Saving Valentines: Love and the Alpha Male

by Cate Mckoy

  Suddenly there were streams of lights everywhere, many voices shouted. Chastity couldn’t make sense of any of it. She remained huddled in the corner next to the hearth and screamed for the one person that made her feel safe. “Rick Racuanelli!”

  Then out of the din of confusion she heard, “Sweetheart, I am right here. Chastity, can you hear me? I am right here.”

  First, she heard him then she felt his comforting arms. She threw herself against his chest. She was trembling so hard her teeth chattered. She was lifted into his arms. Chastity didn’t care where he took her. She was safe now. In his arms.

  ***

  “What the hell is going on here?” Rick questioned Danes.

  “Sir, she was safe with her friends.” Danes said in her defense.

  “Obviously not detective.” Rick pointed at the pink paper with the number nine, the noise maker and the timer that had been put on the main circuit breaker to take out the power.

  “I checked the house before standing guard outside. No one came near this house.”

  That means the paper with the countdown, the timer that took out the lights and started the noise recorder had to have been planted before tonight. Rick sighed. Again, this pointed to the perpetrator being Chastity herself. He thought of Forbes. She must have someone helping her. His position as a police official and his deep-seated loyalty to the job urged him to take her lying ass directly to the police station. However, the picture of her huddled in the corner, tears streaming down her face, looking like a frightened teenager, completely vulnerable, calling his name in utter fear caused him to treat her much differently.

  He had taken her in his arms and held her like she was his to protect. She had passed out before he had gotten her to the guest bedroom. The EMTs that left assured him that her vitals were all normal and it was probably due to stress and fear that she passed out. They had stayed for thirty minutes to ensure she was breathing properly. They had instructed him to call immediately if her breathing started to change for the worse.

  Her friend the doctor had wanted to check her out. Rick didn’t trust anyone remotely connected to Chastity right now. He allowed Sydney to make sure she wasn’t in arrest or immediate danger before he had Danes bring the doctor to the kitchen with the other one, the nurse.

  They were questioned separately. They had both given the same story. They had been enjoying an evening of food, fun and movies when they heard some sounds coming from upstairs. When they were trying to figure out what the sounds were, the lights went out and the sounds got louder. They had both said, during the scare, something had happened to Chastity. She had started to scream, first her father’s name and then Rick’s.

  Rick would never forget the chill that went down his spine when he first heard his name shouted in that littler-girl voice. She had sounded as though she knew she was going to die, and he was her last chance at survival. She called for her life. Rick had kicked in the locked door. He and Danes rushed in the room to find the women scared and trying to comfort Chastity.

  After questioning the women, they were allowed to leave. Obviously, the sleepover was over. They had insisted on cleaning up the mess. They didn’t want to leave it for Chastity. Now, Rick stood in the pristine, perfectly restored living room.

  He had called in a favor and had one of his friends come over and do a rush job on fixing the door. Rick found himself wondering once again why someone of Chastity’s means didn’t have a home security system. At least an alarm on the doors.

  He shook his head, putting his mind to a greater puzzle. The episode tonight.

  “She must have help.” Rick said to himself. Or he thought so.

  “Sir, you can’t think Chastity is doing this?” Danes was quick to defend Chastity, her voice filled with doubt.

  “You don’t think so, detective? You checked the home before the other women arrived. It occurred while you were stationed outside.”

  Danes thought before speaking. “I know a lot seems to point to her being the one. But I am sorry, no one is that good an actor. Did you see the unadulterated fear and trauma on her face when we broke in here? I was surprised she hadn’t pissed her pants.” Danes shook her head. “Nobody acts that well.”

  Sighing, Rick nodded in agreement. “True, no one acts that well.” He added with sadness. “They can be that sick, though.”

  “You mean she’s schizoid or something?” Danes wondered.

  “She does have a history of mental illness and issues, stemming from a foiled abduction when she was seven.”

