Love Inspired Suspense June 2015 #1 (11 page)

The next call he made was a carefully worded one to Congressman Jeffries's home; a butler assured Nicholas that Harland was home. Then Nicholas texted Isaac Black, asking his fellow K-9 Unit member to immediately interview Senator Langford to verify Geary's alibi. Isaac texted back that he was on his way.

As Nicholas drove to Jeffries's home, he thought about the case. The problem was that whoever was behind this was a frequent visitor to the White House or someone who worked there, because it wasn't easy to get inside otherwise and know the layout so well to go undetected.

When he was admitted into the congressman's study, Harland Jeffries was sitting on a couch reading a book.

He peered at Nicholas. “Come in. I hope you've found the woman who was lurking around my house earlier. Clare Applegate was very concerned for me.”

“Yes, she was.” Nicholas took the seat across from Jeffries. “Did you find anything missing, disturbed inside or outside?”

“Not that I or my staff can tell.” Jeffries closed his book and laid it on the end table next to him.

“I understand you've had cameras installed outside since Michael's murder. Was anything suspicious on them?”

“Yes, the woman was caught on tape, but I couldn't see her face.”

“Like she knew the cameras were there?”

“Yes.”

“Who knew about them?”

“The security company who put them in and my staff. It wasn't a secret but not a well-known fact, either.”

Nicholas relaxed back in the overstuffed chair. “Are you aware that I talked with Vincent Geary yesterday in connection with the break-in of General Meyer's office?”

“Yes, and I already protested to the general. He would have no reason to do that. I understand his cufflink was found at the scene. Someone could have placed it there anytime or he lost it when he was in the office on business for me.”

“He was brought in today for questioning in another matter that occurred yesterday. Selena Barrow was assaulted in the underground parking garage at the White House when she was leaving work.”

The congressman frowned. “What time?”

“Seven last night. Geary's fingerprints were found on the weapon, as well as the motorcycle used during the attack.”

His frown evolved into a furious expression. “What's going on here? There's no way he could have been in two places at the same time. He was here at seven and didn't leave until nine. The culprit can't be him.”

“How do you explain the fingerprints?”

“Someone stole the weapon from his house.”

“On the motorcycle?”

The congressman waved his hand in the air. “I don't know. It's your job to figure it out. He's being framed. You need to be out there looking for the real assailant. If you don't want to take my word, check with Congressman White and Senator Langford about Geary's alibi. They'll tell you the same thing.”

“We are right now. Do you know anyone on your staff that might do this? You said yourself your staff knew about the additional cameras outside.”

“I can't imagine anyone on... Wait, Tabitha Miller has been calling in sick a lot lately. In fact, she left work yesterday afternoon and didn't attend the meeting last night at my house. She said she was getting sick.” Jeffries rubbed his nape. “I don't know. She probably was, but she's been acting strangely the past couple of months.”

Tabitha's name sure came up a lot in this investigation. Nicholas stood. “I appreciate you taking your time to discuss this.”

The congressman shoved to his feet and walked with Nicholas to the front door. “Of course. I don't want to see a good man's name damaged for something he didn't do. I understand you feel the same way. I heard you're looking into the Littleton case. I'm glad. My son was working on that and believed him innocent.”

“I only want the guilty to go to prison.”

As he strode to the Tahoe, he glanced back and saw Jeffries looking at him out the window. The congressman said the right words, but Nicholas couldn't bring himself to trust everything he said. Call it a gut feeling, but he couldn't shake it. He slipped into his SUV. Now to talk to Congressman White.

* * *

Her throbbing arm dragged Selena from her dream of lying on a beach reading a book as the sun blanketed her in warmth. When she opened her eyes to her bedroom, reality washed over her, especially when she touched the white bandage around her left forearm. She glanced at the bedside clock. She'd slept for three hours. Her stomach rumbled its hunger.

Slowly she rose and descended the stairs to the first floor, wondering if Nicholas was back from talking with Vincent Geary. She couldn't understand Geary being behind the attack unless he was somehow involved in the Littleton case. She'd only talked with him on a few occasions.

At the bottom of the steps, she peered into the living room and spied a strange dog—a beautiful golden retriever, lying on her floor. A petite woman with short dark hair and blue eyes, carrying a mug, came around the corner from the kitchen.

She smiled. “I'm Brooke Clark, babysitter extraordinaire.”

The laughter in her gaze enticed Selena to grin and reply, “I'm Selena Barrow, but then you already knew that. I could say I'm a victim extraordinaire, but I'm not owning up to that title.”

“Would you like coffee? I took the liberty of making some.”

“Sure, but even more, I want something to eat. How about you?”

