* * *
Brigit awoke with astart.The bed linens were soaked. Dread crept into her consciousness. Someone watched from the shadows. Colton slept, peacefully. No, wait, something was wrong. His cream-colored pillowcase was crimson. Bolting upright, she winced in pain. His pillowcase was drenched in blood.
She screamed. He didn’t move. She shook him, but nothing. Vinny Ray emerged from the shadows. He threw back his head and howled, his raucous laughter piercing her ears.
“No, no, no, no!” Brigit’s arms flailed. Although she scrambled to get out of the bed, she couldn’t move.
“I was drunk the first time, Eve Francesco, but not tonight,” spat Ray. “This time, I’ll get the job done.”
“Help!” she screamed. “Help meeeeeee!!!”
“Shhhh, it’s okay,” said a soothing voice in the distance. Someone touched her arm and she jerked awake, gasping for air.
“It was just a dream.” Colton kissed her forehead. “I’ll get a cool washcloth.”
Sweat trickled down her temple. Her heart pounded so hard she couldn’t catch her breath.Ohmygod, that was terrifying.She examined the sheets. They were blood-free. She slipped out of bed and checked the door. It was ajar.
“The door is open.” She scurried back to bed. “Someone has been in here.”
Colton looked down the hallway. “It’s quiet.” He closed the door.
“Please lock it.” Shaking, she pulled the linens around her neck.
Immobilized by fear, her eyes darted about the room, checking and double-checking. Vinny Ray hadn’t been in there. Or had he? Did she have a nightmare? Or had someone been lurking in the darkness, watching them sleep?
49
HELLO, EVE
“Melvin, are you stillthere?” Brigit had stunned her attorney into silence. Phone to ear, she sat on the edge of her bed and waited.
“Let’s confirm, shall we?” Melvin Parsons’ normally booming voice was quiet. “You’re voting all twenty-two percent of your shares infavorof Mitus Conglomerate taking Francesco private.Everythingin your Spider Holdings positions.”
“Yes, that’s correct.All of it.I’m flying to Columbus for tomorrow’s shareholder meeting. If you can’t delegate your voting privileges in time, please vote on my behalf. MobiCom is attempting a hostile takeover and I’ve advised Colton that the White Knight is his best defense.
“You advised Colton Mitus? I must’ve entered an alternate universe. I knew I shouldn’t have taken that sleeping pill.”
“I have to run. I’ll explain when I return.”
“I’ll add you to the accounts and text the confirmation. The only thing left to say is good luck and safe travels.”
With bags in hand, Brigit hurried downstairs to reconfirm with Ryan that he’d take care of Mojo while she was gone. After hugging her dog and giving him a treat, she headed out front.
Cold afternoon air smacked her face and she slipped on her leather gloves. Disturbing nightmare aside, she was ready to stop MobiCom.
Vonn stood next to the Bentley talking on his cell phone. “Thanks,” he said and hung up. “Brigit let me get those.” He placed her bags into the trunk.
“Did Colton charter a plane?” she asked.
“You’re flying commercial. Columbus is expecting snow.”
Colton stepped outside looking energized and full of swagger. “Ready to do this?” His confident smile was a direct result of their late-night fireworks.
“Forgot my wallet.” Vonn bolted past Colton. “Courier is delivering a package,” he called over his shoulder as he ran inside.
An unmarked white van rambled into sight. Brigit craned to see the driver, but the sun’s reflection bounced off the windshield. The vehicle stopped at the top of the driveway and, to Brigit’s relief, a woman exited.
The courier’s long, black hair trailed down her chest, a black knit cap covered her head and dark sunglasses shielded her eyes. She opened the back of the van, pulled out a package and headed up the cobblestone walkway.
