DEADLY OBSESSION

by Kristine Cayne

  The music ended and Claire’s parents stepped closer with the wheelchair. He eased her into it. When his arm slid out from under her knees, she grabbed it, pulling him to her. Knowing what she wanted, what she needed, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. “I love you, Nic,” she said, her voice soft next to his ear.

  Forcing himself to speak past the tightness in his throat, he said, “I love you too, sweet Claire. Be well, be at peace.” She nodded. Pasting a bright Nic The Lover smile on his face, he kissed her cheek and stepped back.

  As Fred introduced the first musical guest, Nic stumbled off the stage, blinded by the tears in his eyes. That had been one of the hardest things he’d ever done. Knowing he couldn’t keep up the act much longer, he searched for an escape. When he spotted Lauren standing at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for him, the tears started to spill.

  She held open her arms and he stepped into her embrace. Her warmth enveloped him as she gathered him to her and pressed his head into the crook of her neck, shielding his face from prying eyes.

  The band started into their first song and music surrounded them. She swayed her hips, rocking him, comforting him. “Let it out, Nic. No one can see you.”

  “She’s dying, Lauren.” His voice broke. “I held a dying girl in my arms, and all I could do was dance with her.”

  Her arms tightened around him as his tears wet her neck. “I know this is hard, Nic. But it’s not your fault. You did what you could for her.”

  He shook his head. “I can’t fix it. And I can’t stop it. It’s happening all over again.” Rachel hadn’t died, but her legs had. Adrift in the tangle of his emotions, drowning in memories, he clung to Lauren, wanting to lose himself in her.

  “What’s happening again, Nic?” she asked, her voice gentle.

  He wanted to tell her, to unburden his overwhelmed heart. But to do that, he’d have to admit to almost killing Rachel. “I wish I could have saved her,” he admitted. “I wish I could save Claire. Save them all.” But he couldn’t, and soon Claire would be gone.

  If he didn’t want to lose Lauren too, he had to keep the truth about Rachel hidden. What he’d done was unforgivable.

  Lauren pushed Nic’s head up with her hands and cupped his wet cheeks. “Even you can’t save everyone. What you’re doing is helping, though. I see their faces. You’re making a big difference to these kids.”

  “It’s not enough.”

  The agony in his voice was breaking her heart. She wanted to hold him in her arms forever and take away all his pain. Instead, all she could do was try to comfort him. “I know,” she said, resting her forehead on his and smiling through her own tears, “but it’s all you can do, it’s all any of us can do.”

  Although he hadn’t said Rachel’s name, he’d been talking about his sister. Lauren wanted to prod him, get him to open up some more about Rachel, but out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Kaden blocking Vivian’s approach. This wasn’t the time or place for confessions.

  For several long minutes, they stayed as they were, arms wrapped around each other, swaying in time to the music. She hoped her presence soothed him as much as his soothed her. Her fingers were idly stroking the hair at his neck, when he jerked his head up. “Everything okay?” she asked, her voice tight with worry.

  “Your purse zapped me.”

  “Zapped you? Oh, Jason must have sent me a text. I’ll get it later.” Nic dropped his arms and stepped back, leaving her bereft of warmth. Suppressing a shiver, she wiped at the wetness under her eyes. “I should clean up a little before we head back to our table.”

  Nic scrubbed a hand along his jaw, his smile wry. “I could probably use a good face dunk myself. If the kids see me like this, they’ll wonder who’s trying to impersonate Nic The Lover.” Chuckling, she took his arm and they headed to the restrooms. After arranging to meet in the passageway, they parted.

  On entering the ladies’ room, Lauren was pleased to find she was alone, but someone came in and took the stall next to hers. So much for repairing the damage in private. At the sink, she washed her hands, then leaned over the counter to discover what needed fixing. She laughed at the disarray reflected in the mirror. While Nic’s hands had felt good in her hair, they certainly hadn’t been good for her hair. No problem. It was nothing her little comb/brush combo couldn’t take care of. Opening her purse, she saw her phone and remembered to check the message she’d received.

