Thread of Suspicion

by Susan Sleeman

  “You care for her,” Natalie said softly.

  He didn’t answer but continued to watch Dani. Her movements were smooth and effortless, her concentration intense. Even when making a cup of tea, she gave it her all. Even when she’d fought her attraction to him, she’d still been there when he’d talked about losing his family. About his father’s problems. And he’d given her nothing. So what difference did it make that he cared about her? She needed someone who was free to return her feelings.

  “Luke?” Natalie asked.

  “She’s a very special person,” he answered, not wanting to admit he’d fallen for her and blown his chances.

  “But you’re not going to do anything about it, are you?”

  “No.”

  Natalie took his hands. “Don’t let Wendy’s attitude ruin your life.”

  “I’m not. I’m just being practical.” He forced out a smile. “Let me find some paper and you can make a list of things you want from home.”

  She arched a brow.

  “What?”

  “You’re changing the subject.”

  He gave her a wistful smile as he rose. “Hang tight. I’ll be right back.”

  He went into the kitchen and opened drawers.

  “Can I help you with something?” Dani asked, sounding like a perfect stranger.

  How about not looking at me like I’m a slug crawling out from under a rock?

  “I need something to write on.” Barely able to keep it together under her watchful eyes, he looked away.

  “I have a notepad in my bag,” she said dispassionately, as if she didn’t care what became of him at all.

  She dug out the pad as the teakettle whistled its readiness.

  “Thanks for looking after Natalie,” he said, hoping to start a meaningful conversation.

  “It’s the least I can do. She doesn’t deserve any of this.” Dani turned her back and went to the stove.

  Utterly deflated, he took the notepad to Natalie as the Justice clan filed into the room. A grim look of determination marked their faces, and Luke wondered if something else had happened. But he wasn’t going to ask about it in front of Natalie and upset her more.

  “Gather around.” Ethan gestured for them to join him in the family room.

  Luke waited to see where everyone landed before deciding what to do. Dani entered the room with trepidation and handed the mug to Natalie, then took a seat in an overstuffed chair. Kat joined Natalie on the sofa. Derrick perched on the arm of Dani’s chair as if he were staking his claim. Cole and Ethan sat in chairs facing the sofa. Still not knowing where to sit, Luke leaned against the fireplace.

  “We need to form a watch schedule.” Ethan braced one leg on the other. “I want two people to stand duty whenever Dani and Natalie are here. I’ve already cleared Cole’s and my schedule so we can cover the house when no one else can.”

  “Natalie will be here 24/7.” Luke fired a this-is-not-optional look at his sister.

  “I can’t take off work,” Natalie protested.

  Luke intensified his look. “There’s nothing too important in your schedule that’s worth risking your life over. You’ll stay here.”

  She nodded.

  A chunk of Luke’s apprehension disappeared with her agreement. “You don’t have to schedule me. I’ll be right here all night, every night until this is resolved.”

  “No need. I’ll already be here.” Derrick sat up straight as if he thought it would make Luke back down.

  Luke pushed off the mantel and pulled his shoulders back. “Then I guess we’ll be spending a lot of time together.”

  Derrick crossed his arms. “I guess we will.”

  “Let’s move on.” Kat dramatically wiped the back of her hand across her forehead. “I’m dying from all the testosterone flowing through the room.”

  Despite the tension, the family members laughed. All except Dani, who was watching him like she might watch a computer virus invade one of her precious machines. A virus she intended to eradicate.

  He’d come on too strong with Natalie again. Dani already thought he was too controlling, and this blatant display of bossiness reinforced her take on him. One of these times he needed to think before speaking. But, come on. Her life was on the line. He never let those he cared about face danger without his protection, and he might as well admit it, he cared about her. Too much. So whether she liked it or not he’d be on duty all night. There was no way he was letting Echo get the jump on them again.

  FIFTEEN

  Dani finished stacking the last of the dinner dishes in the dishwasher and looked up. Luke had planted himself in the adjoining family room, his head down, looking at his phone. Dinner had been an awkward event thanks to the tension flowing between her and Luke. Natalie, on the other hand, had taken Luke’s demands in stride and had relaxed. Dani took that to mean Natalie was not only used to the caveman treatment from her brother, but she accepted it.

  Kat pulled the plug in the sink and the water gurgled down the drain. “We should get the room arrangements settled.”

  Dani wanted to help Kat, but she wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to leave her brothers alone with Luke. No telling what they might decide on her behalf.

  Kat tugged on Dani’s arm, dragging her into the family room and not giving her a chance to say no. “We’re going to choose rooms, Natalie. Do you want to join us?”

  “Sure,” she said, and came to her feet.

  Dani couldn’t get over how much Natalie resembled Luke. Her features were much finer than his and she had a cute little nose, but both had dark hair and ice-blue eyes.

  Kat started for the stairs, then turned back. “You guys have any preferences?”

  Cole and Ethan, who sat at a small table playing checkers, shook their heads.

  “I won’t be needing a room,” Luke said.

  “Me, neither.” Derrick bumped out his chest as if he were trying to one-up Luke.

