Why in the world did her brother want to destroy her? What did that even mean?
Stiffening her spine Cassie made her decision. When they landed in Seattle, she was going straight to the police, or the FBI, whichever had jurisdiction over psychotic stalkers. Then she wanted to disappear, to be sent someplace where no one could find her, or Sean. This time when she ran away he was coming with her. They would disappear together and live off the grid up in the wilderness of the northwest.
She glanced at Sean, still sleeping. She envied him his ability to relax anywhere in a moment’s notice, while she needed hours to unwind. It was his years of military training. He told her one story about being trapped behind enemy lines in Kuwait and running for his life for three days with no sleep, no rest. It gave him a new perspective on down time.
She took his hand as he slept, wanting the comfort of his warmth. It still amazed her he was hers. He never allowed her to dump on herself and he was without question her biggest supporter, regardless of what she was working on. When people asked what she loved most about her husband, she always told them it was he made her laugh.
How many times had they needed each other but neither was available? It was too many to count. But it never seemed to matter; when they were together, all the problems seemed to disappear. Until either he went to a new assignment or she had field work. Then one or both of them would lie and say it was fine for the other to go.
But no more, she wouldn’t leave him again. This entire episode showed the necessity of staying close together. The problem was within Cassie herself, they both knew that. The official diagnosis was post-traumatic stress disorder from her childhood, traumas so numerous she no longer remembered when they first began. Making attachments was hard, maintaining them even harder when one’s first instinct is to run away. She remembered the first nightmare Sean worked through, only two weeks after they met. Waking in the middle of the night and not knowing where she was, the old self-preservation kicked in and she became primal, seeking freedom. Thinking it was a dream, Sean didn’t take her serious until she socked him in the jaw.
Most nightmares were of Cassie running away from the big black shadow that menaced her nightmares. The creature had no face, only a presence from which darkness radiated in fear-inducing waves. Usually they were in the big house of her family’s compound in Blairsville; other times it was through the woods of the Alpharetta farm. Always prevalent was the fear, the raw, heart-pounding terror that crawl in the pit of her stomach and send ice up her spine.
Poor Sean, living full time with a crazy woman, however did he manage? Her screaming night terrors, the occasional bouts of catatonic depression and physical limitations—more than one shrink had described her as a walking textbook of dysfunction. Yet every time, Sean held her until the zaniness went away and loved her in the end. She didn’t deserve him.
Perhaps when they got out into the wilderness for a while, things would settle down. Her final thesis was almost ready for submitting, and Sean wasn’t going anywhere for a while. This was the break they both needed, a chance to try again. She felt ready to face whatever the future held for the two of them.
Her eyelids closed and her head leaned against Sean’s shoulder. In no time at all, Cassie was asleep, dreaming of keeping house and growing old with her Irishman.
Chapter Twelve
Christmas Eve, 9:30 a.m.—Seattle
After taking a rental car to Cassie’s apartment north of town overlooking the sound, both were ready for a nap. Flying overnight always did something to her blood sugar. She was tired, cranky, and starving. While she lay down to find an attitude adjustment, Sean stepped out to the corner market for some basic essentials. As he was returning his phone buzzed. It was Joe Callahan.
Sean answered with weariness in every syllable. “Please tell me you have some good news for a change?”
Joe laughed, “Well I don’t have any bad news so does that count?”
“It depends on the news.”
“Last night, the Devlyn yacht exploded in its slip at the harbor in Ballard. Cassie’s cousin Nikolas is missing, the one who runs security at the plant up there. His car was found in the parking lot. It is presumed he was on the boat when it went up but no one has mentioned whether or not there was a body found. However, Greg was seen on a camera walking down the street. Interested in more?”
