The Warrior In Me

by Anita Philmar

  ****

  Exhausted from lack of sleep and the long plane ride, Lily mulled over the likelihood of her falling into a blind stupor if not for the gallons of coffee she’d consumed this morning. Tightening her grip on the door handle, she waited impatiently for the cab to pull to a stop in front of Mark’s house.

  She’d left yesterday morning excited to start a trip to paradise. Instead, she’d ended up on an island in Alaska. Not pleased, she had adjusted to the change in locations, had even looked forward to spending a few days exploring the place and the man who’d been assigned to guard her. Now, twenty-four hours later, she wanted only to sleep for the next week.

  Depressed and debilitated by losing Mark, she hated the thought of facing the future or the infinite problems ahead without him. Everything in her life would be different now. She would be the one who would have to tell the world about the Neanderthal discovery, face the media, run the lab, and deal with all the problems.

  That hateful inevitability had been drilled into her during the long plane ride home by the million and one questions Sebastian had thrown at her. He’d asked about everything from the lab to who now owned Mark’s house. She didn’t have the foggiest, didn’t care, and hoped Zane would be at the house so Sebastian would simply leave her alone.

  The moment the cab stopped, she bolted out the door. Rushing for the front step, she realized why she hadn’t moved after her divorce from Mark. She considered this her home, the place where she found peace after a trying day. Now, where would she live?

  She glanced over her shoulder, noting Sebastian’s broad shoulders encased in a dark-blue suit jacket, which was paired with khaki colored pants. A tinge of awareness washed through her. She liked him and enjoyed his touch. Yesterday, she had even liked talking to him. Today not so much. He’d become obsessed with learning everything there was to know about Mark.

  She hit the doorbell before she tried turning the doorknob. The door slid open. She hurried over the threshold, anxious to see if anyone was home.

  Pausing in the foyer, she glanced up the stairs and debated which way to head first. “Hello, is anyone here?”

  “Oh, honey, I’m so glad you’re home.” Violet rushed forward from the living room. Dressed in dark slacks and her customary white oxford shirt, she appeared unfazed until Lily glanced at her face. Clouded by misery, she had tears running unchecked down her cheeks and dripping from her chin. The sight washed away any hope Lily had of there being some type of mistake.

  Emotions welling up inside, she wrapped her arms around the woman who’d offered her so much support when her parents died. Lily wrestled with the pain tunneling through her chest and tried to soothe the other woman. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here when it happened.”

  “Oh, it was awful.” Violet buried her head on Lily’s shoulder.

  Having never seen the woman who had become like her second mother so upset, Lily tightened her hold and worked to breathe. Violet’s perfume and the muffled sound of her sobbing robbed air from her lungs, adding to her struggle to remain calm.

  “Mrs. Dodson, can you please bring Mrs. Winslow into the living room?” The unknown male voice struck Lily as being very demanding for a stranger.

  She shifted back and stared into Violet’s mascara-streaked face. Her normally bouncy, auburn curls hung limply around her head, as if she had been running her fingers endlessly through her hair.

  “Detective Callahan, he thinks one of us killed Mark,” Violet cried and wiped at her cheeks with the back of her hand.

  “What the—” Lily’s knees wobbled, and she stumbled backward.

  “Take it easy.” Sebastian stepped up beside her and wrapped large, strong fingers around her elbow. “The police are simply doing their job.”

  “But—” She peered at him, noting his cool demeanor. The questions he’d been drilling her with on the plane acquired a whole new meaning. “You knew Mark was murdered, didn’t you?”

  “Lily, we need to talk to the detective.” He dropped his hand to her waist. The warm touch shouldn’t have reassured her, but somehow it did. He’d known of the inquisition she’d be facing and planned to help her during the hellish event. She leaned against him, grateful for his presence, a rudder to steer her through the rough waters ahead.

  Violet pointed an angry finger at him. “I don’t care who the hell you are. This is a private resident. You can’t just walk in here and tell us what to do.”

  Dousing the residual annoyance at being kept in the dark, Lily tugged free from his grip and wrapped an arm around Violet’s shoulder. “It’s okay. He’s with me.”

