Nowhere To Run (To Protect And Serve)

by Mary Eason

  And as she was quickly discovering, the brother she loved and thought she knew so well had secrets which might cost them both there lives.

  Jordan couldn’t believe the truth staring her in the face. Even after hearing all the things Riley had suggested about Caesar, part of her still hadn’t wanted to believe it was true.

  She had no choice now that she held the possible proof in her hands.

  It had been here all along. Right under her nose. He’d been arrogant enough to think she wouldn’t ever discover the truth.

  She’d pretended to be asleep when Caesar came into her room that morning. He’d left her a note, explaining that he needed to stop in at the office on his way to the funeral home. He’d be back in a couple of hours.

  There wasn’t much time.

  She started with his office while keeping a careful eye out for his return.

  This room, like the rest of the house was meticulously clean. He insisted on it. In the time she’d known him, Caesar had gone through at least three housekeepers.

  After a quick search through the papers on his desk, she started in on the drawers but soon decided the office would be a waste of time. Instead, she turned her attention to Caesar’s closet.

  She knew he kept a safe in his closet behind his suits. He probably thought she didn’t have a clue about that. Caesar believed women were the weaker sex. He’d be surprised to know how easily it was to figure out the combination.

  The last number clicked into place and the safe opened to reveal a large amount of cash, a jeweler’s bag containing loose diamonds, and a stack of unmarked CDs.

  She slipped one of the CDs from its paper sheath and headed back into the back to the office. After a second, the first page of the document appeared on Caesar’s laptop screen, filled with numbers grouped together in sequences of six. She scanned the number and tried to reconcile what she saw on the screen with birthdates, anniversaries, even his social security number, but none of fit.

  She had no idea what the numbers represented. She clicked to the second page. Unlike the first, this one was filled random words. None of which made any sense. She spent another fifteen minutes trying to decipher their meaning before giving up.

  Whatever was on those discs, she was willing to be was important. She retrieved the rest of them from the safe and began making copies.

  She put the last of the disc into the computer to copy when something caught her attention beyond the room. She’d left the door ajar. As she listened, she heard it.

  The sound of a key inserted into the front door. Caesar had returned.

  For a second she froze, then fear forced her into action. She ejected the CD, shut the laptop down and raced back to the closet. She tossed the discs back into the safe and tried to remember the exact position in which she’d found them. Dear God, she hoped he didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. She just managed to lock the safe again when he closed the door.

  “Jordan?” She could hear Caesar tossing his keys on the table near the door. She just had time to slip back into the adjoining closet where she kept some of her things and hide the copied discs under a stack of sweaters before he strolled into the bedroom.

  “There you are. Didn’t you hear me calling?” His shrewd gaze focused on her expression. “Are you okay?” She knew her appearance was probably giving her away.

  She drew a couple of deep breaths. “Yes. I’m fine. I was searching for my black suit.”

  After a moment, he nodded. “I don’t remember it being here.” He came into the closet next to her. His gaze holding hers. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re perspiring.” His hand went to her forehead. “You’re burning up. Are you coming down with something?”

  Jordan stepped backwards, jabbing her heel against the wall. “I’m fine. I’m just tired. Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”

  He didn’t give in so easily. Caesar continued to study her for a long time while she held her breath. “It’s probably at your apartment.”

  “What?”

  “The suit.”

  She let out a sigh. She could breathe again. “Yes. Yes, you’re probably right.”

  Caesar slipped off his jacket and moved to his closet and Jordan froze. Had she replaced everything the way it was before she opened the safe?

  Her heart pounding with each step, she followed him. Caesar stood in the open doorway staring at the row of suits. She noticed it right away. In her haste, she’d forgotten to straighten the clothes hanging above the safe where she’d pushed them aside to gain access.

  Jordan held her breath when he turned to her. She could feel the tension in him. His gaze, locking with hers became more cautious. Accusatory. He knew.

