by Sharon Sala
Edward grinned. Carter was the only person in the family who still called him by his childhood name, Eddie, and he loved it.
“I’m glad you’re home,” he said.
“Me, too,” Carter told him. “And I’m not running again. Mr. Dodge and his assistant are both staying here with me until this mess is over. Between them and my security team, I’ll be fine.”
The mention of an assistant shifted Dina’s focus. It was then that she saw another person leaning against the wall near the door.
Charlie had been waiting for it, and when Dina’s eyes widened and her mouth opened, he spoke before she could utter a word.
“Everyone, this is Wyrick. She’s my assistant as well as the pilot who flew us here. You have her to thank that we arrived as soon as we did.”
Kenneth was stunned when Charlie said “she.” He’d seen the person who’d walked in behind Charlie, certain it was a man, especially with all the bruises on his face and head.
Wyrick said nothing. She’d already taken the woman’s measure and knew she was going to disapprove, but Wyrick didn’t give a damn.
Then they heard a moan. Jason was waking up.
Carter hurried to Jason’s bedside. “Hey, Jason. Hey, buddy.”
Jason moaned again, but now his eyelids were fluttering.
“Uncle...?”
Carter smiled. “Yes, it’s me. I’m here.”
Jason opened his eyes and reached for Carter’s hand. “You came home.”
Carter nodded. “Yes, to stay. Don’t worry about a thing. Just rest and heal.”
Jason managed a half smile, then was out again.
Charlie tapped Carter on the shoulder. “Are you planning to stay at the hospital?”
Carter shook his head. “Until I make an official announcement that I’m back, my presence here would only cause chaos. Especially if the media finds out I’m back, and Jason doesn’t need that. However, I am concerned that there’s no security here. Someone just tried to kill him, and at this moment, anyone could walk in and finish the job.”
Dina moaned, “I didn’t think of that!”
“I’ll get some people from our security division. They’ll be here 24/7 until Jason is released.”
Dina hugged him again. “Thank you, and thank God you’re home.”
“Charlie, since I’m no longer going to be secluded, it’s okay to use my own phone, right?” Carter asked.
Charlie nodded.
Carter moved toward the window to make the call. Within minutes, he had security notified, and men on the way.
“They’ll be here shortly,” Carter said. “I’ll wait until they arrive, and then I think we should leave.”
“Okay,” Charlie agreed, but he was watching Wyrick. Not only had she made her way to where Edward was sitting, but he’d watched her introducing herself, and now they were talking. From the expression on Edward’s face, she was charming him. Charlie wondered where the hell all that personality came from, and then it hit him. She was free to be herself with Edward because he couldn’t see her to judge.
Ten minutes later, two men from Carter’s security team were knocking at the door. Carter stepped out into the hall to speak with them, and Charlie went with him.
“Good to see you, sir,” the men were saying.
“It’s good to be home, too,” Carter said. “You do understand the seriousness of this?”
They both nodded. “Of course. We’re here for the first shift. The shifts will change every eight hours, through a twenty-four-hour day, as you requested.”
“Yes, perfect,” Carter said. “And you know if any incident occurs, however small, you’re to notify the Denver PD.”
“Yes, sir. We were given all the particulars. We won’t let you down.”
Carter shook each man’s hand, and then went back inside.
“Dina, we’re going to leave now. If you want an around-the-clock nurse on the job, all you have to do is notify the doctor and request it.”
“Thank you,” Dina said. “I’ll see you at dinner this evening.”
Carter glanced at Edward. “Eddie, if you’re tired, you can ride home with us.”
Dina looked relieved. “Yes, Edward, do that. Now that you know Jason is recovering, you should go.”
“I would like to go home now,” he said.
Wyrick touched his hand. “Take my arm, sir, if you’d like.”
Charlie handed his baseball cap back to Carter as they left. They exited the hospital without incident, and when they reached the car, Carter and Edward got in the back together. Charlie slid into the driver’s seat, while Wyrick buckled up on the passenger side.
