Discovering You (21 page)

“Of course not!” Frank said. “We have no loyalty to him. The neighborhood would be safer without him.”

“Let's make sure he goes to prison, where he belongs,” June added.

“Okay.” India smiled as she wiped the tears that'd begun to fall. “Thank you. I can't... I can't thank you enough.”

“We're going to find that gun,” Frank told her. “He doesn't stand a chance against the three of us.”

19

I
ndia had just reached her motel room and pulled off that itchy wig when she got a call from Rod. She almost answered it, but she stopped herself at the last second. She hated to lie to him again, and yet she couldn't tell him the truth. He wouldn't like what she was doing. He'd try to talk her out of it—any sane person would—even though she had no better choice. Sebastian had her backed up against a wall. Either she defended the life she deserved to live, or she let him destroy it again, and that wasn't an option.

Frank and June Siddell's promise to help encouraged her. She'd left with their phone number, hadn't even approached the other neighbors. They'd told her to let them poke around instead. Having people who belonged in the area ask a few questions wouldn't be nearly as intrusive as a stranger showing up at the door, and the fewer people she approached, the less chance of being discovered by Sebastian. She didn't want to spook him; she wanted him to remain cocky, confident and complacent in the belief that he'd escaped the long arm of the law and had nothing to fear.

As she sank onto the bed, Rod's call transferred to voice mail. Because she'd had so much to do today—creating her costume, making those fake business cards and finding and printing a photo of Sebastian—she hadn't been able to get much sleep. She needed a nap and planned to take one as soon as she saw whether or not Rod had left her a message.

He didn't; he sent her a text message instead.

I know you're not at your in-laws.

How? You haven't contacted them, have you?

No, but I could. I have their number.

Suddenly no longer tired, she sat up and crossed her legs as she stared at her phone. He
had
to be bluffing. He couldn't have figured out where they lived. She'd never even given him their full names.

But he could've easily gotten them from the newspaper articles on Charlie's murder...

I don't believe you
, she wrote and held her breath while she waited.

A few seconds later he sent their name and address, along with their phone number.

How had he come up with that information? They weren't listed anymore. But they hadn't moved since Charlie died. She supposed there was plenty of contact information floating out there in cyberspace.

Don't call them!

Why not?

Because you're right. I'm not there.

Now we're making progress. Where are you?

Oakland. Visiting an old friend.

Bullshit. This has to do with Sebastian, doesn't it.

His response didn't include a question mark. He was making a statement.

She nibbled at her bottom lip while trying to devise a reply. She'd never guessed Rod would bother to look up her in-laws...

I'm taking care of things.

How?

Don't worry. I've got it covered.

Why won't you tell me?

Because it's not your problem.

I'll help if you let me, India. You don't have to go through this alone.

He didn't understand, probably couldn't even conceive of the danger Sebastian posed. She wasn't sure
she
would've been able to if she hadn't experienced what she'd experienced. The ease with which some people could kill hadn't become real to her until she'd witnessed Charlie's murder and then watched Sebastian lie about it and get off.

Why would I endanger someone else?

Because I don't want you out there alone, doing whatever you're doing.

I have some help.

Technically, that was true, now that the Siddells were handling reconnaissance for her.

You won't owe me anything, India. This isn't an offer based on sex or marriage or anything like that. This is an offer of friendship. I'm sure you could use a friend. Isn't that what you asked for the night we first met? I'm here. Just level with me.

She took so long to decide what to text back that he called her. And this time she answered.

“Finally!”

“I'm sorry. I don't mean to be mysterious. It's not like I wanted to leave you hanging.”

“Then tell me what's going on.”

She toyed with several strands of hair on the wig she'd purchased.

“Do I have to call your in-laws?” he threatened when she didn't speak up. “Tell them that Sebastian's stalking you?”

“No!”

“Then...”

She doubted he'd act on that threat. But she also knew he'd keep badgering her, wouldn't back off. “I've found out where he's living, Rod.”

“What does that mean? You'd never actually go there...”

“Well, not to the door.” When she told him what she'd done this afternoon, he remained silent long after she finished speaking.

“Hello?” she said.

“I'm not sure how to react.”

“You could tell me you understand.”

“Which would only encourage you. I will admit that not many people have your courage.”

“It's more desperation than courage. I don't have any other choice. But...I appreciate that you're checking in with me—and all you've done to help. I'll come home when I can.”

“Whoa. Wait a sec. We're not done yet, sweet cheeks.”

She had to smile. He'd never called her by a nickname before.
“Sweet cheeks?”

He ignored that. Clearly, he was more interested in discussing what mattered. “You can't let everything hinge on whether a neighbor might be able to find out what Sebastian did with the gun.”

“It has to be somewhere, couldn't have disappeared into thin air. I just hope he didn't toss it into the Bay. I'm not sure we'll ever recover it if he did.”

“What are the chances he'll disclose the truth? Unless he's stupid, he's never going to volunteer what he did with the murder weapon, especially to an old couple living across the street.”

“He's a talker, brags constantly. It's possible. I was hoping... I don't know. I was hoping I might catch a break. It's time for my luck to change.”

“What does he like to do?” Rod asked. “Where does he like to go? A certain strip club or bar? A convenience store or gym? There must be someplace
I
can bump into him. Maybe the Siddells can tell us where I should hang out.”

“
You?
No, never,” she said. “Stay away from him.”

“Why? Unless he's into killing random guys, I should be fine. We've never met, so he won't recognize me, won't have any reason to suspect me, either. Maybe I can befriend him. He'd share things with a buddy that he wouldn't share with a neighbor. Think of all the jailhouse snitches who go to the police with information on their cell mates. This wouldn't be quite the same thing, but I could give him someone to talk to, someone to try to impress.”

