Protective Custody Page 11

  From the corner of her eye, she watched him, then smiled mysteriously. “Yeah. Oh.” She pulled his piece of paper in front of her and said, “Now, what do you have?”

  So that’s how it was going to be. Did he let her get away with it? Or push it?

  “Carly? Am I seriously out of practice or just plain crazy, because I think you feel the same attraction for me that I feel for you. Do you?”

  She didn’t answer for a minute. Then she looked him in the eye. “You’re not crazy.”

  Joy flared in him. “Good, because—”

  She held up a hand. “And that’s all I’m going to say, because I have a job to do and I can’t do that if I’m thinking about…” She waved a hand in the air and flushed. “You know…you thinking about me…in a way, that way…um…you know.”

  Then she ducked her head and went back to her list.

  He got the message. Subject closed.

  For now.

  Carly looked at the short list in front of her. “Wayne Thomas, your secretary, the marshals. That’s it?”

  “That’s it.”

  She grimaced. “Well, mine’s not much better.” She handed it to him. “I’ve got my boss, Grady and Maria.” Then she frowned. “Wait a minute. Wayne Thomas? He knows where we are?”

  “Sure. He’d be worried sick if he couldn’t get in touch with Debbie.”

  “Okay, I want background checks done on everyone.”

  “Who is everyone?”

  “Every person involved in this. People who know you, who have intimate knowledge of this trial and everything going on with it.”

  Mason came into the kitchen to look at the lists, then rubbed his chin. “We can do that. Let me see what I can do on the computer. Give me some names.”

  She hesitated, almost sick at the thought of what she was about to suggest. Nick stared at her. “Who?”

  “Grady Fry and Maria Delucci.”

  Mason’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”

  “I don’t want to be, but stranger things have happened in this business where money has a dangerous pull.”

  Her partner shook his head and crossed his arms. “I’m not doing background checks on fellow officers.”

  Carly stood. “Look, I don’t necessarily suspect them, but we’ve got to cover all our bases. That means starting with the people closest to us.”

  “Then I suppose you want me to do one on each of us?” Mason quirked a brow at her, the redness in his cheeks telling her he wasn’t happy at all with her suggestion.

  Lifting her chin, she placed her hands on her hips. “Of course.”

  His shoulders relaxed a fraction, and he gave her a small smile. “Fine.”

  Mason looked at Nick. “We’ll have to investigate Wayne and Debbie Thomas, too.”

  Carly froze, and she stared at her partner. “You’re absolutely right.” Her gaze shot to Nick. “Didn’t you do one on her when you hired her?”

  “No, of course not.” He punched a clenched fist into his other hand then raked that hand through his already tousled hair. She tried to ignore the way it just made him more appealing. A little ruffled, a lot rugged. His attractiveness constantly seared her. She blinked and honed in on his defense.

  “She’s Wayne’s daughter. I trust her with my life.”

  “What about the lives of your niece and nephew?” she blurted.

  That stopped him; the indignation on behalf of his friends receded. He let out a defeated sigh and hung his head. “I think it’s ridiculous, but I guess we can’t take the chance, can we?”

  “I’d say not. We’ve got to nail this down.” A cold sweat broke out across her upper body. “As of right now we don’t trust anyone, okay?”

  Nick covered her hand with his and squeezed. “Don’t worry, Carly. We’ll figure it out.”

  How did such a simple touch from Nick send awareness pinging through her nerves, making her hair feel like it must be standing on end? It just didn’t seem possible. And yet it was. She felt it.

  And if the look on his face meant anything, Nick did, too.

  Mason beat an amused retreat back to his laptop in the den, and Carly took a deep breath. “Okay, so, any more ideas? Names?”

  He spread his hands. “No. Unfortunately.”

  “Mason?” she called. “What about you?”

  “I’m sending the requests for all the background checks. I don’t like it, but I think you may be on to something.”

  “How long will it take to get a response?”

  “Not too long.”