  She needed to get out of there. Jordan said the first thing that came to mind. “I think you’re right about the suit. I should go over there and get it.”

  He stepped closer. Although he never touched her the threat in him was clear and present. The air constricted in her lungs. She couldn’t breathe.

  “No need. I’ll have Serena pick it up on her way. She’s dropping some files over for my signature. I thought you and I might have a quiet night together. Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for you. For us both.”

  She nodded, trying to remain calm. He wasn’t letting her out of his sight. Dear God, he knew! What would he have in store for her if he figured out the things she suspected?

  “Sure. That sounds nice.” After a moment, she stepped forward and kissed his cheek. “I’d like that very much.”

  “Have you spoken to that cop – Donovan today?”

  His question took her by surprise.

  “Why would I talk to him?”

  Her gaze raked hers. After what felt like a lifetime, he nodded and she released the breath she’d been holding inside.

  “Good. Keep it that way. I don’t trust him. Let me I’ll handle the police.”

  “Why don’t you trust Detective Donovan?” She tried to keep the question casual but failed miserably.

  His mouth twisted into a sinister smile and he answered her question with one of his own. “You’re not interested in him, are you? Is he the type to melt your cold heart? Well, I wouldn’t go there, Jordan. I really wouldn’t. You’re engaged to me. You’d do best to remember that.” The threat was clear enough to make her blood run cold and yet vague enough to be misconstrued to mean anything.

  “And besides, Detective Donovan is not the hero you might be imagining,” Caesar was saying.”

  Jordan forced herself to ask, “What do you mean?”

  “I have a friend at One Police Plaza. He tells me that Donovan was once with the FBI. He left the Bureau under very…questionable circumstances.”

  “Questionable?” The word slipped out before she could stop it. It pleased him that he had her full attention.

  “Yes, something about a woman, a fellow cop. All very unethical.”

  She didn’t want to believe him and yet as she looked into his guarded eyes, Jordan no longer knew who to trust. The only person she could count on to get her out of this mess besides Mariah was herself.

  Chapter Eight

  “Thank you for coming, Ms. Billings. I’m sure Jeremy would have been so happy knowing you were here.” The surprise on Mariah’s face told Jordan how strange her use of Mariah’s maiden name must sound. Her friend probably thought she’d lost her mind.

  “Mariah, don’t say anything. I need your help.” Jordan’s words were little more than a breath against her friend’s ear as she embraced her. Even though they were alone in the foyer of Caesar’s townhouse, she couldn’t risk someone overhearing and discovering her connection to Mariah. She needed her friend’s help too much. She pulled a little away so that she could look into her friend’s eyes.

  “Of course. Tell me what you need.”

  Jordan’s smile was forced. “Not now. Not here. Tomorrow at the usual place.” Mariah started to say something more, but Jordan stopped her. “I’ll call you when I can get away.”
<
br />   Jordan’s gaze scanned the room. She found Caesar standing with a group of family members and friends. His eyes locked with hers. After a moment, he smiled. He’d watched her like a hawk since the incident in the closet. She wondered if he was just waiting for the right moment to ‘take care of her’, as well.

  “Thank you again for coming, Miss Billings,” she said loud enough for Caesar to hear then hugged Mariah once more. “Please, leave now. I’ll explain everything tomorrow, okay?” She released Mariah who seemed stunned for a moment, but hid it quickly.

  She patted Jordan’s arm then turned and hurriedly left Caesar’s home before Caesar could untangle himself from the group of mourners to make his way to Jordan’s side.

  It took everything for Jordan not to show her repulsion when Caesar placed a comforting arm around her waist and drew her close. She shuddered at his nearness.

  She’d seen the monster lurking beneath that polished exterior. The man she thought she loved was nothing like the real Caesar Santiago.

  He smiled down at her, but it didn’t reach his eyes. They remained cold and dead. Cruel.

