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Chapter One
Lillian
October 20th…
“Lillian Miller, I’m going to need you to come with me.” I stare at the man, the cop, in confusion and try like heck not to tack on a ‘if you want to live’ a la Schwarzenegger’s Terminator.
“I’m going to need you to explain why.” I’m not trying to be difficult, but I have questions and he has the answers. At least, I hope he does. Whether he’s willing to share them remains to be seen.
“We have reason to believe you’re in danger,” he explains.
“I don’t know you from Adam,” I remind him. “For all I know, you’re not even on the force and this is a ploy.” Instead of being insulted that I’m doubting his sincerity, and basically accusing him of being a liar and, at the least, a kidnapper, he seems proud of my caution.
“You do not,” he concedes. “My name is Detective Thayer West.” He shows me his badge and, correctly reading that I need more than that, withdraws his wallet and flicks it open, his driver license showing. He hands me both, letting me look to my heart’s content. “Captain Joel Myers is my direct supervisor. If it will make you feel more confident in my claim, you may call him for confirmation.”
“With a number you’ll provide,” I snort. Okay, I know how untrusting I sound, but I’ve spent my entire life being lied to by those who share my blood and it’s made me hesitant to trust anyone else. Then again, maybe those outside my family are the ones Ishouldtrust.
“With the number you look up and dial. Captain Myers will gladly provide a description, which will fit me.”
Returning his belongings, I ask him to wait outside, then I close – and lock – my door as I grab my cell and search for the local department’s contact information. As I wait to be connected, the greeting itself having relieved some of my doubts when it was initially answered, I peek out the window to watch Detective West. His back is toward my house, his head moving from left to right on a consistent, and slow, basis.
Is he keeping an eye on the area surrounding me?
Oh crap. This is real, isn’t it?
As if he’d heard my internal epiphany, a slight southern accent states, “This is Captain Joel Myers. Detective West is approximately six-three, has dark red hair, and hazel eyes. If you ask him, he will show you a birthmark on his upper right arm that, I swear, could pass as a heart. Which is ironic as he tends to wear that particular organ on his sleeve, according to his mom.” The sound of raised voices can be heard in the background on his end, details being shared regarding cases that I don’t need to, nor do I want to, hear. “Come in,” he says, this part clearly not aimed at me. “Miss Miller, Detective West, Thayer, is one of my best people and an honorable man in addition to that. I do, and have, trusted him with my life. I sent him to you as there are rumors, and they’re credible, that you’re in danger. While this preemptive action is unusual, it’s not rare. I politely request that you gather what you’ll need for at least a week, keeping in mind you’ll be carrying it as West’s hands will need to be empty just in case – though he’s a gentleman down to his core, so that will irk him.”
“Am I able to work?” I wish I could erase that idiocy. “Stupid question. If I’m going into protective custody, of course I can’t.”
A chuckle proceeds my reprimand, as does him softly saying, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. This may be normal for us, but it’s new for you.”
“Okay, and thank you for alleviating my concerns.”
“You’re welcome. Let him do his job. He’s damn good at it.” The dial tone follows, the finality of it effectively making his point.
Mentally preparing a list of what I’ll require, I open the door and wait for him to react, not wanting to distract his focus. He finishes, then once more turns to see me. His pleasant expression from earlier is gone, replaced by a fierceness that almost causes me to step back. But he wipes it clean at my near retreat, a gentle smile now aimed my way.
I have the fleeting thought that I just saw each side of him and they equally fascinate me.
Not appropriate, Miller.
“Will you be staying with me?”Neither is that.
What? I feel comfortable with him.
Comfortable? Is that the new term for Netflix and chill? It doesn’t have the same flare.
“Yes,” he says, waving his hand to inquire if he can come inside. I move to the left, showing that he can. “Shifts will be split between myself and my partner, Willis Michaels, with Detectives Jones and Carlton. I’m sure the captain somewhat explained the situation. This may result in nothing. However, preemptive actions were deemed prudent.”
“I appreciate your honesty,” I tell him with sincerity.
“I’ve been told it’s not always welcome,” he admits, appearing a bit embarrassed by this fact.
“By me, it is.” Perhaps we’ll delve more into the why during my confinement, err protection. That all depends on how at ease I feel with him, how willing I am to share such personal details. Also, how bored I get being locked up. “Should I bring a few games to occupy us?” Again with the stupid questions. He’ll be there to work, not play.
“The place comes fully stocked with anything we might need and then some. If it isn’t there, it can be brought to us.” He stresses how we’ll get it. Namely, that we won’t because I’m not allowed to leave until the possible threat is neutralized.
I snort at the wordage and realize my reading and television preference is making an appearance. Thank goodness I didn’t say it out loud. I don’t want him to think badly of me.
