“It’s Josh.” Stephanie’s voice was shaky as she focused on the face behind the markings. She pointed to a sheet of typing paper lying nearby—“Why did you come back to Freemont?”
Brody read the typed message and then glanced back at the photo. “I recognize Paul and your brother. Who’s the other kid?”
“Hayden Allen. My cousin who drowned. This was the last picture taken of the four guys together.” Her voice caught. “Ted kept the photograph on the bulletin board in his room.”
“He must have come home today and typed the note and marked the photo.”
“It wasn’t Ted.” She shook her head. “He never would have done this.”
“Surely he has a key to the house.”
“I presume he does, but—”
“If Ted didn’t do it, then someone else entered your house and desecrated the photograph. He, or she, left a threatening note. Either way, I need to inform the local police.”
“No, Brody.” She grabbed his arm as he pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “I don’t want them involved.”
Because of Ted.
Once again, Stephanie was protecting her brother, yet Ted was the most likely suspect. He undoubtedly had a key to the house and, from what Brody had overheard today, was upset with his sister.
Either in anger or distress, the PFC had marked the photo and typed the message. Was he warning Stephanie someone else would be hurt if she didn’t leave town? Or was he telling her the next person in the bull’s-eye might be her?
* * *
Stephanie pulled in an anxious breath. The bull’s-eye didn’t make sense. Ted and Josh had been friends since elementary school. Surely what had happened in Afghanistan hadn’t altered their relationship, yet someone wanted to scare her into leaving Freemont.
The nerve endings on her arm tingled and confirmed the effectiveness of the warning. The front door hadn’t been locked when Brody tried the key, although she had engaged the dead bolt when she left for post. At least she thought she had.
Just as Brody implied, her brother was the only other person with access to the house.
“Stephanie?”
Brody was staring at her with his dark eyes. She heard the question in his voice that said more than just her name. He, too, realized the significance of the picture and typed message.
Stepping toward the sliding glass door that opened onto the deck, she flipped the wall switch that turned on the recessed lights in and around the pool.
An antique maritime bell hung at the edge of the landscaped area. One of her father’s treasures from the past and a reminder of the night her mother had died. Stephanie could still see Ted, a skinny and gaunt high school freshman, standing in the dark night, ringing the bell over and over again. Probably to get their father’s attention, but their dad had been too involved with his own grief to worry about his children.
Brody moved beside her. Even without looking, she knew he was searching the yard and golf course beyond. No doubt searching for some sign of Ted.
“Your brother comes home often?” His question sounded more like a statement.
“I’m not sure.” Turning away from Brody, she reached for the photo.
He grabbed her hand. “Not so fast. I need to check the picture for prints.”
“You’ll find Ted’s. I told you the photo belongs to him.”
Brody continued to grip her hand as if he feared she’d ignore his request. Drawn to the controlled strength of his hold, she glanced up once again, finding his gaze intense. There was something under the surface that Brody wasn’t willing to share, something more than his concern for an injured soldier. In that fleeting moment, she glimpsed an unspoken need. For what, she wasn’t sure.
A flash of awareness passed between them. He pulled in a breath and released her hand.
The separation jarred her. Surely she hadn’t wanted him to continue touching her. Or had she?
Surprised and angered when tears pooled in her eyes, she blinked them back. What was it about this man that caused such a mix of emotion to well up within her?
She didn’t need someone to protect her. She needed someone to tell her how to heal the deep, destructive rift with her brother.
Not that Brody could help. He made everything worse. Or so it seemed. In fact, he was the least likely person to help her heal the past—both her own and her brother’s.
Ignoring the connection that had passed between them, Brody pointed to the typed text on the note. “Look at the words you and come and to Freemont.”
She leaned closer. “The o is smeared in each case.”
“That’s right. It’s not crisp like the other letters. I saw a computer and printer in your father’s office.”
Stephanie followed Brody to the downstairs level and into the home office. Her father’s nautical collectibles lined the bookshelves. A ship’s wheel hung on the wall next to a brass porthole cover and a large print of a battle on the high seas.
The only nonmaritime item was a picture of her with Ted and their mother. The perfect family. At least that’s what most people thought.
Brody turned on the computer and the printer. “Do you know your father’s password?”
She typed in the code. When the screen opened, she stepped back to give Brody room. His strong hands played over the keyboard.
He typed, “Why did you come back to Freemont?” The words appeared on the monitor. He hit Print. A mechanical hum filled the silence. A sheet of paper rolled onto the printer tray.
They both gazed down at the typed message. Each letter was crisp and clear without a hint of a smudge, including the o.
Relief swept over her. “I told you it wasn’t Ted.”
“The only thing we can rule out is that he didn’t use this printer. I’ll check the ones at the Warrior Transitional Battalion tomorrow and the adjoining barracks where your brother lives. The library on post probably has computers, as well.”
“Are you going to tell Ted what happened?” she asked.