  Danes shook her head. “Damn, that’s a shame.” Curiously she added. “So, what are you going to do?”

  “I am going to take her away from here. Take her out of her life. If she is sick and or has an accomplice, the issues will follow us. If she has a true stalker that is fixated on her, the countdown will stop. The stalker will become frustrated and come out of hiding to try and find her. Either way,” Rick sighed, “We’ll have our answers and I will know what to do.”

  ***

  Chastity felt warm, cozy, and safe. At this last feeling, her eyes popped open. She was in one of her guest bedrooms. The curtains were open and sunlight streamed in. It felt later than morning, later than her normal wake up time. Although she didn’t hear any sounds, she knew she wasn’t alone in the house.

  She used the bathroom, showered and got dress. Walking into her kitchen she was not surprised to find Murdock sipping a coffee. “Good morning, Detective Murdock.”

  Murdock glanced at his watch before looking up and smiling. “Good afternoon. It’s just gone noon. And, please, call me James.”

  Smiling, Chastity poured coffee that was already made. “James, thanks for keeping the coffee hot.”

  “No problem.”

  Chastity looked around to see if she could spot any sign of anyone else. “He’s not here.” Murdock’s smile was knowing.

  “Who’s not here?”

  He laughed out right. “The Lieutenant. He had some errands to run. He will be back later.”

  Embarrassed she got caught looking for the Lieutenant, she asked, “How is Detective Forbes.”

  “He went from critical in the ICU to guarded. He isn’t out of the woods yet. But things are looking up.”

  “I am glad to hear that. I am leaving for the shelter in a bit—"

  “Oh, no you’re not.” Murdock easily informed her.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Boss’ orders. You stay put until he comes to get you.”

  Chastity’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, really. Well, I have plenty to say about that when I see him later. But, for now, Detective Murdock, I am going to the shelter in a few minutes. You can either follow me or get left. I don’t care which.”

  Murdock shook his head. He really didn’t want to get in between these two. He could just bet what the lieutenant would say to Chastity’s reply.

  ***

  “You’re not going.” His words were direct and determined even through the phone.

  Chastity shoved the phone back at Murdock before walking out of the kitchen.

  “She went to her room.” Murdock said into the phone.

  “She stays put until I get there.” Rick gave the order as though Murdock’s job depended on it. Murdock took it that way.

  “She’s not going anywhere, sir.”

  There was a slight pause. “How is she?”

  “She seems okay. She certainly looks fantastic.”

  “I didn’t ask you how she looks detective. I want to know how she is doing.”

  Murdock smiled. He didn’t think his lieutenant could get jealous. “She seems fine. She doesn’t remember much of last night.”

  “Hmm, that seems to be the pattern.” Rick’s tone was thoughtful.

  “What do you think is causing it?”

  “I don’t know. But I plan on finding out when I take her away.”

  “Do you think that is wise? Here in the city we can help you protect her.”

  “The stalker is
here and has anonymity—”

  “Shit!” Murdock swore lavishly at the sound of the front door being slammed.

  “I am assuming from your language she didn’t listen to a word I said.”

  Murdock rushed out the door. “No sir. She is pulling out of her driveway right now. I am on her tail.”

  “I will most likely beat you guys there.”

  Murdock was surprised. “How did you know she wouldn’t stay put?”

  Murdock’s only answer was a click.

  ***

  Lara Racuanelli put the final touches on the cabin. She fully stocked the fridge, filled the wood basket next to the hearth, cleaned the rooms and made the beds with fresh linens. Though she doubted whether more than one bed would be used. This thought is the reason she left a pack of condoms in the master bedroom bathroom. Rick had the choice of several safe houses he could take the victim that was being stalked. Yet, by choosing to bring her here to their family cabin said a lot about what he thought of the woman he was bringing here.

  As far as Lara knew, he never even brought Chelsea to the cabin. She took one final walk through before ensuring the alarm was engaged. She would stick around town just in case she was needed.

