Trigger (Circle of Justice #1)

by L. P. Dover

  “Preston, please,” she begged. “Don’t go. I want to understand.”

  I opened the door, making sure to keep my back to her. If I looked into her eyes again, I would cave to her every desire. “You won’t be able to, Emma. I’m not the same guy you knew before.”

  Emma

  I waited for Preston to sneak back into my room, but he never did. I felt horrible for going along with Glenn’s plan. When Preston told me he never stopped searching for me, my heart dropped. I could see the pain on his face. I was deceiving him.

  Since I could barely sleep, I left the balcony door open all night to feel the breeze. Once I heard movement downstairs, I changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt and threw my hair up in a ponytail before tiptoeing down. Now that we weren’t at Glenn’s main house, Preston didn’t have the pool house to sleep in, which meant he was nearby.

  The noise came from the kitchen and my heart raced. What was I going to say to him? It didn’t matter anyway because when I turned the corner, it wasn’t him. Mrs. Walker had her back to me, cooking away in front of the stove, while Glenn sat at the kitchen table, dressed in the usual suit attire. There was a full plate of eggs, bacon and toast in front of him and my stomach growled. He lifted his cup of coffee to his lips and paused when he saw me.

  “Good morning, Emma,” he called out, trying to hide his mischievous smile.

  Mrs. Walker jerked around, drawing my attention to her. She gasped when she saw me and hurried over, dropping her spatula on the counter. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she cried, hugging me tight. “I was so worried about you. It’s a good thing they caught the guys who took you.”

  I hugged her back, guilt ridden. “Yes, it is. But I’m fine, I promise. It’s something I don’t ever want to remember.”

  “I know, sweetheart. We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. Walker,” I said, smiling sadly. I hated I couldn’t tell her the truth, and hated even more that we had to put her through the stress.

  She let me go and inspected me with her motherly eyes. It was a good thing my parents didn’t know anything about what I was doing. They’d have made me quit, especially if they knew I worked for trained killers. “You hungry? I made you some pancakes to go with your eggs and bacon.”

  My stomach growled again. “Sounds amazing. I’m starved.” I sat down at the table with Glenn and she brought over my food. “Thank you,” I gushed, breathing in the aroma.

  She chuckled as she walked to the sink and cleaned the last of the dishes. “I’m going to head out and run my errands. But I’ll be back to cook dinner.” She glanced at me over her shoulder. “Do you need me to bring you anything?”

  I shook my head. “I’m good, thank you. Honestly, I just want to get back on a normal schedule.”

  “And that you will,” Glenn added.

  Mrs. Walker finished up the dishes and grabbed her car keys, her gaze concerned as she looked at me. “You sure you don’t need anything? I don’t like you being alone.”

  I glanced from her to Glenn. “I’m going to be alone today?”

  Glenn sighed and smiled at Mrs. Walker. “She’ll be fine, Martha. Preston will be here with her while I’m gone.” She pursed her lips, but it didn’t seem to faze him. Once she was gone, he blew out a breath. “If looks could kill, I’d be dead right now.” He finished his coffee and sat back in his chair.

  “What’s going on?” I questioned.

  He nodded toward the direction Mrs. Walker went. “She’s upset I’m leaving town without you.”

  “You are?” I blurted. “Or are you pretending to, like you did before?”

  “No, I’m really going this time. You need to stay with Preston. I know he snuck up to your room last night.”

  My cheeks burned. Hopefully, he didn’t know I intentionally dropped my robe so Preston could see me naked. I had known he was out there watching me. “How do you know that?”

  He scoffed incredulously. “Because I know him . . . and you just confirmed it.” He winked. “Don’t worry. It’s what I was hoping for. With a little more time, I think you can get him back. That’s why I want you two here for another couple of weeks.”

  “A couple of weeks?” I gasped.

