To the artists credit, he also managed to accurately capture his vain niece, Chelsea. She was picture perfect on the outside, but anyone would be hard-pressed to miss the devious soul shining from behind her eyes. Dangerously Stunning would be the title Melanie would give the portrait.
And then, there was Chrissy, represented exactly the opposite of her sister, making Melanie wonder how they were actually related. Soft and Approachable was the description of her friend and roommate. Her sea-blue eyes welcomed you inside, inviting you to join her on a relaxing sailboat ride while drawing you deeper and deeper into her being. Trusting – the word caught in Melanie’s throat. She turned her head as tears threatened to spill.
Three present-day portraits of three totally different people. No wonder they were estranged. In her wildest stretch of imagination, Melanie could not picture a backyard family barbecue. No wonder Chrissy had chosen to run as far as she could.
After her wakeup coffee and bagel, Melanie strolled through the garden, sniffing and touching the grand display of fragrant magnificence. It provided the inspiration to get the day rolling.
Melanie found herself missing Trevor who’d slipped into the city for an early court appearance. The fact that he was gone from the house left her on edge. What if Chelsea chose to arrive early and play a new version of, Destroy Melanie’s Character, again? Worse still, what if the arrogant Stephen Alexander the third arrived and played his Stalking Game?
Stop it, she chided herself. You are a big girl - a police officer to boot – who has survived intimidation by fiercer foes than the likes of them.
She would meet Doug at the precinct at two o’clock and proceed to enlighten him about the case and ask for his help. This afternoon seemed an eternity away. Thoughts of her betraying Drew to his homeland police force still nagged at her, but he’d have to dig his own way out of this one. Melanie couldn’t stay dead forever. Most likely, Chelsea and Stephen had already spread word of her resurrection from the watery depths. She’d need to tread carefully.
Trevor seemed to be caught in the middle with nothing to hide. She’d exposed her heart, which now stood on the edge of surrender, and Melanie felt grateful for that one twist of fate, praying it would stay true to the end. She would never again take trust for granted; a characteristic valued by too few people.
Upstairs, Melanie grabbed her purse and ordered the car brought to the front entrance. She skipped down the stairs, eager to be gone from the manor. Melanie paused on the bottom step to listen to scuffles coming from Trevor’s office. Did the maid clean there? Or perhaps he was home earlier than expected. Her heart brightened. Maybe she’d take a quick peek.
The door was slightly ajar. Melanie heard, rather than saw, the opening and closing of filing cabinet doors. A grunt of frustration caught her attention at the same time as Chelsea’s telltale perfume reached her nostrils. What was she doing in there? Melanie’s mind buzzed with possibilities.
“Ah ha,” the woman inside gasped, as she continued to shuffle the papers. Her voice mocked and the words spit venom clear into the hallway. “Thought you could hide this folder from me, did you, Mr. Knight? Well, I’ll show you who is in control.”
When Melanie heard footsteps approaching, she quietly slipped into an adjoining room to continue her surveillance from there. She peered out to see Chelsea leave the office, turn, close the door, and lock it with a key. She glanced around, let a deep breath escape, while hugging a folder to her chest. Chelsea smiled and licked her lips as a cat would, having just trapped and swallowed a mouse.
Melanie’s heart thundered in her chest. She was up to no good and somehow, Trevor was the target of her treachery that day. On her way out, she held her head high with the air of mistress of the manor, and barked obscenities at the surprised maid when she encountered her.
“This is my family’s house, Tilly,” she said, “and I will come and go as I please. I suggest you remember that. You can be unemployed faster than you ever imagined possible.” The words echoed in the great hall, as she departed the house.
Chelsea left the front door open and Melanie watched as she slipped into the back seat of the waiting car. This addition to the scheme playing out now included Trevor. The three of them were under attack by unseen forces. Surely, superficial Chelsea was not the collaborator of the grand scheme unfolding. It seemed beyond her puny brain.