  A knock at the door sounded, and Carly nearly fell out of her chair. She shot to her feet and palmed her weapon. Mason followed suit and said, “Nick, stay here. I’m going to get Debbie and the kids where I can see them. If this is a trap, I don’t want anyone in the back of the house. Make sure you stay away from any windows.”

  Grim-faced, Nick did as requested while Carly planted herself on the side of the door. She called out, “Who is it?”

  “It’s Sandy Kessler from down the road a piece. I saw you drive up earlier and thought I’d welcome you to the neighborhood. Plus, I have a package for you. Someone dropped it off at my address by mistake. Happens all the time around here.”

  “Just a minute,” Carly called out, buying Mason time to get the kids situated.

  He appeared with the children in tow. Christopher clung to Debbie’s hand while Lindsey’s expression wavered between scared and mad.

  “Get in the kitchen behind the island,” Carly ordered. “It’s the safest place for now.”

  The three hurried to do her bidding, and she waited for Mason to place himself opposite her. “Ready?” she mouthed. He nodded.

  Nick appeared back in her line of sight. He had his gun drawn and ready. She motioned him back, and he stepped into the doorway of the hall bath.

  “A package?” Mason mouthed back. Carly’s heart thudded. They’d just arrived two hours ago. No one should be sending them packages. Especially with this address on it. A safe house that only a handful of people knew about.

  Apparently someone in that handful was one person too many.

  Decision made, Carly holstered her gun and looked at Mason to whisper, “I’m going to answer the door. If I say I’m sick or something, she’ll probably come back with a batch of chicken soup.”

  Mason nodded.

  Peeling back the curtain from the window next to the door, Carly looked out and spied a short elderly woman standing there, gnarled, arthritic hands clutching a small box. Carly scanned the area behind and noted it was clear except for the small red Ford Taurus sitting at the top of the circular drive. From where she stood, the car looked to be empty, but Carly wasn’t taking any chances. Someone could be lying down in the backseat ready to pop up and start shooting as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

  Carly opened the door, caution making her movements slow. She kept one eye on the car and one on the woman’s hands.

  The woman smiled. “Hello. I’m Sandy.”

  Stepping from behind the door, Carly put on her welcome face. “Hello, Mrs. Kessler. I’m Carly.” She left off her last name on purpose. “So nice to meet you.”

  “Like I said, I live about a quarter of a mile up the road. I saw you drive up a little while ago and wanted to make you feel welcome. Plus, I wanted to bring this to you. It has this address on it. Someone just rang my bell and left it a few minutes ago.” She lifted the box toward Carly, who resisted the urge to step back. If it was going to explode, it would have done so when the woman handled it.

  Unless it could be detonated by remote when the sender saw that the person he was after had it in his or her possession.

  Hiding her trepidation, she took the package in one hand and smiled. “Thank you very much. That was very kind of you.”

  “Just being neighborly.”

  At the expectant look on her face, Carly thought fast. “I’d love to invite you in, Mrs. Kessler, but now just isn’t a good time. Maybe after I get settled i
n a bit?”

  “Oh, of course, dear. I understand.”

  “Uh, but where do you live exactly? I might like to visit sometime.” Actually, she wanted to check out the woman’s address and find out if anyone had seen the package being delivered.

  Delighted, Mrs. Kessler recited the simple directions, and Carly promised to write them down as soon as she closed the door.

  Once the little lady had driven off in her car, Carly shut the door and very gently laid the package on the kitchen table.

  “What is it, Uncle Nick?”

  The question came from Lindsey, who’d popped up from behind the kitchen island as soon as the door shut.

  Nicholas glanced at his niece. “Not sure yet, honey, but I’m getting ready to find out.” He looked at Debbie. “Why don’t you and Christopher go with Debbie to the safe area while we figure out what’s going on?”

  Carly cleared her throat. “No way, Nick. You’re going with them. There’s no telling what’s in that package.” She studied it then drew in a deep breath. “All right, I’m guessing it’s not a bomb or it would have gone off by now.”

