“Why Kat? Won’t Lexi need her?”
“Couple of reasons. One of these two guys can’t be with you all the time.” Seeing her nod, he knew she’d commit now. “And Lexi doesn’t need to go anywhere for two weeks. Plenty of time for you guys to go out there and see what you can find before we turn this information over to the police.”
“Oh man, she’s not going to like that.”
“I know, but I’ll take my punishment like a man.” He winked and walked out of the room.
She looked at Anthony. “So, another trip.”
“So it would seem.”
“I’ll look for flights.”
He pulled her into a hug. “One of these days we are going to go on a trip for fun. Not to chase a sick bastard.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“I know you will.”
*
“No!” Jeremy screamed. They knew everything. They were going to find everything. Travel had become very hard for him. There was no way that he would make it out to La Jolla before they got there. He lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling wondering what he was going to do now.
All his precious pictures, they were going to be gone. He’d never be able to go back there. His chest constricted. They couldn’t take that from him now, there would be hell to pay.
*
Evie knew exactly where she was going and what she was doing. She was banking on the fact that Lexi would still have a key hidden in the same spot of the cottage. Sure enough it was still there. Letting herself in she surprised Anthony as he was sitting at the kitchen table. He jumped up and stalked over to her stopping just inches from her.
“What in the hell are you doing? Are you crazy? Did you walk over here by yourself? What were you thinking?”
“Which question would you like for me to answer first?”
Through gritted teeth he said, “Pick one.”
“No, I am not crazy. Yes, I walked over here by myself. But before you go all caveman on me I let one of the security guards know I was coming over.” She started to flip the porch light on and off three times. “But if I didn’t do that within five minutes he was coming over. As to why I am here, well, besides liking to spend time with you, I’ve grown used to sleeping in the same bed with you. And I wouldn’t put it past you to find some way to leave without me.” She crossed her arms.
Suddenly, she was enveloped in his arms. “Don’t you ever scare me like that again. What if something had happened? You could have been gone and no one would have known.”
“Yes they would have, within five minutes.”
“You could be dead in five minutes. Don’t ever do that again. Call me, I’ll come get you. Or at least have one of the guards walk over with you. Please.”
Seeing the fear in his eyes she hated the fact she had put it there. “I promise.”
– CHAPTER SEVENTEEN –
Evie knew it was only a matter of time before Lexi pulled her aside and talked to her about Anthony. They were on the back patio overlooking the ocean.
“Do you want to tell me what is going on?” Lexi demanded.
“What do you mean?” Evie’s stomach dropped.
“Come on, I’m not stupid. Spill. What’s up with you and Anthony?”
“He’s not Jeremy.”
“I know that.” Lexi sighed. “But I don’t think I like what I see.”
“And what is it that you see?”
“Really? Are you going to make me say it? I know you went over there last night. I know you were there all night long. Are you fucking him?”
“So what if I am? He’s not Jeremy. There is so much more to him. I can’t deny the pull he has on me. I can’t stay away.”
“I knew it! How could you do this? Do you understand what this means? Some sicko has you in his sights now. It was bad enough when it was just me, now it’s you, too. Do you understand what he is going to do to you? He will make sure you hurt.” Lexi’s voice wavered. “It’s like a pain you’ve never felt before.” She grabbed Evie by the arms. “You know I still have nightmares? Hell, so does Noah. This isn’t something that just goes away with a snap of a finger. It takes time. It will always be with me. Do you think I want that for you?”
“I know what I’m doing.”
“You’re going to get hurt. I don’t want that to happen to you. You’ve got to back away from him. I wish you weren’t going. Please stay here.”