Melanie forced herself to remain calm and not race headlong to the police station to unload this latest encounter the second she arrived. She took a deep breath and swallowed some courage. These would be friendly faces she’d encounter today, for she’d spent her rookie year in that place, and they had advised her to work her way into the detective department. Melanie could now see herself in that role. Excitement to see justice served replaced the original panic, and she believed she would be better at her job in the future.
An unexpected wave of homesickness enveloped her as she stepped through the main doors of the local station. It felt like coming home when she entered the hustle and bustle of a dedicated force of people defending and protecting the rights of Georgian citizens. It had been a good place to work and had nothing to do with her eagerness to leave the state. The need to get away from Drew’s dependence and her father’s obstinate behavior after his wife’s death, had sent her packing to South Carolina. The one great thing about the move was meeting Chrissy, and for that reason alone, she was grateful.
Crowds of uniformed officers intercepted her along the way to Doug’s cubicle. Countless reunions filled her with emotions too deep to cast off. She was home, and when this case was closed, she’d need to reconsider her work location. She’d been a fool to think a different state could ever replace Georgia.
Doug was bent over a computer screen while talking to an officer when he spotted her and waved her over.
“I couldn’t sleep another minute with your future hanging in the balance. Seems we both still have the untiring itch to work the case till done.” He glanced at the people still milling about. “You people have nothing to do? Get back to work.” He led her into an office at the far end of the room and closed the door.
Melanie smiled. “Your own office?”
“Sure – I did such a good job with you, it put me in a positive light for promotion. Thanks for being such a good recruit.”
“My pleasure. I learned a lot from you.”
“Truth is, I’m just a puppy nipping at the bottom of the upper management ladder. Far from top dog around here, so, don’t go ruining my reputation.” Doug chuckled while he spoke.
“I’m happy for you. What would you think if I told you I was considering coming back?” She shrugged her shoulders when he cast a questioning glance. “South Carolina is nice, but it’s not home.”
“I’d welcome you back with open arms,” Doug said. “Got some unruly rookies I can saddle you with. Payback’s a corker.”
She laughed. “I always felt like part of a huge family in this precinct, and today, well…today everyone has opened the wounds. I miss you guys.”
“Well, let’s get down to clearing up this mess you’ve dragged onto my desk,” he said. “By the way, your prints are not on the bag of drugs. That puts you in the clear. And the fact that you handed in a similar bag to the Carolina force only validates your innocence. I requested an update, and they just sent some results from their investigation. Appears Chelsea Knights prints are all over the bag planted in Chrissy’s room as well as the one she planted at the manor. The woman is sitting in a very bad light today. Appears to be quite the amateur.”
“Just before I left the house, I caught her rummaging through Trevor’s office, and she snuck out with a folder. That woman is up to no good.”
“I have the names of your abductors,” he raised his brow and added, “Including Drew. We have suspicions as to the reason behind the happenings of late, but we have no evidence that will convict them. We need to catch them in an act, or dig up proof that will stand up in a courtroom.”
; Melanie caught his excitement and smiled. “It’s all about money. Either they are after Chrissy’s inheritance or Trevor’s – or perhaps both. Chelsea has voiced her desire to own Knight Manor and appeared smug in the discovery of the file she lifted this morning. Did you know that Chrissy turns twenty-one at the end of the month? Her holdings are large, and perhaps Chelsea thinks she can nab it since Chrissy turned her back on the fortune.” Melanie gasped. “The end of the month! Doug, one of my kidnappers eluded to this mess all wrapping up by the end of the month.”
“Which is only a few days away. Now, if that doesn’t get a detective’s adrenalin pumping, I’m not sure what would,” Doug said as he opened a folder with a twinkle in his eye. “Let’s form a plan.”
Guess who’s coming to dinner? Where good meets evil in the final battle.
Chapter 16
Trevor returned from the city at five and hurried straight to his suite to prepare for dinner, leaving no time for Melanie to brief him on the meeting at the precinct with Doug. She considered loitering outside his bedroom door, but figured that would be pushing the envelope of their developing relationship.
