Vested Interest Box Set: Books 1-3

by Melanie Moreland

It was all I had.

  I made it to Friday without running into Louisa. She was at the table when I arrived for our project meeting, but she refused to acknowledge me. I slid a bag her way. “Thank you for loaning these to me.”

  She picked up the bag and turned her back to me. She didn’t speak the entire time and left before I was out of my chair. I knew she wanted more—an apology and an invitation to “hang” together on the weekend, but I offered neither. I refused to be friends with someone who bad-mouthed Emmy.

  I was dead tired. I spent the night on the sofa again, and I hadn’t slept well at all, constantly woken by my dreams. When I’d arrived home the night before, the door was ajar again, and I couldn’t be sure I had locked it behind me when I had left in the morning. My super came in with me and checked out the place, assuring me no one was there. But all night, I thought I heard footsteps and the door opening. I sensed someone there, but when I sat up, I was alone. I was being paranoid over a mistake of forgetting to lock the door. I said nothing to Dee when we texted, not wanting to upset her. This morning, I double-checked the lock and made sure I shut the door tight behind me.

  I dragged myself home, grateful to find the door still shut. Inside, I pulled off my coat and dumped my knapsack on the table. I glanced around the kitchen, knowing I should eat something, but my appetite had been off. I hadn’t cooked since Dee left, snacking on crackers and peanut butter sandwiches. I hadn’t even made coffee.

  I pulled open the fridge door, frowning at the container on the shelf. Inside was Dee’s homemade mushroom soup. One of my personal favorites. She must have made it for me before she left. A smile tugged on my lips. She’d had a busy morning before she left for Calgary.

  Placing some in a bowl, then the microwave, I headed to my room. Closer to the door, I hesitated, confused. The scent of my perfume was heavy in the air. I flicked on the light, glanced around, but there was nothing to see. On my dresser, the bottle stood off to the side, the top off. I picked up the bottle, feeling a prickle down my neck. Had I used it this morning? How much of it had I used if I could still smell it so strongly? I searched the top of the dresser wondering if I had spilled some onto the wood. It was very potent, and I used it sparingly.

  Mystified, I turned, my gaze sweeping my room. Nothing was out of place, nothing moved. I yanked open my closet door and pulled on the string to turn on the small bulb. It was empty, except for my clothes. Yet, I shivered. Something felt off.

  I forced myself to laugh. I was being silly. I doubted a burglar had come in, used my perfume, and left. I must have dribbled some this morning.

  I changed my clothes, went back to the kitchen, and took my soup from the microwave. Deciding I needed to relax, I watched a mindless comedy movie on TV, texted Emmy to confirm tomorrow afternoon after work, and left Dee a voice mail, thanking her for the soup. I tried to make my voice sound as chipper as possible.

  “Loved my surprises! You spoil me. I’ll talk to you Sunday!”

  I fell asleep on the sofa, grateful when I woke early Saturday morning. As I was getting ready for work, my phone buzzed with a text from Emmy.

  Miserable day. Want to hang here when you get off work? Bentley is gone for the afternoon.

  I smiled and replied.

  Perfect. I am going in early for inventory so will be off by noon.

  She sent back a smiley face.

  Dee had also responded to my text saying she was already exhausted and overworked, but she promised to call the next day.

  I treated myself to an Uber after work and headed to Bentley’s. Emmy was waiting, and we spent the afternoon just being us. We made cookies in the lavish kitchen, swam in the pool, watched movies in the theater room, and stuffed ourselves with popcorn. I told her about seeing the girl with the umbrella and the fact that she’d been wearing my scarf.

  “You must have left them someplace together, and she found them.”

  “I wish she had stopped. I’m not mad, but I would like it back. I’d buy her another umbrella.”

  Emmy laughed. “Not as pretty.”

  “No.”

  She patted my hand. “We’ll go to the craft fair again and get you another one. At least you have your scarf back.”

  “I tore my wellies, and I need new ones.”

