by Denise Carbo
“You, Kate, and my parents are the only ones with keys.”
“Your parents are still in Italy, aren’t they? Could someone have access to their key?”
Bethany glanced at Kate and nodded. “Good question. We all need to think about whether someone could have taken one of our keys or made a copy.”
“You think someone broke into my parents’ house and stole my key?”
“Your parents live in Italy?” Davis’ question caused Celeste to tense. She swiftly shook her head but didn’t raise her head or meet his gaze. “No, well, at least not all year. They spend the winter there and the rest of the year here in Scotland outside the city.”
“Give me their address. I’ll send Kioshi to check it out.”
Kate leaned forward and grabbed a notepad and pen from the coffee table. “I know it. I’ll write it down for you.” After writing it down, she handed him the paper. He nodded and ambled away to call Kioshi.
“Mine is on my key ring along with the keys to my flat and cottage, and a key to Kate’s flat. I keep them in my purse. I don’t see how anyone could have taken them, but I suppose anything is possible.”
Kate snuggled back down on the couch. Her eyes were getting a bit droopy, a reminder her friend was still recovering. “Mine are hanging on the inside of the utility closet in my flat. Someone would have to know where I keep them. They’re hidden behind a bunch of cleaning supplies.”
Bethany gazed at Celeste. “Where do you keep your keys? Could anyone have had access to them?”
Celeste dabbed a tissue at her eyes. “I keep them in my purse. At work I put my purse in a drawer at my desk. I guess someone could have opened the drawer and taken my keys, but I would have noticed if I didn’t have them to unlock my door.”
Davis walked back over to join them. “Someone could have taken an impression of them to make a copy and then slipped them back into your purse.”
Bethany sighed. “So, we are no closer to figuring out who could have done it or why.”
“Not necessarily. Are there cameras trained on your desk?”
Celeste bit her lip. “I don’t know. I never noticed if there were.”
“There are cameras all over the building, so it very well could be.” Kate closed her eyes. “I’m going to take a little nap. Feel free to figure it all out while I do. I really would like to know who I can kill for doing this to me.”
Davis softly snorted. “Afraid you’ll have to get in line on that one. The bastard is mine.”
Bethany stood up. “You can argue who gets the right over killing them after we locate them. We need to get access to the security cameras.”
“Yeah, been trying to do that for the time Celeste entered the building with the tea. Guards informed me it’s already been looked at and nothing is there but refused to let me verify it myself. Kioshi was in the process of trying to hack into their system when I just sent him to Celeste’s parents’ place.”
Bethany cringed. Did she really want to be privy to that kind of information? Unfortunately, there was no choice. She trusted Davis not to do anything damaging with the access if he did manage to get into the system. Besides, if Kioshi was able to hack into their security then obviously improvements were required. “Maybe they will be more forthcoming with me. It’s worth a try.”
Glancing down at Kate to see she had already drifted off to sleep, she shifted her attention to Celeste. “Will you be all right here while Davis and I go to the offices and see if we can view the video footage?”
Celeste nodded. Davis did a walkthrough of the flat checking windows. He gave Celeste his phone number before they left and instructed her to lock up behind them.
Bethany hugged her and followed Davis out of the flat. It made her smile because she interpreted it to mean he not only trusted her judgement where her friend was concerned, but he also made sure her friends were safe and felt protected.
As they approached the guards, Davis leaned down to whisper. “Okay, time to do your Lady Bethany bit.”
Perplexed, she glanced over. “What bit?”
He softly chuckled. “The raised chin, pert little nose, and spine of steel bit where you pin those big beautiful eyes on them and will them into submission.”
“I do no such thing.”
“Uh huh, beneath that sweet exterior beats a heart of royal manipulation. You quietly maneuver everyone with smiles, calm reason, and gentle nudges.”
“That is hardly flattering.”
“Sure it is, makes everyone do what you want while still thinking you hung the moon.”
Bethany frowned at him, and then quickly switched to a beaming smile as they reached the security desk. Her smile started to falter for a second when Davis chuckled behind her.
Damn it, she was not being manipulative—merely sincere and polite.
In the end, it didn’t matter, although the guards allowed them to view the video from the day Celeste purchased the tea and of her department. There were no culprits caught on camera or suspects they could identify. There was no surveillance in the elevators, nor was there any that captured Celeste’s desk. The only footage of her was her walking into the building, approaching the elevator, and then stepping off it in the design department and walking to the cubicle.
Trudging back to her flat, she kept running over the events in her head. Aaron was the only one with a current grudge against her now, since she had vowed to do everything she could to keep him from ruling the clan, but the incidents had happened prior to that so what reason could he have had to try to kill her then? Whoever was behind it had access to Bryant’s scent blocker and poison so they either discovered it after his death or were working with him the entire time. Still, the motive eluded her. Bryant had wanted her dead because he believed she had tainted their precious bloodline by sleeping with Donald. A ridiculous reason in her mind, but the only one he had shared. Clearly, he had been insane.
She glanced at Davis beside her. His gaze vigilantly scanned their surroundings. Aaron despised Davis. He believed him and the other clans to be beneath him. Could that be his motive after all? Had Bryant and he united over their hatred? Could he be the one?
