Beautiful Music

by Lisa DeVore

  “Well, imagine that. One just drove by. Should I follow it?”

  “No!” Her voice rose to a panic pitch.

  Chase pulled back out into traffic and, moments later, opened the gate to his driveway. He waited until the gate closed behind him, allowing no one room to enter.

  “Stay down, Jen. Our car in question did a drive by.”

  “Oh, dear God,” she gasped.

  He entered the garage and waited for the door to close. “Get in the house. I’m in need of an explanation.”

  Chase unlocked the door and waited for her to go in before him. She turned to him with eyes, she was sure, matched her fear. “I have to call him. He’s on edge. That’s why he’s driving by.”

  “Who?” he pushed.

  “Todd.”

  “You told that scum we broke up?” Chase’s voice shook with anger. He ran a hand through his hair and turned away from her.

  “I had to…just…just…let me explain. I had to protect you.”

  “You had to protect me? From him? Thanks, Jen, for believing I can take care of myself…take care of us.”

  “Stop!” She had little patience left. “This isn’t about your ego. I had to buy time until I could tell you. I do trust you. Why do you think I’m standing here? I need to get him to back off. There’s more to this than you know. I have to call him.”

  “Why don’t you let me call him? I’ll take care of this right here, right now.”

  “Because he’s delusional. Back him in a corner and I don’t know what he’ll do. We have Andrea to consider. We can’t act on emotion, Chase. We have to be smart. He needs to be put away.”

  Chase turned away from her, dragging a hand through his hair.

  Jena dialed the number and waited for him to answer. “Todd? Jena.”

  “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick.”

  “Why would you be worried? I told you I was handling things.”

  “I wasn’t sure…” he paused, “if you’d change your mind.”

  Todd didn’t trust her. “He won’t be bothering us anymore, Todd.” Jena glanced at Chase and saw him watching her, his eyes black with anger.

  “Good. I’m glad it’s done. Now we can get on with our life together.”

  “I still need the week. I have my sister’s affairs to handle.”

  “I can help you.”

  “No,” she blurted. “I mean…this is something I need to do myself. Please?”

  “All right. My patience is running thin, but I did say a week. The clock is ticking.”

  She didn’t miss the veiled threat, but chose to ignore it. “I’m really tired. I’m going to bed. We’ll talk soon,” she promised.

  “You’re home?” he questioned with doubt in his voice.

  “Yes, where else would I be?” She attempted to convey confusion as Chase paced in front of her.

  “Sleep well, Jena.”

  “Goodnight, Todd.” She exhaled sharply and threw the phone on the counter. Rubbing her hands together, she couldn’t stop the trembling. “Where are you going?”

  “Stay put,” he demanded as he rushed from the room.

  Jena put a hand to her mouth and closed her eyes. What was he going to do?

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chase ran up the back steps to his bedroom. He left the light off and moved the blind aside. Richards wasn’t buying her story. He pulled the curtains across the windows to his ocean view. He rarely did this, but he wouldn’t put it past the guy to be sitting on the beach with binoculars.

  He went downstairs, but not before grabbing his .38 from the gun box. He tucked it away, so she wouldn’t see. She was scared enough. He didn’t want to add to her anxiety, but he wouldn’t be caught off guard.

  Her eyes jumped to his as soon as he entered the room. “Come with me, Jen.”

  “Where are we going?”

  He shut off the light over the kitchen sink and replaced it with a night-light over the stove. The rest of the house was dark. “To my bedroom.”

  She looked at him with apprehension. “I…don’t…know.”

  “Are you afraid of me?”

  “Of course not.”

  “He’s outside…in a parking lot across the street. I want him to think I’ve gone to bed. You can tell me the entire story.” He held out his hand to her.

  “Okay.”

  She was exhausted. Chase didn’t know how much more she could take. If he got his hands on this guy…five minutes was all he wanted.