It appeared all the guests except for the duo in question had canceled at the last minute, which caused Melanie’s heart to beat with anticipation. Were they setting the stage for the final push?
She texted Doug with the names on the cozy guest list and dressed to impress the enemy.
Trevor and Melanie were sitting alone at the table with Stephen Alexander and Chelsea. Though the atmosphere was electrified, chit-chat dominated the conversation. Just before dessert, Stephen received a text and she witnessed the wicked upturn of his lips. He immediately broached the subject she expected had been on his mind the entire evening.
“Did you sign the papers I left?” Stephen asked Trevor.
“No,” Trevor said. “I’ve been pre-occupied.” When he looked at Melanie, Chelsea seethed.
Stephen held his composure and continued in a sugary-tone. “So pleased Miss Baxter was cleared of the drug charges. Suppose we’ll never know if it was Chrissy who left the stash there.”
“The police have questions for both you and Chelsea. They will be dropping by tomorrow,” Melanie said, watching the pair squirm.
Stephen Alexander sighed, got to his feet, and withdrew a pistol from his jacket pocket. “I’m afraid I won’t be here tomorrow. Chelsea and Drew can do as they please.” He leveled a glare at Trevor. “If it weren’t for your procrastination, I’d already be long gone.”
Chelsea scrambled to her feet. “What are you doing, Stephen? This isn’t part of the plan.”
“New plans, thanks to Miss Baxter’s resurrection from the dead, and her interference in two states. She just couldn’t roll over and die like all good victims.”
“You were behind the drownings at the river?” Melanie asked. She had suspected that was the case, but she had no proof.
“The hired men loused that up too, but they will be here soon to correct the wrongs and prove their worth.” He waved his hand in the direction of the office. “Now everyone – on your feet, and let’s go to Mr. Knight’s office. He needs to sign off on what’s rightfully mine or die keeping it.”
“And what is rightfully yours?” Trevor asked.
“Your brother owed me a lot of money. Lost everything he made at the casino. Figured his name was good for it, but his addiction drained him dry, and his old man got tight-fisted. With his daughter’s inheritance protected in trust funds and his old man’s sudden stinginess, the man died with his debt unpaid. I figure you can pick up the tab on your dead brother’s debt.”
“He never asked me for money,” Trevor said. “I surmised he was loaded, based on the lifestyle he led.”
“The proud Charles Knight – arrogant until his final breath.”
“And do you claim responsibility for his brakes failing when he and my parents plunged over the cliff to their deaths?” Trevor asked.
“Originally, it was meant to be a scare. I like to provide my clients with all the opportunities I can.”
“No.” Chelsea turned white as the truth registered.
“I wasn’t with the man when he breathed his final breath. Pity about his parents. Didn’t know they’d be passengers on his last ride.”
“Why are you telling us all this? Do you plan to kill us too?” Melanie asked.
“We’ll have to see how agreeable you all are. Got the plane and my retirement villa booked. You’ll never see me in this country again.” Alexander cast a warning glare. “But I’m not afraid to use this revolver, so don’t tempt me.” He leered at Melanie. “And you will be the first one to meet your Maker, little Miss Priss. You won’t cheat death a second time.”
Chelsea’s frantic eyes pleaded with her uncle. “I swear I didn’t know any of this. Stephen just needed a connection to meet you, and I provided it. I had no idea what he was up to.”
“What about the files I saw you sneak out of the office this afternoon, all smug and sure your uncle would pay one way or the other?” Melanie asked.
“That’s different…sort of.” She clasped her hands over her mouth, her face revealing signs that the puzzle had come together. “Oh, my! I think I’ve been horribly deceived.”
Stephen chuckled. “You were the easiest of prey of all, my dear.” His voice intensified. “Now, in the office, before I lose my patience and kill everyone in the house.”
He pushed Trevor into his seat behind the desk, and Stephen plunked the papers down in front of him, leveling the gun in Melanie’s direction. “The city’s most eligible bachelor, Trevor Knight, shows signs that this little filly has gotten under the skin.” His tone was riddled with mockery. “Let’s see how much she likes you when you’re broke. Now sign this, and let’s get this show on the road.”
