Hunted: A Suspense Collection

by J. L. Drake

  “Okay, so let me get this straight.” Vanessa rested her beer in between her legs. She waved her hand to all of us as we sat around the fire pit. She pointed her finger at Johnnie. “You and Davis are partners, O’Brian and Connors are partners, Avery and Matthews are partners, and Riggs and Campbell are partners. Did I get that right?”

  “Yeah.” Johnnie nodded.

  “Nice that you’re all so close. Kind of like one big family.”

  “You have to be, really,” Avery added as he peeled the label off his beer. “You are constantly a target, and you have to know your partner has your back. You have to trust him with your life, just as he has to trust you with his.”

  “That, and you’re stuck in a squad car with him every goddamn day.” Davis laughed as he shoved Johnnie’s shoulder. Laughter filled the air, and the conversation took off.

  “Can I get you another?” Seth pointed to my beer.

  “No, thanks.” I rested my empty bottle on the ground. I leaned back and looked up at the sky to find him. I tuned out the voices and let my mind remember.

  “Daddy?” I called out as I ran down the staircase and saw the front door wide open. I hit the ground with a thud and looked up to catch my dad’s grin as he typed in a series of numbers for his telescope. It was white and stood on a wooden frame. An older model, it had belonged to my grandfather. He left it to my dad, who refused to give it up. He kept the body the same, but updated the working parts.

  “Just in time. Here, take a look, buttercup.” I closed my left eye and settled my right to the eyepiece. “Do you remember which one that is?”

  “Of course,” I giggled. “It’s our favorite. Orion’s belt, the hunter.”

  “That’s right, good job.” He smiled down at me and gently tucked me under his arm. “If anything ever happens to me, this is where you can find me.”

  “Are you leaving me, Daddy?”

  “Never, buttercup. Never.”

  “Hello? McPhee, where did you go?” Riggs asked as he stared at me.

  I shook my head, tucking that memory back into its box.

  “You in for a hike tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, sounds great.” I turned to Seth. “I need to use the restroom.”

  I washed my hands and tossed the paper towel in the trash, and opened the door.

  “Hello.”

  I nearly tripped off the first step, he scared me so badly. Matthews was on the ground. His knees were pulled up with his arms on his legs. A bottle of vodka dangled from his fingers, and his head was leaned back against the wall. Hmm.

  “Hey.” I stepped down to the ground and went to stand by his feet. He looked up at me with hooded eyes. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  “Wasn’t in the mood to party with everyone.”

  “Everything all right?” He shook his head while he took a sip. He didn’t even flinch at the taste. Yikes, how drunk was he? “Okay, well, I’ll leave you be.”

  “I’ve had one of those moments, you know, where faith gives you a situation and you have to choose whether you’re with team good or team evil.”

  I shoved my hands in the pockets of my hoodie; I felt cold all of a sudden. “What team did you decide on?” I tried to keep my voice light.

  He chuckled, but I could tell he was angry. “It’s not that simple, and things aren’t black and white. There are consequences to whatever decision I make.” He rubbed his hand over his forehead. I could see he was really struggling. I sat down on the bottom step, facing him.

  “Well.” I cleared my throat. “I think it comes down to, at the end of the day, can you put your head on your pillow and fall into a restful sleep with the decision you made? ‘Cause if you can’t, you’ll never be at peace.” He rolled his head to study me, his eyes half open.

  “You need to be careful, Emily. Things are not what they seem.”

  My stomach tightened. “What do you mean?”

  “Em, there you are.” Garrett’s voice made me jump. I rose unsteadily to my feet. “Matthews, you look shit-faced.” Matthews shook his bottle, making a splashing sound. “Seth is looking for you, Em.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  My whole body went cold while Garrett looked from me to Matthews. What did Matthews know about my case that required him to decide what team to be on? And what wasn’t as it seemed? I turned and walked back toward the party, my mind stuck on a loop for the rest of the evening.

