Ethan studied Sophie with a critical eye, wondering if she could be behind the attacks. She’d seemed surprised to find the hidden room in her closet, but maybe she was a good actress. He didn’t know her well enough to gauge her reactions, but her response to the news of someone planting messages in Esme’s head didn’t seem to faze her. He’d have thought she would’ve been outraged on her friend’s behalf. Was that because she was behind it? Plus, she was a nurse, so she’d have access to the drugs that killed Femi and Merle.
“Ethan, I smell smoke.”
Ethan detected the acrid scent the same time Esme spoke the words. Smoke usually meant fire, and it was getting stronger.
“Get out, now.” He herded the women outside. By the time they raced through the front door, flames climbed up the back of the house. Judging by the way it’d flared so quickly, Ethan would bet gasoline had been used as an accelerant.
After making sure the women were safely away from the danger, he notified the fire department and then Hurley again. The detective let out a string of harsh curses, echoing Ethan’s feelings exactly. Any potential DNA inside the hidden room would be destroyed by the blaze. He’d managed a couple of quick photos, but he was hoping for a clue to lead them to a suspect.
Ethan felt helpless. He wanted to grab a water hose or something, anything to wipe the look of utter desolation from Esme’s face as she witnessed all her possessions engulfed by orange flames. Sophie sat beside her on the ground, weeping silently.
He couldn’t take it any longer. Needing to comfort her, he walked over and wrapped Esme in his arms. She burrowed against him with a soft cry, clutching tightly. He wanted to take away her pain. He had to settle for soothing and protecting her.
“Ethan?”
“Hum?”
She eased back to look into his eyes. “Do you think Lyra is in danger? Do you think the person will try to kill her?”
“I think it’d be a mistake for him to try now. He knows we heard the message. I’ll let Tyler know so he can be on guard, just in case.”
The first fire truck arrived, red lights swirling, followed closely by two others. Soon the area was inundated with crews rushing about, dragging out thick hoses to douse the inferno. Ethan reluctantly released Esme to check the feeds from the outdoor cameras before the cops arrived. He might be able to provide an image of a suspect. He accessed the app on his phone and rewound the footage. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered. All four cameras had been tampered with, rendering them useless. The perp knew exactly where they were located and approached each one from the optimum angle so as not to be caught on film. Some type of long device, possibly a stick was used to tilt the devices skyward. They were able to break in and out and pour the gasoline without being detected. He’d have been notified if the cameras had been tampered with, but not if the angle had been changed. An oversight he intended to have Tyler address.
Ethan checked on Esme again, worry eating a hole in his gut. She no longer looked grim. She looked numb as she watched the firemen do their jobs. He wasn’t sure she was even blinking. After everything that’d happened, he wanted to take her back to his apartment, but he didn’t know what to do about Sophie. She might be one of Esme’s best friends but after the compound had been compromised a few weeks ago, no one was taking unnecessary chances. He wouldn’t bring anyone inside who hadn’t been thoroughly vetted. Even if Dr. Amelia Howell, his sister’s best friend and soon to be the official medical doctor for COBRA Securities, vouched for her, Sophie was an unknown. Plus, he couldn’t ignore the warning signs that flashed in his head saying she might be the culprit. Surely there was someone else she could bunk with until she found a new apartment.
“Sophie, do you have a place to stay?”
The nurse shook her head and covered a sob. “I don’t know many people in town besides Esme and my coworkers.”
“She can stay with me at my aunt’s house,” Esme offered, her voice showing no inflection whatsoever. Damn, he hated seeing her like this. It gutted him.
“Are you sure?” Sophie sniffed.
Esme nodded without removing her focus from the dwindling structure in front of her. “Of course. She has plenty of room.”
There went his plan of having her stay with him. He wasn’t sure of the security setup at Lumi’s house. No matter what, he’d need to upgrade it—and make sure everyone knew to use it religiously. An alarm didn’t do much good if it wasn’t activated. He flicked a frustrated glance at Sophie. All of this might’ve been prevented if she’d spared a few seconds to activate the system.
