Читать книгу Race Against Time - Christy Barritt - Страница 13

FOUR

A sheriff’s deputy drove Madison to Kayla’s house. Madison was forever grateful to Bonnie, Sheriff Carl’s wife, who brought her some clean clothes and a few toiletries. The last thing Madison had wanted was for Lincoln to see her in her previous state: torn shirt, disheveled hair, busted lip. He’d already been through enough. No need to traumatize him further.

She sat silently in the front seat as the rookie deputy rolled down the quiet streets toward Seaford. How could such an attack have happened in such a peaceful little fishing community? She’d always felt safe here. It was against her instincts to leave her doors unlocked, but she knew people who did and she understood their reasoning. The worst crime that usually happened here was a drunk driver or a brawl between neighbors. Nothing like what had happened to her today. As soon as the news media found out it wasn’t an attempted suicide, they’d be on the story like a crab on seaweed. The fact that she freelanced for the newspaper wouldn’t give her any immunity.

“Can I stop and get you anything, ma’am?” Deputy Young asked kindly.

She shook her head. “No, I just want to see my son. Thank you, though.” She twisted the tissue in her hand until it ripped. Looking at her lap and the evidence of her anguished thoughts, she collected the scraps of tissue and stuffed the pieces into her pocket.

Her thoughts drifted to Brody. She wished he was with her now instead of the fresh-faced deputy. There was something she’d found comforting today about the man and his demeanor.

She wondered about the torment she’d briefly seen on his face as she’d recounted the details of her attack. She’d thought, just for a moment, that she’d seen something very raw flash through his gaze. The grueling emotions she’d spotted seemed to be deeper than those of a compassionate detective. What about her attack made him look regretful?

The man had a heart. She shouldn’t be surprised. Kayla—his cousin and Lincoln’s teacher—had expressed that much, saying that Madison shouldn’t let his aloofness bother her. She’d insisted he was going through some stuff that had left him in a bit of an identity crisis. Ignoring his typical blatant disregard of her was easier said than done, however. But now this new side of him emerged, and Madison didn’t know what to think about Brody Philips.

Finally the car pulled to a stop in front of Kayla’s bungalow, a small yellow house that sat on a stretch of other similar houses on a lone country road. The deputy started to walk her to the door, but Madison politely declined. Before she made it even halfway up the sidewalk, the front door flew open and little blond haired Lincoln ran out to greet her. With his trim, lean frame and blue eyes, he was the spitting image of his father. The feel of his sticky hands around her neck made her forget everything else, even the searing pain that ripped through her ribs.

He pulled his head back and looked at her from only four inches away. “Mommy, where were you? I thought we were going to the playground today.”

The playground. She’d totally forgotten about her promise to him. “We’ll go this week. I promise. Mommy had a little…accident and isn’t feeling very well.”

Her son studied her face with a frown. “Did you catch a germ?”

Madison smiled. “Not quite. Don’t you worry, though. I’m doing much better now that I’m with you.”

Kayla smiled from the doorway. As Madison carried Lincoln up the steps, she waved at the deputy and he drove away. Kayla extended her arm behind her, welcoming Madison inside. Still holding Lincoln, Madison stepped into the cool living room, grateful to get out of the smothering heat.

Kayla closed the door and offered a warm smile. “I made some Boatman’s Stew, in case you’re hungry. Lincoln already had some pizza. I hope that’s okay.”

Madison nodded and touched her throat. “Of course.” When would this stop feeling so surreal? Images continually flashed back into her mind, making her feel like she could hardly breathe.

“Mom, can I finish my video game?”

Madison nodded and the boy scrambled back to the TV, picked up a remote and began playing an alphabet game. Madison followed Kayla’s lead and settled on the couch, unsure of what to do with herself.

Madison looked at the petite woman across from her. Kayla was probably only a few years younger than Madison and had a square face, a sprinkle of freckles across her cheeks, and lovely, thick auburn hair. “How’s Lincoln been?”

“He’s been great. He’s asked a lot of questions, but really he’s such an easygoing kid. I didn’t tell him anything. I figured you’d want to handle that.”

