“I’m afraid not. Unless there is more evidence that says Sara Monahan is a threat to May and she perpetrated this, there’s not much you can do.”
May scowled and scuffed her foot on the ground.
“Terrific.”
Hernandez and Chris exchanged looks and then Hernandez nodded at May.
“I’ll be in touch with your car sometime tomorrow.”
He headed towards his car. Chris then approached May and gently took her arm.
“Come on.” He eased her to her feet. “Get your things.”
“Where are we going?”
“I’m going to take you home.”
A moment of panic washed over May and she pulled away.
“No!”
Chris looked annoyed that she even rejected him. He folded his arms and scowled at her.
“And why not? Who else is going to do it? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t be taking you home.”
“I…” May realized that she was being ridiculous. He wasn’t offering undying love and begging for her body again. It was just a life home. She looked at the ground, her face getting very warm. “I haven’t got one.”
Chris grunted.
“Look, May, just ignore the fact we were briefly lovers and focus on the fact I’m your boss trying to look after an employee. I want to make sure you get home safely.” He raised his eyebrows. “Will you trust me for once?”
“That’s the problem.” May glanced up at him. “I do trust you.”
“What’s the problem with that?”
“I trust you too much.”
Then May turned and went into the house, aware that Chris was staring after him.
*****
She trusted him. Chris didn’t think he could have a bigger surge of pride in his chest. May trusted him and that meant something to him. Chris didn’t give out his trust or receive it lightly.
He wasn’t about to mess that up. Not when May needed someone with her. Chris wasn’t about to walk away now.
May sat silently in the passenger seat, almost curled up as much as she could with the seatbelt in the way, staring out the side window. Chris glanced at her as they drove through the city. She had been quiet ever since they had got into his car, not even reacting when Chris put some low music on to cover the awkward silence between them.
“Penny for your thoughts?” He asked.
“Sorry?”
“You looked away with the fairies.”
May sighed and rested her head back against the headrest.
“I wish I had never gone to that store at that time.” She said quietly. “I wish this had never happened.”
Chris could understand that. He wished he could reach out and touch her leg, just to give her some comfort. But he didn’t want to ruin the moment.
“If it hadn’t been you, it would’ve been someone else. Someone else would’ve rescued William and they would be in Sara Monahan’s crosshairs.”
“I don’t get why she’s determined to have everyone believe she’s the victim and that she did nothing wrong.”
Chris grunted.
“Sometimes you can’t argue with crazy. My parents have Olympic medals in mental gymnastics. You just have to shake your head and move on.”
“I wish I could move on.” May bit her lip and rubbed at her temples. “I just can’t get a break right now. I’m supposed to be celebrating being cancer-free for the first time in eighteen months. Instead, I’m almost running scared from a middle-aged woman who is so determined to make everyone else pay for her mistakes that she’s willing to push the law.”
“I thought that was my job.”
That got a small smile out of May. It wasn’t much but it was enough for Chris. He was trying to formulate another question for her when a cell phone started going off.
“Is that yours?”
“I think so.” May fished into her bag, which was at her feet, and withdrew her phone. “It’s Melissa.”
“You answer it.” Chris winked. “I promise I won’t eavesdrop.”
May rolled her eyes and answered.
“Hey, Melissa. I’m on my way home. Yeah, my car’s not in a state to drive. My boss is…” Then May froze. “Hang on, how did you know about my car?”
Chris had wondered that as well. Glancing over, he saw May’s face pale.
“Oh, my God. She already knows where I live.” She listened a bit longer and her mouth hardened into a determined line. “Thanks for letting me know. Are you and William safe? Good. And if your husband says what she’s doing to me is a misunderstanding, give him a kick where it hurts for me. Thanks.”
She hung up, punching at the off button like she wanted to hit something. Chris tried to look at her and at the road at the same time.
“What’s wrong? From the sound of it on this end, that didn’t sound good.”
“It’s not.” May was scowling. “Sara’s been talking to John and Melissa overheard them. She’s been gloating that she’s got someone to go after me. Melissa thinks she might have gone after my car first judging from what John was saying about cars. Sara has no knowledge of vehicles so the fact they were discussing cars was quite worrying.”
“And she went to your apartment with CPS last night.” Chris said grimly. “That doesn’t sound like something CPS would do.”
“It isn’t. I called them myself this morning and they said they never sent anyone to talk to me.”
“So, either someone was impersonating them or they were there misrepresenting themselves.”
“Melissa says the latter. Sara has a friend who works for CPS. From the description, it’s definitely her. I’ve already put in a complaint.”
“Good girl.” Chris stopped at the lights. “What does the husband say?”
May made a face. She had had enough of John Monahan and she hadn’t even met the man.
“I think he’s beginning to realize that this isn’t a phase, especially after he saw Melissa packing for her and William. Melissa has said if he’s still defending his mother by the time she gets back, she’s leaving.”