  He walked in the room and motioned for her to sit. She lowered hesitantly to his bed and looked to him with wide eyes. “Start at the beginning.”

  “You have to promise me you’ll remain calm.”

  “Calm? I passed that hours ago.”

  “Chase, you’re not making this easy for me.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He brushed his hand over his face.

  “Todd came to the house today,” she blurted.

  “And you let him in?” he asked in disbelief.

  “I invited him for lunch.”

  He was dumbfounded. Words escaped him.

  “It was stupid. I know that now. I didn’t realize he was so sick. He’s always been so kind and when I saw him on the beach this morning…”

  “You saw him on the beach?”

  “Yes, when I took my walk. He wanted to apologize.”

  “You do realize he was following you?” The look on her face made it clear she hadn’t thought of that.

  “He was like the old Todd.”

  “Jen, for God’s sakes…”

  “Are you going to let me get through this?”

  “Go on.”

  “I figured it was safe enough. Mrs. R. would be there….only she wasn’t. She was grocery shopping. He arrived. I invited him in and we started to eat. That’s when he started on me about going back to Ohio. He told me I was throwing my life away. I belonged with him.”

  Chase noticed her eyes focused on the scene in her memory. He forced himself to remain quiet.

  “I told him I was staying in Clearwater, that it was better for Andrea. I told him we were trying to work things out. I wasn’t going back to Ohio. That infuriated him. He told me he was going to marry me and he started to…touch me.”

  “I’m going to kill him!” Chase squeezed his fists together at his sides.

  “I was so scared. He told me I had a week to end our relationship. I’m to be his perfect wife.”

  He stared at her with his hands on his hips, then paced like a caged animal. She seemed dazed. “Jen, I don’t know how much more of this I can take before I go find him.”

  “I need to tell you everything. This is serious.”

  “Oh, I get how serious it is. He has a death wish.”

  “Chase, stop! Listen to me. He’s crazy.”

  “He hasn’t seen crazy, but I’m going to show him.”

  “Please.” The desperation in her voice stopped him from going on and she continued. “He told me I had one week to get rid of you or he would. At first I didn’t get the implication…until he told me he knows people who would handle it for him. Chase, he was threatening to kill you.”

  “He’s trying to scare you, manipulate you. He’s gutless.”

  “No, he’s serious. I used to warn Todd about the people he advised back home. They had reputations for their business dealings.” She paused, searching for the right words. “These people have money, lots of money, and they didn’t get it being honest. If someone gets in their way…they disappear. Todd was chummy with these people. He told me they owe him favors. Don’t you understand, Chase? If you’re in the way he will make you disappear.” Jena exhaled before adding, “Mrs. R. found a knife on the floor.”

  He was stunned. “A what?”

  “It was across the room. Nowhere near the counter they sit on. I think he took it. Maybe to use on me.”

  “You realize,” he said evenly, “you’re in danger too, if you cross him?”

  “W
hat are you saying? I should go with him?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Of course not! I can’t believe you let him in the house.” He sighed, shaking his head.

  The tears fell down her face and he went to putty. He sat next to her and held her close. “I’m not going to let him get away with this.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you he was coming to lunch.”

  “I am too, but I have a confession of my own.” He walked to his dresser and picked up the note.

  ****

  “What’s this?” She took the note he held out and carefully opened it. Her mouth dropped as she searched his face for an answer. “Where did you get this?”

  “It was left on my windshield when I grabbed a burger today.”

  She reread it and looked to him for an honest answer. “Do you think it’s possible? That’s she’s alive?”

  “Most likely, it’s from the slime sitting outside my house. This is another way to attempt to manipulate us. He knows I would do anything to keep you safe, so he throws a little danger in the mix. I’ll stay away from you and he can take you back to Ohio without a fight.”

  She looked at the note again. “What if it’s not? From him, I mean.”

  “Jena, Jasmine’s gone,” he said gently.

