Chapter 12
Four men rushed into Skylar’s room with guns drawn. Two went to stand by the unconscious man. One moved to Skylar. The fourth stood by Rio for orders.
“I want this place checked from top to bottom. If there is anyone else in this house I want them found and bought to me. We’re on high alert until we have some answers. Jason, stay with Skylar.”
“I’m going with you,” she said quietly.
She had on the black dress and flats. Her hair was a tousled mass of curls. He remembered too clearly running his fingers though it earlier. He swung toward the unconscious man and jerked him up by his shirt.
“Rio, don’t!” Her hands caught his raised fist.
Rage poured though him. He kept thinking what might have happened if he hadn’t been there.
“Please.” Her voice and hands trembled.
Rio shoved the man back to the floor. If he hit him again, he wasn’t sure if anyone could stop him. “Get his gun and take him to the room across from the command center.”
Conner and Matthews dragged the unconscious man away. Rio took Skylar’s arm and felt her shudder once; then she squared her shoulders.
“I’m all right, and your men are waiting,” she said, her voice and gaze steady.
“Nothing is going to happen to you,” he gritted out.
“I never doubted.” Gently, she touched his cheek.
“Come on.” They quickly reached the room. The man lay on his back with his arms outstretched. He had a rough, clean-shaven face with a two-inch scar on the left cheek. He appeared to be in his later thirties.
“No ID,” Conner said.
“Stay here,” Rio instructed Skylar and knelt by the man. He slapped his face. Hard. “Wake up. Wake up,” he repeated, finally getting a low moan. “Who sent you?”
The man shook his head from side to side as if trying to orient himself, then lunged for Rio. A sharp jab to his nose had him howling, grabbing his nose, and trying to scoot away. He didn’t get far before Rio grabbed him again.
“Conner, take Skylar outside,” Rio said.
“Rio—” she began, but was cut off.
“Conner!”
“Why don’t we just step out for a moment?” The door closed behind Conner.
Rio squatted before the man, his forearms on his thighs and his hands dangling down. He looked relaxed until you looked in his deadly eyes. “Who sent you?”
The man shook his head, his gaze flickering over Rio’s shoulder to Matthews, standing with his hand on the butt of his Glock.
Rio leaned closer. “You’ve just begun to feel pain.”
Matthews’s radio beeped. “The big man just passed security.”
Rio had minutes. He caught one of the man’s hands. “There are twenty-seven bones in the hand. A snapping bone has a distinct sound.” Rio caught the man’s fourth finger. “Who sent you?”
The man’s eyes widened. He tried to scoot back.
Rio bent the finger back. The intruder whimpered. The door behind them swung open.
“Rio, I believe you have my prisoner,” Dakota said.
“All I need is five seconds.” Rio’s voice was deadly quiet.
“And I wish I could give them to you.” Dakota walked over and squatted beside Rio to read the man his rights. “Do you understand what I just said?”
The man just stared. Dakota glanced at Rio, then back at the man. “I can always go out and come back in—I’m a generous man—let’s say in ten seconds.”
The man’s lips curled. “Yeah, I understood. I want a lawyer.”
“You’ll get one—in time.” Dakota got to his feet and motioned for Rio to follow him. “What happened?”
Rio was ready for the lie and looked Dakota straight in the eye. “My room is down the hall from Skylar’s. I thought I heard something and went into the hallway. I saw him entering Skylar’s room. He has to be a professional to bypass the lock on her door.”
Dakota glanced from Rio’s bare chest to his bare feet. “Good thing you’re a light sleeper. She recognize him?”
“No, and he has no ID.” Rio glared at the man on the floor. “He’s hired. Give Dakota the gun.”
Matthews stepped forward and handed the police chief the .45 in a plastic bag. Dakota’s eyes hardened. He whirled back to the man. “Get up and sit on that bench.”
The man struggled up and sat on the bench.
“Who hired you?”
The man glared at the policeman, then Rio, his dark eyes filled with rage and hate.
“Mr. Tough Guy.” Dakota stepped behind him and cuffed the man. “We’ll see how long that attitude lasts when you don’t get bail.”
“I’ll make bail.” His head swerved to Rio. “We’ll meet again.”
“Count on it.”
Two more policemen entered the room. Dakota handed the gun to one of the officers. “Take this scum in and book him for attempted murder of Skylar Dupree.”
Dakota pulled the man to his feet. His nose was bruised and bloody. He had a large knot on his forehead. “I guess you better run him by the ER before you book him. I’ll be along shortly.”
