Without Warning

by Lynette Eason

  “Doesn’t sound like it. He’s been there for the past week.”

  “And he just dropped everything and left? No notice to his boss or friends?”

  “He told his boss, who forgot to mention it to the guys he worked with. The boss went on vacation and didn’t get my messages until late last night.”

  “Okay then. Weird that he didn’t tell his roommate or at least leave him a message.”

  “I know. You just never can tell about some people or why they think the way they do.”

  “That’s the truth. Thanks, Bree.”

  “Of course.” Katie hung up and looked at Daniel. “Well, our list of suspects just got one name shorter.”

  “And you’re still looking at Martin as one?”

  “I am. I’m sorry, but I am.” She tapped the screen of her phone.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Googling acetone use in archaeology.”

  Riley flipped the coin through her fingers while the thunder rolled above her. She glanced at the sky and figured they wouldn’t be staying at the dig much longer. Martin had given them the choice to stay or go, and she’d stayed simply so she could log the hours. Most of the students had left and she knew she wouldn’t be far behind. But for now, she focused her attention back on the coin and wondered how much it was worth. Dated 1804, it was old for sure.

  Lizzie stood to the side, watching, taking everything in. She was alert and always vigilant, but Riley could tell she really enjoyed the activity. She didn’t find it boring like one of the workers who’d thrown a trowel down in disgust and said she was going to change her major.

  Riley shoved the coin back into her pocket and shook her head. She’d eventually give the coin to Martin and see if he wanted it, but she wanted to show it to her uncle before she had to give it up. He’d get a kick out of her finding such an old coin on his property.

  “Hey, hey! Look at this!”

  It sounded like Carol calling out. “What did you find?” She moved closer, along with the others, excited to see what she might have found.

  Riley felt a raindrop on her cheek and brushed it away. She watched Carol scrape away another layer of dirt and reach into the earth to pull out an item. “What is it?”

  “A cannonball,” Carol said. She pulled it up and someone handed her a measuring tape. She noted it in her small book, then snapped several pictures with her phone. “Where’s Martin?”

  “He left right after the press conference,” Riley said. Thunder cracked and she jumped. “Okay, I’m taking off before we get soaked.”

  Lightning flashed. “Or electrocuted,” Carol muttered.

  Riley fell in behind Carol and Lizzie brought up the rear as they all ran for the covered area.

  [23]

  Friday

  Katie was disappointed with the delay in the flight Daniel had planned for them. Yesterday the weather had just been too bad. And while today brought more rain and thunderstorms, it also brought more excitement. Daphne was almost here.

  As much as Katie loved her job—and spending time with Daniel even though he was a client—she was looking forward to some girl time. She knew Daniel and Riley were in good hands. They’d doubled up on the security and she knew they didn’t plan to leave the house. So. She had nothing to worry about on that end.

  On this end, however, to say she was nervous was an understatement. It had been a long time since she and Daphne had spent time together. And while it was long overdue, the butterflies in her stomach wouldn’t settle down.

  The doorbell rang and she froze. Backdraft hopped from her lap and disappeared into her bedroom. “Thanks for the support, friend.” He never looked back. She was on her own.

  She smoothed her hands down her jeans and went to the door. She looked out and saw her sister standing there.

  Katie opened the door. Daphne’s gaze met hers. Then she grinned, stepped forward, and wrapped Katie in a hug. And Katie’s nerves fled. “Hey, I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Daphne stepped back. “And I’m glad to be here.”

  “Come on in.”

  Once inside, Daphne’s gaze widened. “This is beautiful.”

  “I’m getting there. I haven’t done much in here.”

  “But the kitchen is amazing.” She left her suitcase by the door and walked into the kitchen.

  “Thanks. Some friends and I put it together just this week.”

  “You’ve got some good friends.”

  “Yes.” Katie smiled. “Yes, I do.” She grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her toward the sofa. “Give me your coat and have a seat.”

  Once they were settled, Daphne gave her another hug. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too.” She looked down. “How are Mom and Dad?”

  “They’re good. They miss you too.” Daphne gave a light laugh that sounded forced. “Sounds like everyone is missing everyone.”

  “Hmm.”

  “They do, I promise.”

  “They blame me for Paul’s death, Daph,” she said softly. “It hurts to talk to them.”

  Her sister drew in a deep breath. “I think they’re moving past blame, Katie. They love you. Not talking to you, not seeing you? It’s taken its toll. Call them.”

  Katie looked into Daphne’s eyes. “I’ll think about it. Hard.”

  “Good. Not the answer I was looking for, but we’ll come back to that later.” She took a deep breath. “So, tell me about your work. A bodyguard. It sounds like an incredibly exciting and dangerous profession.”

  Katie looked into her sister’s happy, innocent eyes. “Exciting? Dangerous? Hmm. Not usually.” She smiled. “But I do get to meet some really cool people.” She stood. “Now, I’m starved. Where do you want to go eat?”

  “What? You didn’t cook for me?”

  Katie gave her sister’s shoulder a gentle shove. “Still a comedian, I see. No, I didn’t cook, but you’re welcome to try out the new kitchen.” She headed to the closet to get her coat.