  “They said she’s gone, but I have no body to prove that. My gut has been telling me something isn’t right. This note adds to that doubt.”

  Chase sat down beside her. “We’ll show it to Detective Burrows and we’ll tell him everything…together.”

  She nodded. “I have his card in my purse. I’ll get it.”

  “Let’s wait until morning. It’s really late,” Chase reasoned.

  Jena sighed. “I suppose, but how am I going to get home?”

  “You’re not going anywhere.”

  “I can’t stay here.” Panic moved through her body like a tidal wave.

  “Why not? We’re both of legal age, aren’t we?”

  “Chase, seriously. I can’t spend the night with you. What if he finds out?”

  “He won’t know. Mrs. R. will cover if he comes to the house. No one gets past her.” Jena conceded with a small nod. “Besides, if he calls you, your phone is right here. I need to know you’re safe. I need you in my arms tonight.”

  Her heart jumped. Was it in protest or agreement? “I can’t…”

  “You can lie in my arms and sleep.”

  He went to his dresser, slid open the top drawer, and grabbed a t-shirt. He held it in front of him with a serious look. “What do you think of this one?”

  Jena read the words, EDGE OF REDEMPTION, and smiled. “It’s perfect.”

  “The bathroom’s behind that door. Take your time.”

  Jena was alone only moments before fear got the better of her. She didn’t want to be alone, imagining all types of scenarios. She even imagined Todd on the other side of the door. Chase made her believe everything would work out. She loved him so much. Fate wouldn’t bring them together only to tear them apart. She couldn’t accept that.

  She splashed cold water on her face and took some deep breaths. Closing her eyes, she whispered to herself, “Chase is on the other side of this door, not Todd. You’re safe. He’s safe.” She slowly opened the door, peeking into the room. Chase was gone.

  Jena slowly approached the closed bedroom door and reached for the doorknob. She pulled her hand away as if it were on fire. The fear of the unknown had her blood thumping in her ears. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she muttered to herself. If Todd, or anyone else, were in the house she would have heard a struggle. She inhaled deeply in an attempt to calm her nerves as she turned the knob. The door moaned in a protest that echoed down the hall. Jena crossed the threshold and turned in the direction of the stairs. The hallway was so dark. She was having a difficult time focusing. Her imagination was running wild.

  A loud noise came from the other end of the hallway and she spun instantly in that direction. She remained still, praying the sounds were the house settling. The silence was unnerving. She trembled from head to toe. Where was Chase?

  Her breathing quickened. She listened one last time, not truly satisfied her imagination was the only thing at work. She exhaled slowly before pushing the door open. The creaking noise was unnerving, but she did her best to ignore it. She stepped forward and was immediately grabbed from behind. She had no time to think, no time to fight back. She moved her head from side to side, struggling to get away from the cloth over her face. Everything went dark.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Jena squeezed her eyes tightly at the sensation of something cool and damp on her face. She struggled to open them and then remembered. NO! He couldn’t be here. Panic consumed her.

  “Jena? Wake up. Jena, it’s Chase.”

  “Chase?” She forced her eyes open. Her head hurt.

  “Not too fast,” he warned. “Here, drink this.”

  He handed her a cold glass of water and she sipped slowly. “What happened?” She remembered something over her face. She sat up slowly looking at him for the first time. Her hands covered her mouth in shock. “Who did that to you?” Tears streamed down her face as she saw the bruises.

  “I don’t know. I’m sure it looks worse than it is.” He attempted to smile.

  “Stop it! Todd did this!” She frantically looked around the room, her eyes finally resting on Chase. His look of concern did nothing for her nerves.

  “No, Jen, it wasn’t Todd. I could take him.”

  “Did you see who did this?”

  “Whoever it was hit me from behind and knocked me out, then used my face as a punching bag.”

  “How did they get in? I thought you had such a wonderful alarm system?” Jena attempted to stand, but swayed with dizziness.