  Mason shook his head. “It’s not a bomb. They wanted her to deliver it to make sure we got it.”

  “Whose name is on it?”

  Nick leaned over and read, “Judge Nicholas Floyd.”

  Carly didn’t think it was a bomb, but she still had a really bad feeling about it. “Still, we can’t take any chances. We need to get everyone out of the house and call for help. I don’t want to touch that thing without backup.”

  Mason nodded. “I don’t, either. Everyone into the safe area.”

  Nick shook his head. “It’s not going to kill us,” he said slowly, thoughtfully. “It’s a power play.”

  Carly lifted a brow at his sudden statement. “What do you mean? So far they’ve tried to break into your house, snatch the children, kill you with poisonous snakes and possibly gas you or blow up the house if you sparked it.” Exasperated, she looked at him. “What makes you think this is just some harmless little warning?”

  “Because they can’t get to me.” In spite of the seriousness of the situation, his eyes warmed. “You’re doing too good a job, and they can’t put their hands on me—or the kids.”

  “But they seem to know where you are at all times. I really don’t like that.”

  A frown flickered across his face. “Well, yes, there is that. But like I said, they’re having trouble physically getting to me, and the trial starts the day after tomorrow. I’m betting this is where the mental anguish is supposed to come into play.”

  “Mental anguish?”

  “Come on, Carly, I’ve studied the human mind and dealt with enough lowlifes in my career that I think I’ve gotten the hang of reading them pretty well. Let me open the box.”

  Carly sent him a hard-eyed stare. “Not a chance.”

  Mason hung up his phone and said, “I’ve just called for backup. We need to leave again. Obviously, they know you’re here.”

  Nick shook his head. “No, someone’s keeping them informed of every move we make.” Grief cut into him as he considered what that meant. “It doesn’t matter where we go. Someone close to me is an informant, someone I’d never suspect.” He swallowed hard. “And that scares me.” He glanced in the direction of the safe area. “A lot.”

  ELEVEN

  Mason looked up from his phone. “Backup will be here in less than a minute. I’ll be with the kids in the safe area. Send an officer to replace me as soon as one gets here.”

  Carly nodded, and Mason left.

  Nick’s fingers itched to open that deceptively innocent-looking package; however, he knew they were right. He couldn’t take the chance of something deadly happening when the box was opened.

  Thirty seconds later, three unmarked cars pulled into the drive and Carly greeted the four men and two women who entered the house.

  Nick looked at Carly. “Debbie and the kids are in the safe area.”

  “Where?” an officer who looked to be about twenty-five and gave his name as Ben asked. Carly told him. “Stay with them until we give you the all clear, okay? Send Mason back in here with us.”

  “You got it.”

  He headed out to find them, and Carly watched a team of specialists take over the care of the package. She looked at Nick and opened her mouth. Before she could get the words out, he shook his head. “I’m not leaving.”

  He could tell she was exasperated, but he hadn’t gone to the police academy because he wanted to hide behind somebody’s back. The only reason he’d agreed to the marshals’ protection in the first place was because of the children.

  This was about him, and he wasn’t leaving.

  A technician X-rayed the package and looked up. “It’s not a bomb.”

  Nick felt a surge of triumph—and relief—that he’d been right.

  “So, what’s in it?” Nick demanded.

  “Almost there,” the technician said. He took the paper off, revealing a small brown box that looked like it could be purchased anywhere.

  “Nick, you shouldn’t be in here,” Carly said. “You shouldn’t even be in the same building as this thing.”

  “I’m staying.” He could almost hear her molars grinding at his stubborn insistence. He looked at her. “This has to end now. We need to know who the inside person is.”

  Mason had returned from the safe area and gone back to his computer. “Whoa.”

  Nick saw him blanch at something on the screen. “What is it?”

  “Did you know Debbie used to date a man associated with de Lugo?”

  Everything inside Nick froze. “What? No, that’s not possible.”