  Jordan knew time was running out on her future. She couldn’t keep pretending that she didn’t know the truth about his role in her brother’s death.

  Involving Mariah was risky at best. If Caesar discovered her relationship, it could end up costing her friend her life. But Jordan was desperate. She had very little choice. The few options still open to her were quickly disappearing.

  “A friend of yours?” Caesar whispered against her temple.

  She fought to control the rage from showing in her voice. “No. No, just someone who knew Jeremy.”

  “Really? I do not recognize the woman. I thought I knew all your brother’s friends. What was her name?”

  “I-I don’t recall. I haven’t seen her in years. I’m sure she said but...” Jordan deliberately kept her tone vague.

  His narrowed gaze slipped over her. He wasn’t even trying to pretend any longer. The evening before had been one of the longest she’d ever spent. Whatever hope she’d been clinging to that Riley had been wrong was quickly slipping away and yet now, there was no one except Mariah to turn to for help. She couldn’t trust Riley. Not after Caesar had planted his seed of doubt in her head.

  It wasn’t so much the things that Caesar said. In fact, they hadn’t really talked. But he’d watched her with the same calculating expression she was becoming accustomed to.

  After dinner, he’d disappeared into his office for a long period of time. Once, she’d tiptoed to the door and listened in. Caesar spoke in quiet tone, making it impossible to catch much of the conversation, but she guessed he was speaking to Ruggerio, his second in command.

  She heard him pacing the room -– a habit of his when he was worried about something. Fearing he might check on her at any moment, Jordan was just about to return to the living room when she heard him mention her brother’s murder. And then he’d laughed. Actually laughed as if amused by Jeremy’s death.

  If she’d ever doubted Caesar’s involvement, in her mind, this wiped away all doubts. She couldn’t hear anything more, but it sounded as if the conversation were winding down.

  Just before she moved away from the door, she heard Caesar say, “Make the arrangements. I want a quiet service. Nothing extravagant – call our friend the judge to perform the ceremony.” Another short pause followed. She guessed Caesar must have been listening to Ruggerio.

  “She’ll go along with whatever I tell her to do. And if not, then something might happen to her as well.”

  Dear God, it was all true.

  “It’s been a very trying day for you,” Caesar was saying now. He hugged her close for the benefit of their guests. He wouldn’t press the issue now.

  “Perhaps you should rest now.” His narrowed gazed slipped over her. In the past, she’d loved the take charge side of him. Now it made him appear controlling.

  Somehow, Jordan managed a smile. “I’m fine really. Besides, we have guests.” She hated the thought of sleeping in the same house as Caesar.

  “They will understand.” His long fingers stroked along her cheek. She turned her head away before he could kiss her lips. The fingers tightened for a moment then released her. “Here, this will help you sleep.” He handed her a sleeping pill and waited. Jordan placed it in her mouth under her tongue. She took a sip of water. He wanted to keep her drugged and unable to ask questions.

  Since the news of Jeremy’s death, she’d lost count of the number of sleeping pills she’d taken. Nighttime was the hardest. She missed Jeremy. Just thinking about the horror of her brother’s final moments made it easier to go along with Caesar’s plans. But no more. She needed to clear her thoughts. Needed to plan.

  “Sleep well, my love.” The coldness in his tone was evident to only her.

  Jordan walked away without answering. She could feel his possessive gaze following her every move.

  The weight of having to keep up the pretense of caring for him had become enormous. She never thought it would be possible for her to hate another human being so much. But she truly despised Caesar Santiago.

  Today of all days – the day of Jeremy’s funeral had been the hardest of them all. Jeremy was too young to die, especially at the hands of someone he loved.

  The day had seemed endless, from the short service at the funeral home, the long procession to the cemetery and the final goodbye to the only family she had left. Through the endless crowd of people offering condolences, she’d spotted Riley. He’d come with his partner. For a moment, their gazes connected. Somehow, even after all the terrible accusations of Caesar, knowing he was there made her feel safer.