  “Oh, you too? One of mine ripped right down one seam last week. Bentley thought it was a defect since it was such a perfect tear. He bought me a new pair.” She laughed. “With wooly liners to keep my feet as warm as possible.”

  My chest hurt a little at her words. Bentley loved and cared for her as if she was his entire world. He constantly looked for ways to spoil or cater to her. I was surprised he hadn’t bought her four pairs in different colors, the same way he purchased shawls for her. I had to admit, I wanted that—not the presents, but the love. The fierce protectiveness and the adoration in the way he looked at her. I wanted it from one person—the one person who insisted that he was incapable of giving it to me.

  I blinked away the sudden moisture in my eyes and forced a smile. “I’ll find a new pair.”

  “We can go shopping next week.”

  “Sounds good.”

  I glanced toward the window. “I wonder if it will ever stop raining.”

  “I know. It’s depressing.”

  I was in full agreement. I was already feeling down, and the weather didn’t help.

  “Why don’t you stay the night and go home tomorrow after brunch?”

  “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “You won’t be. Bentley loves it when you’re here.”

  “Ah, will anyone else…”

  She shook her head as my voice trailed off. “No. I wouldn’t do that to you.” She cocked her head. “You may have fooled Bentley—even Aiden—the other night. But I know how tough that was for you.”

  “Oh.”

  “Are you okay, Cami? What can I do?”

  “Nothing. I told you I was a big girl. Aiden and I didn’t work.” I huffed out a sigh. “I wanted more than he did. He laid out the rules, I agreed to them, then I broke them.”

  She regarded me in silence, then hugged me. “He’s a fucking idiot.”

  “No,” I whispered. “He’s lost.”

  “He hurt you.”

  “I don’t think he wanted to.”

  “I could talk to him,” she offered. “Or get Bentley to try…”

  “No. Leave it. He made his decision, and that is it. I don’t want you talking to him, or Bentley risking his friendship.” I sighed in exasperation. “I know it’s hard, Emmy, but you have to let it go. I have to let it go. Promise me you won’t say anything.”

  “Okay.”

  “Don’t try setting us up or planning things where we have to interact. I know we’ll bump into each other at times, and that’s fine, but don’t push it. Don’t talk to him about me. Promise me.”

  “You’re not coming back to his lessons, are you?”

  “No.”

  “You enjoyed them.”

  “They offer some self-defense classes at the gym. I might sign up for those.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “You’ll hurt Aiden’s feelings.”

  She thought it over. “I can do both. I’ll see him on Tuesdays and go with you whenever the other classes start.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yes. You’re my best friend.”

  I hugged her. “Thank you.”

  I stayed the night. When Bentley got home, he was in an odd mood, almost giddy. It was rare for me to see him that animated, and I enjoyed his humor. Watching him and Emmy together was bittersweet. Their love shone brightly, and it hurt to see the way he doted on her, even though I was thrilled for her. She deserved to be happy.

  We ordered pizza for dinner; he made us a pitcher of martinis and left us in the movie theater with a pile of chick flicks. I was relaxed, the tension of the past weeks easing off. It felt good to sit back and unwind. I slept well in the big bed in the guest room, safe and secure. After b
runch, Bentley drove me home, still in a great mood. I was grateful he didn’t push me about Aiden, but he did surprise me by hugging me hard after he opened my door and helped me out of the car. I had to admit, his old-fashioned manners were a nice change.

  “I’m here for you, Cami. Anything you need, you only have to ask.”

  “Thanks, Bentley.”

  “I mean it.”

  I hugged him again. “I know.”

  I paused outside the apartment, feeling some of my tension return. I hadn’t said anything to Emmy. My fears and worries seemed almost ridiculous when I stepped back and thought about it. It had been a rough few weeks, and some things had gone badly. I’d misplaced a couple of items. Forgotten some things. It happened. Once I settled back down, life would return to normal.

  I wasn’t my mother. Even Dee said so.