Although evil enough, did he have the intelligence and the patience to carry out a devious plan behind the scenes? Manipulating her brother, and then carrying out the deeds himself once he was dead?
Her instincts said no. Aaron had the tendency to crow his perceived achievements and erroneous opinions to one and all.
But her instincts had been wrong before.
Chapter Twenty
“It is definitely a man, below average in height, on the hefty side, but there is little to identify him beyond that.”
Bethany studied the black and white grainy image Kioshi had gotten from the camera hidden inside Celeste’s parents’ house. It could be almost anyone. The photo only showed his back and the long dark coat he wore. Kioshi was right though, whoever it was, he was not a tall man.
She glanced up at Kioshi. His black eyes were full of intelligence and often lively humor. The laugh lines attested to that. His black hair was clipped short above his ears, and he was always dressed in an immaculate dark suit each time she’d encountered him. “I am sorry, but I have no idea who it could be.”
Davis took the photograph from her to study it once again. His jean clad thigh rubbed against her leg where they sat next to one another on her couch. She wanted to lean against him, but he had been throwing out confusing signals once again. He’d kept his distance since last night. Granted they had been preoccupied with finding the poison and trying to track down the culprit, but was a little warmth out of the question?
“It’s still a break. We know this man, whoever he is, is involved. Good catch finding the camera. This guy clearly didn’t know it was there.” Davis tossed the photo onto the table.
“Her parents had only recently had it installed. Celeste was unaware of it as well. She was surprised when I spoke to her this morning.”
“Th
at could be telling right there.”
She turned her head to glare at Davis. “You are not trying to implicate Celeste again.”
“No. Although, nothing disproves her involvement either. I was referring to her lack of knowledge. It could mean whoever this is gets his information from her. She’s the link we need to focus on. She was the source of the tea, the poison was in her apartment, the keys at her parents’ house.” Davis looked at Kioshi. “You showed her and Kate the picture, right? They had no clue who it was?”
Kioshi nodded. “Kate studied the photograph intensely but was unable to guess at their identity. Celeste was horrified over a man breaking into her parents’ home and barely glanced at it. She claimed to have no knowledge as well.”
Bethany leaned forward. “Claimed?” She was getting sick and tired of everyone not believing her friend.
“Rest easy, little one. I too believe in her innocence.”
Leaning back, she clasped her hands in her lap and nodded.
Davis glanced between the two of them. “We need to question her again. Find out who she talks to on a regular basis. See who could be drilling her for information. It’s probably someone she is unaware of.”
“Celeste is a social girl. She talks to everyone.”
“Yes, but who has steered the conversation around to the days she brings you tea, the fact her parents are away in Italy and they have a key to her apartment, most importantly who asks questions pertaining to you and your schedule or habits?”
“Is she dating anyone?”
Bethany stared at Kioshi. At first, she thought he was expressing a romantic interest, but then she realized he wanted to know if it could be how she was giving out information. “No, I don’t believe so. She normally tells me when she goes on dates. Celeste is a romantic—she always believes the next guy she dates will be the one, her mate.” She made sure to stare at Kioshi and not glance in Davis’ direction at the word mate. “Anytime she has a date she gushes about the man. I think she would tell me if she was dating anyone.”
“What if he asked her to keep it a secret for now? Would she?”
She pondered Davis’ question. “No. I really don’t think she would or could. She wouldn’t see it as a betrayal to tell me or Kate.”
“All right, let’s start with questioning her about any men in her life. Not necessarily ones she may be dating, but all those she talks to on a regular basis. Especially the men where Bethany was brought up in the conversation.”
Kioshi stood. “I will take care of this task.”
Davis stood and shook Kioshi’s hand. “Thank you. I want to finish installing the security cameras around this building, and I want to limit Bethany’s exposure to the public until we get this handled.”
Bethany sat quietly and resisted the urge to remind them both she was sitting right here. It was a useless endeavor anyway. She would, however, not be hiding in her flat until this person was caught. Davis would have to accept her stand on that decision.
Davis’ phone buzzed while he walked Kioshi to the door. She recognized Ashley’s sultry tones from the phone when he answered. A small twinge of jealousy reared its ugly head briefly before she squashed it down. She was his mate. Any past relationship he may have had was not her concern. Much.
Davis rolled his eyes and held the phone out. “Ash wants to talk to you.”
“Um…okay.” She took the phone, while he wandered off into her bedroom presumably to finish installing the surveillance equipment he’d been working on before Kioshi arrived.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Bethany. I’ve been meaning to call and check on you, but I’ve been remiss in my duties as your healer.”
“Oh, no, I am fine, fully recovered.” Ashley had been the one to drag her back to the land of the living after Bryant’s attempt to murder her. “Thanks to you, of course. I am forever in your debt.”
“Good, I like chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.”
Bethany laughed. “Duly noted.”
“How’s wolf boy treating you? Driving you crazy with his male attitude of superiority and he knows best routine?”