  When she saw the number was unknown, a shiver ran through her. Had Nic’s stalker somehow obtained her number? “Calm down, Lauren. It’s probably just spam.” Her voice echoed off the walls of the restroom. Great. Now the woman in the stall would think she was crazy. With a laugh, she navigated to the message and opened it.

  Horror freezing her in place, she could do nothing but stare at the photo she’d been sent. A woman lay on the floor, a knife protruding from her chest. Blood splatters covered her body and large pools of red marred the whiteness of the carpet beneath her. Summer wouldn’t be contacting them ever again—Summer was dead.

  Lauren scrolled down to read the caption below the picture.

  Who’ll be next?

  The door to the occupied stall opened, and Lauren learned just how loud she could scream.

  CHAPTER 17

  Lauren’s screams filled the restroom as she dropped the phone and jumped back from the woman, who gave a loud gasp. It was hard to tell which one of them was more scared.

  Seconds later, the restroom door slammed open. Kaden appeared first, then Nic, both with guns drawn. With her mouth hanging open, she stared as Nic quickly moved to cover her while Kaden checked the stalls. She hadn’t even known Nic owned a gun, much less carried one.

  The woman took one look at the guns and ran shrieking into the hall.

  “What happened?” Nic asked.

  “My… my phone. I got a message.” She wrapped her arms around her waist and shuddered. “Oh God, Nic. She’s dead.”

  “Who’s dead, chérie?”

  “All clear,” Kaden said. “What’s going on?”

  “Summer’s dead. The stalker killed her.”

  Nic holstered his gun and picked up her phone. At the same time, she reached under the sink to retrieve the back and battery that had come off as the phone hit the floor. When they both stood up, face to face, Nic kissed her softly, then held out his hand. “Let me see.”

  He put the phone back together and powered it on, navigated his way to the message and swore. Handing the phone to Kaden, Nic said, “We have to get Lauren out of here. Right fucking now.”

  “I’ll alert security.”

  “Do it on your way to the car. We’ll meet you out front in two minutes.”

  Kaden glanced at his watch, nodded and left.

  Nic pulled her against his chest and caressed her cheek. “You’re safe, chérie.”

  She shook her head. “The stalker’s coming after me now.”

  “No one’s going to hurt you. Ever.” She met his gaze and bit her lip to keep it from trembling. The intensity in his eyes told her he meant every word. But could he really protect her from a homicidal maniac? And what about Jason? She’d never forgive herself if something happened to him, and neither would Nic.

  “I’m serious. No one’s getting near you. Come on, we need to get out of here.” He took her hand and pulled her behind him. After quickly checking the hallway, he motioned for her to follow. Luckily, the restrooms were located near the main entrance so they wouldn’t need to re-enter the banquet hall. They edged along the walls, keeping to the shadows, and had almost reached the exit door when Nic came to a dead stop and pressed her against the wall with his arm. “Damn,” he muttered under his breath. Peeking over his shoulder, she spotted Vivian.

  “Nic, darling. You’re not leaving already, are you?” Vivian asked, advancing on them.

  “Yeah. We are.”

  Why didn’t he tell her about the message? She was his best friend, his confidante, wasn’t she? Vivian peered at th
em, her eyes darting from Lauren to Nic. Vivian wouldn’t let them go until they gave a plausible excuse for their early departure. Lauren nudged Nic’s arm out of the way and stepped forward. “I’m not feeling well. Must be something I ate.”

  Vivian chuckled. “Poor dear, it was probably the champagne. Was this your first time trying it, Lorna? Champagne is much more subtle than beer, and the effects can sneak up on you.”

  Lauren could only stare at the woman, unable to respond. Fortunately, Nic didn’t seem to be experiencing the same lack of vocal ability.

  “For Christ’s sake Vivian, Lauren’s fucking had champagne before. We’re going home. End of story.” Nic took Lauren’s hand. “Let’s go, chérie.”

