie on the way. I’ll text her the time we’ll pick her up.”

  “I haven’t forgotten. And Mac will be there. He’s spent most of his holidays with my family. Who knows, maybe he and Natalie will hit it off and we’ll have a love connection. I think he could really like her.”

  “What’s not to like? She’s kind, beautiful, and generous. The list goes on. You didn’t tell him we were fixing him up with Natalie, did you?”

  “No, I realize situations like this take finesse. We’ll introduce them and let nature take its course,” he said.

  “I’m not sure Natalie’s in a good place to meet anyone, so let’s not mention it to her either. It might make her feel uncomfortable. She’s so broken-hearted over her sister.”

  “Like I said, we can just see what happens. It would be great, however, to have our friends become a couple,” he said, returning from the kitchen. He sat on the sofa next to Kate, sipping his coffee.

  Kate sighed.

  “Everything okay?” Neil asked, moving her hair away from her eyes.

  “I’ve just been thinking about my mom this morning. I haven’t talked to her since we got back from my father’s funeral. This is the fi
rst holiday I’ll spend without seeing her. My brother is going to his roommate’s parents’ home for Thanksgiving. My mom will be alone unless she made other plans. I just wish things were different,” she said, laying her head back on the sofa.

  “I know you do. There’s nothing saying you can’t call her if you want.”

  “You’re right, but I honestly don’t know what to say. My trust in her has been damaged, and it’s difficult to be real with someone I don’t trust. It seems like we always have this big pink elephant in the room and she won’t talk about it. I think I just need some distance from her right now, but perhaps by Christmas…” She didn’t finish her thought. She took another sip of her coffee. Neither of them spoke for a few minutes; they were immersed in their own thoughts.

  She finally looked over at Neil and realized he was somewhat distracted himself. He was gazing off into the distance. “What’s going on with you, baby? You seem kind of far away,” she noted, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek.

  “I’m just thinking about you meeting my family later today. I really hope you like them.”

  “I’m sure I’ll love them. I hope they like me.”

  “Trust me. They’re going to love you as much as I do. I guarantee it.”

  “Well, I didn’t exactly win over David’s mom, so I’m nervous to meet yours.”

  Neil brought her hand to his lips and kissed it like he always did. “You don’t have anything to worry about. My mom’s thrilled I’m bringing you to dinner. She can’t wait to meet you. She knows how special you are to me.”

  Kate kissed Neil on his lips. “I think we should start a Thanksgiving tradition,” she said, looking up at him through her lashes.

  “Oh, and what would that be, my beauty?” he asked, grinning in expectation.

  “I think it would be better if I showed you my idea rather than telling you.”

  “Showing always works for me. I think talking is overrated,” he said, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her up to their bedroom.

  ***

  An hour later, Kate was staring at the clothes in her closet and trying to decide what to wear. She wanted to look just right when she met Neil’s parents. Making a good impression was very important to her. She pulled out her chocolate suede skirt and the golden sweater she normally wore with it. Then she put it away. This wasn’t right.

  “Neil, how dressed up do I need to be to meet your parents?” she asked, hoping for some direction.

  “Baby, whatever you wear will be great,” he said, emerging from the bathroom in black slacks and a hunter green button-down shirt that hugged his muscular physique. He wasn’t dressed up, but he wasn’t exactly in jeans either.

  “It helps to see what you’re wearing. Something in between casual and dressed up. I’m feeling indecisive today. Would you help me choose something?”

  “Of course.”

  He thumbed through her clothes until he found the “just right” dress. “Here, this one is sexy on you,” he said.

  Neil handed her the black wraparound dress that showed off all of her curves. It had a beautiful silver fastener at the waist. “Are you sure this is the one?” she asked. “It has a way of showing off the girls.”

  Neil grinned. “Yeah, I know. That’s one of the many reasons I like it.”

  “Will your mom be okay with this?”

  “My mom’s a beautiful woman who keeps herself in really good shape. She doesn’t have a problem with showing what you’ve got, trust me.”

  “Okay, but if it doesn’t go well, you’re going to be in big trouble.”

  “I like your kind of trouble, baby,” he said, pulling her hips to his. “Plus, you wearing this dress gives me something to look forward to later.”

  She glanced at him with a questioning look.

  “I’ll get to unwrap you,” he said with a salacious smile.

  Kate smiled. “There’s nothing I’d like more,” she said, thinking about the first time she saw him and wanted to gift wrap herself around his muscular body.

  ***

  Kate texted Natalie they were on their way to pick her up and she was wearing a dress. That would give her enough time to change clothes if she wanted to.

  Natalie was waiting outside her condo when they pulled up. She really was a beautiful woman. She had long blonde hair and big blue eyes. She had such delicate features. When she smiled, she put everyone at ease. There was a glow emanating from her that seemed warm and inviting.