“Yes, sir,” the one with the gun answered.
“How did you get here so fast?” Rio asked the policemen as the intruder was led from the room.
“On my way home after a long day, and it just got longer.” He cocked his head. “Looks like I got here just in time. I would have had a hell of a time trying to arrest you for assault no matter the provocation.”
Rio’s expression didn’t change. “I believe the car incident and tonight are connected. I don’t like coincidences.”
“Neither do I, but nothing popped.” Dakota rubbed the back of his neck. “Like you said, she’s as clean as a whistle, comes from a wealthy family of lawyers. And that jerk thinks he’s going to walk.”
“Not to mention she’s here on behalf of Mrs. Grayson, and her son-in-law is Blade,” Rio added.
“Some people are stupid. I just hate it landed on her doorstep.”
There was a commotion outside, and Rio and Dakota went to investigate. Eli Patterson was there with two of Rio’s men.
“The house manager is the only one we found,” Jason reported. “He was asleep in his bed.”
Patterson’s thin hair was spiked over his head. His light blue silk pajama legs stuck out from under his matching silk robe. His hands trembled. “Is it true, Ms. Dupree, that someone tried to attack you?”
“I’m afraid so,” Skylar answered.
He swayed. Skylar and Jason steadied the older man. “Thank God you’re all right. I … nothing like this has ever happened.”
Her arm curved around the older man’s trembling shoulders. “I’m fine. Rio arrived in time.”
He nodded, wiping his sweaty face with his hand. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“You didn’t hear or see anything?” Dakota asked.
The man jumped. “No. No. If I had, I would have sounded the alarm.” He turned to Skylar again. “Are you sure you’re all right? Mr. and Mrs. Navarone left their home in my care.”
“You couldn’t possibly be held responsible for what some crazy man did.” Skylar smiled at him. “Why don’t I fix you a hot toddy? I’m sure everyone will understand if you want to sleep in tomorrow.”
“You’re so kind.”
“I’ll be back.” Skylar and the man left the room.
Rio signaled Jason to go with them. From now on, everywhere she went she’d have eyes on her.
“That’s one gutsy woman,” Dakota said.
“Too much at times.” Rio shoved his hand through his unbound hair. “No one is invincible. This wasn’t random. The castle has over fifteen bedrooms—how did he find hers? He didn’t drop out of the sky. No one breached security, so that meant he had to have come in with someone.”
Dakota nodded. “My thinking exactly.”
“My security team has been with me a long time. I know men sometimes turn, but I believe in them,” Rio flatly told him.
“Staff?”
“Thoroughly vetted. The house manager has been here the longest. The castle had been on the market for four years. When Sierra snapped it up at a steal, she asked him to stay and keep things in order. Because she wanted to live here six months out of the year, they started renovations before they married.”
Dakota chuckled. “Nobody wheels and deals like Sierra.”
“Except perhaps Blade,” Rio said.
“Here’s a copy of today’s log, boss.” Matthews handed the sheet of paper to Rio.
Rio scanned the list then handed it to Dakota, who whistled. “Cleaning, delivery day, and a beehive of activity. Someone could have slipped in inside the trunk of a car or inside a van.”
“They’re always checked without fail for that very reason,” Rio told him. “We’ve used these services before with the same people each time. My men are doing another check on them.”
“Then how did he get in?”
“I don’t know. If I hadn’t—”
“But you were, and now that you’re on the alert, Ms. Dupree will be safe,” Dakota said, his hand briefly on Rio’s taut shoulder.
Rio didn’t say anything. If a killer was determined enough, there were ways. “If that’s all, I’m going to find Skylar.”
“I have a feeling even if it wasn’t, I’d be talking to thin air,” Dakota said.
“Glad you understand. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Do that.” Dakota tipped his hat, but Rio was already gone.
* * *
“I’m fine,” Skylar said the moment she saw Rio approaching her and Jason. Rio had the hard look of a dangerous man.
“That’s all, Jason. Thanks.” Rio stopped in front of Skylar, his gaze on her.
“’Night.” The man continued from the room.
Skylar curved her arms around Rio’s neck, pressed her body against his. “Nice.”
His arms clutched her to him. “You’re taking care of Patterson when you’re the one who should be taken care of.”
“I have you.” She rubbed her cheek against his naked chest. “You’re all I need.”
Sometimes even the best lose. “I’m fitting your door with a deadbolt. It won’t be breached without a lot of noise.”
“I have something to tell you,” she said quietly.
“What?” He lifted his head, set her away from him, his heart thumping. “You all right?”
