by Darla Lark
Detective Lawrence finished his questions and Cheyenne turned to her sister. As soon as Raina opened her arms, Cheyenne fell into them and cried.
“It’s okay Chey. It’s okay. Don’t worry about the car. It can be replaced. You can’t.”
“When is this going to stop? Who is doing this? Why? I know I’m not perfect, but what have I done to make someone hate me this much?”
“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Someone is crazy. Come and stay with us for a while. You’ll be safe.”
Cheyenne nodded, “Okay. I don’t think I can handle any more.”
“Cheyenne! Are you okay? Are you hurt? I came the minute I heard.” Michael walked up to her.
Cheyenne wiped the tears away. “I’m not hurt. I’m okay. How did you know?”
“Detective Lawrence just told me as we passed outside. I wondered why he was here. He said you were pretty shaken. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. I’m fine. Really.”
“You shouldn’t stay here. It’s too dangerous.” Michael put a protective arm around her.
“I know.” She noticed the concern in his eyes and smiled at him. “Trust me, I’m fine.”
He grabbed her and pulled her to him. He rocked her in his arms. “Come and stay with me.”
“What?” She had her hands on his chest and stared at him curiously.
“Stay with me.”
“I don’t know. I’ve already told my sister that I would stay with her.” She turned and pointed at Raina.
“Chey, it’s okay. It might be better to stay with him. Who would suspect that?” Raina winked.
She knew that despite the circumstances, Raina was finding the humor in this and the time for match making. Raina was taking advantage of the situation.
“She’s right. It’ll be a lot safer for you. I’ve got plenty of security. I’ll have one of the spare bedrooms ready for you.” He held one hand out. “But that’s only if you agree to it.”
“I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You wouldn’t be. Believe me.”
Cheyenne turned to Raina. “You wouldn’t be offended?”
“Nope.” Raina replied with a sly grin.
Cheyenne thought that she sounded a little too cheerful about it.
“Hey guys. What happened here?” Daniel asked as he made his way to them.
“My sister’s car was set on fire.” Cheyenne looked directly into his eyes “Do you know anything about it?”
“Why would I?”
“Daniel, right?” Raina stepped forward.
“Yes, uhhh…”
“I’m Raina, Cheyenne’s sister.”
“Right. Sorry.”
“Hello. I’m Michael, Cheyenne’s attorney and friend.” He offered his hand to shake.
Daniel hesitantly shook Michael’s hand. “I’m Daniel Schindler, Cheyenne’s neighbor. Pleasure to meet you.”
Cheyenne noticed Daniel begin to sweat and look around. He wouldn’t even look at her. Nor could he stand still. He was a little too fidgety. “Daniel, are you okay?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“You just seem…nervous.”
His head shot up and he gave her the most terrifying look she had ever seen. “Are you implying something, Ms. Harrington? Because if you are, you’re wrong. You want to accuse me of something? Go ahead. I haven’t done anything wrong. You don’t even come to me for anything and don’t act like you even trust me. I…” He quit talking and stormed off.
“Wow! That was weird.”
Cheyenne could sense Raina staring at Daniel. She shook her head and became even more suspicious. Even if he wasn’t doing these things to her, he was definitely up to something, if only she knew what it was.
“I’d better go pack some of my clothes and things.”
“I’ll go with you while you gather your things. The last thing you need to do is be alone.” Raina followed Cheyenne into the bedroom.
Michael piped up. “I’ll escort you ladies.”
~
Cheyenne looked up from her packing when she heard a knock on her door. “Who could that be?”
“I don’t know,” Raina said as their eyes met.
“Don’t worry. I’ll get it. Just stay right here,” Michael started toward the door.
“No. It’s my apartment. I’ll get it.” She hesitated for a moment before walking down the hall to open the door. Raina and Michael protested, but she opened the door anyway. Her jaw dropped. “Tyler! What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to see how you were. After hearing about what’s happened to you, I wanted to make sure you were all right.”
“How did you hear about all of this?”
“A Detective Johnson called me. I was worried about your safety.”
“Who is Detective Johnson?”
Michael slipped beside Cheyenne. “He’s a buddy of mine, but he’s not handling your case.”
Cheyenne looked up at him and back at Tyler. “Are you doing all of this? Is it to get back at me for divorcing you?”
Tyler frowned at Michael’s appearance, especially his coming from the bedroom. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I would never hurt you or even try to.”
“How can I believe you? Huh? You lied to me for a year and a half and then you randomly showed up after my tires were slashed. What am I supposed to believe?”
Tyler backed away with hands raised. “You know what? You’re obviously under a lot of stress. I’ll go now, but if you need anything you know my number.”
Without a second thought, Cheyenne took her flip flop off and threw it at Tyler. He ducked and ran. “You are such an ass. Didn’t I tell you to leave me alone? All you know how to do is rub it in that you’re with someone else and then try to sabotage me. Leave me alone!” She slammed the door and whirled around. “What is his problem?”
Raina walked over and hugged her. “It’ll be all right, sweetie. It’ll be all right.” Cheyenne cried on her shoulder. “Things will get better. I promise,” Raina whispered.