  “What? You were only gone a day. How could you have met someone so soon?” Violet ran her gaze over Sebastian. Her frown said she found him lacking. “You need to get rid of him.”

  “That won’t be easy.” Lily escorted her friend toward the living room. “Come on. It’ll be easier if I introduce him to everyone at once.”

  Drawing on the lessons Mark had given her for meeting strangers, Lily gathered her strength and proceeded into the elegantly, decorated living room. The decor had never welcomed Lily. The beautiful silk tapestries on the walls, the crystal drops hanging like tiny chandeliers from the lamps, the spindle leg tables, each item created a do not touch feel that left her cold. Still, Mark had loved the room.

  Shoving aside her grief, she paused briefly to prepare herself for the coming conversation and scanned the other occupants. Violet walked ahead to the couch where Zane sat. His reassuring smile and handsome face helped ease the tension mounting inside Lily.

  Olivia sat regally in a wingback chair by the white marble fireplace. Wearing an expensive designer dress, she nodded briefly in greeting without bothering to rise or utter a word in welcome. Her gaze flickered briefly to Sebastian. One wayward eyebrow lifted slightly before she turned her attention back to the man seated on the sofa next to her chair.

  Lily was glad for Sebastian’s imposing presence guarding her from behind and his soothing if not possessive touch at her lower back.

  “Lily, we’re glad you made it back home safely.” Zane stood and wrapped an arm around Violet’s waist, drawing her close to his side. “We were worried when we couldn’t get a hold of you. Luckily, once Bruce returned, he told me how to contact you.”

  Not giving her a chance to introduce him, Sebastian answered, “Then Bruce probably also told you she didn’t fly to Cancun. Instead, she flew to Alaska with me.”

  “And who are you?” Olivia’s voice rang with a haughty tone, indicating she believed herself in charge.

  Irritated by the woman’s attitude, Lily jumped into the conversation. “Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to Sebastian Berlin. He’s part of the security team Mark hired.”

  “Another of Ledger’s men?” The stranger in the room rose and strutted forward. “I met with Bruce Michaels yesterday after he returned from his trip with you. I’m Detective Tobias Callahan, Mrs. Winslow.”

  A low huff of disgust echoed from the corner where Olivia sat.

  Ignoring her rudeness, Lily took his offered hand and stared into the man’s steel-gray eyes. For a man in his fifties, who probably encounter thieves and murders daily, he had a warm, welcoming smile and a full head of thick auburn hair. Broad shoulders and thick arms hinted that he had the strength to handle most situations. The slight roll of his stomach also proclaimed the habit of eating on the go, which, with his job, was probably a necessity.

  He wrapped his fingers around hers, holding her hand gently before releasing it.

  Lily moved to one side to give Sebastian room to walk forward. “Please call me, Lily. As you probably have already discovered, Mark and I have been divorced several months now.”

  “Yet she didn’t move out of his house,” Olivia muttered loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

  “Detective,” Sebastian greeted the man and withdrew as soon as they’d shaken hands. “I’m glad we made it in time to hear what you have to say regarding Mark’s death.�
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  “Then you better take a seat.” He swept his hand toward the couch, he’d vacated. “I’m ready to get started.”

  Selecting the end farthest from Olivia, Lily sank onto the plush floral cushion and leaned into the corner. She tucked her legs to one side and grabbed the chiffon pillow to allow Sebastian room to maneuver around the coffee table and sit beside her.

  Once they had settled, Detective Callahan addressed the group, eyeing each of them before he started. “From what the coroner discovered, we believe Mark was poisoned. Bits of Oleander leaves were found in his stomach along with some undigested vitamins.”

  “You killed him.” Olivia jumped to her feet and pointed at Lily. “You couldn’t stand for him to be happy with someone other than you.”

  “Ms. Hart, sit down.” The detective pointed at Olivia. His previous calm tone gone, it was replaced by a stern command. “I came here as a courtesy. If you can’t control yourself, then I’ll be forced to ask each of you to the station so I can speak to you separately.”