“I appreciate everything you’ve done,” Madison said.

“I just…I just can’t believe something like this would happen here…and to you.” Kayla shook her head. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

“I’m still in a state of disbelief myself.”

A knock sounded at the door. Kayla disappeared and a moment later Madison heard a deep voice echoing from the front door. Her heart sped slightly when she realized it was Brody. She scolded herself for the reaction.

He’d saved her life. Of course she might have the man at hero status for now. It wouldn’t last long. Soon he’d return to being her grouchy neighbor and she’d resume her routine as a single working mom. The only reason he showed so much concern now was because of his job—he had no choice but to be kind.

She rose, rubbing her hands against her jeans, as his broad form filled the doorway. “Brody.”

He nodded toward her, his posture stiff and professional. “Madison. I just thought I’d stop by and see how you’re doing.”

“Kayla’s been a lifesaver.” She glanced back at Lincoln, who still played a video game, oblivious to anything that had happened. “We’re all hanging in, doing as well as can be expected.”

His eyes caught hers, and he seemed to search her gaze for evidence of truth in her words. She looked away, afraid he’d seen her fear and exhaustion.

He seemed to take the hint as the warmth left his eyes and an aloof professionalism replaced it. “I wanted to let you know that the crime scene has been cleared. You’re free to return home whenever you’re ready.”

Kayla placed her hand on Madison’s arm. Compassionate eyes met hers. “You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you need.”

Madison nodded, relief filling her. She wasn’t sure she was ready to face her house yet. Though Bonnie had also offered them the chance to stay at her place, Madison knew that Bonnie’s ailing mother also lived there. Madison didn’t want to place any more pressure on the woman. Kayla’s place would be perfect, though, especially since Lincoln already felt at home here. “I appreciate it. I think I’ll go back to my house tomorrow after Lincoln is at school and try to straighten up. I don’t want him to see it in its current state.” The noose wrapped around the fan flashed into her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to erase the image.

A firm hand came down on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and saw that Brody had closed the distance between them. The warmth returned to his gaze.

“That’s probably a good idea.” His voice sounded kind and assuring. Her racing thoughts slowed. “How about if I pick you up in the morning to help out? You’re going to need a new front door. I’d be happy to help replace it, especially since I was the one who knocked it down.”

Madison felt her eyes widen against her will. Was this the same man who’d given her the cold shoulder since he’d moved in? Again she reminded herself that he was just doing his job—though fixing her door probably wasn’t written out explicitly in his work description. “I don’t want you to go out of your way…”

“I don’t mind.”

She swallowed, her throat dry. “Thank you, then. That would be a huge help.”

His hand dropped from her shoulder and she instantly missed it. Was she this desperate for someone to help take care of her? She’d never thought of herself as a needy woman. Instead, she’d thought she’d been strong and independent. Based on her reactions to Brody today, maybe she was wrong.

Brody gave her a tight smile before nodding at Kayla. “Good night, then. Call me if you need anything. And lock your doors tonight.”

Madison shuddered. Did locked doors even keep people safe? Today had proved otherwise.

* * *

As Brody drove home, he wondered why he’d volunteered to spend more time than necessary with Madison. He told himself it was because she might remember more details about her attacker and Brody wanted to be there when she did. He even told himself that it was his job to keep her safe, although in actuality his job was to solve the crime more than act as bodyguard.

Brody knew there was more to his offer. He’d known from the moment he set eyes on the pretty blonde that she was the type of woman it would be easy to fall for. If he was smart, he’d still keep her at a distance. He’d let her find someone from church or work who could help her with the door. He’d interact with her only enough to get the answers he needed, he decided as he pulled up in front of his house.

But if he didn’t help her pick up in the aftermath of the attack, who would? The woman seemed so busy that he rarely saw her take time for social visits at her home. Not that he was paying attention to who came and went.

He glanced over at her house, unusually silent and dark without Madison and Lincoln inside. Okay, maybe sometimes he did pay attention to what went on at his neighbor’s. He couldn’t help it. Anyone coming or going did have to pass his home first since the street dead ended past her house.

Keep your distance, he warned himself again.