  Inside my apartment, I looked around, but everything was in its place. I hung up my coat and took my bag to my room, setting it on the chair. I grabbed a bottle of water from the kitchen and sat down to work on the assignment we’d been given on Friday. I liked to get them done as soon as possible, unlike some of my classmates who put them off until the last minute.

  I worked away, stopping when Dee called.

  “How’s it going?”

  I grinned into the phone. “Living the dream.”

  She chuckled. “Did you eat all your soup?”

  “No, I’ll finish it tonight. I spent the day with Emmy yesterday after work.”

  “Have fun?”

  “Yes. We watched movies, ate popcorn, just hung out.”

  “Was…?” Her voice trailed off.

  “No. Just Emmy and me.”

  “Okay.”

  “How is it there?”

  She sighed. “Awful. The case starts tomorrow, and my phone will be on silent most of the time. I’ll check in when I can.” I heard a voice behind her, and she told them she would be right there.

  “I have to go. They just brought in dinner, and we’re going to eat and work.”

  “Okay.”

  “Love you.”

  “Right back at you.”

  She hung up, and I realized I hadn’t thanked her for cleaning my room. I sent off a quick text.

  My room looks awesome. The bed is like a magazine spread.

  Hours later, I woke up, blinking and confused. Once again, I had fallen asleep on the sofa. My phone lay on the floor, and I realized I must have knocked it off the arm of the sofa. Dee had returned my text, and I read it as I walked down the hall to my room.

  LOL. Did my absence inspire you to clean your room? Lord knows, I would never enter the inner sanctum and disturb your system. You’ll have to send me a picture. I can’t remember the last time you even made your bed. I need proof!

  I stared at the screen, confused.

  Dee hadn’t cleaned my room?

  Standing in the doorway, I flicked on my light, my confusion morphing into terror.

  I hadn’t slept in my bed since Dee left. I kept falling asleep on the sofa. Hours earlier, it had been pristine and smooth.

  Now, on the wrinkled duvet, was the imprint of a body where someone had sat, clearly outlined.

  Someone had been in the apartment, with me, while I slept.

  I panicked as my eyes darted frantically around the room, expecting to see an intruder, except the room was empty. Still, they had been in the apartment, moving around freely, touching my things, sitting on my bed in my room. They might still be there.

  I thought of all the strange occurrences lately. Everything I had blamed on my exhaustion and state of mind.

  Except, it wasn’t me. Someone else was doing it all to me.

  My heart rate was so loud and fast, it echoed in my head.

  I turned and ran.

  Emmy sat close, rubbing my shoulders through the blanket she had draped over me. I had run out of my apartment, grabbing only my jacket, purse, and shoes, barely stopping to put them on in my fear. Once I got to the main road, I hailed a cab and went to Bentley’s place. I called on the way, frantic and incoherent. Bentley met the cab outside, and Emmy took me inside the house while he dealt with the driver.

  They sat with me, and I told them everything. The missing items, the times I found my door open, my locker, all of it. How I had been worried that it was me—that I was becoming like my mother—and the horrible realization that someone had been in my apartment, probably more than once. When I told them about realizing that, and the fact that someone could even still be there, Bentley shook his head and Emmy grasped my hand.

  “You should have called the police,” Bentley admonished.

  “I-I didn’t think. I just panicked and had to get out of there.”

  “I understand. I’m sure they’re gone now.” He gentled his voice. “Finish your story.”

  They listened, Bentley asking me questions on occasion.

  “Have you called Dee?”

  “No, it’s the middle of the night there. I feel bad enough about showing up here. I didn’t know where else to go.”

  My first instinct had been to go to Aiden, but I wasn’t sure of my welcome there.

  “You did the right thing. We still need to call the police, though,” Bentley stated.

  “What can they do now?”

  “They’ll check for similar cases, make a list of your missing items, sweep your apartment. You’ll need the locks changed as well.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Aiden would know the best steps to take.”

  “Please, Bentley, no. Don’t involve Aiden. I can’t-I can’t…” I swallowed around the lump in my throat.