The doorbell rang, and everyone in the room held their breath.
“Your man will get it. If he comes looking for you, tell him to send the caller away, unless you want another life on your hands.”
Chelsea wept. Melanie moved to stand behind her, placing a consoling hand on her shoulder. Whatever her part in this mess, the young woman was not prepared to die. The high and mighty had fallen, and it did not suit the spoiled heiress.
As suspected, a tap sounded on the door. “Come in,” Trevor said and Stephen hid his gun behind his back.
Spencer appeared; a huge grin plastered on his face. “Mr. Knight – you have a caller.”
When the female caller showed herself, the group grew silent.
Melanie was the first to recover. “Chrissy!” She ran for her friend’s arms, forgetting about the threat of the gun in the room.
The two embraced, shedding happy tears. When she pushed away, Chrissy spoke. “I am so glad to see you. They told me you were dead, and it was all my fault. I just found out today that you’d escaped the kidnappers at the river. Way to go, Officer Baxter!”
“But who was the other female in the trunk?” Melanie asked.
“I didn’t know her, but I understand she tried to weasel in on the purse and caused complications. She was expendable – or so my guard said. He got bored one day, and spouted off a lot of the plan. I feared for you all but could do nothing to help.”
Alexander cleared his throat. “Enough! Don’t know how you got away, but your reunion is ill-timed, my dear. Welcome to the party.” He lifted the gun and aimed it at her.
“But I brought company.” She opened the door wider and ushered them inside. “Gentlemen, I think you have the key culprits in the house.”
When Doug came in, Melanie moved to his side and whispered, “Alexander is waiting for his thugs to come and finish the job. If you play it right, you’ll get them too.”
“Cuff these ones,” Doug said to his team. He offered a set to Melanie. “Want to do the honors with your loud-mouth stalker?”
She grinned, took the cuffs, and headed toward Stephen. “Place your weapon on the floor and put your hands behind your back. Stephen Alexander,
you are under arrest for murder, theft, kidnapping, and any other related crime the law can throw your way.” She rambled off the rest of the rights given to suspects upon arrest as she clicked the cuffs together.
Chelsea was also cuffed. Her sobs revealed the broken child Melanie had suspected cowered inside her exterior wall of protection. Trevor watched on, regret pooling in his eyes.
Drew entered the room with an officer. Melanie approached him anxiously. Drew stared at his feet, unable to meet her gaze. She knew he’d crossed the line.
“Found your brother babysitting the inheritance they planned to swindle. Never could understand people who put money before family,” Doug said.
Melanie stroked his arm. “Oh, Drew – you’re going to serve time for this. I don’t understand. You have plenty of money, and Chelsea’s not worth going to jail for.”
“I did it to protect her. She can so gullible and Alexander was just using her. I wouldn’t have let them hurt Chrissy – her sister would never forgive me. She’s really not the rock she pretends to be.”
“I recognized that,” Melanie said.
“But I love her, Mel. I got in too deep trying to shield her. Before I realized how far I’d crossed the line, you were kidnapped and nearly killed. At the onset, I had no idea how far these guys were willing to go. I’m so sorry.” Drew straightened and inhaled deeply. “My mess, little sister, and I’ll pay the price.” He attempted to lighten the mood. “You never made it to the Caribbean, I see?”
“Not a chance,” said Melanie. “Detective work is in my blood.”
“Guess I won’t be here for the wedding,” Drew said.
“What wedding?”
“One look at Trevor Knight and his willingness to protect his new girl tells the story. You two aren’t getting any younger. Maybe you can video it for me, huh?”
Melanie turned every shade of red but when she glanced back at Trevor, she saw the relief in his face that she was safe. The tiniest of grins worked at the corner of his lips and she knew, despite the horror of the night, the question was in the air. Would she say yes? Did she want to marry him? You bet she would.
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