Esme staying with her aunt meant he’d be crashing there, too. On top of the beefed-up security, he wanted to pull in another agent to watch over Lumi. He had Esme covered. With that in mind, he dialed Kayla Hepburn and woke her up. He knew she wasn’t currently on assignment. Despite the hour, she accepted immediately and disconnected to pack a bag and gather supplies. He instructed her to meet them at Lumi’s house.
Several police cars had arrived, but no sign of Hurley yet. An SUV parked behind the emergency vehicles. Ethan was relieved when Noah got out and strode over. Instead of heading straight towards Ethan, he veered to check on Esme.
“Are you okay, Esme?”
Her nod turned into a shake of her head and Noah gathered her for a hug. Ethan’s vision blurred. Oh, hell no, he couldn’t be crying, could he? Seeing his brother comfort his woman did something to his insides. He didn’t even question the “his woman” thought this time.
“Hey, bro, you okay?”
“Yeah.” Blinking the moisture away, he averted his eyes and focused on his phone. His brother didn’t need to see him cry. “Check this out.” He showed Noah the feed from the cameras.
“The perp knew what he was doing,” Noah said, confirming his thoughts. “That’s an oversight in the security system.”
“Yeah, I plan on letting Tyler know. Maybe he can include a sensor or something to notify us if the angle is manipulated.”
“Are you moving Esme to the compound? It’s the safest place for her.”
“I wanted to, but she invited Sophie to stay with her at her aunt’s house. I’m not bringing that many people inside. Kayla agreed to help watch over Lumi. She needs full-time protection.”
“Good idea.”
Ethan groaned when a black sedan parked next to the fire chief’s truck and Gavin Brinks rolled out. He did not feel like dealing with the surly detective. Before Brinks reached them, a silver Porsche screeched to a stop, blocking his path. Ethan had called Tyler and asked him to come to the scene so he could warn him about the eerie message. He didn’t want to deliver the news over the phone. If Lyra was in danger, Tyler needed to take precautions.
While Lyra hurried to Esme, Tyler walked over, his eyes on the fire. “Damn.”
“Yeah. I’m sorry to drag you out of bed at this hour, but there’s something you need to know.” He filled him in on the recording he overheard about Lyra going missing.
“Not on my watch,” Tyler insisted. “I’ll stay with her.”
Brinks had rounded Tyler’s Porsche and was almost to them when another vehicle turned into the driveway. Hurley. Good. Brinks glanced over at the new arrival and his lips pinched. Ethan had a feeling he didn’t like being ordered around by the senior detective.
“Can’t say I’m surprised to see you at another crime scene, Addison.” Brinks glanced over his shoulder at the smoldering remains of Esme’s house before facing him again. “Two fires. Mighty suspicious.”
Noah physically refrained Ethan when his arm shot back to deck the arrogant cop. He did not feel like putting up with his condescending accusations.
“I’m sorry about your home, Ms. Jovanovich,” Hurley said when he approached. She murmured her thanks. Hurley nodded at Ethan and Noah but ignored his colleague. “I wish we could’ve processed the hidden room.”
“You and me both,” Ethan groused. He repeated the story about the recordings to Noah and Hurley. It was new information to Brinks, w
ho took notes on his phone. Then Ethan briefed them on Esme’s prophetic dreams. “She dreamed about Merle McDougal dying, most likely because someone planted the idea in her head.”
Realization dawned in Hurley’s eyes. “That’s why she called to warn him, even though they didn’t get along. She thought she foresaw his death.”
“Exactly.”
#
Esme watched the aggressive flames consume her duplex, sadness washing over her in waves. It’d been her first house. She recalled the excitement she felt signing the mortgage papers, knowing the home would be all hers. She’d used money from the trust fund Lumi created after her parents died. Instead of using Esme’s inheritance, including money from both sets of grandparents, to raise her, Lumi established a trust that drew a hefty interest each year. The sum was substantial.
