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I watched as he walked back to the computer. When he stiffened, I tilted my head. “Did you find something?”
“This blood that was found. You said the new M.E. discovered it?” he asked, his tone husky. I could tell he was angry.
“Yes. Let me guess, another plant.”
“While the match is only seventy-five percent accurate, the sample belongs to a man I interrogated regarding the fugitive I was chasing.”
“Wait a minute. That’s insane.” The sharp crack against the window forced me to jump. “Not again.”
“What are you talking about?”
Bristling, I clenched my fist. “Someone’s in the yard.”
“Back away from the window.” Max rushed forward, pushing me aside with enough force I was tossed into the wall. He grabbed his weapon, darting glances out the window before yanking the blind. “This happened before. Didn’t it?”
“Well…”
“Didn’t it?” he growled.
“Yes. Okay? Someone was in my yard this morning. And no, I didn’t see anyone in particular. I just… The bushes were trampled.”
“Fuck! And you didn’t tell me?” He swung his head in my direction, his eyes full of fire.
“I honestly just thought it was kids or something. Happens a lot in this part of town. I didn’t want to jump to irrational conclusions. You know better than that, Max. Could be nothing.”
“Don’t be stupid, Kathleen. You’re many things but not that. A monstrous killer tracked you for two full miles, almost able to kill you. If this is a conspiracy, then don’t you think the perpetrators might be concerned that you saw the person responsible?”
“But… But I described nothing more than…” Hell, I hadn’t followed through with describing the beast I was certain was in my imagination. In fact, I’d said very little. “Shit. You’re right.”
He moved into the kitchen and I didn’t bother following him even though I jumped once again when I heard the sound of the window blind being slammed closed. When he returned, the Glock was in one hand, my weapon in the other. He shook his head as he handed me the Beretta, holding his hand over mine for a few seconds before pulling back. “I’m going outside.”
“You’re crazy.”
“So my director keeps telling me. If for any reason I don’t return, call 9-1-1.” He moved into the living room, turning off the lights.
“Max, wait.” I closed the distance until we were mere inches apart. “Don’t go.”
He cupped my face, his thumb moving aimlessly back and forth across my skin. Even in the darkness, I could feel the wild beating of his heart matching mine. The pulse ticking on the side of my neck was almost as terrifying. “I have no problem protecting myself, sweetheart. Trust me. No one wants to fuck with me.”
There was something different about him, the protective mode even more dangerous than any other persona. “Who the hell are you, Max?”
Exhaling, he glanced over my shoulder. “Doesn’t really matter, does it? I’m going out the back. Lock the door behind me and make certain there’s no other easy access for the asshole.”
I nodded, shivering as he walked toward the back door. I trailed behind him, barely able to see his features but I could tell he gave me one last look before easing into the shadows. After locking the door, I shifted backwards, trying to listen for any sounds. I heard absolutely nothing except for limited street noise, but my nerves remained on edge.
Only a few minutes later, the light tap on the door gave me a sense of relief. The moment he walked in, I gripped his arm and immediately felt the heat of his breath cascading down the length of me. “Anything?”
“Nothing that I could see,” he said in a troubling manner, moving past me toward the desk lamp I’d positioned over my computer.
I stood frozen, shifting the gun from hand to hand. When the light was turned on, I could see just how pensive he remained.
“Now, you are going to hear me and you’re not going to argue. I’m going to close the blinds in the bedroom and you’re going to pack a small bag. Then you’re coming with me.”
“I’m not leaving my home.”
“You will do as I say. Period.” The conviction and the utter command in his voice was not to be denied. Besides, I had the feeling that he’d simply toss me over his shoulder and do what he wanted.
“Fine. Okay.” I suddenly realized just how much danger both of us could be in. If this was some conspiracy disguised as a brutal cult killing, then I could be the next victim. I moved into the hallway, finding it difficult to breathe.