  As he shouldered past Vivian, Lauren caught a glimpse of the woman’s face. Her features hardened and cold eyes bore into Lauren’s soul. Ice crystallized along Lauren’s spine. She glanced away then back again. Vivian smiled, no trace of animosity on her face. Jeez. The message had her so rattled she was seeing things. Her trembling hand held firmly in the melting warmth of his, Lauren let Nic lead her away from Vivian, away from the crowds, and possibly away from the stalker too.

  After seeing her settled on the back seat of the limo, Nic slammed the door closed, and with tires squealing, Kaden took off. As they turned onto the freeway, Lauren’s thoughts returned to the photo she’d received. Summer had been stabbed. A bullet killed quick and clean—a knife killed slow and messy. Todd had always told her a knife was an up-close-and-personal weapon. Whoever had killed Summer had done so passionately, looking in her eyes. Enjoying it.

  Who’ll be next?

  She shuddered, and Nic’s arm tightened around her. He ran a finger along her jaw. “I’ll keep you safe, Lauren. I promise.”

  When she didn’t reply, he tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. Lights from passing vehicles illuminated one side of his face while the other remained in shadows. But she could see his eyes, darkened by emotions. She opened her mouth to speak but words failed her. This situation was so foreign to her world.

  Nic brushed her lips with his. “I don’t know if this is the best time to say this, but I’m going to burst if I don’t tell you what I’m feeling.” He paused and held her gaze. “I love you, chérie.”

  As he spoke, Lauren’s eyes welled. Nic loved her. He stroked her cheek and lowered his voice. “When you look at me, the world disappears, and I feel like I’m falling into your eyes, into a safe, happy place where only the two of us exist.”

  Lauren smiled through her tears and trailed a finger along his bottom lip. He had exactly the same effect on her. When they were together, everything else faded away. “And when we touch.” He slid his hand down her neck to her bare back. “God, when I touch your skin, I feel alive, like I’m on fire.”

  She inhaled sharply as Nic’s fingers trailed a path down to the base of her spine, igniting flames deep in her core. No man had ever uttered more beautiful words and certainly not about her. Could any of this be real?

  He reached for her hand, placing an open kiss on her palm. A small flick of his tongue sent her temperature soaring. “I’ve shared things with you, things I haven’t shared with anyone, not even Rémi or Vivian. I feel connected to you in a way I never have with any other woman. Ever.”

  Oh my God. If he didn’t stop talking soon, her heart would explode. She saw love in his eyes, heard it in the warm tones of his voice, felt it in the strength of his arms wrapped around her. “I love you too, Nic,” she said, then closed her eyes and laid her head on his chest, the steady beat of his heart calming her.

  Nic meant what he said. He loved her and he’d do everything in his power to keep her from harm. So, why did she feel like a tightrope walker about to take a tumble?

  Because he still hadn’t told her about Rachel’s accident.

  Back at the loft, Nic snapped his phone shut and looked up to see Lauren and Kaden watching him, worry etching their faces. “The detectives should be here in about fifteen minutes. Maybe they can figure out where the photo of Summer was taken.”

  “That reminds me,” Lauren said. “Earlier this afternoon, I got a chance to examine the photo from the arena using my editing software. There’s flash glare in the Plexiglas on top of the boards. So it was taken from above, probably in the bleachers.”

  “Flash glare?” Kaden asked.

  “Bright white spots made when the light from the flash hits a reflective surface.” When Kaden nodded, she went on. “With my software, I reduced the glare and played with the colors to take away some of the shadows. The Plexiglas reflected the image of the person taking the picture.”

  Nic’s gaze shot to Lauren. “You could see who took the picture?”

  “No,” she said, her voice heavy with disappointment. “I tried every trick I know, but all I could make out was the shape of a person, no identifying characteristics. While we’re waiting for the detectives, I can take a look at the photo of Summer.” She gave him a wry smile. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and find a perfect reflection of the killer.”

  Nic took a seat beside her on the couch and tugged on one of the loose curls hanging below her ear. “Chérie, that photo’s pretty gruesome. I’m sure the police have people who can examine it.”