  Neil pulled the car up next to where Natalie was standing on the sidewalk. Kate had already lowered the window. “You look beautiful, Natalie,” she said as her friend moved toward the car.

  “Thanks. I got your text and changed clothes. Thanks for the heads-up about wearing a dress. I’ve had this one for a while, but it’s one of my favorites,” Natalie said, buckling up in the backseat.

  “That blue is gorgeous on you. It brings out your eyes,” Kate said, turning in her seat to smile at Natalie. “How are you holding up?”

  “Well, I’ve been better. But I’m doing okay considering the circumstances. It was great staying with Charlie and Mitch for a few days, but I’m glad to be back home in my own bed.”

  Kate nodded. “I talked to Mitch earlier today. He sounded very excited about proposing. Did he have a chance to show you the ring while you were staying with them?”

  “Yes, it’s absolutely gorgeous. He’s going to blow Charlie away today,” Natalie said, a slight smile on her face. “Do you think she has any idea?”

  “I don’t think so. I think she’s going to be surprised. I can’t wait to hear all about it,” Kate said with a gleam in her eyes.

  “Me too. Charlie deserves to be happy.”

  “Yes, she does, and I know you’ll be happy again one day too,” Kate said as she reached back and took Natalie’s hand.

  Natalie’s eyes filled with tears. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She breathed in deeply and then spoke. “Jessica was all I had left since Momma and Daddy are gone. I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.”

  “You’re a survivor, Natalie. You’ll make it through this, and Charlie and I will be here to help you every step of the way. We’ll do anything for you.”

  “I’m here for you too, Natalie,” Neil said, making eye contact with her in the rearview mirror. “I’m really glad you can join us for Thanksgiving.”

  “Thank you. Me too.”

  Neil pulled the car up to a circular driveway. Kate had to consciously close her mouth. Neil’s parents had an estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean. She knew Neil’s family had money, but she had no idea how much. Italian cypress trees lined the walkway, leading to the stunning double doors with wrought iron scrolled between the glass panes. It was breathtaking. Neil opened the door to a foyer that seemed larger than her mom’s condo. A beautiful circular mahogany table with an autumn floral arrangement adorned the center of the space. On one side was a grand staircase with a wrought iron railing that matched the door. On the other side was the entrance to the great room. Neil showed Kate and Natalie the way. The décor had an old world flavor with modern comforts. A grand piano was nestled in the corner. Neil took Kate’s hand as he called out to his family. “Where is everyone?”

  “We’re in the kitchen,” his sister yelled back. “Come on in and help with the preparations.”

  “Neil, is this the home you grew up in?” Natalie asked, peering around and taking in its splendor.

  “Yeah, a little over the top, isn’t it?”

  Natalie nodded slightly, but didn’t say anything.

  They continued through the dining room and saw a table dressed for the Thanksgiving feast. Kate couldn’t help but notice the fine china and sparkling crystal glasses. They walked through the swinging door and were warmly greeted by Neil’s family and his best friend Mac.

  Neil’s mother came toward them first. He was right; his mother was a beautiful woman. She could’ve given Raquel Welch a run for her money with her
dark hair, big brown eyes, and curvaceous figure. She hugged her son and then hugged Kate. “Kate, I’m Sophia. It’s so wonderful to meet you,” she said, smiling warmly.

  “Thank you. I’m so glad to meet you as well. You have a beautiful home.”

  “Thank you. And who’s this lovely young lady?” Sophia asked, gazing at Natalie.

  “This is Natalie, my dear friend,” Kate replied.

  “Welcome, Natalie,” she said, hugging her as well. “We’re thrilled you could join us today.”

  Neil’s father was hugging him while Kate was greeting Sophia. Then, he turned to Kate and hugged her. “Kate, I’ve spotted you at the office, but haven’t had a chance to officially meet you,” he said. He patted Neil on the shoulder. “My son’s a lucky fellow to have found you.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Statton, but I think I’m the lucky one. Neil’s wonderful and I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

  “Please call me Magnus.” He took Natalie by the hand and smiled. “Natalie, we’re pleased you could be with us today.”

  Next was Neil’s adorable and very pregnant sister along with her husband. They embraced Kate after hugging Neil. “Hi, I’m Jessica,” his sister said, “and this is my husband, Doug. We’re so glad to meet you.” They made Natalie feel welcome as well.

  “Jessica,” Natalie repeated as if the air had been sucked out of her. Her eyes glistened with the sadness she felt.

  Kate didn’t think to forewarn Natalie that Neil’s sister had the same name as Natalie’s. She gently placed her hand in the small of Natalie’s back, hoping her touch would give her a little comfort.

  “It’s wonderful to meet you both. Neil’s told me so much about you,” Kate said.

  “He’s told me about you too. Thanks so much for helping him pick out such amazing baby items for us.”

  “Absolutely. When are you due?”

  “January fifteenth.”

  “That’s so exciting. I bet you’ve been going a mile a minute getting ready for the baby.”