“Starving. I was thinking of sending Mercy on a rescue trip to the nearest fast-food joint.”

As she followed Brooke into the kitchen, Selena peered back at Mercy, who had perked up at the mention of her name. “She's beautiful. What's her specialty?”

“Retrieving.”

“That makes sense given her breed.” Selena opened the refrigerator door. “I have the makings of a turkey-and-cheese sandwich.”

“Sounds great. Nicholas called not too long ago to say he's on his way back here.”

“I'll make him a sandwich, too, and if he doesn't eat it, we can split it. I'm hungry enough. I haven't eaten in almost twenty-four hours.”

Five minutes later, Selena gave Brooke a plate with her lunch then took a seat next to her at the kitchen table. “Did he say anything about the case?”

“It looks like Vincent Geary is innocent. He has an airtight alibi.”

“But the fingerprints?”

“Not his. They were planted in both places. Fingerprints can be transferred, and there's evidence of that occurring when they were closely analyzed.”

“Why would someone frame him?”

Brooke shrugged. “If we knew, we'd probably know who was behind the attack.”

“Do you think the assailant is also Michael's killer?” Selena picked up a potato chip and popped it into her mouth.

“It would be great to solve both cases.”

“And Erin could come home.”
If she's alive
. She wished she knew for sure her cousin was alive even if she only saw her from afar.

“Nicholas said you believe Erin is innocent.”

“She's family and I know her. She wouldn't kill Michael. Like Vincent being framed for my assault, things might not appear as they really are.”

“True. I've seen that in other cases.”

“What's Nicholas like at work?” The grin on Brooke's face made Selena want to take back the question. “Forget I asked that. I've seen him on the job at the White House. He's thorough and intuitive.”

“He doesn't take anything at face value. That's why when Vincent Geary insisted he was innocent, he had the lab go back and analyze the fingerprints under a microscope, a more thorough analysis.”

So Nicholas was the right law-enforcement officer to help her prove her cousin wasn't guilty. At least it sounded as if he had an open mind. He did with Littleton. That gave her hope. “I'm grateful he's been around lately.”

“He's a good guy to have on your side.”

She was beginning to see that, even though years ago she'd promised herself she would stand on her own two feet—be totally independent. She saw what happened to her mother, and she didn't want to go down that road. Ever. Her drinking and constant need for love from the wrong men had driven her to an early death. It saddened her because her mom had had such potential at one time.

Chimes echoed through the house. Selena started to rise to answer the front door, when Brooke hopped to her feet and said, “Stay here. You shouldn't go.”

Selena stood, her body taut. When Brooke let Nicholas into the house, Selena leaned against the edge of the table, releasing the tension. Brooke and Nicholas talked in low voices.

“Okay, you two. If it's about my case, I'd like to know what's happening. I was the one attacked. Remember?”

Nicholas lifted his head and snagged her with an intense gaze, his expression grim. “I was telling Brooke that we're back to square one since I've ruled out Vincent Geary.”

Brooke turned toward Selena. “I insisted on coming back tonight since Nicholas hasn't gotten any sleep. I'm reminding him that he can't stand guard twenty-four hours without consequences.”

Selena straightened and folded her arms over her chest. “I agree. In fact, I insist. I can always complain to General Meyer.”

Nicholas scowled. “Going over my head won't win points with me.”

Selena laughed, the action shedding what stress she had left. “Brooke, I like your suggestion. One person can't do it all.” She zeroed in on Nicholas. “You need to sleep without worrying about protecting me.”

“Good. I'm glad we got that settled.” Brooke called Mercy. “We're leaving, but I'll be back at nine. I have a dinner date with my guy.” Her face lit with a huge grin.

“If you need to, come a bit later.” Nicholas opened the door for his team member. “I don't want to interrupt your plans.”

“Jonas will understand. And tomorrow morning, I'd better not see you until nine. The captain said we're to work together.”

Selena sat as Nicholas locked the door after Brooke and Mercy left. “I'm going to church tomorrow at ten. This is my Sunday to help with coffee hour after the service.” She gestured toward a plate. “I made you a sandwich.”

He joined her at the table with Max lying on the floor between their chairs. “Tell me what happened this morning.”

As he ate, Nicholas recalled the interview with Vincent then told her about checking the aide's alibi. “I'm not convinced Vincent isn't messed up in the Jeffries case somehow.”

“What do you think of Harland Jeffries? I know my uncle isn't a fan of his. They've been political rivals through the years.”

“I'm not a big fan of Jeffries, either.”

Reaching for her coffee mug, Selena stopped in midmotion. “Why aren't you? He has a long list of public service. He's actively involved in All Our Kids foster home.”