  “I just got the background checks back. Apparently, she was with him when he was arrested three years ago. She was released, and nothing ever went to trial because the charges were dropped.”

  “Then what’s the big deal? It’s probably just a coincidence. I know Debbie. She might have dated him, but she wouldn’t have been involved in anything he was. Besides, she obviously hasn’t had anything to do with him since then.”

  Mason’s jaw firmed. “That you know of. I don’t think I’d want to risk my kids’ lives on that.”

  Nick felt sick.

  Then the technician working on the box called out, “Hey, you guys want to see this?”

  Nick spun around and strode to the man’s side. Carly and Mason were right beside him. Looking into the box, he felt his heart stop.

  A crushed inhaler just like the one used by Christopher lay on a bed of satin—the kind of material used in coffins. Carly drew in a deep breath, and Mason muttered a word Nick had never heard him use before.

  His knees went weak. Then he shoved his way through the people in the den and headed for the secured area where the kids were.

  He was right about the mental anguish. He honestly didn’t know how much longer he could hold on before they cracked him. The trial started the day after tomorrow. Once he began presiding, the de Lugo family would have even more reason to get rid of him. They’d want to make sure he didn’t finish the trial.

  His resolve hardened. He’d send the children away. He had no choice. Then he’d move home and prepare for whatever the de Lugos threw at him.

  Crossing the covered walkway, he ducked into the building.

  And screeched to a halt. The carpeted area held a bowl of grapes, and the television played softly in the corner.

  But the rest of the room was empty.

  Footsteps sounded behind him. Carly nearly careened into his back. “Nick, are they okay?”

  “They’re not here.”

  Stepping farther into the room, she took in the vacant space. “But…but that’s impossible. We sent someone back here to watch them.”

  “Let’s check the garage.”

  She raced ahead of him and shoved the door open. “Oh, no. Lindsey! Chris!”

  “Not again,” Nick groaned, agony shooting through him.

  The car was gone. />
  And so were the kids, Debbie and the officer she’d sent back here to watch out for them.

  Carly got on her radio. “Mason, the car in the garage is gone. Get someone in here now. The kids are missing again.”

  Something glistened under the single bulb, and Nick stepped toward it. He bent down on one knee to examine the small drop of fluid. “Oh please, Lord, don’t let that be—”

  “Blood?” Carly whispered and squatted beside him. “I think it is.” She grabbed an old towel from the bench beside her and dipped a corner into the liquid. She lifted it to her nose and sniffed. “That’s definitely blood.” She placed the towel back on the shelf. Then she stood, but stayed bent at the waist, examining the ground around her. “There’s more over here. It doesn’t look like a lot, but enough to have me worried.”

  “Uncle Nick? What’s going on?”

  Nick whirled. “Lindsey! Where did you come from?”

  “The bathroom.” She pointed in the direction of the safe area. Through the door, Nick could see the other door that led to the restroom. Lindsey’s fingers twisted together. “I was in there. What’s wrong?”

  Nick shot a look at Carly and grabbed the girl’s hand. “They must have grabbed him while she was in the bathroom.”

  She gave an agonized nod. “They picked the kid who would give them the least trouble.”

  Heart in his throat, he said, “Come on, we need to get someone tracking that car as soon as possible.” To Lindsey, he said, “They’ve got Christopher, honey, but we’re going to get him back safe and sound, okay?”

  The girl’s eyes went wide. Then she started crying.

  As he turned to usher her back to the house, a low moan reached his ears.

  Carly must have heard it, too, as she froze and shot him a look.

  Reaching for her weapon, she held it ready as she approached the utility storage cabinet that leaned against the wall on the other side of the garage.

  Another groan and a grunt came from it.

  Nick pushed Lindsey toward the door and silently motioned for her to run back to the house. “Go,” he whispered.

  She took two steps then looked back, fear for him clearly displayed on her sweet face. Not wanting to let her out of his sight, he hesitated, then pointed and mouthed, “Now.”