  ***

  Rick leaned against the wall, watching from afar Chastity’s interaction with the people in the shelter. When he had first arrived at the shelter he had been met with suspicion. He had to resort to showing his badge and explaining he needed to check out the place before Chastity arrived.

  Betty Coleman, the director of the shelter had given him a tour of the dorms where the women and children stayed, and the offices where the staff worked. It was an efficient setup. The kids were at the lunch tables eating, with their mothers hovering like worried animals looking after their cubs.

  The three-story building had one security person on duty at a time. And, she left for the day at six. Rick was a little worried by the staff being all women.

  Chastity had been annoyed to find him there when she arrived. At least at first. In the meantime, her eyes had travel to where he stood several times to make sure he hadn’t left. She went around to each woman, interacting with compassion and sympathy. She introduced herself to the new resident who sported a blackeye and a split lip. Chastity had talked her into one of the exam rooms.

  Rick walked over to Betty Coleman. “What’s the deal with the woman currently in the exam room with Chastity?”

  Betty gave the closed door a look before answering. “That one is a sad case, Alison Reed. She has been here several times to get patched up. But she just leaves, goes back to the bastard that hurt her. However, this morning she came with a bag. Chastity has been trying to get her to stay for some time now. I am glad she finally trusted Chastity.”

  “Who is the charmer that beats on her?”

  Betty’s face scrunched in distaste. “Billy Hoffner. A real winner. Works on the docks.”

  Rick took note of the information. He added it to the information Danes had given him on Chastity’s student, Toby Linz. Maybe Chastity’s stalker wasn’t an admirer after all, or an admirer turned pissed off admirer. He’d have Murdock run the information and check out Hoffner and Linz.

  Chastity and Alison Reed came out of the exam room. Chastity disappeared down a hallway. Rick was going to follow when he realized she was most likely going to her office here. He had checked out the staff’s offices when he first arrived. The only way to that back hallway was through the main lobby and community room. Rick stayed put, giving her a little space. He imagined she was feeling a little cramped by now.

  He watched the kids finish eating, play a game of Candyland and watch tv before Chastity reappeared. Her eyes sought his automatically. Their gazes connected over Betty’s head as she talked and listen to the other woman. When they were finished speaking, Chastity held a finger up at him. He nodded his understanding and went down another hallway that he knew led to an art room and the basement stairs, there was also a backdoor off that hallway.

  Rick decided to give her a couple minutes before he got worried and went after her. Only a moment later, she reappeared, carrying a sketch pad and some pencils. She made a beeline for Alison Reed sitting with the children watching tv. Chastity gave the woman the items and she glowed with happiness. As much as a woman with a puffy black eye could glow. She became animated as she spoke with Chastity.

  Chastity gave her a smile that nearly brought Rick to his knees. It was a stunningly beautiful smile. She was happy that she was able to help Alison. It shone in her eyes and it was in her gentle touch as she rubbed Alison’s shoulder and then took her hand, giving it a squeeze of encouragement.

  Chastity turned to Rick still wearing her amazing smile. Rick couldn’t help but return it. He wanted to be the one to put that smile on her face. Seeing her like this, it was hard for Rick to believe that she was faking the stalking or that she could be sick enough to leave bloody messages and body organs in her own home. Everything about her looked so genuine, sweet and loving.

  She walked up to him and nodded. Her satisfaction in being able to help was in her eyes, smile and the way she walked. “I’m ready to go. I am headed to my parents’ house. I’d appreciate it if you would come in to dinner rather than lurking outside on the driveway or in the bushes.”

  Rick didn’t show his pleasure. But he felt it none the less. He wanted to spend time with her, get to know her. “I’ve never been one to disappoint a beautiful woman.”

  Her smile dimmed and she narrowed her eyes before saying. “I bet.”