  Dani chose to ignore her brother and Luke’s sparring. “If anything comes up while I’m gone, please wait for me to come back. I want to be involved in any decisions.”

  “Don’t worry.” Cole smiled at her. “We got your message loud and clear. I’ll make sure you’re consulted.”

  “Thanks.” Dani returned Cole’s smile with an earnest one. She loved how much happier he’d been since Alyssa and her children had come into his life.

  Dani joined Natalie and Kat, who’d made it to the second-story landing. They pulled suitcases brought in by Cole and Luke after he’d gone to his house to retrieve Natalie’s things. Seeing Natalie’s limp made Dani think of the fire. How horrible it must have been to survive such an ordeal only to discover her mother and sister perished. How horrible for Luke to feel guilty for not being there. She couldn’t begin to put herself in his place. He had a right to be so protective of his sister, and she completely understood why he’d reacted as he had when he’d received the pictures of Natalie.

  Did Dani’s family have the same right? Had she been too hard on them?

  “Coming, Dani?” Kat called over her shoulder.

  Dani shook off her thoughts and would bring them out again when she was alone. “On my way.”

  She followed the sound of wheels humming over the wood floor. The noise suddenly stopped as Kat and Natalie paused to peek into the first bedroom. Dani joined them, noting the room held two twin beds.

  “This will be our room, Dani,” Kat said. “There aren’t enough bedrooms for everyone, so we can share.”

  Normally Dani didn’t mind sharing with her only sister, but tonight she wanted privacy so she could ponder the situation with Luke and seek God’s guidance. “The guys can bunk together.”

  Kat narrowed her eyes. “I know they can, but I won’t let you spend the night alone.�
�

  “So you don’t think I can take care of myself, either?”

  “Echo has proven his prowess in finding us. I won’t let him hurt you.” Kat jutted out her chin.

  Dani crossed her arms. Kat raised her shoulders higher. They stared at each other as they had during disagreements growing up. The first to blink usually lost. Kat’s lip poked out and her determination flowed from her face. Dani doubled her effort.

  Natalie stepped between them. “You two are so cute together. Pretending to be so tough when you both want the same thing.”

  Was she serious?

  Dani eyed Natalie to gauge her sincerity.

  She laughed. “I’m the youngest in the family, too, Dani. I know you get pushed around a lot, but life is fragile. You could lose each other in the blink of an eye. Take the time to appreciate each other, too. I’d give anything to have a chance to see my sister and my mom again.”

  Convinced she’d behaved small and petty, Dani stepped closer to Natalie. “Luke told me about the fire. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  Natalie’s mouth fell open. “Luke told you?”

  Dani nodded. “Is that a problem?”

  Natalie waved her hand in the air. “No, no. It’s just...he’s never shared it with anyone else.”

  Despite Dani’s displeasure with Luke’s heavy-handed behavior, her heart warmed. The big, tough guy had opened up to her, and she hadn’t realized how important that was. But Natalie obviously did as she scrutinized Dani.

  Dani felt a blush rise up her neck to her cheeks. She was not going to let Natalie see how much her brother affected her.

  “Let’s find a room for you,” she said, and took off down the hall.

  Dani heard them following, but she didn’t turn until after they’d selected a room for Natalie.

  “We’ll leave you to get settled.” Dani started to walk away.

  “Wait,” Natalie called out. “Would you mind hanging out with me for a bit? I’m still freaked out about everything that’s going on.”

  “I’ll put your stuff in our room.” Kat grabbed the handle of Dani’s suitcase and headed down the hall.

  Not sure if spending time alone with Luke’s sister was a good idea, Dani didn’t answer immediately.

  Natalie looked uneasy. “I understand if you don’t want to stay.”

  “No, it’s fine. I’m glad to keep you company.”

  Natalie didn’t waste a moment but pulled her suitcase into the room and placed it on the bed. Dani sat in a small chair in the corner.

  Natalie pulled the zipper on her suitcase and narrowed those cobalt-blue eyes exactly like Luke’s. “This is really surreal, isn’t it? Or are you used to this kind of thing?”

  Dani shrugged. “I’m used to providing protection for clients, but being the official object of protection is new to me.”

  “Official?” Natalie lifted a toiletry bag from the suitcase. “I don’t understand.”

  “Like you said, as the youngest, I’m used to everyone bossing me around. But I’ve never been whisked away to a safe house where they train their professional skills on me. It’s kind of daunting. Now I understand how our clients must feel.”

  Natalie perched on the edge of the bed. “Being the baby of the family can be tough.”

  “But you didn’t seem to mind giving in when Luke said you couldn’t go to work.”

  Natalie took her pajamas from the suitcase. “It used to bother me. Quite a bit actually. Until Hannah and Mom died. Luke blames himself for their deaths. So he’s overly protective of me. If taking responsibility for my safety helps him get through the day, I’m fine with that.”

  Dani recalled the pain in Luke’s eyes when he’d told her about the fire. He carried such a heavy burden, and she’d done nothing to help him with it. In fact, she’d made it worse for him by balking every time he tried to help her. “He shouldn’t blame himself.”