  Daphne stood and grabbed her purse and coat. “Let’s go. It’s on you.”

  Katie laughed and followed Daphne out the door.

  Katie drove with one eye on the rearview mirror. She knew Charlie was back there and appreciated his vigilance. Ten minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot of Alodia’s on North Lake Drive, not too far from the charred remains of Daniel’s restaurant. Once inside, she and Daphne were seated and spent the next few minutes deciding on their food choices.

  “I’ll take the chicken parmesan,” Daphne said and handed the menu to the waitress.

  “And I’ll do the blackened Mahi,” Katie said. The waitress left and Katie turned to Daphne. “So, how’s the hospital treating you?”

  Daphne shrugged. “It’s a job. I love the people I work with and most of the patients, so I won’t complain.” She sipped her water. “Tell me what’s going on with you.”

  So Katie filled her in on less dangerous aspects of her life. She knew Charlie continued to keep watch, and it felt good to relax and enjoy the time with her sister as they discussed funny moments from their childhood.

  When Daphne brought up their brother again, Katie wanted to change the subject, but Daphne wouldn’t let her. “Call Mom and Dad, okay?”

  “I said I would.”

  “No you didn’t. You said you’d think about it.”

  Katie sighed, then nodded. “Okay, all right. I’ll call them.”

  “When?”

  “Soon. I will.”

  Her sister refused to let go of Katie’s gaze. Finally, she must have been satisfied with what she saw there, because she smiled and nodded. “Okay then.”

  Their time together passed too quickly, and soon it was Saturday morning and she was waving goodbye as Daphne drove down the drive and out of sight.

  “Looks like you had a good time with your sister.”

  She turned to see Charlie standing at the edge of the porch. “We did. And because you were here keeping watch, I was able
to really enjoy it and not worry about someone snooping around or whatever. Thanks.”

  “Anytime.” He shot her a small smirk. “And as you know, things have been quiet with Daniel and Riley.”

  She flushed. “Guilty as charged.” She’d checked in on a regular basis when she could get a moment to send a text or make a phone call. “Go home and get some rest, you’ve earned it.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  She sighed. “Call my parents.”

  Daniel finished the preflight check and filed his flight plan—although he didn’t necessarily need one to fly where they were going, but he liked being on the radar at all times and it made Riley feel better when she wanted to know exactly where he was. He put two water bottles within reach. Riley’s plans had changed, which worked in his favor. She was working this weekend and back at the dig site with Martin and Lizzie, leaving Daniel free to spend a few uninterrupted hours with Katie. Hours that didn’t include dodging bullets or being crushed like a bug.

  Katie stepped into the hangar. “Where are we going?”

  “Feel like a visit to the beach?”

  “The beach? In October?” Thunder rolled in with the clouds. “It’s going to rain.”

  “Just for a bit. We’ll get up there and outrun it. I’d planned to be in the air before now, but we still have time.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Of course.” He paused. “I wouldn’t take you up if I thought there was any risk.”

  She hesitated, then nodded. “Okay. Why not?”

  “Once the rain passes, it’s supposed to be in the mid-forties. Practically a heat wave in October.”

  “A heat wave, huh? And what about your head?”

  “It’s barely aching.”

  “Liar.”

  “Okay, so it still hurts a little, but I’ve taken the ibuprofen like a good boy and I really want to do this. Please?” He took her hand in his. “Riley said the beach is one of your favorite places.”

  “She’s absolutely right.”

  “I want to share that with you.”

  “Today.”

  “Today.”

  A slow smile lifted the corner of her lips. “Okay, let’s go.”

  While he finished the last-minute preparations, he watched her from the corner of his eye. “How was the visit with your sister?”

  “It went well. She’s a great girl. I hate that I let things . . . lapse like I did.”

  “She doesn’t blame you for Paul’s death anymore?”

  “No, she doesn’t.”

  He stopped what he was doing and took her hand in his. “I’m glad.”

  Her lips curved further and her eyes looked lighter. Like she’d had a heavy burden removed from her shoulders.

  “Then let’s celebrate.”

  “By flying.”

  “Yep.” He checked the fuel one more time. He’d already topped off the tanks and all looked good to him.

  “Are you ready?”

  “I am.”

  He loved her excitement. Now that he’d convinced her to go, she was all in. Another thing he liked about her.

  He’d already loaded the supplies he wanted to take with him earlier. All that was left was to hop in and take off. He opened the plane’s doors. She watched as they rose. “They look like an extra pair of wings.”

  A knock sounded on the hangar service door. “Daniel? You got a minute?” a voice called from outside the hangar.

  “Who’s that?” Katie asked, her hand already resting on her weapon.

  “Martin.” Daniel walked over to the door and opened it.

  From the corner of his eye he saw Katie relax. A fraction. At least she moved her hand from her gun. Martin stepped inside and he shut the door.

  “Hey, I thought you were reveling in your fame back at the site. I drove past and saw news vans still out there.”

  Martin ran a hand through his hair and shook the water droplets loose. “They’ve been there since Thursday’s press conference, expecting us to pull something else amazing out of the ground. I took off when I could, but I left instructions with my assistant what to have Riley and the other two interns do.” He glanced behind him and out the window. “But the weather is getting ready to be ugly yet again and I think she’ll probably send them all home.”