  He leaned forward, holding my hands. “He would want to help, Cami.”

  “I’m sure this is nothing. I mean, if they were going to hurt me, they could have, several times. In fact, maybe next time, they’ll clean the whole place,” I joked, desperate to stop him picking up his phone and calling Aiden.

  “This isn’t a laughing matter. This is a scary situation,” he reproached me. “There is no one I trust more than Aiden. No one who would know the right steps to take and make sure everything was handled properly better than he would.”

  “No,” I pleaded. “I’ll call the police, and I’ll have the locks changed. Maybe I can stay here for a couple of days and get some sleep. I don’t want him involved.” I grasped Bentley’s hand. “Promise me you won’t tell him.”

  He stood, looking down at me. “I can’t promise you that, Cami. Your safety is on the line, and you came to me for help. Changing the locks and ignoring this is not the answer. There is something disturbing going on, and I won’t allow you to let your personal pride get in the way.” He patted the top of my head as though I were a child. “You mean too much to Emmy, and to me. Let me handle this the best way I know how, and trust that I won’t let anything happen to you, or allow Aiden to upset you. However, if anyone can get to the bottom of this quickly, he can.”

  I looked at Emmy, who grasped my hand. She was pale and worried, beseeching me with her eyes to listen to Bentley.

  “Okay,” I whispered, hating the fact but knowing he was right.

  “Good girl,” he praised. “I’m going to shower and figure out the next step. You go up to your room and try to get some rest. You look as if you might fall down at any moment. Emmy, baby, you go with her. You’re both safe here. I’ll be back in a little while, and we’ll talk, okay?”

  I suddenly felt exhausted.

  “Thank you, Bentley.”

  He leaned down and brushed a kiss to my forehead. “You’re part of my family now, Cami. No thanks are needed.”

  Aiden

  I stared at the document in front of me, unable to focus. I didn’t even bother to try to decipher the words today. Turning in my chair, I looked outside into the city. It had been raining for days, the skies heavy and oppressive.

  Much like my mood.

  I turned back around, using my finger to push the pages around the top of my desk. Up, down, right, left. Aimless. Groaning
, I shoved them hard, not caring that the pages scattered to the floor. I let my head fall back, shutting my eyes.

  I was exhausted. Night after night of restless, broken sleep. Nightmares, rampant thoughts, the burning image of Cami’s pain-filled eyes as she walked away from me in the parking lot. Her stubborn bravery in showing up for the self-defense lesson, her body rigid with tension while she attempted to act nonchalant so no one would be uncomfortable, even though she had suffered the most.

  Because of my issues. My behavior.

  I sighed, lifting my head. Bentley was in my office doorway, talking on the phone. He glanced at me, brow furrowed, as he dropped his eyes.

  “Okay, Freddy. Good idea. Yes, let her sleep.” He listened for a moment. “Aw, baby, that’s very thoughtful of you. Frank will be there when you’re ready.”

  Our eyes met again, and with another frown, he turned on his heel and went down the hall. I heard Maddox’s door shut, and with a shrug, I leaned back, shutting my eyes again. The same odd, disconnected feeling I had been experiencing lately swept over me. For the first time ever, I didn’t care what Bentley wanted or needed from me. I couldn’t give a shit about the document I was supposed to read and discuss with him or the fact that he was having a private conversation with Maddox. Normally, I would have jumped up and gone to see what was going on, but I couldn’t find it in me to care.

  I swung my chair around, staring aimlessly out the window. I didn’t seem to care about anything these days. Everything was too much—and not enough. I felt as if I had lost something, yet I had no idea what it could be.

  “Liar,” whispered the voice in my head. “You know exactly what you lost.”

  I refused to listen.

  “Aiden.”

  I turned my chair, surprised to see both Bentley and Maddox in front of me. My office door was now shut. Annoyance seeped into my lethargic brain.

  “If the two of you are here on some sort of intervention, you can show yourselves back out.”

  Bentley shook his head and leaned on my desk.