His to defend, p.14
His to Defend, page 14
“Be honest with him. Don’t hold anything back trying to cover whatever BS Jeremy might’ve been involved in. You don’t want to withhold info and then it comes back on you.”
“True. All right, we’ll keep digging.”
They headed for the door, but Maxwell stopped them. “Sorry about snapping, but I know Amina personally. There’s no way she’s involved in any of this.”
“Okay, if you say so,” Zeke said. “But I hope you know that at some point, we might have to bring the former Mrs. Kelly in for questioning.”
“Well, you better make damn sure you have a seriously good reason for doing so. Otherwise, your ass is going to have to deal with me.”
Chapter 14
“You got mugged and didn’t tell anyone?” her sister shrieked through the phone. “And what do you mean that bastard fathered a kid while you two were married? Oh, my God! That asshole is so lucky he’s dead.”
Amina bristled at her sister’s tone and glanced around to see if anyone heard her. Katrina had FaceTimed her instead of calling just as Amina was leaving a shoe store at the mall. Her next stop was going to be her favorite boutique, but maybe not.
“I should call you back when I’m not surrounded by people,” she said to Katrina.
Actually, maybe it had been a bad idea to leave all of that on a voice mail in the first place. But after leaving the funeral, she’d needed to vent. Overwhelmed by the conversation with Jeremy’s parents, then the sudden appearance of Rochelle, and seeing Camille—it was all too much. Her first thought had been to call Maxwell after the encounter, but she dialed her sister instead and got her voice mail.
“I can’t remember the last time I was this pissed,” her sister said. “I don’t know how you can be so calm about all of this.”
“I guess I’ve had a little more time to process everything than you. Trust me—I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster since hearing about Jeremy’s death. Now from one moment to the next, I’m struggling with calling him every rotten name I can think of.”
“I’m sure you are.”
“Excuse me. Pardon me,” Amina said as she wove in and out of foot traffic in the mall. She wasn’t sure why there were so many people, considering it was nearing closing time. She eventually stepped into the middle and near a railing that overlooked the first floor.
“Let me see your neck,” Katrina said.
Amina moved the phone so her sister could see the scar. She had removed the butterfly bandages after arriving home from the funeral. Though the cut wasn’t bleeding, it still stung a little with certain movements and whenever she got it wet.
“Does it hurt?”
“It’s not as bad as it looks. I just hate it’ll probably leave a scar.”
Katrina tsked and shook her head. “Girrrl, Dad’s going to pop a vein when he sees your neck.”
Amina couldn’t help but laugh. She hadn’t heard that phrase since they were young. Growing up, Katrina was that kid who always got into trouble. When their dad would be in the middle of reaming her out, she’d tell him to calm down before he popped a vein.
“I should fly there to witness the show.”
“Well, I have a week to prepare myself before they come back from vacation. In the meantime, I need to go home and get ready for my date.” She tried to sound nonchalant, but inside she was doing a happy dance.
“That’s right. I forgot about that part of your voice mail. I practically lost my mind when you mentioned a mugging and a baby. I want to hear all of the details on how and when you and Maxwell hooked up. All you said was that he picked you up from the hospital the other day. By the way, you better call if you ever go through something like that again.”
“I was fine, and I didn’t want to worry you.”
“I get that, but you’re my little sister. I will always worry about you.”
Amina’s heart warmed at Katrina’s words. She didn’t know what she would do without her family’s continuous love and support. They’d been her rock, especially Katrina, during the divorce.
“Now, tell me what’s up with you and Maxwell.”
“All right, but hang up and let me call you instead of doing FaceTime.”
Amina called her back and strolled through the huge mall toward the door that she had come in. It was on the other side of the building. For the next fifteen minutes, she filled her sister in on all things Maxwell. She even told her about the kiss and their time at Trinity and Gunner’s house.
“And that’s been my life for the last few days. So, what have you been up to?” she asked Katrina, who was uncharacteristically quiet. “Hello?”
Had she hung up? As soon as the question came to mind, Katrina burst out laughing.
“That dream kiss, though!” her sister howled.
Amina rolled her eyes, unable to keep from smiling herself. It was funny then and now, and it would be one of those kisses that she would remember for the rest of her life.
“Anyway, enough about...” Amina’s words stalled in her throat when she spotted the last person she expected to see. He was walking toward her and gave a little wave. “Hey, sis. Let me call you back.” She hung up before her sister could protest.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise,” Dr. McPherson said, shoving his hands into the front pockets of his pants and rocking on his feet. “You come here often?”
Amina laughed at the question that was overused in bars and clubs. “No, can’t say that I do. Maybe once a month or so,” she said, taking in the doctor’s smile that only added to his handsome features. “What about you?”
“I stop in here on occasion for a change of scenery. Especially with all of the hours I put in at the hospital.”