  Rick tamped down the reply he wanted to give, keeping it business at hand. “I am going to go out first. You follow me in five minutes.”

  “Why not together?” Chastity tilted her head in confusion.

  “Element of surprise, don’t want anyone to know we’re together, don’t want anyone to know you’re being protected. Take your pick.” Rick answered and then left.

  ***

  Chastity watched him go. My goodness the man filled out a pair of jeans to perfection. She looked around startled at her own thoughts. Here she was being stalked by a lunatic, having issues with her memory and she was drooling over her protection detail. She gave a huge sigh of relief when she had first arrived and spotted Rick. She was extremely grateful for Danes and Murdock, but she never felt completely safe with them as she did with Rick.

  She gathered her things and waved to Betty and Alison and headed for her car. February had turned nastily cold and a major snow storm was due later tonight and it was to last for a couple days. The brisk bite in the air had her adjusting her scarf around her. Chastity was digging for her keys when she was pushed violently from behind. She was slammed in to her car. She dropped her purse and briefcase.

  She was turned to face a white male with bloodshot eyes and a ruddy bright red face. He reeked of alcohol. He gripped her by her scarf. Chastity tried to pull his hand free of her clothes.

  “You nigger bitch!” He smacked her.

  Chastity tasted blood as she started to hit the man. Her blows were ineffectual. He shook her by her scarf, slamming her repeatedly in to her car. “You have no-no right telling my girl that she shouldn’t be with me. You nigger bitch!”

  His fist was raised to punch her. Chastity looked away in fear. She couldn’t watch his fist coming. She tensed her body, readying herself for the blow. However, the blow never came. She heard a scuffle and then a shout of pain. She opened her eyes to see she was no longer being held by her scarf. The man that was threatening her was now on the ground at Rick’s feet, bleeding from his nose and mouth.

  “Chastity, are you all right?” Rick stepped over the man on the ground and cupped her shoulders. “Did he hurt you?”

  Chastity still a little shocked only shook her head before going into Rick’s arms. Her haven.

  There was a commotion coming from behind Rick. He turned them so they could watch the female guard take the man in to custody. Betty was with her.

  “It’s Billy Hoffner.�
�� Betty said in disgust. “He’s trying to get to Alison.”

  Chastity stood up straight, free of Rick’s comforting arms. “That is not going to happen.” Her voice held grit and determination.

  Rick gently pulled her back in his arms. “No, it won’t.” He liked seeing her protective side come out in defense of the other woman. But, right now she needed more protection than Alison Reed.

  He gave the guard instructions on what to tell the uniform officers that came to pick up Hoffner. Betty assured him that everything would be taken care of and that they should leave.

  Rick looked down at Chastity. He had to admit, he liked having her lean against him with trust. “You ready to go?” He reached in his pocket for his handkerchief and gently wiped the bit of blood from her lip.

  She nodded and smiled up at him. “Are you ready for my parents?”

  Chapter 7

  Chastity admitted to herself that she was nervous. She wanted her parents to like Rick. Even though her situation didn’t resemble it in the slightest, she felt as though she were bringing her boyfriend to meet her parents for their approval. It was silly, she knew. But it was a desire inside her.

  She drove up her parents’ winding driveway that ended on a circle in front of broad steps and wide pillars. She knew her parents’ estate was an impressive piece of land. The small mansion on the extensive grounds was modest in comparison of the others in the neighborhood. The lights that lined the drive were lit, making the house look even more stately.

  Chastity waited until Rick parked behind her before getting out. He joined her at the steps.

  “Your parents are pretty rich, huh?” Rick looked around, his eyes lingering on a fountain surrounded by lavish greenery.

  “They do all right.” Chastity never flaunted or bragged about her parents’ wealth. She had insisted on going to public schools rather than the expensive prep boarding schools her father was fond of. Other than her college education, Chastity paid her own way in life since she was an adult, barring the several expensive gifts she received for milestones throughout her academic and working career.