“I’m almost back home. Let me call you from a secure line.” Sean keyed the pad next to the street level door and slid into the hallway. Taking the elevator up, he inserted the key required for their floor. The doors opened into the foyer of the apartment. The dark hardwood floors were polished as well as any boat deck and the carpets spread around were thick and warm. The walls were a soothing teak paneling and the large windows overlooking the Sound were hidden behind full length curtains, which Sean took a moment to press the remote to open.
Upstairs in the giant loft overlooking the living room, Cassie was in the shower. He could hear the water running as he put the milk and bread away. Their resident cat Biscuit, a giant tabby who thought she was a lap dog, leaped onto the counter asking for a treat. Biscuit was a time-share kitty; when one of them was in town she lived with them, the rest of the time was spent one floor down with Lynne Tan, one of Cassie’s friends from school. He wiped her away with his free hand, dialing Joe on his satellite phone with the other.
Callahan answered on the first ring. “I just got an update from the Seattle police, a Detective Traynor to be precise. It was definitely Greg, they found fresh fingerprints on the gangway. He got three blocks from the site then disappeared. They have every able body out looking for him. Martin is still missing, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Greg did something to dear old Dad.”
Sean groaned. “Why am I not surprised he’s here? That means we night have a leak in the family. Probably Kevin or Matthew, they’re the only honest ones in this whole venture.”
“Could be old man Mitchell is still loyal to his previous employer, in which case the cabin isn’t going to be safe either.” Joe added. “Then again it could be Greg is here because Seattle is where he was banished several years ago.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Sean agreed.
“What would you like to do next?”
Sean sat for a moment. That was the major question, what to do next? Cassie still needed to heal, and people were still trying to kill them. They needed to disappear off the radar for a while. “What’s the status on identities and money?”
“I’ll have to double check and get back to you.”
“Call this number tonight at eleven Pacific time. I’ll have a plan ready for vetting by then. Something tells me the police are going to be calling on us soon for an interview. Finding out Cassie is here in town will certainly raise their suspicions.”
Sean switched off and threw the phone on the counter. He headed for the security panel and made sure all systems were set for maximum protection. From upstairs he heard the shower quit. He took a deep breath and headed up to let his wife know the news. His steps dragged as he topped the stairs and saw her toweling off through the open door.
He had pulled her out of the wreckage of that building and thought all the hard work was done. They flew cross country at the drop of a hat to escape danger only to find out it had beaten them here. Now he’d discovered Greg was in town, and Cassie wasn’t going to be happy.
****
They drove downtown into Seattle for a quiet Christmas Eve dinner near the Market after spending most of the afternoon fighting. To say she was unhappy was like saying night is dark. Cassie wore her displeasure as a full set of armor, allowing enough space through the chinks to be polite at dinner, only to fall into complete silence once their food came. As they waited for the check, Sean broke the uncomfortable quiet.
“I’ve said I’m sorry about two hundred times. Are you going to keep the silent treatment up all night? Because if you are, I’m dropping you off at home and headed out drinking on my own.”
&nbs
p; She lifted her eyes and looked at him, a low burn simmering in those blue eyes. “I’m not mad at you Sean, this is just an overwhelming pity party you’re being privileged to witness. I’m sorry.” She smiled briefly. “I didn’t mean to ruin dinner. I’ll try to be more attentive all right?”
Sean grinned. “That’s my girl.”
“Let’s take a walk before we go home. Maybe the cold air will clear the shadows out of my head.”
They walked arm in arm through the emptying streets of the Market, closing for the holy evening. Down to the Needle they continued, looking at the Christmas lights and kissing often. As they marveled at the lights, at the city ablaze in electric tribute to the season, their arms entwined and soon Sean felt his blood responding every time she lay her hand on his arm, or laughed and pulled him closer.
Her hair smelled of lavender and every swish of her long black tresses brought a fresh assault to his nostrils. As they stood outside a flower shop, Sean noticed a large bundle of mistletoe hanging over the sidewall.
“I want to claim my kiss,” he whispered, pulling her into his arms. “Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday my lovely bride. I don’t have a stack of presents for you, but I give you my heart forever.”