“You think this is a bluff?”
“It’s an ultimatum. William’s safety is more important than her mother-in-law’s feelings.”
Chris was having a hard time trying to figure out why a woman would be so intent on making everyone take the blame for her mistake. If the situation had happened but Sara had been remorseful, apologetic and owned up to her mistakes, none of this would be happening. But he knew from experience that certainly people didn’t like taking the blame for anything. It had to be someone else’s fault. In his family, it was always his no matter what had happened. Chris got the blame if the weather forecast was wrong.
He was glad to be away from that and angry that May had been sucked into a load of lies that had turned a simple incident into something much bigger. It had completely blown out of proportion.
Maybe that was it. Sara Monahan was enjoying the drama. She’s at the center of the drama and looking to be the leading lady. Now it was getting out of control because nobody was believing her and she was starting to escalate.
Chris wondered when people were going to put the woman into a psych hold. She was going to kill someone with the way she was going.
They were silent as they drove the rest of the way through the city to May’s apartment. Chris’ mind was going over things, trying to figure out what he could do for May. She wouldn’t accept any help from him but Chris could try. He wasn’t about to let her deal with this on her own.
One of these days, May’s stubbornness was going to be too much.
Chris pulled his car into the parking lot and pulled into the space closest to May’s front door. They could see the doormen in the lobby behind the desk. One of them saw Chris’ car and went to the door, waiting to let May in. May was picking up her bag when Chris saw someone hovering in the shadows near the door. He sat up.
“Is that her?”
“Huh?”
May looked. Then
her expression darkened and she let out a soft curse.
“Shit. Why doesn’t she leave me alone?”
“At least she’s not inside.”
“I told security I’d be putting in a complaint if they let anyone uninvited inside again.” May suddenly clutched at Chris’ arm. “Don’t leave me alone.”
“I wasn’t going to let you go inside without me there.”
Chris climbed out and went around to the passenger side, May clutching onto his hand as soon as she climbed out. She was trembling. Chris hadn’t realized how scared she was of facing Sara. He tucked her tightly into her side, momentarily relishing May gripping his jacket and holding onto him for dear life.
“Are you recording this?”
“No need. Security cameras at the door.”
That was something. Chris walked May towards the front door. He silently counted how long it took for Sara to intercept them.
It took five seconds. Sara approached them, smirking nastily at May.
“Sorry to bother you at work, Miss Lucero. I hope I don’t chase this…” She gave Chris a onceover and openly licked her lips. “Client away.”
She looked like an ordinary person. Everything about her was ordinary, nothing startling about her except the crazy look in her eyes that was barely contained. At the open leering at him, Chris had to fight back the nausea. He had had cougar-like women drooling all over him but this was something else.
“Mrs. Monahan, I am taking Miss Lucero to her apartment.” He said sternly. “If you do not leave right now I will be calling the police.”
“I’m merely here as a pedestrian.”
“You are not supposed to be anywhere near Miss Lucero.”
Sara rolled her eyes and sneered at May.
“You think you’re so clever getting another cop to take the case. He’ll believe me, just like the last one. I didn’t do anything to my grandson.”
“If you didn’t do anything wrong, why are you going after May?” Chris asked.
Sara snorted.
“Why else? I want to know why she’s telling lies.”
“My personal assistant does not lie.”
“Personal assistant? Is that what they’re calling it nowadays? I’m not quite up to speed on the jargon.”
May groaned and gently tugged Chris’ jacket.
“Come away, Chris. She just wants an audience. We won’t be able to change her mind.” Then her hand went into her bag as she glared at Sara. “If you come anywhere near me, I’ll mace you.”
Sara snickered.
“I’d like to see you try.”
This all reminded Chris of a high school girl who was chasing after someone because they reported her for bullying. It felt incredibly immature.
He had had enough of this.
“Mrs. Monahan, you leave right now or the police will be called. I’m sure harassment can be added to your growing list of charges.”
Sara’s eyes went wide.
“But I haven’t done anything. I’m just a little old lady.”
Chris snorted.
“Give it another ten years before you try that excuse, lady.” He fished out his cell phone and started dialing. “Now, are you going? Because I’m sure Detective Hernandez would love to see this.”
He put the phone to his ear at the same time Sara started to back off. She cast a look in May’s direction.
“I’ll be back to talk later.”
She gave Chris another saucy look before sauntering away. May sighed heavily and leant her head against Chris’ chest.
“And she will. I have a feeling I’m not going to get any sleep.”
Chris had already made up his phone. He hung up and tucked May closer into his side as he led her to the front door, the doorman opening it for him.
“Pack a bag.”
“Why?”
“You’re staying with me. I don’t trust you here alone.”
“Don’t be daft. I’m in a security-controlled building.”
“And she still managed to get in.” Chris pressed the button for the elevator. “That doesn’t fill me with confidence right now.”
