“You’re kind of whiny when you’re life is being threatened.”
“I know. I’m trying to stop, but then something else happens and it starts up again. Like Ivan today, he knew Zeke and I weren’t really married, but in the police station he was giving me a hard time because I wouldn’t kiss Zeke. It’s the little things, they add up and make me tired. I whine when I’m tired.”
“So go upstairs and sleep until noon tomorrow.” Liam got another cup of coffee. “We don’t need you down here, I think between Anthony, Zeke, Sebastian, myself and occasionally Ivan, we can keep you from being killed for an indefinite length of time.”
“True, but mom and Alex are here too.”
“So, let them plan your wedding. You don’t want to be awake for that anyway. Maybe we can think up some way out of it while you sleep.”
“Thanks, Liam. I think I will go back to bed.”
“Night sis, oh and uh, I’m not supposed to tell you this because you’re going to get pissed, but Ivan and I called the others too. We decided with your three top guards guarding you, you’d lose business. Devlin should be here later today and Vladik is coming in late tonight, early tomorrow. That’s why there are three sets of bunk beds in your library. I think I’ll tell Ivan to bring you a set for the spare room too. That will make it so mom and Alex aren’t sharing a bed. Anthony and Sebastian are going to live here and go to work, while Zeke stays here full time. We figure Zeke and your brothers should be enough to rein in you, mom and Alex for a while until things die down.”
“Shit, does Alex know about this?” I was guessing everyone but me had been informed.
“Yes, we had to get her to agree. After Thomas this morning, it was pretty easy.”
“Great, I’m going to bed, wake me next spring.” I trudged up the stairs and fell into bed. I heard the others come back in the house. My life was a disaster. I hoped this wasn’t going to last very long. That would really, really, really suck.
My bed was big and comfortable, but I tossed and turned. Questions floated into my mind. I had hit something earlier when I was talking about the lives of others. I went back downstairs.
“Liam, can you come up here a minute, there’s something else I want to discuss.”
“Sure,” he followed me up the stairs, a puzzled expression on his face.
I closed the bedroom door. Sitting down on the bed I had to think about what I really wanted to say. There were so many things I needed to say and so many that I could never express.
“What’s wrong?” Liam sat down next to me.
“I think I’m ruining everyone’s life.” I started to cry. “Alex is stuck here, Zeke, Anthony, Sebastian, they are all stuck here. They can’t leave because they might get killed, I might get killed because their gone. Thomas almost died because of me.” I sobbed, leaning into his chest. The tears flowed readily enough. This was new territory for Liam, I had never been much of a crier, now I was bawling my eyes out on him.
“Nadine,” he stroked my hair. The bathroom door opened.
“Liam, I thought I heard you two.” Alex sat down next to me on the bed. “You aren’t ruining our lives.”
“It’s one thing to get injured in the course of our work, it’s another when they injure people to trap me. I don’t know who or what I’m dealing with. I don’t know who is and isn’t in harm’s way. I’ve never felt so helpless.”
“You can’t feel in control all the time, Nadine.” Liam pulled me back from him. “How many people have you and Alex saved? How many people has your companies helped? So it gets rough once in a while, that just means you’re both very good at it. If you weren’t these guys wouldn’t be here trying to save your asses.”
“He’s right Nadine, what we do, it gets rough, but it’s just part of it. You get targeted because you head it. They think once you’re dead, it will all end.”
“Maybe I’m just tired,” I wiped the tears from my eyes. “I’m sorry I acted like such a bitch about Sebastian.” I hugged her, pulling her close.
“I just don’t want you to get hurt and Sebastian isn’t the type to stick around for long.”
“That’s why I have Eric.”
“I’m lost,” Liam touched my shoulder. “Are you going to be all right?”
“Doubtful, I have brothers coming in tomorrow,” I sighed. “I’ll probably break down with them too. I didn’t think of it until now, but it’s been almost two years since I saw Devlin. We missed each other last year at Christmas and he couldn’t make Easter. And a year since I saw Vladik, you guys didn’t even come home for my thirty-first birthday.”