He let himself into his quiet home, one so very different from his apartment in Brooklyn. He’d never dreamed he’d be in a place like Seaford or that he’d enjoy the small town as he did. Still, he didn’t plan on being here forever. It was better if he didn’t get to know his neighbor—or anybody else, for that matter—too well.

The last thing he wanted to do was to ruin someone else’s life. He already had a long enough of list of people whose lives he’d messed up. Especially Lindsey…

Just the thought of her made a heaviness settle over him. It happened every time she crossed his mind. He’d never forgive himself for his past mistakes. Never. Yet here he was thinking about his pretty neighbor.

That settled it. Tomorrow he would do as he’d promised and fix her door. But after that he’d do his job and nothing more.

* * *

Madison shook off her chills as she stood on the front porch of Kayla’s house the next morning. The August heat felt stifling, yet still she shivered. Her gaze traveled from side to side again, searching the shrubs decorating Kayla’s flower beds. It would be a while before she stopped looking around every corner for an intruder. Experiences—traumas—like yesterday would take months, maybe years, to get past. Or would she ever get past it? She shook her head. Of course she would. With a little bit of trust in God she could overcome anything, even this enormous mountain before her.

Kayla had left thirty minutes ago for work at the preschool and had taken Lincoln with her. Brody had told Madison he’d pick her up this morning and go with her into her home. She was incredibly grateful for his support. The idea of facing her home alone made her stomach roil. Even if it was just Brody and if he was just doing his job, having him there would ease her apprehension some. She’d take whatever she could get.

She swatted away a gnat and glanced at her watch again. She still had five minutes until he arrived. Five long minutes. She looked around the porch once more, making sure she hadn’t missed any creepy indications that she should be on guard. Nothing. She should feel relieved. Why didn’t she?

Madison had stayed inside Kayla’s home for the first twenty minutes after her gracious hostess had left for work. But every creak and groan of the house had made her practically jump out of her skin. She’d decided that being out here on the wide, open porch would allow her to feel safer.

But would she ever feel safe again? Why did that question continually come back to her? Why couldn’t her logic and emotions work hand in hand? Instead, they often seemed at odds with each other.

She shook her head, which started to ache. She had to put those thoughts out of her mind. Life was going on and for Lincoln’s sake she had to keep up. There was no time to feel sorry for herself.

A truck coming down the road caught her attention. She straightened, held her breath a moment. Brody? Why did the thought of seeing him cause a tingle of excitement to race up her spine? She scolded herself for even feeling anything. She had so much to worry about already. She had no room in her life for romance.

Brody’s broad frame filled the government-issued vehicle. In a few minutes, that same imposing frame would help her to feel protected when she ventured back through the scene of her attack.

The truck pulled to a stop at the end of Kayla’s driveway, and Brody stepped out. A tense smile greeted her. She didn’t wait for Brody to reach the porch. She started toward him, ready to get this over with.

“Morning,” he mumbled.

She only glanced at him long enough to nod her hello. “Good morning, Brody.”

He opened the passenger-side door for her and waited for her to slide in. Once seated and buckled in, Madison scrutinized the interior of the vehicle. It was everything she’d expected from Brody—orderly, neat and without any bells or whistles.

He slid in beside her a moment later and the scent of spearmint filled the vehicle. He wore a golf shirt and jeans. Not the typical attire she expected from a detective, but Madison knew he planned on helping at her home today.

“How are you feeling today?”

“Achy, tired, grateful. Everything you’d expect, I suppose.” She rubbed her neck, still remembering the feeling of the rope there. Her skin was still raw and bruised, and wouldn’t let her forget.

“It will get easier with time.”

“I know.” She sighed and pulled her arms across her chest as they cruised down the road. “Any leads?”

“Not yet. But we’re looking at what happened from every angle.”

“I can’t believe that monster is still out there.” She shivered again. “When he finds out I survived, do you think he’ll…?” The rest of the words wouldn’t leave her lips. She didn’t want to say them aloud. Couldn’t bear to.

Brody glanced over at her and something flickered in his eyes. What was it? Fear for her safety? The realization that Madison couldn’t avoid the truth? The thought that she was simply paranoid, perhaps in shock after yesterday’s events?