“I’ll ask him if he came home recently and whether he has a key to the house.”
“This is his home, Brody. He has every right to come and go as he pleases.”
He let out a frustrated breath. “A man was injured today, Stephanie. I need to find out who did it and why. Your brother’s actions could play into that investigation. I’m especially interested in learning why he doesn’t want you around. Is there anything you haven’t told me?”
“You’re making more of this than it warrants. Brothers and sisters don’t always get along. Our relationship has nothing to do with Josh’s accident.”
From the determination she saw on Brody’s face, she knew he wasn’t accepting what she had to say.
“Change your locks, Stephanie. You’ve got a security alarm system. Be sure to use it, and don’t let your brother into the house.”
He dug in his pocket and handed her his business card. “Program my phone number into your cell. Call me if you feel threatened in any way.”
Brody’s nearness caused heat to warm her neck. She raised her hand to cover her flushed skin. She didn’t want the CID agent to realize the way she reacted to his closeness and his questions. As appealing as he was in one way, the accusation she read in his penetrating gaze brought a very different type of reaction—one she didn’t like—to tingle along her spine.
“I’ll keep your phone number close by, Brody, but I’m sure I won’t need to call you.”
“Then I’ll see you in the morning. Any idea what time the mechanic will be on duty?”
“Walt prides himself on opening by seven o’clock. He even includes it in his advertisements.”
“I’ll be outside your house at six forty-five. You can leave your car at the garage and I’ll give you a ride to work. Unless you wa
nt to drive the Caddy or BMW.”
In spite of what he thought about Ted, she appreciated Brody’s thoughtfulness. She didn’t want to be beholden to her father, and driving his cars would do exactly that. “I’ll take you up on the ride.”
Returning to the kitchen, Brody placed the picture and printed note in a plastic bag she provided and tucked it carefully in his jacket pocket.
Together, they walked into the foyer. At the door, he turned too quickly, leaving her a breath away from his broad shoulders.
“Remember, lock your doors and turn on the alarm. If your brother shows up, call me. No matter what time.” Brody leaned closer, his gaze intense. “Do you understand me, Stephanie? Call anytime. My phone will be on.”
She squared her shoulders, willing herself to be unaffected by his nearness. “I’ll be fine, Brody.”
Before she could say anything else, he was out the door. She hesitated, evidently a moment too long, because it opened once again.
“Turn on the alarm and lock the door.” His voice was firm. “I’m not leaving until you do both things.”
She made a shooing motion with her hand. Once he stepped back onto the porch, she closed the door and turned the lock, feeling somewhat satisfied as she twisted the dead bolt and heard the resounding click when it slipped into place.
Stepping toward the security-alarm panel, she tapped in the code. The warning lights flashed, and a beep confirmed the system was engaged.
Brody’s footfalls sounded down the porch steps.
She pulled back the curtain in the living room window and watched him climb into his car. The engine engaged.
Even in the darkness, she saw him turn and stare at the house. His eyes flashed in the night. Or was her mind playing tricks on her again?
The headlights came on, illuminating the road as he pulled away from the curb.
With a heavy sigh, she turned from the window and gazed into the massive entryway and living area beyond.
Why did you come back to Freemont? The words of warning flashed through her mind.
Pulling her cell phone from her purse, she tapped in Ted’s number and sighed with frustration when it went to voice mail. “It’s Stephanie. Call me. I’m at home.”
Hanging up, she headed to her childhood bedroom, overcome with a sense of déjà vu. If only her mother hadn’t died, everything would still be good, the way she wanted her life to be.
Despite the warning, she wouldn’t run away from Freemont. She’d done that once. So had Ted. Now they were both back, and this time she wouldn’t let him down.
She flipped on her bedroom light. As keyed up as she was, she’d need to read to calm her frayed nerves before she tried to sleep. She hadn’t eaten, but food was the last thing on her mind. Maybe she’d make a sandwich later.
In the bathroom, she scrubbed her face and changed into her nightgown, feeling a bit more refreshed. Glancing at the books on the shelf near her bed, she reached for an anthology of short stories her mother had given her. Finding comfort from the well-worn volume, she grabbed the corner of the plush comforter and pulled back the covers, eager to crawl into bed and lose herself in one of the stories she loved to read.
Glancing down, she moaned.
Tears clouded her eyes. Her heart skittered in her chest and her shoulders tightened.
As much as she wanted to run away, she couldn’t pull her gaze from the bull’s-eye that marked her bottom sheet. Superimposed over it was a large red X, just like the one that had covered Joshua’s face in the photo.
A typed note was pinned to the pillowcase. “Leave Freemont or you’ll be in the bull’s-eye.”
Her brother would never do something so hateful.
Yet, if Ted wasn’t playing a terrible joke on her, then who had been in her house and what was the real meaning of the bloodred markings?