  “It’s not going to last long. What do you need?”

  “Advice.”

  “What’s wrong now?”

  His friend truly looked frazzled. “That coin,” Martin said. “I can’t think, I can’t sleep, I can’t eat. That coin was going to send me to the top of the archaeology news reports. I was going to be on magazines. I was going to be famous.”

  Was that really all that was important to Martin? “Dude, there’s more to life than fame.”

  Martin let out a rough chuckle. “I know, I know. It’s not really about that, it’s just that I had it all within my hands and now it’s like fate has just snatched it away.”

  “But you found that gun and the holster. You just had an amazing press conference. What’s the problem?”

  Martin’s eyes gleamed for a moment at the reminder. “Yes. I know. All that’s wonderful, truly great. But that coin . . .”

  “Why don’t we move inside the house?” Katie said.

  Daniel led the way to the back of the hangar and through the door that led into his mudroom. Martin followed him and Katie pulled up the rear.

  Once inside the den, Martin perched on the seat of the wingback chair nearest the fireplace. Daniel dropped into the recliner, and Katie hovered near the window, going back and forth from it to the door.

  “What is it you think I can do, Martin?”

  Martin wiped a hand down his face. He drew in a deep breath. “I . . . ah . . . need money. I’m getting ready to lose my house.” His gaze flicked toward Katie, then back to Daniel.

  Daniel straightened. “Katie, you mind giving us a minute?”

  Katie cleared her throat. “Of course not. I’ll just go check the perimeter of the property. I’ll be right back.”

  Once she left, Martin rubbed his palms down his dusty jeans. “I’ve put everything into this dig. Can you give me enough to cover my house payment for this month?”

  Daniel stared. Stunned. Shocked. Two words that accurately described his state of mind at the moment. “But your tenure at the school, your salary—”

  “They let me go.”

  His voice was so low Daniel almost missed what he said. “What? Why? Even after this find?”

  “I didn’t find it fast enough. I’m the low man on the totem pole.” Martin stood and paced from one end of the room to the other. “I didn’t have tenure. I didn’t write enough articles or pull in enough research grants. There are no private investors. I’m funding this dig, Daniel, I’ve put my entire life savings and more into this project and I’m broke. I just need enough to get through this. Now that we’ve had the press conference and people know what’s there, I think I can get investors. It’s time that I don’t have. I need to make a payment on my house or I’m going under.”

  Daniel sighed. “Stay here.” He walked into his office, pulled his checkbook from the drawer, and wrote a check that should cover his friend’s house payment for the next three months. When he returned to the den, he found Martin back in the chair with his face in his hands.

  “Here,” Daniel said. He held the check out toward Martin.

  Martin looked up and his eyes widened when he saw the amount. “I don’t need that much. I feel sure after our find that the university will offer me my position back.”

  “Well, until then. We can consider this a loan.”

  “I’ll pay you back, you know I will.”

  “Of course. I’m not worried about it.”

  Martin stood, nodded. “Thanks, Daniel.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  Martin glanced toward the area where Katie had been. “I interrupted something, didn’t I?”

  “I’m just taking Katie fly
ing. I’ll call in the delayed flight plan and we’ll be good.”

  “Then I’m out of here.” He walked toward the door. “Oh, and Riley’s doing great. She hasn’t found anything of worth yet, but she’s got what it takes to be an archaeologist.”

  “Patience?”

  “And a good old-fashioned dose of stubborn.”

  “Well, she comes by that naturally.” Daniel stopped at the door. “Hey, do you ever use acetone at the dig site?”

  “Sure, sometimes. Why?”

  “What is it used for?”

  “It’s a solvent and it’s one of the key ingredients in the stuff that’s used to conserve artifacts. I can be more detailed if you want, but that’s the basics.”

  “The basics are fine. Thanks.”

  Martin shot him a troubled look but said nothing more. His phone buzzed and he looked down. Gasped.

  “What is it?”

  “Ah. Nothing. Just a text that I need to address. I’ll see you later.” Daniel saw his friend out as Katie slipped inside. He shut the door. “That was weird,” he said.

  “Does Martin have anything to gain with you out of the way?”

  Daniel lifted a brow. “What? No.”

  “He’s not in your will?”

  “No, just Riley and my mother.”

  “But he needed money.”

  “Yes.” Daniel frowned. “And before you ask, the answer is no. He’s never asked me for money before. That was a first.”

  “It probably won’t be the last time.”

  Daniel’s frown deepened. “He’s good for it.”

  Katie pursed her lips. “Hmm.”

  “You don’t believe me?”

  “I believe you believe it. But if he’s asked you, chances are he’s asked others as well.”

  Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. “You don’t know him like I do. But I guess time will tell.” He shrugged. “And if he doesn’t ever pay it back, I’m not going to hold it against him.”

  “What if he comes back for more?”

  Daniel sighed. “I’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

  She tilted her head. “I heard you ask him about the acetone.”

  “Yes. It does make me think, but it doesn’t convince me it’s Martin who’s behind all the trouble.”