She glanced away, then took another breath. “When Conner didn’t tell Dakota immediately where you were when he asked, I told him. I didn’t want you getting into trouble because of me.”
“Three, perhaps five seconds more, and he would have talked. He’s all bluff.” Rio’s lips flattened into a thin line. “I would have known who’s behind this.”
“And you would have been in the cell next to him.” She palmed his face. “I’d do anything to keep that from happening.”
Rio wouldn’t have been arrested. He and his men would have sworn that the man’s injuries occurred during the fight, if he had to go that far. But he didn’t think so. The man was sweating and scared. He had been ready to talk.
“You’ll find another way to get the information. You’re too intelligent and determined not to. Now let’s go to back to bed.”
Rio curved his arm around her shoulders. “I need to check on a few things first.”
Skylar frowned up at him. “If that coward keeps us apart the first night we should have spent together, I’m going to wish I’d gotten in a good whack with that poker.”
Rio almost smiled. “I’ll leave Jason outside your door.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary, but I won’t argue.” She stopped in a large open area outside the dining room. “I’ve been trying to think of the reasons for someone trying to harm me. My parents are corporate attorneys and have won some pretty big cases for their clients, but as far as I know they’ve never been threatened. Even if that was the case, why would the person wait until I’m here? I’ve never even been here before, and I wouldn’t have come now if not for the auction. Why here? Why now?”
“Damn!” Mrs. Grayson. Rio jerked his phone from the pocket of his jeans. Grabbing Skylar’s arm, he hurried toward the front door. “Code Red on Mother Goose. Status of that location.”
“Motion detectors on since nine thirty-nine. Car rolling to that location. ETA seventeen minutes.”
“Bring the car around. I’m on my way there. Conner with me. Code Red Sky. I want two men with Skylar until I return.” Rio was at the door when he snapped out the last order.
“Sky—”
“I want to go with you.”
He didn’t have time to argue, and although he knew his men were efficient he’d feel safer with her along as well. “Cancel Red Sky. Skylar is going with me.”
“Coming, boss.” Conner hurried down the stairwell, a handgun strapped to his hip.
Jason opened the front door as the three rushed out of the house and down the steps. A black SUV came to a quick stop in front just as they reached the bottom step. Rio opened the back passenger door for Skylar and got into the front passenger seat. Conner got in the driver’s seat. He stepped on the gas before Rio’s door was closed.
Rio hit a number in his contact list. It rang twice before being answered.
“Hello.”
“Luke, Rio. No time to explain. Are you in town or the cabin?”
“Cabin!” was his quick, calm answer.
“It might be nothing, but I’ve gone red on Mother Goose. Sierra and Blade not involved. My men are on the way. ETA fourteen minutes. I’m another five. Dakota or secondborn?”
“Morgan can be there in three. I’ll meet you there.”
“Call her and tell her to stay inside. Her motion detector is active. My men will check the perimeter, then position themselves at the front and back.”
“Got it. Bye.”
“You—you think they might try to hurt Mrs. Grayson?” Skylar asked in an unsteady voice from the backseat.
“I don’t know, but I plan to make sure they don’t.”
* * *
Less than a minute later his phone rang. He wasn’t surprised to receive the call.
“Are you positive Sierra and Blade are all right?” Mrs. Grayson asked immediately when he answered.
“Positive,” Rio answered. “It’s another matter. I’ll explain everything when I get there. I’m just being overcautious.”
“You wouldn’t do this without good reason. Is everything all right?” she asked.
“Yes,” he answered. At least at the moment. He heard a click. “Someone is trying to call you.”
“One of my children. Bye.”
Rio hung up. Minutes later he received a call from Morgan wanting information. Rio told him the same thing he’d told his mother: He’d explain when he got there.
Parents worried about their children; children worried about their parents. He looked over his shoulder at Skylar. Her hands were clamped together tightly. There was fear in her eyes. Not for herself, but for Mrs. Grayson. “She’s fine. Morgan is there. Do you want to call your family?”
She shook her head. “They’d just worry, and probably demand that I come home.”
Even as a part of Rio rebelled against the idea, another part thought it might be safer.
As if reading his mind, she gently touched his shoulder. “I’m staying here with you.”
His phone rang. “Rio.”
“We’re three houses away.”
“Follow protocol. Number two son is there. Number one on his way. Take care of anything that looks suspicious.”
“Understood.”
The line went dead.
“Four minutes,” Conner said, the speedometer reaching ninety-five on the almost deserted early-morning road.