  Grabbing his cup, he got up and set it in the sink. “Preston already knows. I told him this morning before he left. There are a few more bands I want you to listen to. Pick out your top choices and call them back for a final audition. All I ask is that you take your time.” He turned back around to face me. “Do whatever you have to do to get him back. His father really wants to see him. I’m stopping by now to visit him before I head back to Charlotte.”

  My chest ached. I couldn’t imagine not seeing my father for a long period of time. “How long has it been since they’ve seen each other?”

  “A couple of years. Preston has it in his head that his father blames him for his mother and sister’s deaths. He’s never stopped searching for their killer. What’s crazy is I think he’s back in town.”

  Gasping, I slapped a hand over my mouth. “You can’t be serious. After all these years?” Chills ran up my spine. The thought of the killer being back was almost ludicrous. What were the odds?

  He nodded. “The girl who was found last week was killed and dumped in the same vicinity of Preston’s sister. She was murdered in the same manner as Cameron. In fact,” he pointed out the window, “she was found not far from here, right on the beach outside from his childhood home. Preston and his family lived about a quarter mile down that way. That’s where he is now.”

  There was an uncertainty on his face I didn’t like. “What are you not telling me?”

  Closing the distance, he reached out and placed his hands on my shoulders. “His house was recently broken into, and the only room that was trashed was his sister’s. We think it might have been the person who killed her looking for something.”

  I felt sick to my stomach. “What would they be looking for after all this time?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe you can help him figure it out. He’s not going to rest until he finds the fucker.”

  “What if he doesn’t want my help?” I countered.

  He squeezed my shoulders. “You’re just going to have to force it on him. You’re not afraid of him, like most others. I need your help to keep him grounded. He’s not going to leave this place until he knows for sure this killer isn’t the one who murdered his family.” My body trembled and his gaze softened. “You don’t have to stay, Emma. I would never ask you to do anything I didn’t think you’d be able to handle. I just don’t want to lose him.”

  About that time, Preston appeared on the beach, heading back to the house. Seeing him, I knew then I would do anything to help him, even if it meant hunting down a killer. “I won’t leave him,” I whispered, keeping my eyes on Preston. “You have my word.”

  “Is there anybody worth listening to?” Preston asked as he drove us to the theater.

  It was the first words he’d spoken to me all morning. There was a tension between us and I knew he felt it too, judging by the stiffness in his shoulders. I wanted to touch him and play around like we used to. “Actually there is. I already have my top three picks in my head.”

  He glanced over at me, his gaze narrowed. “What’s their style?”

  I shrugged. “Similar to ours. A little bit alternative, with a smidge of pop rock. If only Cliff was here, I’d say we audition ourselves.” His jaw tensed and he focused his gray eyes back on the road. “You were really talented, Preston. So many people thought we’d hit it big one day.”

  “I can’t change the past, Emma,” he said, his voice low.

  “I know. I just thought maybe you needed to be reminded of how good you were.” He scoffed, but didn’t comment. “It’s true. I’d give anything to hear you play again.”

  “I haven’t picked up a guitar in years. Never have time for it.”

  It was about time he did. Grinning from ear t
o ear, I thought up the perfect plan. One way or another, I was going to get a guitar in his grasp. He looked over at me and I tried to hide my smile.

  “What are you smiling for?”

  “No reason,” I lied, straightening my face. The café was just around the corner and I could really use another cup of their hot chocolate. I hadn’t had it in days. “But I’ll be super happy if you stop by that café over there.” I pointed to the quaint little building with aqua colored shutters.

  Preston parked on the street and sighed. “Let’s go.”

  We walked into the café and I breathed in the scent of fresh baked bread—pure heaven. I ordered my hot chocolate and couldn’t resist getting one of their blueberry scones. “Do you remember that restaurant we used to go to in college?” I asked, sitting down at one of the two seater tables by the window.

  He sat back in his chair, lips pursed. “Is there nothing else you can talk about? Why do you insist on bringing up the past?”

  I took a bite of my scone. “Because it’s all I know of you. Plus, it was some of the happiest times of my life. It’s hard not to talk about when I’m looking at you.”