“Do you know where you’re going?” Wyrick asked.
“I’ve been there before. Do you know where we’re going?” he asked.
“Of course I do. The directions are on my phone. You may proceed,” Wyrick said.
Charlie drove out of the parking lot, once again on his way to Greenwood Village.
Carter had one ear on Edward’s conversation, but he was also watching the byplay between the pair in the front seat. The energy between them was so strong it was almost visible, and he could also tell that Wyrick knew it, and Charlie didn’t.
* * *
It was 6:15 p.m. when Detective Bruner stopped by the hospital, hoping Jason Dunleavy was cognizant enough to talk about the shooting. But when he got to Jason’s room, there were two men standing guard outside the door. Before he could enter, they stopped him.
“We need to see some ID.”
Bruner flashed his badge. “Detective Bruner. Denver PD. I’m investigating the shooting and I’d like to speak with him.”
“Oh, sorry, Detective. Some of his family just left. Maybe he’s still awake.”
“I won’t be long,” Bruner said and went in.
The head of Jason’s bed was raised a little. His eyes were closed, but he opened them when Bruner approached.
Bruner immediately displayed his badge.
“Good evening, Jason. I’m Detective Bruner. Finally we meet, but I’m sorry it’s this way. As you know, I caught the Wilma Short case, which is connected to your family. And when someone tried to kill you today, we’re thinking it might be connected. Are you up to answering a few questions?”
“I’m still a little groggy from pain meds, so I don’t know how much help I’ll be,” Jason said.
“First question—did you see who shot you?” Bruner asked.
“No. All I know is when the light turned green, I started to cross the intersection. I saw movement from the corner of my eye and the flash of a car running a red light. I slammed on my brakes, and as I did, my briefcase, which was in the passenger seat, began sliding to the floor. I reached across the console to grab it, and the next thing I know, I’m covered in glass. I had no idea what the hell had happened until a woman was at my window asking if I was okay. She said she was a nurse. I still didn’t know I’d been shot.”
“So she saw the shooter?” Bruner asked.
“I guess she saw something,” Jason said. “She said a man took two shots at me. She reached for my shoulder. I remember intense pain, and her saying, ‘You’ve been shot.’ I think the last thing I said was to tell the police to call Charlie Dodge, that the number was in my phone. Then I passed out.”
“Did the woman tell you her name?” Bruner asked.
“No, only that she was a nurse. But she must have passed on the message to someone, because Charlie Dodge showed up here today, just after I came out of surgery.”
“I won’t bother you further, Jason. Get some rest.”
Bruner left the hospital no closer to an answer than before he arrived, but as soon as he got back to the office, he checked the incident report for the woman’s name and testimony—and noticed another interesting thing or two about the shooter. His left arm was out the window as he was shooting, so he was left-handed. And that the arm had a complete sleeve of tattoos.
* * *
Rey Garza t
ook country roads to get to Cherry Creek Reservoir, which had added to his driving time. Once he reached the meeting place to collect his money, no one was there. He reminded himself it wasn’t like this customer could stiff him, so he settled in to wait. But for Rey, patience was hard to come by, and after two cars had driven past without stopping, he was getting antsy.
Finally, he saw another car approaching, and this one slowed and then pulled up right beside him. When the driver rolled down the window, he breathed a sigh of relief and lowered his window, as well.
“Hey!” he said, then leaned across his console and smiled. “Just toss it in.”
“You missed,” the driver said and shot Rey between the eyes. Blood spattered the driver’s-side window, along with brain matter.
The shot, muffled by a silencer, was hardly more than a pop, and then the driver was gone.
A couple hiking the area a few hours later found the body and called the police.
* * *
As Charlie drove through the gates toward the residence, Carter directed him to follow a bricked road that went behind the house.
“Just park in any of the empty spaces,” he said, pointing to a long multicar garage.