Sophie sat on the ground with her face buried in her hands, sobbing quietly. She’d lost everything, too. Esme dropped down beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”
Sophie lifted her tear-streaked face. “Me, too. It’s all my fault, Esme. I didn’t set the alarm and now look.” She waved a hand at the blackened remains. “I’ve burned our house down.”
It killed her to think Sophie blamed herself. “You didn’t do this. I feel guilty, too, since I’m the target. But whoever broke in is to blame, not us. We got out safely, that’s all that matters.”
Esme was thankful that she’d made copies of the few photos she possessed of her parents and stored them in a safe deposit box, along with all her important papers. There were things inside that would be hard to replace, but her most prized items were safe.
After inviting Sophie to stay with her, she used Ethan’s phone to call her aunt. Lumi had texted earlier in the evening saying she and Ethel had returned home, despite Esme’s attempts to coax her to stay longer. She didn’t want her aunt anywhere near the danger, but an entire army wouldn’t be able to keep her away if Esme was threatened.
She hated waking Lumi, but she didn’t want to show up on her doorstep and frighten her, either. She knew her aunt would welcome Sophie with open arms, so that wouldn’t be a problem. She also needed to let her know about the fire before someone else did. Her aunt had been frantic, wanting to drive over and pick her up. Esme convinced her to stay put and that they would be there as soon as possible.
She hadn’t asked, but she assumed Ethan would be staying, too and even informed Lumi that he’d need a room, though she’d prefer he stayed in her bedroom, in her bed.
As the firemen doused the flames, Esme’s gaze caught on a man striding forward. Detective Brinks. Dread filled her and she closed her eyes. The last person she wanted to see right now was the surly detective with his ridiculous insinuations. Before he approached, another car zipped to a stop, this one a silver Porsche. Tyler and Lyra jumped out. Esme stood and hugged Lyra.
“I’m so sorry, Esme.”
Emotion clogged her throat, so she just nodded.
Lyra hugged Sophie next. “How did you know about the fire?” Sophie asked.
“Tyler.”
Esme’s eyes widened. “You two were together this late? Or I should say this early.”
Though it was dark outside, Esme could tell Lyra was blushing. “He spent the night.”
Despite all that happened, Esme felt genuine happiness for her friend. It was obvious Lyra had fallen in love with Tyler. She’d confessed her insecurities about sleeping with him, so Esme prayed all went well.
Ethan handled speaking with the detectives, for which she was eternally grateful. She didn’t feel like dealing with the cops tonight, not even Detective Hurley, who’d been nothing but nice to her. Sophie wandered off to talk to one of the firemen. Esme used the opportunity to speak with Lyra in private.
“You know my dreams that came true?” When Lyra nodded, Esme filled her in on Ethan hearing the recorded message and then finding the hidden room.
“You’re telling me someone planted the thoughts in your head?”
“Scary, right?”
“Creepy is more like it.”
“There’s more.” Esme hated to break the news to Lyra after what was probably the most wonderful night of her life, but she needed for her friend to be careful. “The recording that Ethan discovered was about you.”
Lyra blinked wide eyes. “Me? What did it say?”
“That you would go missing.” She couldn’t say the rest. No way could she tell Lyra that the recording said she would die. Ethan would warn Tyler and he would watch out for her. Esme believed that wholeheartedly.
“Well, he’d be a fool to try now that we know about him. Besides, I’ve got Tyler. He’d kick the guy’s ass.”
They shared a smile. “He so would,” she agreed. Hearing Lyra repeat Ethan’s words, and knowing she wasn’t cowering in fear calmed Esme’s nerves.
Once the flames were extinguished, people started to leave. Tyler and Lyra departed first, followed by Noah. Ethan bundled Esme in her Rav 4 and drove to Lumi’s house, with Sophie trailing in her car.
Exhaustion pressed down on her, but she wouldn’t be able to sleep. “I’m relieved I don’t have any magical powers, but it’s scary to know someone planted those ideas in my head. As I watched the house burn, I thought back to each one and realized they only happened when I was alone in my own bed. I didn’t have them when I stayed with Aunt Lumi or when you were with me. Now I know why.”