“Speaking of the home, Max and I usually volunteer on Sunday afternoons. Would you mind going with us tomorrow? If not, I can cancel this week.”

“No, don't. I love kids. I'm involved through my church with various activities when my schedule allows.”

“Max enjoys the children, too. That's when he gets to play. All service dogs need playtime. So much is asked of them when they're on duty.”

She sipped her coffee, watching Nicholas finishing his sandwich. “You look tired.”

“Going a night without sleep is no big deal. When I was a Navy SEAL and on assignment, sometimes I had to catch sleep whenever and wherever I could. Once I slept on a rocky ledge halfway up a mountain. One wrong move and I'd have been dead in the ravine.”

“You can take a nap. Max will protect me. That and my gun.”

“No. If I sleep now, it will throw me off for tonight. Brooke is right about taking shifts, and then on Monday I can work the case while you're at the White House, if you promise not to leave the West Wing without me.”

“I promise, after what happened in the parking garage.” She covered his hand on the table between them. “Thank you for being there so quickly. I think if I hadn't turned and stepped back, the motorcycle would have run me down. Several of the staff members have bikes, and I didn't think anything of it when I heard it coming.”

“Then why did you turn?” He clasped her hand between both of his.

“I don't know. A gut feeling. I just did.” Either way, she thanked God she had. “Let's not discuss the case tomorrow. Give ourselves a day of relaxation with the children.”

“That sounds like a good game plan. I sometimes do my best detecting when I'm not focused on it.”

He pushed to his feet and drew her up against him with his arms entwined around her. Her pulse rate accelerated. Every time she got close to Nicholas her feelings shifted inside her. After seeing her mother go through man after man, she'd vowed to remain single. She didn't want to repeat any of her mom's mistakes. So much heartache. She'd had enough in her childhood to last her a lifetime.

And yet, when Nicholas framed her face between his large hands, she melted into him, her legs quivering. She tightened her uninjured arm about him and peered up at him. A golden light twinkled in his brown eyes, pulling her to him as though they were tethered with invisible ropes.

He cocked his head and slowly inched his mouth closer to hers. The rapid beating of her heart filled her chest, making breathing difficult. She wanted him to kiss her.

EIGHT

N
icholas claimed her lips in a deep kiss. She fit perfectly in his arms. He didn't want to let her go. And yet he had to. He was protecting her. He needed to keep his emotions contained for both their own good.

Ending the kiss, he backed away. “Sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I have a job to do and that isn't part of it.” If he said it enough, he might believe it.

She turned away, gathering up the dishes from the table. “I understand completely. Frankly, I don't have time. That's one of the reasons I keep things casual between me and anyone I've dated.”

“So you're career focused?”

“Yes, aren't you?”

He nodded, but he didn't like her response. She loved children. She should be a mother. And that was another reason to keep his distance. He would never have children even if one day he married. His role model left a lot to be desired. All he knew was a cold, callous father who only warmed up around his wife, and a mother who only cared for her husband.

Selena brought the dishes to the sink, when chimes, like bells ringing, resonated in the silence between them. She washed off the plates while he strolled to the door, checked the peephole and then let in Senator Eagleton.

“Selena, you have a visitor.”

“I'm not expecting...” Her voice faded as her gaze connected with her uncle's. “Have a seat, Uncle Preston,” she said, gesturing toward the living room “I wasn't sure you knew where I lived. I haven't been here long.”

The senator didn't move. “I can't stay long, but I wanted to make sure you were all right after what happened last night. I was assured you would get protection.” The tall man glanced at Nicholas. “Are you it?”

“Part of it. Brooke Clark will be here at nights.”

“Good. Someone isn't happy with you, Selena. Two attacks in less than one week.” He looked right at Nicholas, saying, “I expect the best from you,” then rotated toward the door.

“Wait. Why did you come all this way and only stay a minute?”

“I told you—to make sure you were all right.”

“You could have called.” Wonder sounded in her voice.

“I needed to see you with my own eyes. I know how tough you can be, and I wanted to make sure.”

Selena swallowed hard. “Are you certain you can't stay for some coffee?”

Her uncle's expression softened. “No. I have a meeting in an hour, and I can't keep the vice president waiting.”

She crossed the room. “Thanks for coming.”

“I'll call you about having dinner or lunch away from the Washington scene.”

“That'll be nice.” Selena waited in the entrance until her uncle climbed into his town car.

Nicholas came up behind her and clasped her shoulders, feeling the tension beneath his fingers. He kneaded her muscles. “It looks like he's trying.”