“Yeah, the big losers,” Alex smiled. “It will be a family reunion.”
“I hate family reunions,” I popped the muscle in my neck.
“True, but normally you aren’t being hunted like a frightened rabbit, this one might be more interesting.” Liam put an arm around me.
“That makes me feel so much better, thanks, Liam.”
“Is this a family affair or can I come in?” Zeke cracked the bedroom door.
“It’s a family affair, but the way you and Nadine are solving this marriage problem, you might as well come in,” Liam replied.
“You all right, kid?” Zeke also sat down on the bed. I was suddenly glad I had a huge bed.
“Kid?” I frowned at him. “I’m not that much younger than you.”
“Yes you are.” Zeke looked at Liam. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but will Devlin and Vladik be much help if we need it?”
“I won’t, Devlin and Vlad can both hold their own. They aren’t Nadine, but they aren’t slouches either.”
“Did you just give me a compliment?” I was surprised by this.
“Yes I did and yes you’re welcome.” Liam turned his attention back to Zeke. “I’m willing to let Sebastian take Alex home after they arrive, but I think it would be a good idea to give her two full time guards. Nothing against, Sebastian, but I’d be more comfortable with my cousin more heavily protected. These people seem serious.”
“Well, if the three of you can watch Nadine, I can relocate the three of us to Alex’s house.” Zeke held up a hand in front of Alex’s face.
“He’s right Alex, three attempts on Nadine in one week, they are eventually going to figure out that a direct attack isn’t in their best interest. They’ll go after her nearest and dearest next. That means you.”
“I was going to say why don’t I take Anthony and Sebastian, but leave you here. I may not have sniper capabilities, but I can fire a gun when necessary. If we leave Nadine with all the three Chzov boys that leaves Ivan to protect his family. I think Vladik or Devlin should go there.”
“Vladik, that way mom won’t pester him about being gay,” I shook my head, only my mother.
“Vladik’s gay?” Alex raised an eyebrow.
“Only if you ask mom,” I responded.
“Hmm, that figures.”
“Fine, we’ll send Vladik to stay with Ivan, Liam and Devlin will stay here with Nadine. I’ll send Anthony and Sebastian to your house. Can you make enough room for them?” Zeke grinned.
“Ha ha, very funny.” Alex punched him in the arm.
“You seem to be forgetting that I have six dogs, that should amount to another person. They may not be able to shoot a gun, but they sure as hell can chase down a suspect and chew his arm off.” I looked around, “hey, where are my dogs?”
“They wanted to stay out, so we let them.” Zeke told me.
“Oh great, so I can end up with another wolf on my back porch.”
“What?” Liam raised an eyebrow.
“They don’t go out at night because last time they chased and cornered a wolf on my back porch. It was a bitch…” I shook my head. “Never mind, it’s complicated and doesn’t have a bit of impact on the current situation.”
“Then moving right along,” Zeke frowned. “Liam, Devlin and myself here, protecting Nadine and her mother. Vladik and Ivan doing their own thing at Ivan’s house. Se
bastian and Anthony at Alex’s. It should work out, considering this doesn’t drag on for forever.”
“Define forever,” I quipped.
“If you can go seven days without a near death incident, I’ll consider it back to normal.”
“How many does she normally have?” Liam moved closer to me. Oh yeah, this was going to go badly.
“One every couple of months. Your sister is a death magnet.”
Tears welled up, Zeke was right, I was a death magnet. They spilled down my cheeks. I buried my face in my hands.
“Nadine, I was only kidding,” Zeke looked at me, horrified.
“No, you’re right,” I sobbed. Maybe I was PMS-ing. “I am a death magnet. I really do almost die every couple of months.”
“No you’re not, we don’t really think that way. Sure you get into some sticky spots, but you aren’t really a death magnet. It just proves you’re good at your job, you make people so angry because they can’t get their targets, that they unload on you.” Zeke patted my shoulder. It made me sob harder.