  “Stay put,” he ordered. “I heard something outside when I went down to the kitchen. I opened the front door and that’s when I was knocked out. I woke up just inside the front door.”

  “He did this.” Jena swallowed the lump in her throat. “This was our warning. He knew I was here. I have to go. The next time they’ll kill you.”

  “You’re not driving anywhere in your condition. You either sleep here or I’ll take you to the hospital. I should probably do that anyway,” he said half to himself. “We’ll call Detective Burrows in the morning.”

  “I can’t stay. They’ll be back.” Jena couldn’t think. Terror filled her mind. “I have to get out of here.”

  Chase grabbed her by the shoulders and spoke to her intently. “No one’s getting back in here, I promise. I was stupid opening the door. I let my guard down. It won’t happen again. Go to sleep. I’ll be right here. Don’t let him win, Jen.”

  “It’s not a game. This is real.”

  He winked. “Have a little faith in me. I promise he won’t get that close again. Trust, right?”

  She nodded. “Yes,” she whispered, “I trust you.”

  “Good. I got this.”

  ****

  Jena was still sleeping when Chase woke at dawn. He gingerly climbed off the bed and went straight for the window. Well, at least the pretty boy hadn’t camped outside his house all night.

  He quickly showered and glanced into the mirror. Whoever had got the jump on him did a number on his face. It looked worse than it felt, but he knew Jena wasn’t going to react well. The bruise on his back where he fell against his gun reminded him how lucky he was they hadn’t found that. He slipped out of the room without a sound. He was in desperate need of a cup of coffee.

  He loaded the coffee maker and went to his desk. “Where did I put that damn card?” he grumbled as he sifted through the mail he hadn’t gone through this week. “Okay, Detective, hope you’re up,” he sighed.

  “John Burrows,” a grumpy voice answered.

  “Detective Burrows, this is Chase Reiss. I’m sorry to bother you so early, but this is important.”

  The detective cleared his throat. “No problem, kid. What’s up?”

  “I’d like to talk to you
in person.”

  “Sounds serious.”

  “Our stalker is out of the woodwork. Would you mind dressing…not like a detective? And come in a normal car. He’s watching my house, too.”

  “Sure thing. I’ve got your address. I’ll be there shortly.”

  Chase hung up and turned to see Jena standing in the doorway. Her hair was messed and the sleepy look still intact. “You feel better?”

  She cast her eyes to the floor and slowly shook her head. “No, not really.”

  “I was talking to Detective Burrows. He’ll be here shortly. You want some coffee?”

  Jena focused on him for the first time. “Oh my God! Your face!” She rushed over gently touching his bruised eye.

  “Ouch!” he protested. “Easy, it’s a little tender.”

  “Chase, I’m so sorry.” Her voice cracked.

  “What do you have to be sorry for? Did you do this to me?”

  “I might as well have. It happened because of me.”

  “Don’t go there. The only person at fault is Todd Richards and he’s going to pay, I promise. Anyway, since when do you allow someone control over your life?”

  “Since that happened to your face.”

  “I can handle him.”

  “If it were you and Todd in a fist fight, yeah, my money’s on you…but whoever did this to you meant business.”

  “I know that,” he whispered squeezing her hand. “Go get your shower. Detective Burrows will be here soon.”

  ****

  Jena had buttoned the last button on her shirt when she heard pounding on the front door. Detective Burrows didn’t waste any time getting here, and he sure sounded impatient. She opened the bedroom door and headed for the stairs, but stopped suddenly at the sound of voices.

  “What the hell do you want?” she heard Chase say.

  “Looks like someone rearranged your face. Anyway, I was in the neighborhood and thought I would stop by and make sure we understand each other. May I come in?”

  Jena stifled the gasp that crossed her lips when she realized Chase was talking to Todd.

  “I don’t invite scum into my home. I’ll ask one more time. What the hell do you want?”

  Please God, let him leave. He can’t know I’m still here.