Page 3 of Duty Unbound

Nova stood barefoot in the middle of the kitchen, wrapped in a damp towel, holding her phone’s flashlight out like she was recording a live unboxing video. Her eyes were wide, her mouth open in sheer delight.

I barely registered the rest of the room before she clapped a hand over her mouth and squealed. “Oh my God, Mel. Look!”

I followed the direction of her light. A bouquet of dead roses sat on the kitchen table, the wilted petals curling, their darkened stems tied with a single black ribbon. Dread pooled in my stomach as I took in the rest of the kitchen and saw that the sidedoor was open. I shivered at the cold night air that stirred the curtains above the sink.

Someone had been in the house.

I sucked in a sharp breath, my pulse still hammering. “Nova?—”

She grabbed my arm, practically vibrating with excitement. “I have a superfan! Look at this. A dozen black roses, surrounding a single red one. It’s so artistic. So moody.”

I stared at her, barely able to process the words. Those weren’t black roses, they weredeadones. “Are you kidding me?”

Her grin widened. “It’s so mysterious.”

I shook my head in disbelief. It wasn’t mysterious. It was sick. Not to mention, it was a violation of our safety, our privacy, our home.

And that someone could still be here.

I grabbed the biggest kitchen knife I could find, raised my flashlight, and began moving quickly toward the pantry. I yanked open the door, scanning the dark corners where someone could hide. Empty. I darted to the breakfast nook, checking behind the curtains, then moved into the hallway, my pulse a thunder in my ears.

“What are you doing?” Nova called after me.

I ignored her; she’d be useless if someone were here anyway. Knife shaking in my hand, I checked the coat closet, then the half bath. I peered around the corner into the formal living room, straining my ears for any sound, any movement, any sign we weren’t alone. The house was too damned big, with too many places to hide.

But there were only so many places someone could be if Nova came from one direction and I’d come from the other.

“Mel!” Nova’s voice was impatient now.

I returned to the kitchen, breathing hard. “Whoever left those could still be in the house.”

I moved toward the open door, my breathing shallow. Thenight air was cool against my skin as I cautiously peered outside, scanning the darkened patio and yard beyond. The motion-sensor lights hadn’t triggered, which struck me as odd. Nothing moved in the shadows. No footprints on the patio. No sign of whoever had been here.

Using my sleeve to cover my fingertips, I carefully pushed the door closed, touching the knob as little as possible. If there were fingerprints, I didn’t want to disturb them.

“What are you doing?” Nova asked, watching me with amused curiosity.

“Calling Ron.” I pulled out my phone, dialing the guardhouse with trembling fingers. “Someone was just in our house, Nova.”

“You’re overreacting,” she singsonged, still admiring the flowers.

The phone rang twice before a gruff voice answered. “Rivers residence, Ron speaking.”

“Ron, it’s Mel. Someone’s been in the house, but I think they’re gone now.” My voice was steadier than I felt. “The power’s out, and there was someone in the kitchen. They left…something for Nova.”

“Jesus Christ.” I heard shuffling, keys jingling. “You girls all right? I’m on my way right now.”

“We’re fine, but I need you to check the grounds. Make sure they’re gone.”

“I’m coming, Miss Mel. Two minutes.” The line went dead.

I turned back to Nova, who was circling the kitchen table, seemingly unconcerned. “Nova, this is serious.”

She waved a dismissive hand, still staring at the dead bouquet like it was a rare piece of art. “You don’t know that. Maybe they were dropped off earlier and someone forgot to tell me.”

I pointed at the door I’d just closed. “Then why was that open? And why are the roses dead?”

She gasped, pressing a hand to her chest, but instead of fear, it was theatrical amusement. “Maybe it’s a metaphor! Like, beauty fades or love dies or something super deep.”

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