  Olivia’s face lost its coloring, and she gripped her hands into knots at her side. “But you don’t understand. She’s the one who always demanded he take supplements. She could have easily crushed up the leaves and deposited them in the green tablet. After all, she knew he’d take them eventually.”

  Lily met the stark fury on Olivia’s face. All the strides they’d gained in the last few weeks forgotten, the woman truly believed her capable of murder.

  A silent revolt rumbled through Lily. She’d tried to ignore Olivia, but the woman had taken every opportunity to bad mouth her to anyone who would listen. Because of Mark’s refusal to address the accusations, Lily had refrained from pointing out his girlfriend’s pettiness and sour attitude because he claimed to love her.

  Repulsion for the woman bubbled through Lily’s gut, mixing with the acid taste of coffee. She glanced around the room and read the compassion on not only the police detective’s face but Zane’s and Violet’s, too. Without warning, her body rebelled at the injustice of Olivia’s accusation. Hot liquid hit the back of her throat. Lily clamped a hand over her mouth and bolted for the door.

  “She’s trying to make a run for it,” Olivia screamed.

  Heavy footsteps followed Lily down the hallway to the guest bathroom.

  Chapter Eight

  The sight before Sebastian didn’t surprise him. He’d left the room as much to check on Lily as to escape the vile woman sitting by the fireplace. Mark may have loved Olivia Hart, but the other people associated with him didn’t seem to care much for her.

  Sebastian could understand how she made Lily sick. Not one nice word had left the woman’s mouth since they entered the room. Olivia’s words seem convoluted in half-truths, but when measured against what he’d already learned from Lily they were simply lies. Though, he couldn’t blame Lily’s upset stomach entirely on Olivia. Lily had refused any form of food since they left the house this morning. She’d existed solely on coffee, which had added to her irritability and probably contributed to her throwing up now.

  He checked under the bathroom counter and found a washcloth. After wetting it, he offered it to her where she sat on her knees in front of the toilet.

  Her head down, she closed her fingers around the rag but remained motionless, as if waiting for the next wave of nausea to hit.

  He pushed the lever to flush the bowl clean, leaned against the sink, and waited for her to recover. He ground his teeth at the dejected slump of her shoulders, the white parlor of her cheeks, and the slight wheezing sound of her breath. “Next time we fly you need to eat something before we get on the plane.”

  “There won’t be any next time, not if—”

  Footsteps sounded in the hallway.

  Sebastian looked out the open doorway at the woman who’d welcomed Lily upon their arrival. “Violet, isn’t it? Do you know if there are any saltine crackers in the house? Lily didn’t get a chance to eat this morning and needs something to settle her stomach.”

  Violet ignored him and stared at Lily. “Why didn’t you have a ginger ale or soda on the plane?”

  Tears leaked from the corner of her eyes, and she shook her head. “I drank coffee to stay awake.”

  “God, no wonder you’re sick.” Violet offered a reassuring smile and glanced at him. “If you’ll help her up to her room, I’ll go see if I can find her something to settle her stomach.”

  Lily wiped at her face with the washcloth and groaned. “No, I have to go back in there, or Olivia will convince Detective Callahan I killed Mark.”

  “You weren’t even here when he died,” Violet argued. The motherly concern on the older woman’s face had Sebastian questioning their relationship.

  The woman had been Mark’s assistant for years. Was she here when Mark brought Lily home? Had Violet at one time resented the interference of the younger woman at Mark’s lab or maybe here in his house?

  From the way, they had greeted each other and the signs of worry on Violet’s face, the two of them appeared close, but not mother-daughter close. More like just friends close.

  “I believe she’s right. Detective Callahan would probably rather have us all in the same room while he relays the details of Mark’s murder.” Sebastian regretted his choice of words when both women cringed at the last.

  Lily shoved the rag onto the counter next to him and rose onto her knees. “Then I guess I better get up.”

  Closing his hand around her elbow, he lifted her to her feet. “Violet, why don’t you head to the kitchen and see what you can find while I help Lily back to the living room?”