FIVE
A sense of foreboding settled over Brody when he drove away from Stephanie’s home. Glancing back, he had seen her at the window, staring into the night. He hadn’t made any points with her this evening, but then his job wasn’t to impress her. He needed to convince her to be cautious and to realize her brother’s struggle could lead to more problems.
Tomorrow he would talk to her about changing the locks as well as the code on the security alarm, even if she didn’t think either precaution was necessary. More often than not, folks outside law enforcement failed to realize the need to be proactive when it came to their own safety. Couldn’t she see these threats were personal?
Turning left at the next intersection, Brody drove through the upscale community, focusing on the thick patches of underbrush as well as the shadows behind cars and around fences, searching for anything suspect.
He passed two other vehicles on the road as he canvassed the area, getting to know the layout of the terrain. Although everything seemed in order, someone could be hiding in the darkness. A man on foot could easily pass from house to house and never be seen under the cover of night.
Was Ted Upton in the local area, or had he returned to the barracks? Brody reached for his cell and tapped in the executive officer’s number. Major Jenkins answered on the fifth ring.
“Hey, sir. It’s Special Agent Brody Goodman. Sorry to bother you after duty hours.”
“Not a problem.”
“I wanted to determine PFC Upton’s whereabouts. Could you notify the duty sergeant and ask him to check Upton’s room?”
“Do you mind telling me why you’re concerned? Has there been a problem?”
“His sister had an unwanted visitor earlier this evening, which could have been Upton.”
“Was she harmed?”
“Negative, but I want to ensure her brother remains on post tonight, and I’d appreciate your help.”
“You’ve got it, of course. I’ll have one of the sergeants stop by Upton’s room and keep an eye on him.”
“I appreciate it, sir.”
“Anything else I should know?”
“Only that Ms. Upton may be late for work tomorrow. She had a flat tire and needs to see a mechanic in the morning.”
“Why am I thinking it’s strange you’re the one providing that information?”
“Just trying to help. She’ll probably call you in the morning. I’m giving you a heads-up.”
“Good enough. I’ll contact the WTB.”
Wanting to check the Upton property one more time, Brody retraced his route. The night seemed as placid as the water in Stephanie’s backyard pool, until he turned onto her street and saw the lights blazing from every room in her house.
His neck tingled a warning. He reached for his cell and tapped in her number. Each ring seemed to last an eternity. His gut tightened. He pulled to the curb, ready to throw the phone on the console, leap from his car and race toward her house with his weapon drawn.
She answered with a cautious “Hello?”
“It’s Brody.”
He jerked the car door open and stepped onto the pavement. “I’m standing outside, Stephanie. You’ve got every light on. Are you all right?”
“Yes, of course. I’m fine.”
She sounded mildly vexed at him for calling. Whether she liked it or not, he wouldn’t leave until she provided a logical answer to the light issue.
“Do you have a problem with the dark?” He couldn’t hide the concern in his voice.
“Meaning what, Brody?”
Meaning why didn’t she give him a satisfactory answer?
“Electricity costs money, Stephanie. I’m just wondering why every light is on.”
He could hear her sigh over the phone. “I was checking the house, just as you did earlier.”
His heart softened. He’d scared her, which he hadn’t wanted to do. She needed to be cautious, but not fearful.
<
br /> “You want me to hang around for a while?”
She laughed. The sound lightened the moment. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m feeling better now.”
“Why don’t you reassure me by opening the front door?”
“Once again, you’re being overly protective.”
“Humor me, okay?”
She let out another sigh. “I’ve already changed for bed.”
“Then wave from the window.”
“If you insist.” Her tone had warmed.
The curtain in the dining room moved and Stephanie appeared, backlit. She raised her hand and waved.
“You’re okay?” He pulled the cell closer to his lips and stepped toward the window where she stood.
She turned ever so slightly. The light played over her face, allowing him to see her upturned mouth and nodding head.
“I’m okay, Brody. Besides, it’s time for me to call it a night. You should go home now.”
“Your door’s still locked?”
“Of course.”
“And the alarm’s on?”
“Exactly as it has been ever since you left thirty minutes ago.”
“I checked your house, Stephanie. You’re locked in. I drove through the neighborhood, as well. Everything seems secure, but if you hear anything outside, call me.”
“I’ll be fine tonight.”
“Then I’ll see you in the morning.”
He disconnected and headed back to his car. As he climbed behind the wheel, he shook his head. Stephanie probably thought he was crazy for hanging around, but he felt better knowing she was okay.
Glancing back, he watched the lights flick off one by one. The backyard was dark, but the floodlights on the front porch and upper deck remained lit, which would be a deterrent if anyone were wandering around in the night.
Plus, Stephanie had the alarm.
Slowly, he turned onto the main road and drove back to Fort Rickman. Once on post, he headed to his office and checked the photo for prints, finding none, which meant the glossy finish had been wiped clean. He’d have someone go over the note in the morning.
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