Amina nodded. At first when she’d spotted him, she’d had to do a double take. He almost didn’t look like himself without his white doctor’s coat. Dr. McPherson was a nice-looking man on any given day. Today, though, he was downright fine, casually dressed in a light blue polo shirt and black slacks. He seemed...ordinary...normal. Not that he usually didn’t, but as a highly acclaimed doctor, he always seemed larger than life when they were at the hospital.
“You look great,” he said.
“Thank you.” After the funeral, she had changed into an off-the-shoulder top and a pair of skinny jeans.
“It looks like the cut is healing well.”
He leaned in and his hand went toward her neck, and she stiffened. Noticing her reaction, he stopped short of touching her and shoved his hands back into his pockets.
His eyes traveled the length of her and back up again, lingering on her breasts for a second too long. He had never said or done anything inappropriate, but the way he was looking at her suddenly made her want to fold her arms across her chest. His stare wasn’t exactly creepy. It was just... Amina wasn’t sure.
“If you’re free this evening, how about dinner and a movie?” Dr. McPherson asked.
“About that, I don’t think that’s a good idea. As a matter of fact, I can’t go out with you.”
“Because of the guy who picked you up the other day?”
Amina nodded. She and Maxwell still referred to each other as friends, but he meant a lot more than that to her. The doctor didn’t need to know any of that, though.
“Is it serious?” he asked, catching her off guard.
She wanted to ask would it matter? Instead, she said, “Yes. So, I can’t go out with you.”
He nodded slowly, studying her in that way that was so him. “I’m disappointed, but I can understand that. I hope your man knows he’s a lucky guy.”
Amina gave him a slight smile. “Thank you, but I’m the lucky one. Anyway, I’d better get going. It was good seeing you.”
He touched her arm and smiled. “You too. Have a good evening.” With that, he strolled away, and she headed to the exit.
Why had she been nervous talking to him? Sure, he was a reputable doctor who the other nurses fawned over, but still, he was just a man. One who was interested in me, she thought. Even if she wasn’t available, it was still nice to get attention from the opposite sex. Now she needed to hurry so that she could spend time with the only man who mattered. Maxwell.
* * *
Thirty minutes later, Amina stood in her garage, prancing from one foot to the other, while trying to unlock the door to the house. She should’ve used the bathroom before leaving the mall but figured she’d wait until she got home. Now she couldn’t get in the house fast enough.
Once she finally unlocked the door, she pushed it open and dropped her shopping bags in the mudroom. She didn’t bother turning on lights and made a mad dash to the half bath, practically slamming the door when she got in there.
Made it. Barely.
“I’m worse than a little kid,” she mumbled, and released a relieved sigh as she finished taking care of business. Once she was done, she washed her hands but stopped short of drying them when she thought she heard something.
Amina shut off the water and hurried to dry her hands. Then stood silently at the sink, holding the edge of the counter with a death grip as she listened for any sound.
Seconds ticked by.
Nothing.
Amina whooshed out the breath that she hadn’t realized she was holding, and opened the door. After walking back to the mudroom, she flipped on the light near the door that led to the garage and had to laugh at herself. Bags were strewn everywhere.
She glanced at her watch and grimaced. “Crap, I’m going to be late for my first real date in years.”
Giddiness bubbled inside her as she looped her purse across her body then picked the items off the floor. I have a date. Amina couldn’t wait to hang out with Maxwell, but first, she needed to narrow down her options on what to wear. Should she go with the sexy light blue one-shoulder dress that hugged her body and stopped just above her knees? Or the low-cut black dress with spaghetti straps that was a little longer than the other? If she had to guess, Amina would peg Max a leg man since she’d caught him staring at hers the other day when she wore shorts.
Light blue it is.
She hurried past the kitchen and toward the attached dining room. “Alexa, turn on the lights,” she shouted, and dropped her keys on the table. Seconds later, the rooms were illuminated.
Amina stopped in her tracks. The bags dropped to the hardwood floor. Her heart slammed against her chest as her gaze darted around the living room and the open floor plan.
“What the...”
She took in the slashed sofa cushions and pillows, overturned tables and shattered lamps and glass littering the hardwood floor. The television had been ripped off the wall along with some of her artwork and pictures.
Ohmigod. Ohmigod. Ohmigod.
Amina slowly backed up. As she continued taking in the destruction of the rooms, her heart was beating loud enough for the neighbors to hear as her mind raced. She ignored the crunching sound of glass under her feet, that she hadn’t noticed before, and snatched her keys from the dining room table. This time, glancing in the kitchen, it was impossible to miss open cabinet doors and food and dishes everywhere. She made a mad dash for the door that led to the backyard and bolted from the house.
“Oh, my God.” Heart racing, she ran down the street and smothered a sob with her hand over her mouth. The sun was setting, and it was barely light enough out to see where she was going. She didn’t stop until she reached the corner.
Someone’s been in my house.
Someone destroyed my things.
After pulling the cell phone from her purse, Amina’s hands shook so badly it took three tries to dial the correct number.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
Chapter 15
Maxwell burst through the front door. “Amina!” he yelled and glanced in the dining room. Where was she? He ignored the police officer who was in the living room and the one in the kitchen. “Amina!”