  Moving closer, he ran his hands through his brown hair, then rested his elbows on the table. I waited for him to look into my eyes, but he didn’t. He was avoiding it at all costs. “Yes, I remember the restaurant. I remember everything, Emma. You used to order the club sandwich with homemade chips and two extra sides of ranch dressing.”

  I laughed. “Yes, I had to have my ranch. I’ll never forget stealing the pickles off your plate when you weren’t looking.” Every time he’d turned his head, I’d steal his pickles. I always got away with it, even though I had the sinking suspicion he let me do it on purpose.

  Preston finally looked at me. “I knew what you were doing every time.”

  “Then why did you let me take them?”

  His gaze shifted to my lips before looking away. “I figured you were hungry.”

  I’d wanted him to say it was because he had feelings for me, but of course, that wasn’t going to happen. I had a lot of work to do before he’d fess up.

  “Emma,” a voice called out. Turning my head, I watched John head toward our table, coffee in hand. His wide grin made me smile.

  “Hey, John. It’s good to see you.” I nodded toward the empty table beside us. “Pull up a chair.”

  With a stony expression, Preston stared at him and it took all I had not to giggle. Was that jealousy peeking through?

  John held out his hand to Preston. “You must be Mr. Hale. I’m John Tallman.”

  Preston looked down at his hand and eventually shook it. “And who are you exactly?”

  I cleared my throat, grabbing his attention. “John’s the lead singer and guitarist for First Sanity. We watched their audition last week.”

  “Oh, right,” he said, sizing John up. “I vaguely remember.”

  I tapped John’s arm. “You know, Preston used to be in a band. I’m sure he could give you some advice if you needed.”

  John’s eyes lit up. “That’d be great. I’m always looking to better myself and my crew.”

  Preston huffed and sat back in his chair, but deep down, I could tell he wasn’t really annoyed; he only pretended to be. He could talk for hours about music and never get bored. Whatever wall he had built was a strong one.

  “So what would Mr. Chandler say if I asked Emma to join my band?” John asked him.

  I choked on my hot chocolate, spewing it all over the table as I tried to hold it in. John winked at me while Preston’s jaw clenched. “Sorry,” I coughed. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. I haven’t performed in a long time.”

  “Well then, it might be time to start. Use it before you lose it, and all that jazz. The guys and I think it’s a good idea.”

  I gasped. “You talked to them about it?”

  He chuckled. “Yep. They’re on board with bringing in a female.”

  Preston cleared his throat. “Actually, that’ll be hard to do, considering we’re heading back home in a couple of weeks. You could always hold an audition. That’s how I found one of my singers. She had the sexiest voice.”

  I remembered that day as if it was yesterday. Preston was my friend, and I auditioned just to be funny. I’d always loved to sing, but when I got on stage with him, it was as if I was in a different world. I never wanted to leave.

  Heart racing, I slid out of my chair. “Excuse me for a minute. I need to get some napkins.”

  Preston watched me walk away and everything inside of me tightened. He used to always say my voice was sexy, however, he never liked hearing other men say it. I walked up to the counter and grabbed a handful of napkins. Turning around quickly, I ran right into a man whose cup dropped to the floor. Luckily, it was empty. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.”

  He picked up his cup and chuckled, his bright green eyes staring right into mine. “It’s okay. I’m just glad I didn’t spill coffee on that pretty dress of yours.”

  “Me too. It would’ve been a bitch to wash out.”

  His gaze roamed over my face and he smiled. “Well, I hope you have a good day. Maybe we’ll run into each other again, only without coffee in our hands.”

  Tossing his cup in the trash can, he walked toward the back of the restaurant and out the other door. “Emma, you ready to go?” Preston asked, his voice right behind me.

  I turned around. “Yep.” That was when I noticed our empty table. I looked toward the door and saw John flashing a nervous smile at me before walking out. “Where’s he going?”