  “I know, but I’ll feel better if I’m doing something.”

  “Then why don’t you go change and get set up here? I’ll make some tea.”

  Lauren nodded and headed up the stairs to their bedroom. As soon as she was out of sight, he motioned to Kaden to follow him into the kitchen. Kaden sat on one of the stools at the breakfast counter.

  “I’ve had stalkers before,” Nic said as he filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove to boil. “They’re a nuisance, but this time it’s different.” He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “This one is willing to kill to get to me.”

  Kaden rested his chin in his hands. “I’ve done a little research on this. Statistically, most victims of non-celebrity stalking know their stalkers personally or have at least met them once before. Maybe that’s the case here.”

  “That’s just fucking great.” Nic scrubbed his jaw and sighed. “So, she could be anyone from a hair stylist I met on a movie set to someone I see regularly.”

  Kaden held his gaze. “There’s only one option: trust no one.”

  “Christ. Things are getting way out of hand.” Nic looked at his feet and took a deep breath before continuing. “I thought we could protect Lauren if she was with us, but now, I’m not so sure.”

  “I hate to say it, but at this point, she’s probably safest away from you.”

  He lifted his head, meeting Kaden’s gaze. “I know.” Whatever the cost, he’d protect Lauren and Jason. Even if the price was his heart.

  When the tea was ready, he piled everything onto a tray and carried it into the living room. Kaden followed with a plate of cookies. Hearing footsteps on the stairs, Nic set the tray on the table and turned to watch Lauren bouncing down the stairs with her laptop in hand. Despite the gravity of the situation, he grinned. She’d reverted to her comfort clothes, cargo pants and a T-shirt, and she looked cute as hell. Giving her up was going to kill him.

  Lauren sat beside him on the couch and he pulled the coffee table closer so she could place her laptop on it. She smiled at him and held up a memory card. “I’ve already copied the photo from the message. After I upload it to the computer, we can examine it with my editing software.” As she spoke, she pushed the card into a slot on the side of the computer and opened her program.

  “Fuck,” he muttered when the awful picture of Summer flashed onto the screen.

  “Try to concentrate on the shadows.”

  “You seem pretty matter-of-fact about this.”

  “Sometimes I helped my dad analyze crime scene photos, searching for clues that weren’t always obvious to the naked eye.”

  Pride warmed his chest. Lauren was an amazing woman.

  “Oh!” She pointed to the upper-left corn
er of the picture. “Here’s something interesting. This photo and the one of us kissing at the arena were taken with the same camera.”

  “How can you tell?” Kaden asked, moving from the chair to sit on Lauren’s other side.

  She pulled up the arena photo and placed the two shots side by side. Pointing to each picture, she asked, “See the white lines here and here? The camera that took this photo has a mark or a scratch on the lens.”

  Nic tilted his head to see the lines better. “Can you tell what kind of camera was used?”

  “Not the brand but the type, yes. I’d say these shots were taken with a common point-and-shoot camera rather than a D-SLR.”

  “A D-SLR?”

  “A digital single lens reflex camera, the kind professionals use.”

  “What makes you think that?” Kaden asked.

  “A couple reasons.” She pointed to the arena shot. “What’s the first thing you notice about the photo?”

  Nic ventured a guess. “It’s grainy, like a video game with bad graphics.”

  Lauren beamed at him. “Exactly. To pack a high number of megapixels on a small sensor, point-and-shoot cameras use smaller pixels than D-SLRs, which have larger, more expensive, sensors. Smaller pixels make grainy photos, especially in low-light conditions. Do you notice anything else that’s different than what you would see in, say, a shot of a player circling the ice with the Stanley cup?”

  Nic eyed the photo carefully and thought back to the photos Lauren had taken of him carrying Jason above his head. “Everything is in focus.”

  “That’s right.” Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she launched into an explanation. “It has to do with depth of field and focal length. Narrowing the depth of field allows photographers to highlight an object by—”