Charlie did, and as soon as he stopped, they got out to unload the luggage. Edward stumbled. Wyrick caught him, but Charlie could tell he was exhausted.
“Carter, you go ahead and take Edward inside. I’ll bring your bags. After someone tried to pick off your nephew this morning, I’d just as soon you were inside, too,” Charlie said.
“Yes, all right,” Carter said and pointed toward the mansion. “We go in through the kitchen.”
“We’ll be right behind you,” Charlie said.
Carter slipped his hand beneath Edward’s elbow. “We’re on the brick pavers, Eddie, and walking straight into the kitchen.”
“Okay, Carter, thank you. It sure is good to have you home.”
“It’s good to be home,” he said, not for the first time, as they started for the residence, with Charlie and Wyrick a few steps behind them.
Wyrick was not fond of meeting new people, and the closer they got to the entrance, the tenser she became. Strangers always made her feel less than she was, and the looks on their faces were either shock or confusion. Like they’d just walked into a freak show and saw the bearded lady—for free.
And now, as if she wasn’t noticeable enough, she had new scrapes and bruises to add to it.
* * *
Ruth was in the kitchen shelling peas for dinner. She glanced up as the door opened, then a look of delight spread across her face. She dropped the peas back in the bowl and stood up, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Mr. Carter! How wonderful to have you back home!”
“Thank you, Ruth. I feel the same way, although Wilma’s absence is noticed and regretted.”
“Yes, sir,” Ruth said.
“Now I’m going to see Eddie to his room. He’s had quite a day,” Carter said.
“I can do that,” Ruth offered.
Before Carter could answer, the door opened again, and Charlie and Wyrick walked in.
“Thank you, Ruth, but I need you to show Charlie and his assistant, Miss Wyrick, to our guest rooms. I think the green suites, please,” Carter said.
Ruth smiled. “Yes, sir, and, Mr. Dodge, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Then she saw Wyrick behind him and smiled. “Welcome to Dunleavy Castle, ma’am.”
“Thank you,” Wyrick said.
“If you two will follow me...”
Charlie set down the bags he was carrying. “These aren’t mine, they’re Carter’s.”
“Where are yours?” Ruth asked.
“They’re still in the car. I’ll go back and get them later.”
“No, we’ll wait for you. Staff can take Mr. Carter’s bags to his room. Just set them over there.”
“If you’re sure,” Charlie said.
Ruth grinned. “I’m sure. Making people’s lives easier is part of what we do here.”
“I won’t be long,” Charlie said and ran back to the garage, leaving Wyrick alone with the housekeeper.
Ruth sent a text message, and less than a minute later, two women came hurrying into the kitchen, then did a double take when they saw Wyrick.
“Girls, this is Miss Wyrick. She and Charlie Dodge will be staying with us for a few days. Miss Wyrick, Louise is on your right, and Arnetta on your left. Anytime you need something, all you have to do is ask. The phones in your rooms are connected to our in-house communications. Pick up the receiver and press the star button, or nine for the kitchen, and someone will answer.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” they said in unison.
Ruth pointed at the suitcases. “Those bags belong to Mr. Carter. Take them to his room.”
“Yes, ma’am,” they said, and began rolling them out of the kitchen as Charlie came back with his luggage and Wyrick’s.
“This is all of it,” Charlie announced.
“Then off we go,” Ruth said.
Wyrick was somewhat in awe of the size and decor of the place, and quite taken with an old suit of armor in the hall. The ornately framed family crest was an elegant reminder of the Dunleavy family’s lineage.
There would be no family crest, no matching DNA, no bloodline to anyone for Jade Wyrick. There was no one like her, and never had been. Not anywhere on the planet.
They reached the grand staircase, but instead of climbing the steps, Ruth took the two of them behind the stairs to an elevator. She pressed the button and the doors opened instantly.
Wyrick and Charlie walked in with their bags, and Ruth followed, explaining the layout of the castle as she pressed a button to the second floor.