  Later, after they’d returned to Caesar’s home and the guests had begun to arrive, Jordan wanted to scream the truth to the world. Reveal Santiago for the monster she now was convinced he was.

  But who would believe her?

  Caesar’d perfected his image as the successful ‘legitimate’ businessman and caring fiancé. He was well respected by those in all walks of life. His employees adored him. He’d cultivated connections all the way up to the governor’s office.

  Jordan closed the bedroom door and then slipped out of her shoes. She knew he hated her not sleeping in his bed. He’d made it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate separate rooms much longer. She could only hope he wouldn’t push the issue tonight.

  She spit the sleeping pill into her palm and flushed it. The woman facing her in the mirror looked pale. Drawn. She’d aged incredibly over the last few days. She barely recognized herself anymore.

  Slowly, she undressed and stood beneath the warmth of the shower until some of the numbness inside of her subsided. She rummaged through her drawer until she found the ugliest flannel pajamas she possessed and put them on as an added precaution. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She looked dreadful. Nothing about her appearance would be attractive to Caesar.

  When she retuned to the bedroom, Jordan cracked the door and peeked out. She searched the crowd and found Caesar. He was speaking quietly with two young men who worked for him. She’d seen them only a handful of times but they both gave her the creeps. Just for a second, Caesar glanced her way. She closed the door before he could spot her. With nothing else left to do, she slipped into bed. But sleep was the last thing she planned to do. Her thoughts swirled in a thousand different directions. She’d started working on her escape the moment she discovered the CDs.

  Tomorrow, she would meet Mariah and tell her everything she knew. If anything were to happen to her before she could get away, at least someone else would know the truth. Once she and Mariah had devised a plan for getting her out of Caesar’s clutches and the CDs into the proper hands, someplace where he couldn’t get to them, then and only then would she start to feel safe again.

  Outside the silence of the bedroom, the gathering continued into the evening. Jordan lay listening to bits of conversation while praying for sleep that wouldn’t come.

/>   Not that it mattered. She’d gotten good at faking it for Caesar’s benefit.

  Hours later, still lying in dark and pretending sleep, she felt him join her in bed.

  “Jordan?” he whispered, leaning over her. She prayed he wouldn’t touch her. “Are you sleeping?” She forced her breathing to remain slow and steady.

  After a moment, she heard him lie next to her and pull her close. She forced her body to remain limp against his strong arms. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. Her stomach heaved from his touch. And from the smell of him that had nothing to do with the liquor. Bitter bile rose to her throat almost choking her. It was a struggle to keep from being sick.

  After what felt like hours, she finally heard his steady breathing. Slowly, Jordan untangled herself from his grasp, moved to the far side of the bed and waited for the morning, listening to the sound of the man she now believed responsible for murdering her brother in cold blood sleeping close by.

  Chapter Nine

  “Thanks for meeting me, Mariah.” Jordan glanced carefully around the seedy coffee shop in the section of Brooklyn she and Mariah had grown up in. This was her old neighborhood. She and Mariah had been two peas in a pod and inseparable back then. Growing up in these streets.

  She’d been extremely careful, switching cabs twice and watching for anything out of the ordinary.

  She hadn’t been followed. She was positive of that and yet she couldn’t dispel the feeling that time was quickly running out on her luck. It wouldn’t be long before Caesar stopped buying the grieving sister act and demanded answers.

  Jordan might have believed she’d been overreacting to what the detective told her if it hadn’t been for the conversation she’d had with Caesar earlier this morning. It had seemed like a thinly veiled threat she couldn’t get out of her head.

  He’d insisted on driving her to work for her first day back. “You should be more careful, my love. Walking is dangerous. This city has become a wasteland.” He’d kissed her gently, unaware of how close he’d come to mirror the exact words of the man who’d threatened her on the street. Jordan had watched him carefully, but Caesar seemed unaware of his slip.