“I hope so. I don't want to close that door because when Erin returns, I want to have a family relationship with her, which also includes her father. She loves him.”

“But you don't care about him?”

“I don't know. When I was young, I used to think of him as a father figure since I never knew my own. After a while, I realized what was really going on between him and my mother. I couldn't forgive him for disowning my mother, therefore me.” She released a long breath. “I'm trying to do what the Lord wants us to do. Forgive and move on. I'm closer but not there completely. We don't have a big family. How could he turn his own sister away? His only niece?”

“Did your mom tell you why?”

“No.”

“Why don't you ask him, then?”

Selena shut the door, threw the lock in place and then leaned back against it. “I just might do that, but I'm almost afraid to know.”

“You? I thought you weren't afraid of anything.”

“Everyone has fears. If they say otherwise, they're lying.”

“What else are you afraid of?”

“The usual.” She shoved off the door and headed toward the kitchen. “How about you?”

“Same answer—an evasive one.”

“Okay, rats.” She shuddered. “When I was a kid, I woke up with one on my chest staring at me. I haven't been able to shake that fear.”

“Turning out like my father. My mother and making money were all he cared about.”

“With the job you have, helping others is one of your priorities.”

He chuckled. “True, but then I have my inheritance stashed away.”

“I keep forgetting you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth.”

“Good. It's not something I tell a lot of people.”

“Then why me?”

“You're easy to talk to.”

She tapped her chest. “Me?”

“It has to help you in your job. You work with a lot of people when you set up events.”

“I didn't start out wanting to do that kind of work. I sort of fell into the job when I was an assistant for the president's chief of staff. When he went to the White House, he asked me to come along and work for him. When the job of White House tour director came up, the president asked me to take the job. He'd liked what he'd seen me do.”

“My commanding officer knew General Meyer, and when I left the service, he recommended me for a position with the Capitol K-9 Unit. He knew how I felt about animals.”

Selena began loading the dishwasher. “Would you change anything about what you did?”

“Not one minute. How about you?”

“No. I love a challenging job and mine is definitely that.”

As they exchanged stories of their work, Nicholas realized just how easy Selena was to talk to. He'd shared more with her than most, especially in such a short time. It must be the close quarters while he guarded her.

* * *

On Sunday afternoon, Cassie Danvers greeted Selena and Nicholas in the foyer of the foster home, protected by a high fence, a security system and a guard with a dog. Selena thought of her own house and realized she had the same things except the high fence. All Our Kids foster home, which Harland Jeffries had founded on his property, was temporarily located in a safe house. On the night of the murder at the congressman's house, a child's mitten had been found near the crime scene and determined to belong to one of the foster children. None of the kids would admit to being out that night, though. The home, housemother Cassie Danvers and the children had all been targeted by the killer or accomplices, so All Our Kids had been relocated to this secret residence out in the country. Nicholas had received special permission from his captain to bring Selena along, but she'd had to wear a blindfold during the drive.

Cassie outstretched her arm toward Selena. “I'm glad you could come. Gavin told me you're the White House tour director and planned that fabulous Easter Egg Roll for the children.”

Selena shook the hand of the petite woman who ran All Our Kids Foster Home. “Gavin?”

“He's our captain,” Nicholas answered.

“And my fiancé.” Cassie pointed into a great room. “They're waiting for Max. Oh, and you, too, Nicholas.”

“Thanks, Cassie. I know who the real star is in this team.” Nicholas took Selena's hand, and they entered an area filled with all kinds of toys and children.

“The kids don't want for a thing. I think Gavin is spoiling them—and I know Harland Jeffries also often orders toys for Gavin to bring over—but who am I but the manager,” Cassie said with a laugh.

First Brooke and now Cassie, happy and making plans to marry. Love was all around Selena. A secretary in the West Wing announced a few weeks ago she was getting married, too. That was good for some people—just not her.

A boy about six or seven jumped up and rushed toward them. “Max, you're finally here.” He threw his arms around the rottweiler. “I've missed you.”

More kids started crowding around.

“Tommy, let others greet Max, too,” Cassie said to the child with sandy-brown hair and blue eyes.

The slightly built boy backed away, mumbling, “Sorry.”

As the other children petted Max, Selena moved to Tommy, who stared at the floor. “Max is special, isn't he?”

The boy lifted his head and nodded. “I wish I could have a dog like him.”

“I'm Selena, Tommy.” She knelt down and whispered, “I'll tell you a secret. So do I. Max is wonderful.”

Tommy grinned, showing one of his missing teeth. “I just lost this.” He pointed at his mouth. “I got a whole dollar for it. Cassie gave it to me.” He dug into his jeans pocket and pulled it out. “All mine.”