“And the rapist that followed me home while I was working on the mob thing?” I moaned.
“Rapist?” Liam sounded concerned.
“She shot him in the leg, then covered the wound until the police arrived so he wouldn’t bleed out.” Alex whispered. “Not a big deal, really.”
“I heard that,” I choked.
“Honey, you,” Zeke seemed lost for words, “that’s just the way it is for you, we all still love you regardless of your ability to attract danger.” That wasn’t the right thing to say, I couldn’t breathe through the tears.
“Ok, I’ll buy your mother a new house on the other side of the city, pay for the wedding and the honeymoon, buy you a diamond ring and a help you build a bigger house if you will please stop crying.” Zeke pleaded.
“What?” I wiped the tears away.
“I’ll give you anything, just please stop crying.” I looked up to notice that Zeke’s blue eyes were looking a little shiny.
“Are you about to cry?” I asked sounding skeptical.
“Not really…” If he was going to say more, he didn’t get the chance. Outside, something howled and it sounded a lot like a Great Dane.
Chapter Thirteen
The night was dark and quiet. Even the bugs had stopped humming. I ran blindly, dressed in my PJs. The howl I’d heard was gone, drifted away. I kept calling the dogs, but they weren’t responding. This was one of my worst nightmares. I understand they’re just dogs, but I loved them.
Anubis came from the shadows, slamming into me, knocking me over. Behind him, Marduk appeared from the darkness. Both were slick with sweat, panting hard. Someone grabbed their collars, yanking them off me. They whined and howled against the restraint.
“Let them go,” I commanded. “The others are still missing.” I bent down low to Anubis and took his ear in my hand.
“Where are they, boy? Where are your brothers?” A leash appeared out of nowhere. I put it on Anubis.
“Keep Marduk off the leash. He’ll offer protection.” I let Anubis lead me into the dark. Marduk danced around us. Anubis strained against me, pulling me into a run, I was having trouble keeping up. He tugged harder, faster. My leg throbbed painfully and something warm and wet trickled down my leg. The wound was opening, but I could ignore it a while longer.
I was sure the others were with us. I could hear their breathing, smell the sweat. My ears picked up the sound of their feet in the grass. Why did I live next to woods? Maybe I should take Zeke up on that offer for a new house.
Anubis howled and jerked, the leash slid from my hands. He took off running. I tried to keep up and fell down. A hand grabbed me, pulling me to my feet.
“Follow him,” I shook the hand away. Sebastian and Alex both ran past me. Now I understood why she jogged ten miles a day, she was quick as hell. She kept up easily with the former linebacker. Soon they had disappeared ahead of me. Marduk continued to dance around me, urging me forward. I patted his head and pushed forward, into the woods.
The sound of whimpering came to me. It urged me forward even more. I followed the sound. My house was no longer visible.
“Found them,” Alex yelled. “And it’s not what you think Nadine.”
My chest relaxed some. I hadn’t noticed the knot that had formed. I stumbled upon them. Adar stood at a funny angle. His leg was stuck in a hole. I sighed from relief. This I could deal with… mom.
“Oh fuck, mom is at the house, asleep and alone.” I rubbed my face. My leg really ached.
“I’m gone,” Anthony took off, Liam followed at his heels. Marduk and Set followed the men. I had little doubt who would get there first and it wasn’t the humans.
“Adar, sit,” I commanded him in Russian. The dog sat down, “don’t move.”
I reached down and began digging at the hole. The dogs had been doing this too. I could see where their paws had ripped at the earth. Adar gave a yelp as my hand touched something metal. A trap. No wonder they hadn’t been able to dig him free.
“Um, Zeke, Alex, I’m going to need some help. Anyone got a flashlight?” Sebastian pulled out a jingly key ring. It had a bright red LED light on it. He pushed the button, illuminating the area.
“Ok, Alex, I want you to stand with either leg on either side of Adar, hold his head with your hands, try scratching his ears.”
“What about me?” Zeke asked.
“Do you pray?”
“No.”