~
Cheyenne continued her packing and wondered why a detective who isn’t working on her case was sharing information with her ex-husband. Who was Detective Johnson? Michael seemed to know him. She couldn’t take it anymore. She had to ask.
“Who is Detective Johnson, Michael? Why would he be sharing my case information with my ex-husband?”
Michael sighed. “When I was a prosecutor, he and I used to work together. That’s how I know him, but as far as why he’s sharing an unsolved case, your case, with your ex-husband, I don’t know. However, I intend to find out. I’ll give him a call once we get to my place. Okay?”
“Okay,” Cheyenne whimpered.
“Do you have any ideas why this happening to my sister?” Raina asked.
“No, Raina. I don’t have an answer, but I will get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, she’ll be safe at my house.”
“Let’s hope so.”
~
Cheyenne finished packing her things. She double and tripled checked to make sure she had everything she needed. When she was sure, she grabbed both suit cases and her makeup bag.
Raina stared at the suitcases. “Geez sis! Do you think you’re moving or something?”
“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. So it’s better to be prepared than not. Don’t you think?”
“Yeah, but sis, that’s a lot. You can always come back for more if you need.”
Cheyenne ignored Raina’s suggestion. “Did you pack my laptop?”
“Yes. Plus you’re notebooks, pens, USB drive, and everything else you need to work. You’re all set to go.” A knock on the door caused them to turn. Daniel stood in the doorway. “Can I help you, Daniel?”
With arms folded across his chest, Daniel frowned. “Can I have my cat back before you leave?”
“I don’t even know where he is. I’ve looked. He must’ve gotten out when I opened the door at some point.”
“What
ever. You had better find my cat and return him.” He turned and stomped off.
“What was that all about?” Raina’s eyebrows were raised.
Michael’s face was tense. “Does it matter? The last thing she needs to worry about is some damn cat when her life is in danger.”
Cheyenne sighed and looked around her apartment. “I hate doing this. You know? I just moved in here and it sucks that I have to go so soon. Maybe I should buy a house.”
Michael gently rubbed her back tracing circles with his fingers. “Maybe. But we better go. Do you have everything?”
“I think so.”
“Here, let me take those and load them in the car.” He grabbed both suitcases and headed for the car.
Raina waited until he was of hearing range then grabbed Cheyenne’s hands. “Oooh…this is going to be good for you two. It’ll be time for you to really get to know each other.” She paused. “Yes, I’m sorry that something bad happened, but think about the good. This will bring something good for you. Don’t worry about anything, especially not the car. Aiden and I will take care of it. Things will work out.”
“I’m just frustrated and scared. It’s getting to the point that I’m really beginning to look over my shoulder everywhere I go. Three strikes, you know? Being frightened isn’t fun. I think I’m going to lose my mind. Things started happening after the divorce and it’s either Tyler or Daniel doing this. What am I going to do?”
Raina grabbed Cheyenne’s shoulders and held them tightly and gave her a small shake. “You are doing the best thing right now. The whole point is to keep you safe.” With tears in her eyes, she added, “I am not going to lose you. You’re the only family I have left.”
“What about Aiden and the kids?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Nothing’s going to happen, Rain. I’m not going anywhere if I can help it. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
They were embracing when Michael came back. “Whenever you are ready.”
They pulled away from each other and stared at him. Cheyenne nodded and looked at Raina. “I’m ready.”
“You’re going to be okay.”
“Hope so.”
~
Cheyenne grabbed a few miscellaneous items then locked the door behind her and walked away, arm-in-arm with her sister. Michael walked ahead of them. He seemed to understand they needed some space.
“By the way, do you have Finnegan?”
Raina gave a sheepish glance. “Yeah. I do. Couldn’t help myself. Besides, I didn’t want him to interrupt your fun if you know what I mean.”
“You should know me better than that. I’m not like you. I don’t do that.”
“We’ll see about that after you’ve stayed with him for a little while.” Raina nodded at the man walking ahead of them.
“Whatever. Anyway, I’ve been searching for that cat over that last two days.”
Raina waved her off. “Daniel doesn’t deserve such a sweet cat.”
“It’s not for you to decide.”
~
Cheyenne said goodbye to Raina and got into Michael’s car. With a sigh, she looked back at her apartment building, wondering what was going to happen next. At least she would be safe with Michael for the time being. Hopefully.
“You sure you have what you need?”
Cheyenne wearily smiled. “I believe so.” She relaxed back into the seat and sighed.
“Off we go then.” He began to pull out of the parking lot.
Something made Cheyenne glance behind her when she saw Daniel standing outside, watching them pull away. His arms were folded. She was close enough to see how cold and empty his eyes were. A shiver coursed down her spine.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Doesn’t look like nothing.”
“Daniel gives me the creeps. I just get this weird feeling about him. He’s not telling me something, but I’m guessing, it’s something pretty serious and I don’t mean his cat. There’s something else.”