  Violet shuffled back a few steps to give them room to exit the bathroom and paused in the center of the hall. “Are you sure, Lily? I mean, if you’re not feeling well, how are you going to get through this? Hell, I can barely keep it together, and I don’t have the dragon bitch accusing me of murder.”

  Lily offered her friend a weepy smile and slumped against him. Her soft curves enticed as her arms circled his waist. With a weary sigh, she rested her head against his chest.

  Sebastian held her close and silently offered her his support for what lay ahead. He wanted to hear Callahan’s speech for more insight into the case and the players involved.

  “True, but you have Zane, and I have Sebastian.” Lily brushed a strand of golden blonde hair from her face. “She can’t touch either of us because she no longer has Mark to protect her. She’s on her own now.”

  Violet’s eyes widened and a small laugh burst from her lips. “As much as that pains me, you’re right. Though, you could throw her out of the house tonight.”

  Lily shifted, the stiffening of her body telegraphing her unease. “How can I do that? Mark told me he was changing his will so she’d inherit the house and everything in it. She might be the one kicking me out.”

  Leaning in close, Violet whispered, “He told me, he had the will ready, but he wasn’t signing it until after the wedding, which means you’re still his beneficiary.”

  “Oh, shit.” Lily buried her face against his neck.

  A wave of apprehension washed through Sebastian, not because he suspected her of any wrongdoing, but the will would provide the police with a motive. He shook his head at Violet when she stepped closer. “It’s okay. She’s just tired.”

  Violet patted Lily on the back. “Don’t worry, you’ll feel better once we—”

  “Mrs. Winslow, can you please step back into the living room?” Detective Callahan’s voice boomed from behind Sebastian.

  With a quick glance over his shoulder, he caught sight of the man in the doorway of the living room. Knowing Lily didn’t have the energy to fight this battle alone, he bent at the knees and swept her into his arms. Giving Violet a pointed stare, he indicated she should head to the kitchen before he turned. “Sorry, Detective. Lily didn’t get much sleep last night after she found out about Mark. We had to catch an early plane this morning. Perhaps you can forgive her for feeling a little under the weather.”
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  Lily wrapped her arms around his neck. “Violet has offered to get me some ginger ale and crackers, which should help. But shouldn’t we wait until Devin is here, too? After all, wasn’t he here when Mark died?”

  “How do you know that?” Callahan’s gaze narrowed, as if she’d divulged some unknown truth.

  Sebastian wondered the same thing. He hadn’t told her anything other than Mark had died.

  “Well, I guess I just assumed. He was here when I left yesterday, and you said there were undigested vitamins in Mark’s stomach. He always takes his supplements with breakfast so I figured it happened around that time.” She bit her lip and closed her eyes.

  Sebastian drew her closer and kissed her forehead. “Easy, honey, your timing is off a little.”

  The detective raised an eyebrow at the endearment and pointed back into the room they had exit a short time ago. “Why don’t you two make yourself comfortable while I herd Ms. Dodson in from the kitchen?”

  “Don’t worry, Violet won’t be long,” Lily answered and whispered near Sebastian’s ear, “I’m not saying another word.”

  He grinned and strolled into the living room. Choosing the same place they had sat before, he sank onto the couch with her in his lap. She wiggled and tried to slide down beside him, but he held her in place. “You’re fine where you are.”

  “My, my, you two sure are cozy. Don’t tell me our prudish virgin has taken a lover?” Olivia lifted a knowing brow and glanced down her snobbish nose.

  The elegant background added to her pretentious persona. The fireplace mantel held regal gold statues at each end while the picture above sported the artistry of a master.

  “All in less than twenty-four hours, which makes one wonder what she’s hoping to gain from such a romance?” Olivia gave a nonchalant shrug.

  Seeing as he was the one who couldn’t keep his hands off Lily, he didn’t see it as a problem. She’d answered a number of his pointed questions on the plane. None had indicated her involvement in Mark’s or Cain’s murder. Every sixth sense he had suggested her incapable of committing such a crime.