“Do you know anything about hunting traps?”
“No.”
“Ok,” I looked down at the hole. “Kneel here and help hold Adar. When I get it uncovered, he’s going to try to yank his foot out, don’t let him.”
It took several minutes, but dog and trap were finally free from the ground. I thought for a second.
“Anyone have a cell phone?”
Sebastian produced a cell phone. For a moment, I thought about asking if he’d ever been a boy scout. Decided to shelve it for a later date and dialed the vet’s number. He was going to love this.
“This is Matt.” Yep, just love it, he’d been asleep. Must be nice.
“Hi, Doc, it’s Nadine,” I waited as that sank in. “Um, Adar is stuck in some kind of trap and I don’t know what I’m doing, his leg is bleeding.”
“What’s the trap look like?”
“Honestly? Like one of those funny bear traps with the steel jaws that you see on TV, only smaller.”
“Are you at home?”
“Kind of, we are actually in the woods behind my home.”
“I thought you weren’t going to let…”
I cut him off, “yes, I know. Should we meet you at the vet’s office?”
“How bad is he bleeding?”
“I don’t know, it’s dark and we only have a red flashlight, his entire leg looks black.”
“Ok, vet’s office.”
“Thanks, doc.” I hung up. “We have to take Adar to the vet. I can’t carry him, he weighs almost as much as I do.” Zeke picked him up, Alex held the foot.
“Lead the way.” They said almost in unison. It would have been funny if I hadn’t been worried that my dog was going to die from blood loss.
My house was bathed in light, lots of it. I think every light with the exception of the spare room was on. Melina could sleep through a nuclear war and hurricane at the same time. Something her children couldn’t do. I entered the back door and headed towards the garage.
“Nadine,” Liam said quietly.
“I have to get Adar to the vet.”
“Let Alex and Sebastian take him,” Liam had a very serious look on his face. Zeke passed the dog to Sebastian, Alex making sure the foot didn’t move.
“It’s mom,” my gut tightened. I had been bitching about her earlier and now she was gone and it was my fault.
“Check your cell phone,” Anthony pointed to the table. The light was blinking impatiently.
Voicemail. I entered the pass code. It told me
I had seven new messages. Seven? I hadn’t let it go that long without answering it, had I? The first two were Lucy giving me updates about the office. I guess I hadn’t been answering it. The next three were from Zeke, I deleted them without listening. Next came Ivan, checking in, I deleted that one too. The final one.
“Ms. Daniels, that’s one, I will gladly take more until you tell me where my sister is.” That was all. The line clicked and my automated machine came back on telling me that was the end of my messages. I frowned, I didn’t exactly get it and I didn’t have a clue what the mystery voice was talking about.
“One what?” I asked, the anger welled up. Anyone who left cryptic messages was definitely up to no good. Liam hung his head, refusing to look at me.
“One what?” I walked to Anthony. Sebastian and Alex disappeared into the garage.
“One what!?” I screamed at him. He flinched, at least he was alive. Melina appeared from the dining room. Her face was deeply lined. She had coffee in her hands. It wasn’t dawn and my mother was awake, this was bad.
“The hospital called while you were outside. You’re listed as Thomas’s emergency contact.” She put the pot on the table. “He didn’t make it, Nadine.”
“Didn’t make it?” The world spun under my feet. “But he wasn’t in any real danger.”
I plopped into a chair.
“You’re bleeding,” Zeke busied himself getting paper towels.
“I got the same message. The caller also left it on your land line.” Anthony touched my shoulder, I batted him away.
“He wasn’t in any danger. His injuries weren’t life threatening.” I spoke slow, deliberate. “Why wasn’t he being watched?”
“Patrick was there.” Zeke pressed the towels to my leg. They felt damp. “You were right, you can’t protect someone in the hospital.”
“If Patrick was there,” I took a deep breath and looked at my mother.
“Oh, um, do you want me to leave dear?” I frowned at her.
“No, you might as well stay.” I took another deep breath. “If Patrick was there, how did Thomas die?”
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