Rio’s phone beeped twice, then was silent. “The house is secure. A man is stationed in the front and in the back,” he explained for Skylar’s benefit.
The SUV came to an abrupt stop in front of the house. Rio had barely gotten out before he heard and saw Luke’s truck. They met on the sidewalk. Rio wasn’t surprised to see Catherine with him. She’d always been neat and well groomed. Obviously, like Skylar, she’d grabbed the first thing she saw, a red skirt and blue blouse. Her hair was as mussed at Skylar’s.
“Inside.” Rio started for the front door. His man stationed at the front door stepped to one side.
Morgan opened it when they were on the porch. “Come in.”
Mrs. Grayson left Morgan’s wife, Phoenix, and quickly went to Rio. “Tell me.”
“Someone tried to kill Skylar tonight.”
There was a collective gasp from Catherine and Phoenix. Skylar found herself tightly held in Mrs. Grayson’s arms. Catherine and Phoenix stood close by.
“Thank God and the Master of Breath that you are all right.”
Skylar looked at Rio. “Thanks to Rio, who heard the man.”
“I wondered why no shoes or shirt,” Morgan said with some levity.
“A warrior must move quickly.” Ruth turned to Skylar. “Another warrior, I think.”
“I’m glad you’re all right.” Skylar took the other woman’s hands. “I don’t want to bring my troubles on you.”
“I can handle trouble. Come sit down. I have tea and coffee already prepared.” Ruth sat with Skylar on the sofa. “Would anyone like anything?”
“Answers,” Luke said.
Skylar noted he had moccasins on his feet. Morgan had on Italian loafers. Both men had on partially buttoned shirts. Phoenix wore a paint-splattered blouse, jeans, and flip-flops. They’d all come as quickly as possible to protect the woman they loved. Skylar thought again that no family would come running for Rio. But he had her now.
“I don’t have them, but I’ll tell you what I know,” Rio said.
Skylar listened with Ruth’s arm around her and Catherine’s hand on hers as Rio told them everything, ending by saying, “The only connection Skylar has here is with the auction. I wanted to make sure Mrs. Grayson was safe. I didn’t mean to alarm you.”
Mrs. Grayson sent him a warm smile. “I trust you implicitly. You acted with reason and merit. I thank you for your concern.”
“Do you still think Ruth is in danger?” Catherine asked the question her family seemed hesitant to voice.
“I can’t be sure,” Rio answered. “I have a hunch this might have something to do with the auction, but it’s just that. This could have been planned to hit the first target, then wait and go for the second in a different way.”
“Why?” Luke Grayson barked out, his eyes narrowed in rage.
Rio’s eyes held the same burning rage. “That I don’t know, but until I find answers that make sense to me, Skylar and Mrs. Grayson will have someone with them at all times.”
“I don’t—”
Luke cut his mother off. “It’s settled, Mama. Cath and I will be in the guest room until this is over. Rio, if you don’t mind, I’ll assign my own men and trade off with them.”
“Mrs. Grayson, you’ll get to compare notes with Sierra,” Phoenix said, trying to lighten the mood.
Mrs. Grayson’s gaze swung to Rio’s. “Does she know?”
“I plan a conference call with Blade in the morning at nine,” Rio answered. “Your first class isn’t until eleven. I thought you’d want to be there.”
She nodded, smiled. “Blade chose well.”
“I realize you need to tell Brandon and Pierce and they’ll tell their wives, but I’d like for this not to go any farther,” Rio said. “Not even Daniel and his family or Felicia and John Henry. They’d all rush here, making things more difficult.”
“This doesn’t go farther than the immediate family,” Luke assured him.
“I’ll see you in the morning at nine,” Rio said. “Until you get your team assembled, my men will be here through the night.”
Luke stuck out his hand. “Twice you’ve protected my family. Thank you doesn’t say it strongly enough. I’m glad we have you on our side.”
As soon as Rio finished shaking Luke’s hand, Morgan was there. “Same goes for me.”
“We protect our own.” Rio looked at Skylar. “Are you ready?”
She gave Mrs. Grayson one last hug, then joined him. She hoped she hadn’t brought danger to Mrs. Grayson, and that her family didn’t blame her.
Mrs. Grayson went to them. “You’re well matched.”
Skylar blinked. Mrs. Grayson had spoken softly, but she couldn’t be sure that no one else had heard her. She didn’t dare look at Rio. Conner was just inside the door.
“Good night.” Skylar swallowed and hurried out the door, Rio close behind her.