“He’d be foolish to come back,” Brody finally said.

Madison noticed he didn’t say that her would-be killer wouldn’t come back, though. Her head throbbed.

“You okay?”

She nodded and stared out the window. The thought of her attacker coming back to finish what he’d started made panic churn in her gut and rip apart every shred of peace she tried to hold on to. Her hands began to shake, tears welled in her eyes and images from yesterday began playing rapid fire in her head.

A hand clamped down on her knee. “Hey.”

Madison swung her head toward the voice. Brody. Just Brody.

“I’m going to keep an eye on you, make sure you stay safe. It’s going to be okay.”

“I wish I felt so certain.” What about Lincoln? What if the man came back and tried to harm her son? She couldn’t bear the thought of it. Perhaps she should simply take Lincoln and go somewhere, anywhere. Maybe down to see her parents in Florida? On that vacation to the Bahamas that she’d been dreaming about?

Vacation was out. She barely had money to pay her bills. Not to mention she’d be getting another bill—a hospital bill—soon. Though her insurance would pay for most of it, how much would her portion be? How would she ever pay for that?

She could stay with her parents, but her dad had a heart condition. If he found out what had happened, his blood pressure might rise and trigger more problems with his heart. She could never live with herself if she caused something to happen to her dad.

“We’ll catch him, Madison.” Brody’s voice sounded confident, reassuring. It was as if he could read her mind.

Just then they pulled up to her house.

With each step she took toward her backdoor, nausea rumbled in her gut. Could she face this nightmare again? She swallowed as they stepped inside, trying to stay strong. Brody led her to the foyer.

Madison grabbed the wall as the room began to sway. Or was that her swaying? She couldn’t be sure. Perhaps she should have asked a friend to be here with her, to help her walk through this.

Instead, Brody stood at her side, and he looked as if he’d rather be waiting in line at the DMV than walking through her emotions with her.

A huge piece of plywood was nailed where the front door used to be. Now that she stood in the place where her nightmare had begun, she soaked in all the details. Splintered, cracked wood littered the tile floor in front of her while exposed timber gaped at the door jamb. There were her keys on the table, just where she’d left them. Who knew the nightmare that she was about to encounter when she’d deposited her keys there and gone to get dressed for the day. The act had seemed so simple and ordinary, but right now, as she looked at those keys, she remembered again how quickly life could change.

Yesterday flashed into her mind. She’d been in such a hurry to make her photography appointments. She remembered the sound of ticking. She halfway expected to hear it again. But all was quiet. So quiet she could hear her heartbeat.

“It’s too soon for you, isn’t it? I should have told you to stay away for a while.”

“I have to face the house sometime. It might as well be today.” If only she felt as confident as her words sounded. Her body betrayed her and sagged against the wall.

Brody’s hand cupped her elbow. “Anytime you want to stop, you just let me know.”

She nodded. “Do you know how he got in yet? I always lock the house up.”

“There’s no evidence of forced entry, no jimmy marks on the windows or doors, no broken screens or locks. Is there anywhere someone might have gotten a copy of your house key?”

She shook her head. “I keep one on my key ring and one hidden in my car.” She’d used the one in her car to get inside her home today—it had still been just where she’d left it. So apparently her attacker was a phantom who could creep through walls. The thought didn’t comfort her.

“Do you always leave your car unlocked, like it was today?”

Heat filled her cheeks. Locking her home seemed safe and logical, but she never even thought twice about leaving her car unlocked. “I do.”

“Nobody else has a copy of the house key? A boyfriend or relative maybe?”

“My parents don’t live in the area and I have no time for a boyfriend, so, no.” Her words reminded her of how much life had changed in the past three years. Her parents had decided to retire and move to Florida six months before her husband had died in an auto accident. Suddenly, there was no one. Just her and Lincoln. Life had gone from being full of love and family to being a struggle.

“How about if we take a break? We’ll go into town and get you a new door. We’ll get the entire foyer cleaned up before we tackle anything else.”

Madison nodded, grateful for his suggestion because she was beginning to feel suffocated in her own home.