  “You’re quiet tonight,” Seth observed as he shifted on the air mattress. He propped his hand under his head to look at me. He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear. “Everything all right?”

  I debated whether or not I should share what I had heard, but I was nervous about Seth’s reaction, and I didn’t want to ruin the weekend. If Matthews knew something and wasn’t sharing, the guys would flip out.

  “I guess I’m just a little nervous that Lasko’s out there.” Seth studied my face. I could tell he didn’t believe me, but he let it go.

  He grinned. “I was thinking. I should take you to my cabin next weekend.”

  “Really?” I was excited that he wanted to show me something from his personal life. “I’d love to.”

  “Good.” He kissed me. “By the way, Garrett’s coming too.”

  Of course he is.

  Matthews didn’t show his face until the next afternoon. He sported one hell of a hangover. I thought at first that he didn’t remember our conversation, but I caught him as he glanced my way when we went for our long hike up a mountain. At one point, when we were alone, he pulled me aside and said we should get together later and talk, that he’d get in touch with me in a few days. I noticed Seth watched us, but he didn’t come over. I waited for him to bring it up, to drill it out of me, but he never did.

  ***

  Friday morning rolled around and I didn’t feel like getting out of bed. Seth had been at work late and spent a lot of time on the case with Michaels. When Seth wasn’t in bed with me, Lasko was there, waiting on the fringe of my nightmares, lurking in the shadows for the times when I was truly alone.

  I was bothered that it had been almost a week and I hadn’t heard a word from Matthews. Maybe he had changed his mind, or maybe he had decided it wasn’t worth the risk.

  I couldn’t focus at all. Professor Dean called on me twice, and I scrambled to find the answer in time. A few people laughed, which made the professor smile too. “Sorry, long week.” I gave him an apologetic smile.

  “Perhaps it’s a good time to end class.” He glanced up at the clock. “You can all thank Ms. McPhee for your good seat at the pub.”

  Everyone in the class clapped, and I felt a blush spread up over my neck. I gave a small smile and packed up my laptop.

  “Ms. McPhee.” Professor Dean stood behind me as he leaned on his desk. “May I speak to you for a moment?”

  “Y-yeah, sure.” Shit.

  He motioned for me to take a seat. I sat down on the top of the table.

  He pulled out an email and held it up. It was the one I had written to him about how I needed to take a day off because of the attack out by The Goose. “I just wanted to make sure everything was all right,” he said.

  Oh. “Yeah, um, not really.” My voice cracked. I tried to think about what I could say.

  His eyes narrowed and his fingers rubbed his chin. He waited for me to go on.

  “Ah, they caught the guy, but he isn’t the only one…um…involved,” I said quietly. I couldn’t look at him. I felt my phone buzz. It was Seth. “Sorry,” I said and answered the call. “Hey, I’ll be just a few more minutes.” I rushed the sentence.

  “Where are you?” Seth’s voice was tight.

  “Class, having a meeting with my prof. I’ll be right out.” I hung up. “Sorry, couldn’t not answer that one.”

  “Ms. McPhee,” he started.

  “Emily,” I corrected.

  “Emily.” He smiled slightly. “Involved? So there’s more going on than what just happened the other day?”

&nbs
p; I shrugged. “I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to talk about it, but yes.”

  “Okay. Well, no wonder you’ve been off lately.”

  “Sorry, things are…well, tough, to say the least.” I glanced at my phone.

  “You have plans?” He noted the way I checked the time.

  A little embarrassed at being caught, I say, “Sorry. Yes, I do.”

  He studied me for a moment. “Well, everyone is very excited that your mother is the guest of honor for the fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders in October.”

  My mind went blank. “Guest of honor?” You have got to be kidding me! I hopped to my feet.

  He opened the top drawer of his desk and handed me a silver envelope. My eyes scanned the words “Twenty-Fifth Annual California Fundraiser Gala.” I turned it over and slid out the card stock with sweaty palms. My blood pressure skyrocketed.

  “I picked up my ticket once it was confirmed that your mother will be attending. I’m very excited to hear what she has to say about her work in Africa.” Each word stung as he said it.