“I’ve got the police chief putting Daniel on top priority. He’s supposed to call me and let me know what they found out.” He placed one hand over hers. “It’s okay. You’ll be safe with me. I promise.” He squeezed her hand.
“Hopefully. My one hope is that I’m not jeopardizing your safety. Nor do I want to be a burden on you.”
“Hey. I’m the one who insisted you stay with me. You are not a burden. I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Thank you.”
Cheyenne stared out the window, deep in thought. Michael let her enjoy the quiet until they arrived at his home where Cheyenne’s jaw dropped.
“Whoa. You live here? This is incredible.”
His house was gated and had to have a code to punch in to enter. If anyone wanted in, they had to push the speaker button. No one could get in easily and trees and bushes behind the gate hid the house from view. They drove in and she saw the house. No. Not house, but mansion. It was huge and the most exquisite place she had ever seen. A brick home where the front of it had flower gardens with roses and other varieties she had never seen before. When she looked up, there were windows everywhere. The front door was enclosed in a white archway. A massive fountain with an elegant stone statue commanded the majestic front yard.
“Yeah. I live here. Sort of grabs your attention, doesn’t it?”
“Uh huh.”
When he parked the car in front of the mansion, they sat there quietly for a moment before Cheyenne spoke. She looked over at Michael. “Again, are you sure that it’s no trouble having me here?”
“You’re fine. Stop worrying. Let’s go inside. I really don’t want to be out here in the heat all day. How about you?”
“Me neither.”
He smiled at her as he got out and then grabbed her things from the trunk. She watched him, thinking temptation was really going to be hard to resist. He looked so good in his tight, form-fitting jeans and a tight AC/DC t-shirt. Biting her lower lip, she couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he walked up the steps with her suitcases.
“Oh boy. I’m in trouble,” she whispered, barely moving from the car. “This was definitely not a good idea. Why didn’t I go to Raina’s? It would’ve been less tempting when it comes to Michael—especially since she wasn’t sure what was going on between them.”
He suddenly appeared on her side of the car and tapped on the window. “You coming in or what?”
With that smile of his, her heart melted. Could he get any sexier? How would she resist? Hopefully she wouldn’t be staying with him for very long. Or else she was in big trouble.
“I’m going to grab my purse and the rest of my things first.”
“I’ll help you.”
She got out of the car. “I can get them. You’ve done enough.”
He smiled warmly. “Don’t worry about it. I can get them. Now, come on in. It’s too hot to stay out here.”
~
Once inside, Cheyenne saw how beautiful it was. The floor had red carpet and the stairs were winding with little gold angels on the pillars. The walls were white with paintings and family pictures lining them. There was a cherry wood table with flowers in a vase and some pictures of Michael and his mother.
He set the luggage down. “You like it?”
“Your home is amazing and beautiful. And your gardens….wow! I can’t wait to see the rest.”
“As soon as I get these up to your room, I can show you around.”
“Great!” They stared at each other briefly. “I’ll grab these.” She picked up one of her suitcases.
“You take these.” He handed the writing and makeup bags to her. “I’ll get the suitcases.”
“Thanks.” She stared at those arms and felt the heat rise to her cheeks. “You lead the way.”
He smiled and nodded. “Follow me.” He started up the stairs toward her room.
The halls were beautiful with the walls painted a golden
color and the carpet a chocolate brown. The paintings were in black enamel frames.
“The house is beautiful, Michael.” To see a man with such good taste was unusual.
“I had a professional decorator do all this shortly after the divorce. Here we are.” He opened the door and walked in. He put her suitcases on a small stand in a corner.
“Thank you so much for everything.”
“You’re welcome.” Michael gave the room a once over to make sure that things were ready for occupancy.
They shifted uncomfortably as they stood there and eyed each other up and down. “Well, if you don’t mind, I would like to freshen up a little.” Cheyenne lifted up her makeup case.
“Of course. Make yourself at home. Should you need it, and I’m sure you will, the bathroom is down the hall on the right.”
“Thanks.”
“If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen. It’s downstairs. Take the stairs down, make a right and then walk straight ahead. That’s where I’ll be.” He clapped his hands and backed away. “Okay, well, I’ll go now.” Michael headed for the door.
She walked toward Michael so she could close the door behind him. “I’ll be down in a bit.”
“See you then.”
With a smile, she closed the door and covered her mouth with one hand and squealed. Why on earth was she acting and feeling like this? She was having so many bad things happening to her. Why was she so happy in spite of everything? Now she was alone with Michael. She was staying in his house and she was thrilled to be there. What was her life coming to?
Cheyenne leaned against the door and surveyed the room. The walls were yellow and the bed, which was in the corner, had a white bedspread with pink flowers. The furniture was white and carpet was pink flecked with white. There were two teddy bears on the bed. It looked like a little girls room. The interior decorator thought of everything, even children. She noticed a pink, lacy music box on the dresser. Cheyenne walked over, picked it up, and opened it. It played ‘It’s a Small World’ as a ballerina slowly performed a pirouette.
Setting it back down, she sighed. “Well, I had better get freshened up.”