  “We both know that, but he’s got to work through this for himself.” Natalie smiled. “Until then, I’ll support him however I can.”

  “You’re a good sister,” Dani said.

  “So are you.”

  Dani thought about how much she fought her brothers. The grief she gave them, especially Derrick, when they were simply showing that they cared for her by watching out for her. “I’m not so sure about that.”

  “I can see that you have a good heart even when they’re pushing your buttons.”

  “If you say so,” Dani said. “But I’m going to try to respond more like you from now on.”

  “Maybe it’s easier for me.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “After living with our dad, I feel like Luke’s bossiness is minor.” Her eyes took on a faraway look. “Dad was a drill sergeant like no other. Everything had to be his way down to the littlest thing. He didn’t do it out of love like Luke does. He was just a big bully.”

  “I’m sorry, Natalie.”

  She shrugged. “We all have our past issues to deal with. But you see, this is how I know Luke is a good guy. He’s nothing like our dad. He’s warm and caring. Gentle, even.” Natalie locked gazes with Dani. “And he’s a real catch, so you should get over whatever’s keeping you from following your feelings.”

  Dani’s mouth dropped open.

  Natalie giggled. “Yeah, I can see you both care for each other.”

  Dani didn’t know what to say.

  Natalie patted her knee. “I’m only telling you this because he hasn’t shown an interest in a woman since his fiancée broke up with him. She left him feeling like he needed to have a steady income before he could ever hope to marry, so I want to encourage his interest.”

  Dani wished she could say she wanted to encourage Luke, too, but after this conversation, she really didn’t know what she wanted.

  I’m so confused, Father. What do You want me to do here?

  Natalie suddenly sat back. “I’ve put my foot in it, haven’t I?”

  “What? No. It’s fine. I’m just a little confused about the whole thing right now and could really use some time to think.”

  “Then you should go.”

  “You’ll be okay alone?”

  “Yes.” Natalie wrinkled her round little nose. “I wasn’t completely honest before. I really wanted to talk to you about Luke in private. I hope you’re not mad.”

  Dani didn’t need Natalie inserting herself in her private life, as she had plenty of brothers and sisters who already felt free to do so, but the conversation had given her insight into Luke’s behavior so it had been worth it.

  “I’m not mad at all.” Dani smiled at Natalie, then slipped out of the room. She ran into Kat in the hallway.

  “Everything okay with Natalie?” Kat asked.

  “Yeah. She wasn’t freaked out, but wanted to talk about Luke.”

  “Ah, she sees it, too, huh?” Kat leaned against the wall. “You and Luke, I mean.”

  Dani nodded.

  “And you still can’t let go of what happened with Paul to embrace your feelings?”

  “I know he’s not like Paul, but he still has this obsessive need to protect the women in his life.” Dani shook her head. “You of all people should understand I can’t live like that.”

  “So what you’re saying is, you’d prefer a man who ignored the fact that your life was in danger and let you do whatever you felt like doing?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Yes, you did. You can’t have it both ways, Dani. You can’t want a man to be strong and protective yet laid-back and meek.”

  “I just want a man who’s supportive of my career and of the independence I’ve tried so hard to find.”

  “Other than the danger present, has Luke ever done or said anything to make you think he doesn’t l
ike independent women?”

  “No.”

  “Does his sister think he’s controlling other than wanting her to stay safe?”

  “No.”

  “Then open your eyes, girl. See the whole man. Not just the part that you want to see so you don’t have to risk getting hurt again.”

  Kat was right. It was time for Dani to let go of any notion that Luke was like Paul. To recall the way he treated Natalie. He’d clearly do anything for her. His career record showed he was honorable. And despite her constant rebuff of him, he’d remained compassionate. Plus she’d never forget the intense ache he’d displayed over losing his family.

  “You look like you’re in shock,” Kat said.

  “A few things are finally starting to sink in.”

  Kat grabbed Dani and gave her a bear hug.

  “Ouch,” Dani said. “You don’t have to squeeze the life out of me.”

  Kat leaned back. “I’m just so happy that you’ve found someone.”

  Dani laughed. “What is it with you people in love? You go all gushy.”

  Kat smiled widely. “In this case, gushy is a good thing, sis. Trust me on this and don’t let Luke get away.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Speaking of gushy, I need to call Mitch and say good-night.” With a sappy grin on her face, Kat hurried down the hallway and Dani raised her face.

  I’m sorry, Father, for not trusting You with this problem. I know I’ve dishonored You by trying to rely solely on myself. Help me to see the Luke You want me to see and to act accordingly.

  The tension in her body relaxed and she felt hopeful. She’d moved forward. Made a decision. Now all she had to do was remember her prayer when she saw Luke again and maybe, just maybe, she could let go and respond to the feelings that she’d been avoiding for days.

  SIXTEEN

  Feeling like he might jump out of his own skin, Luke strode back and forth at the base of the stairs leading to the bedrooms. He wasn’t used to feeling this way. He was well trained. Calm in the face of danger. But he didn’t understand or have any skills in the kind of danger Echo brought.