  I closed my eyes and let out a long breath as anger heated my blood. I could feel my face grow red.

  “Emily,” Professor Dean reached out to hold my arms, “you look upset. Are you feeling okay?”

  I opened my eyes. “I’m fine. I wasn’t aware my mother was coming back to town.” Nice way to find out. I handed him back the ticket.

  He blushed. “I’m sorry, I just assumed you—”

  “No,” I interrupted. “How could you have known?” My hand moved to my stomach.

  “Well, I hope you make an appearance at the gala. It would be nice to see you there.” He smiled faintly.

  “Mmmm.” I knew I’d be going. My mother always forced me to attend her functions, whether I wanted to or not. She’d say, It’s all about appearances, dear. A happy family supports one another. Of course, she wouldn’t remember the times she’d failed to support Dad or me. I pointed to the door. “I should probably go.”

  He straightened his shoulders. “Of course. Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday.” He rose as he watched me leave. “And, Emily.” I turned. “If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”

  “Thanks.”

  Seth and Garrett were outside by the car as they scanned the grounds and checked their phones. Seth looked relieved when he saw me.

  “Is there cell service at your cabin?”

  Seth’s eyes narrowed. “Yes. Why?”

  “Just need to make a call later.” To verbally kick my mother’s butt. How could she be coming back to town and not even tell me?! Hell, I just spoke to the woman!

  “You all right?” Seth asked as he opened my door.

  “I just want to get outta here.”

  ***

  Lasko

  I clicked the 40-watt bulb that hung from the ceiling, softly lighting the twelve-by-twelve room. I leaned over the cot to stretch sheets over the stained mattress and tossed a blue blanket over the top. The pillow was thin, but it would have to do for now. I didn’t have time to run out and buy a new one.

  I opened the dresser and filled it with silky lingerie, thongs, one pair of sweat pants, one sweater, and one pair of socks. On the side table in a basket I had everything a woman would need for an extended period of time. I was pleased with my work. I’d even gone so far as to buy a large green plant to give the room a little color. Sure, it would die in a few weeks without sunlight, but all things had an expiration date.

  I slammed the door shut and slid the peg across the steel to securely lock it.

  ***

  Emily

  I didn’t even notice the two-hour drive to Seth’s cottage, mainly because I was stewing about what I was going to say to my mother. Seth glanced back at me a few times, but left me alone with my thoughts. He and Garrett made small talk about their day. I flipped through my phone to see I had missed a message from Vanessa. She and I had been in contact since we got to know one other at the campground. Turned out we had a lot in common, and I really enjoyed her company. I sent her a quick text to let her know I would be away this weekend and that we should meet up for coffee when I got back in town. Then I settled into my seat and watched as we left the city limits. I was happy to be out of the city again.

  We pulled down a long, tree-lined driveway. Up ahead was a beautiful, two-story log cabin. It was as if someone had held up a picture out of Country Living magazine in front of me. A soft glow cascaded out of the square windows into the evening.

  Seth opened my door and offered a hand to help me out. “Are we alone?” I asked as I noticed all the lights on inside. Seth nodded and picked up my bag. I followed him and Garrett up the huge steps to a wraparound patio. There I stopped to admire a wharf with a sweet little blue dory tied to a post. Cast-iron lanterns hung every few feet to the end where the waves softly splashed the light-colored wood.

  Seth leaned in the doorway, and I smiled over at him. “Did you spend time here growing up?”

  He shrugged. “Yeah, some.”

  Hmm…a young Seth on these steps as he played when he was a little boy, his blue eyes glowing with excitement as he scooted a little truck around, careful to avoid the cracks in the wood. Warmth spread through me momentarily as I got swept away with my daydream. I caught Seth’s puzzled expression and snapped out of it.

  “I wouldn’t ever leave. This place is beautiful.” I turned to scan the property. The mountains that framed the lake were breathtaking. I’d had no idea the cottage would be this beautiful. I’d had no idea Seth even had a cottage, for that matter.