He bent his head and pressed his lips to hers. Cassie parted her mouth and his tongue slid between. She bit down lightly and he moaned with delight. He took her tongue and sucked it into his mouth, biting as he did. He was rewarded when she slid her hands into his back pockets and pulled her hips to his body. Her cheeks were kissed with the first blush of her desire.
Snow began falling, softly it blanketed the city with its white wave and they drove home, hands entwined, enjoying the quiet storm building outside as well as within themselves. Parking down the street from the apartment, Sean slipped her arm through his as they sauntered the street toward home. He felt her trembling and looked down.
Snow peppered her black hair, and flakes tipped her eyelashes. The cold had brought the color out in her face, and her smile was electric. Her lips begged for another kiss, and he bent down more than happy to oblige.
His fingertips ran along her jaw line as his lips claimed hers with confidence. His free hand laid upon her chest, sliding upward to caress her throat while his lips nibbled their way down to the hollow of her neck. He felt the heat of her ardor and pulled her body close to bask in its warmth.
As they stood in the shadows from the streetlights, an alarm down the street wound up and began shrieking its warning to the world. Someone’s home was being burglarized. Without knowing why, the hair on Sean’s neck stood up. He took Cassie’s hand and slipped into the nearby alley.
Creeping along, staying in the shadows, they approached. It gradually dawned on both where the sound originated—Cassie’s apartment. The police were already on site, which set Sean’s warning bells on high. How could they have arrived so fast? He left Cassie and approached one of the officers.
“Good evening officer, this is our home. Is something wrong?” Sean tried to remember if he had the right identification in his wallet. Too late he realized that, much to his dismay, he still had the ‘Harris’ id as well.
The policeman looked closely at Sean. “Yes sir, someone broke in. Busted out the windows on the porch and made quite a mess inside. The crime scene unit is on their way, but I suggest you speak with the detective over there for more information.” He motioned toward a slender woman talking with the neighbors.
Sean made a quick assessment. She wasn’t too tall, maybe five-foot six-inches, and rather thin. Her blonde hair was cut short and her face was thin with high cheekbones. She raised her eyes to look at him as they headed over. He had the distinct impression she was looking for them both.
“Mr. Ferguson? My name is Allison Traynor, I’m a detective with the Seattle Police Department. I’d like to talk with you and your wife, if you have the time?” Her eyes looked Cassie and her bruises up and down. “Would you like to see your apartment?”
Traynor escorted them into the building and up to their home. When the elevator opened, Sean and Cassie stared in amazement at the destruction. Windows were shattered and glass covered every surface. Trash was strewn from the kitchen into the living room. Upstairs, there was human excrement on their bed. The cat was cowering inside Sean’s closet, apparently unharmed but highly indignant.
The detective gave them a moment before beginning her investigation. “I know this must be quite distressing, but we have to ask these questions now, while everything is still fresh.”
Sean nodded, “I know, we certainly understand. This is a horrible nightmare, but Cassie and I have nothing to hide.”
“Where have you and Mrs. Ferguson been this evening?”
“We had dinner down in the Market, the Bistro to be exact. Then we walked along the water and looked at the lights. Our car is right down there; on the dash is a receipt from parking near the Needle. We just got home a few minutes before you saw us.”
“Do you know anyone who would be out to get you?”
Cassie looked at Sean. He nodded, and she answered for them both. “My brother Greg Devlyn has made many threats to us both over the years. It’s my understanding you think he might be responsible for the explosion of my family’s yacht last night.”
Detective Traynor never changed her expression. “I don’t know about that Mrs. Ferguson. That isn’t one of my cases. Did you know your brother was in town?”
“No,” she shook her head. “If I had known Greg was in town, I wouldn’t have come here. We don’t get along.”
Sean piped in, “There are several documented instances of harassment of Cassie by Greg, both here and in Atlanta.”