Grinning, she sat on the arm of the sofa. “There are definitely those moments, but he has his reasonable ones too.”
“Do tell. I didn’t know he was capable of those.” Ashley’s sigh echoed over the connection. “Listen, I’m not the type to beat around the bush so here is my spiel. I’ve known him since forever. He’s like another big brother to me. One slightly less cantankerous than my own. I know he’s got his hang-ups, and don’t we all, but he’s loyal to the end. Sometimes too loyal, if that’s even a possibility. His head is harder than cement. By that I mean he’s beyond stubborn. When he gets something in his head it’s impossible to shake it loose. Despite all that, he’s got a heart of gold and whoever he gives it to is one lucky lady. So, don’t stomp on it, or I’ll have to come over there and rip yours out. Got it?”
Bethany sat frozen.
“You still there? Geez, did I just give my speech to dead air or did I scare you into silence?”
“Uh, no, I’m still here, and I heard you. You didn’t scare me, but you may have momentarily shocked me into speechlessness.”
“Okay then. I’m sure Davis will skewer me if and when he finds out, that is if my brother, Greer, doesn’t beat him to it, but I had to say my peace. I didn’t want the two of you screwing up something so precious and rare because of pride or stupidity. I figured you would be the more reasonable one. Was I wrong?”
“I sincerely hope not.”
“Excellent, then my job is done. Feel free to call me anytime to ask for advice on how to deal with insufferable overbearing males, or just to vent about whatever lame brain move or dictate they came up with.”
“Thank you. I believe I will take you up on that.”
“See that you do. Bye, Bethany. Good luck.”
Bethany stared at the silent phone. An interesting conversation to say the least. A bit terrifying, too. Had Davis talked to Ashley about her? She didn’t think so, and he didn’t strike her as someone to gab about their feelings or relationships.
Davis strolled out of the bedroom. “I’m finished in there. I want to place some cameras on the roof.” He stared at her. “What? You’re looking at me funny.” He scowled. “What did Ash say to you? She said she wanted to talk about your health.”
“She did, well, she led with that anyway.”
He folded his arms and sighed. “And?”
“The two of you are close, aren’t you?”
“She’s like my little sister, my pesky pain in the ass little sister. Why?”
Bethany stood and walked over to him. “Because she seems to know we’re mates and wanted to give me advice on how to deal with you.”
He stared down at her in surprise before closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. “God help us both then.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Walking into the spiritual temple, Bethany gazed around the ceremonial area. It was a circular, cavernous, dark-wood paneled room with a raised dais in the center. Rows of removable wooden benches fanned out around the platform in sections. The benches could be rearranged to accommodate the different ceremonies or processions.
Davis had been a bit cranky since Ashley’s phone call. After mumbling about her always sticking her nose into everyone’s business and trying to meddle, he had started moaning over women and their desire to always discuss their feelings. She had stood quietly and waited for him to finish, silently hoping he would divulge some of those feelings. No luck there. He had snapped his mouth closed and dashed back to his surveillance equipment.
Advisor Heyes stood over by a series of tapestries depicting the War of the End on their home planet of Rishard. The vibrant colors had faded with age, but the gory depiction was still vivid. But then when had war ever not been full of violent death?
He talked softly to three clan elders. When he spotted her and Davis, he excused himself and rapidly
approached them. “Lady Bethany, what a pleasure.” He took her hands in his and nodded at Davis. “Mr. Campbell. What brings the two of you to the temple today? I, of course, heard of the tragic illness of your friend. Please rest assured, I will do everything within my power to locate the fiend responsible. I understand she is recovering at home? I would like to stop by and offer my counsel. It must have been quite the ordeal for her.”
Bethany didn’t think Kate would welcome the intrusion, as well intentioned it might be. “She still needs her rest. Perhaps in a few days she will feel up to the visit. There is another matter I would like to discuss.” She lowered her voice. “I’d like to speak with you privately if I may?”
“Certainly. Why don’t you wait in the meditation room? I will join you promptly. We are discussing the procedures for the vote next week, but we are almost finished.”
Bethany nodded and walked across the room to a smaller square one which branched off the main room. Thick rugs were scattered across the floor, and cushioned benches lined the walls. A woman she recognized but didn’t know well knelt on one of the rugs with her head bowed and eyes closed.
Davis stopped in the entrance and she glanced up at him. His phone vibrated. He looked at the caller id and then glanced around the room. “It’s Malcolm. I should take this.”
“Of course, but not in here.” She tilted her head toward the woman, and he nodded. He surveyed the windowless room once again and stepped off to the side to answer the phone.
Walking into the room, she saw the private entrance door behind the large door to the ceremonial room was open. It allowed clan members to enter the private meditation room from the hall without going through the larger ceremonial room. She knew Davis hadn’t seen the door and believed the main door to be the only entry point. She didn’t rectify his perception because he was right around the corner and needed to take the phone call. She stepped over and glanced down the hallway which led to Advisor Heyes’ private quarters, the children’s spiritual classroom, storage areas, and the back entrance. Starting to shut the door, her gaze landed on the Advisor’s door. It was slightly ajar. A noise emanated from the rooms.