  “Come on.” Seth pulled me inside, then locked the door and set the alarm code.

  “Ahhh, yes, now it feels like home,” I joked, but eyed the security system. I heard Garrett chuckle behind me.

  “Holy...” I breathed out as I laid eyes on my new home for the next two days. The living room was off to my left. A huge stone fireplace took up most of the wall. Off-white couches faced the fireplace and the massive 70-inch flat screen TV in a horseshoe pattern. Deep cherry beams ran along the ceiling. An elegant kitchen was off to my right. It fit the country home look but had all the modern appliances.

  “Where am I?” Garrett asked as he took it all in too.

  “This way.” Seth motioned for him to follow. He looked a little uncomfortable with all the attention. They disappeared for a few moments, which gave me a chance to gawk further. I noticed there weren’t any family photos around, and I wished Seth would share something with me about his life.

  “Em.” Seth appeared behind me. “You can come in, you know.”

  “Oh, right, sorry.” I hung my purse on the kitchen stool.

  “I’ll show you your room.” He took my hand and led me down a long hallway, then pushed the bedroom door open and set my bag on a bench. “Whatever you need should be in the bathroom off to your right there.” He pointed. “Plus there are some robes and towels in the closet.”

  I wrapped my arms around his neck. “This place is wonderful. Thank you for inviting us.”

  “Sorry about Garrett, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.” I gave him a quick kiss before I pulled away and started for the door.

  “It’s all right. I’m kind of getting used to having two boyfriends.”

  “Excuse me?” He reached for me, but I moved out of his grasp.

  “You heard me.” I giggled as I headed back out to the living room.

  Garrett was in the kitchen just about to open a bottle of wine. “Someone read my mind.” I sat on a stool at the island. Seth came by and gave me a playful swat on the behind as he pulled out three wine glasses and a plate of cheese and crackers. I smirked at Garrett at the sight of it. We both tried to stifle our laughter.

  “What?” Seth eyed us.

  “I’m sorry.” I took a deep breath and tried to hold it together. “But I’ve known you for how long, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen you do up a plate like this.”

  Seth’s face relaxed. “No, thank you, I haven
’t. My mother insists that Sal, one of her housekeepers, live here full time.”

  “A maid,” I mouthed to Garrett, who was in a fit of laughter. This is so not the Seth we know.

  “You have maids?” The words popped out of my mouth. Seth shook his head at me. “Sorry, but you don’t act like you come from a house of maids and butlers.”

  Seth tossed a cheese square at me, then looked at Garrett. “And you wonder why I don’t share my personal life.”

  “Oh, come on, baby, I’m only kidding.” I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “It’s just not what I was expecting. Your mother has lived down the road from me for how long? And I’ve never met her. Plus you never speak about your father.”

  Seth’s face hardened and the mood quickly shifted. Garrett’s lips pressed together and he shook his head at me. Shit. Okay, note to self: Mom is okay to mention…Father is not. My mind quickly scrambled to think of something to change the topic. “So, what are we thinking of doing for dinner tonight?”

  Garrett shrugged. “I can barbecue?” Of course he can. I smiled inside. Seth’s body relaxed as his shoulders fell, and he opened the fridge.

  He took out a plate of steaks already marinating. “One step ahead of ya.”

  After dinner, Garrett washed and Seth dried the dishes. I tried to help but got kicked out of the kitchen. “You’re always cleaning up after us. Go, sit down, and relax.” Seth handed me my glass of wine. I decided to take this opportunity to make the dreaded call. I grabbed my purse and made my way to Seth’s bedroom and closed the door. I took a deep breath as I flipped through my contacts.

  “Hello?” Her voice was rushed.

  “Mom.” My hands got sweaty. I knew she was busy. I could hear people in the background who wanted her attention.

  “Emily, I can spare three minutes.”

  I closed my eyes to turn the background noise off. “Why did I have to find out from my professor that my mother is coming back into town?” The words just flew out of my mouth.