“Max.” Amina ran from the back of the house and straight into his arms. “I was so scared,” she sobbed, and buried her face into his chest. Her arms wrapped around his waist and were tight enough to crack a rib.
Maxwell didn’t care. All that mattered was that she was safe. “I got you.” He held her close and even tighter when she trembled against him.
When she quieted, he unglued her from him and grabbed hold of her shoulders. “Are you all right?” He cupped her face and searched her puffy, red eyes while wiping her wet cheeks with the pads of his thumbs.
Ice had clogged his veins when she called him crying, saying someone had broken in. The anguish and fear in her voice had him making the trip to her place in half the time. All the while his mind conjured up one horrible scenario after another.
“I—I’m okay, but Max...” Her voice shook, and she fidgeted while rubbing her hands up and down her bare arms. “Some—somebody...they destroyed everything.” She folded her bottom lip between her teeth, fighting off tears, and then dropped her forehead to his chest. “I think they were here when I got home,” she whispered, and Maxwell stiffened.
“Christ,” he breathed as anger flared inside him. He leaned back, forcing her to lift her head. “Did you see them?”
“No, I was in the bathroom when I thought I heard someone.”
God...
As she recounted what happened, Maxwell’s hold on her tightened. What if she had walked in while the assholes were tossing her house? What if they had hurt her...or worse?
He kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad you’re okay. We’re going to get to the bottom of this.”
A police officer down the hall caught Maxwell’s attention when he stepped out of the bedroom. Normally, it wouldn’t be more than two cops roaming around the house after a robbery, but Amina was Chief Hudson’s daughter. He might be retired, but his name still carried a lot of weight. The moment he and Amina disconnected their call, he had requested an additional unit be sent to her place.
“Come on. Walk with me while I look around and talk to the officers.” He linked his fingers with hers and moved through the house, taking in the damage as they stepped around her belongings that had been trashed.
Funny how a couple of days ago he wouldn’t have stepped over the threshold into her home. Now he couldn’t imagine being anywhere she wasn’t.
“Can you tell what was taken?” he asked her.
“I have no idea. I can’t tell. It’s such a mess,” Amina murmured.
Together, they moved from one room to the next. According to the responding officers, whoever destroyed the place had forced their way in through the back door.
“What about the alarm system? Was it activated?” Maxwell asked Amina.
“No. It hasn’t been working right for the last couple of days. So I left it off. I called the alarm company earlier, and they’re supposed to send someone out tomorrow between one and three. I’ve never had any problems in the neighborhood. I didn’t expect...this.”
Maxwell thought it too much of a coincidence that the alarm system wasn’t working the day someone decided to trash the place. He didn’t believe in coincidences.
Has someone been in her house before today? he wondered. He kept that thought to himself, not wanting to freak her out even more.
With each step, Maxwell felt something was off. He took his time thoroughly inspecting each room. Overturned furniture, slashed mattresses, papers covering the floors, something became abundantly clear. Whoever broke in wasn’t looking to rob the place. They were looking for something. But what?
And that stirring in his gut that he felt after the so-called mugging the other night was back. The details on that situation hadn’t sat right with him from the moment he’d heard about the attack. What if it hadn’t been a random mugging at all? What if it had been something even more sinister? Like an attempted kidnapping. And was it possible that this was somehow related to Jeremy’s murder?
Maxwell wrapped an arm around Amina and pulled her close to his side and placed a kiss against her temple. “Sweetheart, pack a bag. You’re coming home with me.”
* * *
An hour and a half later, Maxwell carried two small suitcases into the house with a sullen Amina following behind him. She had barely said two words on the way to his place, and the ride was similar to the one the other day. Except, this time he wasn’t anxious or questioning the decision about bringing her home with him.
“I’m going to run these bags upstairs real quick and change out of my uniform. Then we can order some dinner. Actually,” he stopped and turned to Amina, “why don’t you look through the carryout menus and pick what you want to eat. They’re in the kitchen drawer closest to the pantry.”
“I’m not really hungry.” She strolled into the living room and dropped down on the sofa. “But don’t let me stop you from getting something to eat.”
Maxwell hadn’t noticed that she’d kicked off her shoes at the door until she lifted her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. He loved how comfortable she appeared in his home. He just hated that the two times she’d been there lately were because of someone scaring her to death.
Right now, she had every right to be in a funk considering all that she’d been dealing with. Before leaving her house, he’d had new locks installed on all of the exterior doors. As well as contacted one of the managers at his sister’s security agency regarding an upgraded alarm system. They were able to install a temporary one for the night. By tomorrow evening, she’d have a state-of-the-art system that no one could get past.
They were going to find out who was harassing her, and yes, that was exactly how he was looking at the attempted mugging and break-in. He didn’t have any proof, but he had a feeling they were connected. Now all he had to do was figure out who and why. In the meantime, he’d keep her safe and try to get her spirits up.