“This is more convenient when there are things to be carried. Feel free to use it rather than the stairs, if you wish. As you can see from the panel, there’s a level down below, which is mostly for storage and where power units for heat and cooling are located. But it also houses the Dunleavy wine cellar, which is quite large. The second story is all family bedrooms, with a wing for guests. There are quite a few rooms not in use at this time. The Grand Ballroom is on the third floor. It’s quite magnificent. Anytime you want a tour of the property, just let me know.”
The elevator stopped and opened into the hall above.
“These two suites are adjoining,” Ruth said, as she led them down the hall and then into the rooms. “This one is yours,” she told Wyrick.
“This room is amazing,” Wyrick said, looking up.
The ceilings had to be at least thirty feet high, and the dark green draperies over the tall arched windows were velvet. The living area had a massive stone fireplace, a long sectional sofa covered in some kind of dark leather, with dozens of colorful throws and pillows scattered along the length of it. The armchairs were leather, too, in an oxblood red, while a huge wrought iron chandelier hung from the ceiling, lit with bulbs made to look like candles. A long table with six chairs stood at the other end of the room.
Ruth showed them down a short hall and into the bedroom, where a massive four-poster bed with a gold-and-green velvet canopy dominated the room.
Ruth beamed, as if she was solely responsible for the elegance. “Your en suite bath is through those doors, and the dresser and wardrobe are empty, so feel free to use them as needed.”
“It’s like a fairy-tale room for a princess,” Wyrick said.
Charlie hid a smile as Wyrick put down her bags and wandered off to inspect the bathroom, and then he heard what almost sounded like a squeal before she hurried back.
“Biggest claw-foot bathtub I ever saw,” she said.
“Yes, ma’am.” Ruth nodded. “It’s French, and an antique. Bathtubs in medieval Ireland weren’t what one would call comfortably functional. The family chose beauty and elegance over authenticity there. All the bath salts and bubble baths are there to enjoy, as well.”
Charlie arched an eyebrow at Wyrick’s delight, and when she saw it, she glowered, only t
o have Charlie mouth, You promised. She had a feeling she was going to regret that.
“Mr. Dodge, your suite is right through this door,” Ruth said and led them into an identical room, with the same decor as the one Wyrick had been given. “As you’ll notice, your adjoining door has different dead bolts, so neither occupant can go into the other room without both parties unlocking it from their side. Privacy first,” Ruth said.
“Part of me feels like I just stepped back in time,” Charlie said. “It’s really impressive.”
Ruth smiled again. “If you need anything, pick up the phone. As I mentioned, the star button or the number nine will reach the staff,” Ruth told them and then left.
“I’m going to unpack now,” Wyrick said.
She’d been in the midst of new research on Miranda Deutsch and then Wilma Short, and wanted to get back to it, but first things first.
She hung up her clothes, then took the bag with her equipment to the sitting area and began setting it up on the long table.
As soon as she was up and running, she retrieved the files she needed, and was about to begin when her phone signaled a text. She frowned when she saw it was from Merlin.
Two men came to my door this evening asking for you. I told them you had been here for a brief visit, but that you were already gone. I have security footage of them talking to me if you’re interested.
“Son of a bitch!” She slapped the phone down on the desk, then leaned back in her chair and shut down her thoughts so she could be calm enough to shed the anger.
Within seconds she heard footsteps. Charlie must have heard her curse. Without turning around, she threw her arms up in the air and shouted, “I’m fine!”
The footsteps stopped. She was willing him to leave, and when he did, she picked up her phone and sent back a message.
I’m interested. Hang on to it until I get back. I’m sorry that happened. I should not have gone to your place. I will move out when I return.
About three minutes later he responded.
I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that. And they won’t be back. I have searchlights mounted on top of the roof. I might even have turned them on to strobe function as they were driving out. It’s quite the sight. Makes the place look like the yard of a penitentiary during an inmate escape. And I might have used the remote to shut the iron gates on the back end of their car as they were leaving.