Traynor made some notes in her black book. “Mr. Ferguson, do you and your wife have some place to stay? Obviously we need to keep you under protection until we know for sure if this was your brother-in-law.”
He shook his head. “No, we just arrived in Seattle early yesterday from Atlanta. We’ll need a hotel for the remainder of our stay.”
“How long are you in town?”
“Originally it was two days but now I’m unsure of what our plans hold. Is it possible for us to retrieve some things before we leave? I have some confidential files that are under federal protection, as I work for the British embassy.”
Traynor looked hard at the couple. “What sort of federal files?”
Sean answered, “I do contract work for governments, and as such have a few things here that need to come with me.”
“Which governments?” Traynor narrowed her eyes.
“Many of them,” he refused to elaborate or back down. “I have a number you can call if there is a problem.”
The detective nodded, “That might be a good idea.”
Sean gave her the number of his guy at the embassy while Cassie gathered her box of work. She opened the safe, to discover her mad brother missed the jewelry and $100,000 in hundred dollar bills. As none of her clothes were usable, she left them where they lay in a heap and took the money with her. At least this would make resupplying her closet easier. She grabbed her laptop and purse and made ready to leave, before the reality of what had happened began to set in. As she waited for Sean, she made sure the cat was secure downstairs with her neighbor.
Sean turned his attention to the filing cabinet in the office. Using a retinal scanner, he removed several large files and a lockbox. These were placed into a metal briefcase and secured with three different mechanisms. The detective pretended not to be interested, but he knew it was eating her to not know what he had.
“Where do we go now?” he asked.
“This way.” She escorted them to a small four door sedan, rather non-descript but eco-friendly, making it perfect for this part of the Northwest. “This will be our cover car. We leave, mix into traffic, then we take you to a safe house outside the city for protection.”
Cassie snorted, her nerves making her voice waver. “Why do the police always take people away from the crowds for protection? W
ouldn’t in a crowd be safer?”
Traynor shook her head. “No Mrs. Ferguson, it would just endanger more people. But don’t worry. The guys on this detail are mainly ex-special forces. They know the terrain better than most natives and they are deadly fast. I don’t think your brother will find a way around these guys.”
Cassie turned to Sean. “I wonder if you will know any of them.”
He shrugged. “You never know, it’s a pretty big club.”
“Ha, ha,” she retorted, kissing him lightly on the nose.
Detective Traynor smiled in the mirror. “How long have you guys been married?”
“Almost six years,” Sean replied. “But with my work and her research we haven’t spent the entire time together.”
The detective nodded to herself. “You know, Mr. Ferguson, I have to ask. Is it possible this could be a retaliation on you, an assignment come back to haunt you?”
“Of course I have. That was our first line of thinking,” Sean snarled. “But what you don’t know is that Cassie was kidnapped only a month ago, and several known associates of Japanese Yakuza assassin, Kwan Tsi currently are attempting to kill her and me. So right now the question isn’t why, but who. My people have a list they compiled along with Matthew Devlyn’s assistance.”
She continued nodding. “You’re right, there appears to be a large suspect pool. Now then, back to your apartment break-in. The neighbors heard a lot of yelling and such and that’s why the police showed up so quickly. The alarm was triggered as the intruder left. They wanted us to see what they did.”
They crossed the lake and went through the campus of the university, heading away from downtown Seattle. Cassie leaned back in the seat, her fingers seeking Sean’s. She leaned against his shoulder, and he smiled down at her. Another trip to another house for another hideout. But this time, they weren’t on familiar territory, and that frightened Sean more than he was willing to let Cassie know.
****
As they pulled up in front of the cabin Cassie looked around for landmarks. Rainier wasn’t where she expected to find it, and that was disorienting. Apparently they were northeast of Seattle. She tried to get her bearings, taking a moment to study the large mountain of a man on his way to talk with the detective. Sean left her to listen in on their conversation.
Welcome to the Family Page 14