The idea that Rod would be in the same vicinity as Sebastian made India uncomfortable. “What if you push too hard and he gets suspicious?”

“I'll be careful.”

“I don't want you to approach him. It has to be someone else.”

“Who?”

“Anyone!”

“You don't think I can pull it off.”

It wasn't that. With his build and his tattoos, even his background, she had no doubt he could blend in. She'd initially pegged him as a rough sort, hadn't she? He had that dangerous edge to him. But the fact that he could be believable in an outlaw role didn't change her mind. “I'm too afraid to let you try.”

“Watch it,” he teased. “You're not supposed to care about me. You've put a lot of energy into trying to avoid it, remember?”

“How can I forget?”

He chuckled. “Give me your address. I'm coming over.”

She wanted to see him. The thought of being able to touch him, to kiss him, filled her stomach with butterflies.
I'm pathetic...
If she didn't watch herself, one of them—maybe both of them—would get hurt, and if she let him get involved in her efforts to fight Sebastian, that pain could include more than heartbreak. “What about your job?”

“I can't remember the last time I took a week off. It'll be my summer vacation.”

“Dylan won't mind?”

“That's the beauty of working with family. My brothers will step up. I've got this cast slowing me down, anyway. Better I take vacation when I'm a little gimpy than when I'm not.”

He managed so well with the cast she wouldn't call it much of a handicap. “Even if your brothers cover for you, I can list lots of things that would be more fun.”

“Yeah, well, I guess I'll tour Europe next year.”

“Okay,” she said with a laugh and gave him the name and address of her motel.

* * *

Rod could tell that India had been glad to see him when he arrived. She hadn't tried to hide her excitement. Although she'd just gotten up from a nap, she'd given him a sleepy smile and slipped easily and eagerly into his arms. Then she'd invited him in and proceeded to fix her hair and makeup because they were planning to go out to eat.

He'd been hungry, but he'd also been so anxious to touch her that he'd kissed her as soon as she was finished in the bathroom—and they'd never made it out the door. After making love the first time, they'd ordered a pizza, discussed how to create a situation that would let him befriend Sebastian—and then made love again.

At first the sex had been passionate, almost frantic, as if they'd been apart for too long, even though it hadn't been long at all. But after their pizza, the sex was different, more serious, more meaningful. And that was what he couldn't get out of his head.

He was developing feelings for her. Somehow she fit him—his personality, the way he liked to be touched, the way he liked a woman to respond when he touched her. At last he could understand what Dylan and Aaron must've experienced before settling down. He would've been happy to learn he wasn't incapable of that kind of caring, except that he was worried about where the relationship was heading. He was losing his heart—but did she even want it?

She was still wearing her wedding ring...

“You seem a little tense,” she whispered when he thought she'd already gone to sleep for the night. “You okay?”

He couldn't see her face; she was spooning him. It was dark in the room, anyway. “I'm fine. Am I keeping you up?”

“No.”

“Then why are you still awake?”

“It's only ten.”

“Aren't you ready to sleep?”

“I am. I've had so many short nights in the past eleven months, I could sleep for weeks before I get caught up. I'm just...thinking.”

“About...”

“You.”

He hoped she'd explain that statement, say something to allay his fears, but she didn't.

“Are you scared to meet Sebastian?” she asked.

He was more afraid of
her
. He could handle himself around other guys, even dangerous ones. But love? That was new territory. “Not really.”

“You should be.”

He adjusted his pillow. “Why? Far as he's concerned, you and I have no connection. He doesn't have any reason to start anything with me.”

“You'll be asking some sensitive questions. If he gets spooked—”

“Relax. I could get hit by a car crossing the street tomorrow. Anything could happen, but we can't be afraid of it all the time. Like I told you, I'll be careful.”

She snuggled closer, slid her hand up his chest in a movement that suggested she liked the way he felt. She was growing more and more confident with his body. “Still. I'm not convinced having you come into such close contact with him is a good idea. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you got hurt. I already feel responsible for Charlie. I'd give anything to go back and...and change what happened.”

Would she? Because then
they
wouldn't be together... “Charlie was ambushed. He didn't have a chance. I'm going into this fully aware.” He tucked her hand under his chin, reveling in the feel of her bare breasts against his back. “Besides, I make my own decisions. This is my choice. You won't be responsible for anything.”

“Maybe I could hire a PI.”

“Most PIs don't do that sort of thing. At least not any I've ever heard about. That's cop territory, and the cops aren't going to do it.”

“We could put out a few feelers, see if we can find a PI who'd work with us.”

He turned the ring on her finger so the diamond wouldn't cut him. They were naked. There was nothing separating them—except what she felt for Charlie. “That'll take time. And what if we get some guy who says yes but isn't convincing? If Sebastian ever realizes you're trying to put one over on him, he'll be leery of every stranger he meets. The game'll be over at that point. Basically, we have one shot at this, so it's got to be good. I trust myself to handle it more than I'd trust someone whose only interest is in how much he'll get paid.”

She kissed his neck, then his shoulder, but she seemed as restless and unsettled as he was.

“You have to have some confidence in me, India,” he told her. “I can take care of myself.”

“I believe you. That's the thing. I just hope I'm not making a mistake by letting you do this.”

Again, he felt her wedding ring as he entwined his fingers with hers and couldn't help hoping
he
wasn't the one making the mistake. “We have to roll the dice,” he said.