“Chris…”
“No arguments.” Chris tugged May into the elevator and pressed for her floor. “Pack a bag and be quick.”
*****
May was angry with herself. Why had she let Chris talk her into this? Being close to him during the day was something she could tough out; at least she could go home and have some space at the end of the day. Now she was in his guest room and they would be in close contact every moment. There was no time for relaxing.
May knew she was an idiot for even going along with it. But you didn’t say no to Chris. Not very often. As far as she knew, she was the only one who had actually said no to Chris and not faced any repercussions.
Or so she thought. Maybe this was Chris’ way of getting back at her.
This was becoming an absolute mess.
May dumped her bag at the foot of the bed and sank onto the soft mattress. She would go back and get some more things in a few days. Hopefully, she would be able to go home. But that would all depend on what Chris was planning. May hoped he wasn’t going to try and seduce her; she would give in to anything he asked for her if that was the case.
She shouldn’t be here.
May was startled out of her thoughts by her cell phone going off. She smiled when she call the caller ID and answered, flopping onto her back. Her head was spinning and May could feel her stomach churning.
“Hey, girl.”
“Hey, Sammie. It’s great to hear your voice.”
Sammie tittered.
“Oh, dear. I sense trouble in paradise.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Nothing.” Sammie switched subjects quickly. “I got your text message earlier. Just clocked out. What’s wrong?”
May wished her best friend was there. She could make things a lot more cheerful, even with the situation as terrible as it was.
“Sara Monahan knows where I live.”
May gave Sammie a quick rundown of what happened the day before and a few hours previously. Being on a double shift, Sammie hadn’t been able to call in and check on her friend. When she finished, Sammie gave a low whistle.
“Jeez. Sounds like she’s slipping. I never thought anyone would be that determined to get rid of something like this. Whatever happened to what our mothers said about owning up to our mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions?”
“I don’t think Sara took that class. Sounds like she missed it.”
“More than missed it. She took the entire semester off.” Sammie grunted. “I told Melissa I’ve heard of rug-sweeping but this is ridiculous. You can’t rug-sweep police involvement.”
“Melissa called you?”
“Shortly before I called you back. She wanted to warn me just in case Sara tried to cause issues with me.”
May was feeling dizzy from everything. This made her feel like she was in another universe. No regular person would try to cover this up. May knew she would have owned up to letting her grandson run out in front of a car. But then she wouldn’t have got a lively toddler out of a shopping cart.
“I didn’t realize people could be this crazy to make everyone believe she’s a good person.”
“Same here. But America’s full of crazy people.”
May managed a weak laugh.
“I won’t argue with that.”
“Where are you now? Are you at home?”
“I wish.” May sighed heavily. “I’m back at Chris’ house. He told me that I’m staying with him until things are dealt with.”
“That sounds like a good plan.”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, I’ve been to his place and it’s like a fortress. I’d like to see Sara try and get in there.”
“Well, she managed to get someone in to deal with my car.”
May told her friend about her precious car. Sammie knew that May’s vehicle
was her prized possession, something she had saved up for and bought to cheer herself up when she went to her first chemo treatment. May had looked after that vehicle and become fixated in keeping it in pristine condition. Now it was in the police compound being checked over by a forensics team.
May was sure they wouldn’t find anything. Sara, for all of her crazy actions, was careful that this didn’t go back to her. Whoever trashed her car had been very smart about not being recognized. And May hated it.
“Sheesh.” Sammie hissed. “She’s really got it in for you.”
“I doubt the police will arrest her for it, though.”
“I doubt it, too. But focus on yourself. You’re okay. At least it was you and not the car.”
“I wish she had gone after me.”
Sammie laughed.
“You are one of the strangest people I know. You’re more concerned about your car than you are about yourself.”
“I know. I’m strange.”
And she was also feeling sick.
Chapter 8
May sat up slowly, aware of her head spinning. She eased slowly to the edge of the bed and leant over, resting her head on her hand.
“How’s Melissa doing?”
“She’s angry and fed up. Her husband is planning on joining her at her parents’ place after work tomorrow but he’s been trying to get her to talk to Sara so she can make amends.”
“Make amends for what? ‘My mom’s sorry your feelings got hurt’.”
“That’s pretty much it. Melissa told him to shove it and expect divorce papers if he tried that one more time.” Sammie grunted. “If that man loves his family, the genuine threat of losing his wife and son should get him to cut that umbilical cord.”
“Only if it doesn’t boomerang back.” May could feel her stomach rolling. “Do you mind if I hang up? I need to get to the bathroom.”
“Sure. Stay safe. I’ll come over tomorrow if Chris lets me in.”
“Yes, okay.”
May had barely hung up before she scrambled off the bed and hurried to the bathroom. Then her vision went blurry and the world tilted. She staggered, hitting the door as her legs gave way, landing hard on the floor. Her head hit something.
Love In Arms_BWWM Romance Page 8