“I was thinking about that,” Ethan said as they waited for a red light. “My SUV wasn’t parked at your house tonight. I bet the perp thought you were alone. We confiscated the bugs, so he couldn’t check to make sure. He got sloppy playing the recording without knowing for sure.”
“I’m not sure I’ll get over the complete invasion of privacy, both watching me in my home and planting subliminal messages in my head.”
Ethan reached over and linked their hands together. The light switched to green and he motored through the intersection. “I do have some good news.”
“Please give it to me. I need to hear something positive.”
“I explained to Hurley about the recording I overheard, and how you’d been having dreams about things that came true. He was the one who put it together about Merle McDougal and how you tried to warn him after your dream. You’re officially off the suspect list.”
She expelled a relieved breath. It was good news. “I bet Brinks doesn’t feel the same way,” she muttered. The detective seemed to have it out for her. “But thank you for explaining it to Hurley. It’s one less worry. Besides, I don’t look good in orange jumpsuits.”
Chapter Nineteen
Esme’s assumption had been correct. Ethan had indeed moved into Lumi’s house, along with another COBRA Securities agent, Kayla Hepburn. Esme had been astonished to discover Kayla was a security specialist and not a model or actress.
She’d been moved to tears when Ethan informed her that Kayla would be protecting Lumi. That he’d considered her aunt’s well-being despite being unsettled around her was proof he was an amazing man. She showered him with gratitude each night when he snuck into her bed. She tried to convince him to stay, but he left before dawn to return to the room Lumi prepared for him down the hall. Esme wasn’t sure if he was doing it for Lumi’s benefit or for Kayla’s since he’d mentioned not wanting to look unprofessional.
She and Lumi decided to reopen since they’d lost so much business recently. Lumi’s calendar was far from booked, and traffic was slow in Esme’s store. They hoped it would pick up soon. She didn’t want to consider the alternative.
Three days later, Ethan drove her to visit her insurance agent to process a claim for the fire. He parked in the visitor lot when they returned home. She started to open the door, but he put a restraining hand on her arm. “You know the rules. Wait right there. I’ll come around and get you.”
She rolled her eyes but obeyed. She did know his rules, especially since he drilled them into her at every opportunity. She’d agreed to wear the bu
llet proof vest and it wasn’t as bulky as she thought it would be. She watched as he rounded the hood, his eyes scanning for any threats. He looked so damn sexy in work mode. He was so strong and sure, his shoulders straight and a mile wide. She sighed. She’d hit the soul mate jackpot. She figured Peyton Durant probably felt the same way since Ethan’s older brother looked just like him. Or, she supposed, Ethan resembled Noah.
He opened her door and helped her out, keeping an arm around her. “Watch out for the—”
A noise like a car backfiring sounded and the next thing she knew, she was kissing grass and struggling to breathe when Ethan’s solid mass crushed her to the ground. She couldn’t hear anything over the beat of her heart crashing in her ears.
“Come-on.” Ethan urged her to her feet and then carried her the rest of the way to her aunt’s house, his body wrapped around hers like a blanket. He plastered her against the side of the building while talking on his phone. What she thought was a car backfiring was someone shooting at them!
“Esme, Ethan?”
Esme peeked around the corner to see her aunt standing on the stoop.
“Go back inside and close the door,” Ethan barked. Lumi’s eyes widened but she did as instructed, slamming the door in her wake.
Moments later, a car screeched to a stop and Esme slumped against the building. “Do they always have to use their sirens?” Their neighbors were going to run them out of the neighborhood.
In lieu of answering, he ushered her up the steps and inside the house. Lumi threw her arms around her as soon as she crossed the threshold.
Kayla skidded to a stop. “What the hell happened? I was in the bathroom for like two seconds.”
“Someone shot at us.”
“Are you kidding me?” Kayla withdrew her gun and dashed outside to assist Ethan.
Lumi held her at arm’s length and ran her eyes over her. “Are you hurt?”
She glanced down at her light blue top. “Grass stained, but that’s all.”
“How did you end up on the grass and not the pavement?”
Fatal Dreams (COBRA Securities Book 17) Page 18