  “He had to leave.” Preston’s lips turned up slightly. “We need to go too, if you don’t want to be late.”

  Emma

  Reaching the house after a long day of auditions, I took off my sandals and tossed them at the front door. “Want to take a walk on the beach?”

  He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Not really. But I have a feeling you’re going to make me.”

  I shook my head. “No. I can always go by myself.” I started toward the back of the house and I could hear him huff.

  “Do you enjoy testing my patience?” he asked, catching up to me.

  “Do you enjoy testing mine?” I countered. “You should be thankful I can put up with your attitude.”

  “Not many can.”

  The dry sand was warm between my toes. “That used to not be a problem before.”

  He scoffed. “Things change. Most women are afraid of me now.”

  “Maybe it’s that dark, brooding look you constantly have on your face. It’s like you want to kill someone.” His attention shot to me and I realized a little too late what I said. I laughed it off. “You need to lighten up and smile once in a while. No self-respecting woman wants to date a gloomy sourpuss.”

  We walked down the beach in the direction of his parents’ house. I wanted to gauge his reaction when we got close to it. I had yet to figure out which one it was. That was, until I saw him stare at the pretty yellow one just a few houses away. It didn’t look like the type of house he’d live in, but then again, the circumstances had changed him dramatically. He wasn’t always the hardcore killer he was now.

  What made my heart hurt was the fact his sister was found dead not far from where we were walking. Eyes burning, I stopped and picked up a seashell, hoping to get my mind off the tragedy. I couldn’t imagine the turmoil he was going through by being on the same beach.

  “What about you?” he asked.

  Clutching the seashell in my hand, I glanced up at him. “What about me?”

  He looked down at the shell in my hands. “Are you seeing someone back home? I figured by now you’d be married and have kids.”

  I scoffed. “Not exactly. I haven’t met anyone worth the title of husband. Besides, I’ve been too busy trying to find my place in the world.”

  “And you plan on doing that working for Chandler?”

  “I do. He’s offered me more than anyone else could. I’ve actually
enjoyed working for him. But soon, I’ll be handed over to Wade. He’s definitely a different man than Glenn.” His eyes blazed and I turned away, my body trembling under his stare.

  “Have you slept with him?” he asked, almost growling the words.

  Sighing, I started walking down the beach. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

  “It is, more than you know. Now tell me.”

  I kept walking, but then his hand wrapped around my arm, his grip tight as he turned me around. My breath hitched and I froze. It was the first time he’d really touched me. My breasts pressed against his chest as I tried to breathe.

  “I need to know,” he murmured, his voice dark. His breaths came out fast, his gaze on my lips.

  I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him down into a soul searing kiss, pressing my lips achingly hard against his. He opened up to me almost instantly, pushing his way in. He groaned into my mouth, his arms holding me so tight I could barely breathe. Breaking the kiss first, Preston stepped back, his eyes wild and feral.

  “The answer’s no,” I whispered. “I haven’t slept with Wade, or anyone else, for a really long time.”

  For a second, I thought he was going to take me there right on the beach, but instead muttered to himself, “Fuck me.” Then he shook his head. “We can’t do this. If you’re smart, you’ll stay the hell away from me.”

  I wasn’t going to let him push me away. He wanted me. All I had to do was show him he was worthy of love. “I guess it’s a good thing I can think for myself.” Tonight was too soon, but I was determined to break him down. Blowing out a heavy breath, I nodded toward Glenn’s house. “After you.”

  Preston

  I wanted her. Holy fucking shit, I wanted her so goddamn bad I could taste it. I was so close to fucking her right there on the beach, just throwing her down on the sand so she could feel how much I needed her. By the look in her eyes, she wanted it too. It took all I had to walk away from her.

  For the rest of the night, I was tempted to go to her room. Instead, I handled my own business—coming so hard I probably burst a blood vessel—then logged onto my computer to look at the list. But every time I got geared up to go for a kill, I stopped at the door, my guns strapped at the hip.