Selena's heart cracked, and all she wanted to do was hug the boy. She could remember, when she was growing up and got anything, how special it was, especially one Christmas when a charity gave out presents. She got a doll. She still had it.

“What are you going to do with the dollar?”

“Save it. I want my own bike, not one I have to share with the others.”

After the children lavished attention on Max, Nicholas motioned them to the far side of the large room. “Are you all ready for a story?”

Several said yes, while others cheered.

Tommy hurried toward the group.

Cassie came up beside her. “I would never have pegged Nicholas as a storyteller, but he is. I think it surprised him when they all asked him to tell them a story after he'd read a book to them.” She slanted a look at Selena. “I admit I'm surprised you received clearance to come here to the safe house.”

There was a wealth of questions in Cassie's voice, and her gaze assessed Selena. “He's been ordered to guard me.”

The manager's eyes widened. “Why?”

“I've been attacked twice, and my home and office have been burglarized”

“I assume it involves the Jeffries case if the Capitol K-9 Unit is involved.”

Selena nodded. “I'm Erin Eagleton's cousin. Like the Capitol K-9 Unit, maybe the attacker thinks I know where she is.” Now that she'd said it aloud, she realized it was a real possibility.
Or the attacks were tied to the Littleton case or both
.

“Do you?” Cassie asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

Selena chuckled. “No, but if I did, I wouldn't be telling the captain's fiancée I did.” She panned the group of children—their expressions were intense while listening to a story about the White House. “Have they ever been to the White House?”

“No.”

“I'd love to give them a tour. I can make the arrangements.”

“I'll take you up on that when the Jeffries case is settled and the murderer is in jail.”

“Perfect.” The loud clapping drew Selena's attention back to the children and Nicholas.

A few kids threw their arms around a grinning Nicholas. He would make a great father. Not one of the children hadn't responded to him.

* * *

“I'm glad we got away from the White House for lunch,” Selena said a few days later as Nicholas pushed her chair into a white-clothed table at a popular restaurant nearby. “The West Wing has been busy this morning with meetings”

“I saw your uncle.” Nicholas picked up the menu.

“I did, too. He even stopped and talked to me before he met with the president. Congressman Jeffries was there, too. Did you find out anything about who was peeking into his house?”

“Dead end. The shoe print was a woman's size, but only one camera caught her back. She was wearing a silk scarf, and besides, we know from the elderly couple who took her in before she disappeared again that Erin changed her hair color and style. Whoever it was made a point to disguise herself.”

“But from the tone of your voice, you don't think the woman is Erin,” she said as the waiter appeared at the table.

Nicholas waited until after they had ordered before replying, “No. I can't see why she would be at the congressman's house. I would think that would be one of the last places she would go.”

“You've got a point.”

“If I spot Erin, I'll let you know.”

“And then you'd watch me like a hawk to see if she contacts me.”

He pointed at himself, grinning. “Who, me?”

Out of the corner of her eye, Selena spied Carly Jones, Tabitha Miller and a couple of other aides to the senators and representatives at the White House. “It looks like we aren't the only ones escaping for lunch. Did you ever find out who was at Tabitha's that day Greg Littleton had an argument with Saul Rather?”

“Tabitha could only give me three names of who attended her get-togethers, Sally Young, Janice Neill and Becky Wright. Sally couldn't remember if she was there that day. But Becky Wright confirmed that Tabitha had shown some interest in Rather. That was why they were out on the balcony, since he was swimming. I think she was the one on the balcony with Tabitha.”

“What about Janice Neill?”

“I haven't been able to track down Janice, who no longer lives in the area. It seemed those three were the regular attendees. I'm looking into how far Tabitha's interest in Saul Rather went. The problem is, the incident was almost two years ago.”

The waiter delivered their iced tea, and Selena took a long drink. “I hope we can prove Greg didn't kill Saul. From my research into the case, I believe he's innocent.”

“Perhaps Janice will have a better memory of what happened that day at the pool.”

“So three regulars at these weekly get-togethers at Tabitha's with others occasionally dropping in.”

Nicholas touched her hand, compelling her to look at him. “Don't sound so defeated. I know this is a long shot, but if Littleton didn't kill Rather, then we need to see who used the man as a scapegoat. I'm looking at the court records and police evidence with the mind-set Littleton is innocent.”

As their lunch arrived, Selena watched Tabitha and Carly leave together after the other two aides. Outside in front of the large plate-glass window, the two women faced each other and, guessing from their expressions, the exchange wasn't a pleasant one. Did the animosity between Eagleton and Jeffries carry over to their staff?