Page 46 of By The Book
“Please don’t think it’s a sign that you shouldn’t,” Marsali said.
“The guy’s in custody,” Oliver told Denz, bringing them back to the seriousness of the moment. “The police say he appears to be alone, but they’re giving everything a thorough check.”
“Where was Bruce?” Denz asked.
“He’d walked over with us and was waiting downstairs,” Marsali said. “We screamed and he came running but—”
“The guy made a grab for Marsali and Claire shoved him away,” Amelia said, her arms tightening around Lincoln’s waist.
“She was so brave,” Marsali said tearfully. “Claire, I can’t thank you enough.”
“I’m glad I was able to help,” Claire said.
“Attic, closets, and storage areas are clear,” a voice said over the radios worn by the officers.
“Second floor clear,” stated another voice.
“Where are Mac and V?” Denz asked. “Piper?”
“Mac had already left to take V home,” Lincoln said. “He’s probably trying to get back and wondering what’s happening.”
“I’ll call him,” Carter said, pulling out his cell. “And Piper’s asleep at Linc’s with the baby,” he said in response to Denz’s question about his daughter. “Breanne and Brendan are with them. They’re locked up tight with a cop watching the doors.”
“Tomorrow is going to be alooong day,” Marsali murmured. “There’s no sleeping after all of this.”
“I’m so glad we made V go home early,” Eliza said. “Maybe she won’t find out until the morning. I don’t think any of us will be able to shut our eyes.”
Oliver kissed his wife’s head and squeezed her against him.
“Denz, I’d like to talk to you first thing in the morning if you’re free.”
Denz nodded. “You got it. I’ll help any way I can.”
“Be thinking of ways to lock everything down. The street will be gated full-time from now on,” Oliver said. “We’ve been leaving it up during the day for the construction crews as they work on the house and only closing it at night.”
The house Oliver referred to was actually three homes at the end of the street, which were being redesigned and connected into one large one complete with a guest house, massive garage, housekeeping quarters, and all the bells and whistles. Oliver and Marsali had purchased the homes in order to be close to her brother and the friends, and the work was in the final stages of completion.
“I’m thinking the gate should be guarded, not just keyed, but that still leaves the water side accessible. The police found a boat, but they’re still trying to confirm if it belongs to the guy and his motive.”
“Someone patrolling and keeping an eye on things twenty-four seven wouldn’t be a bad idea,” Denz said, nodding. “Maybe another dog or two as well, even if they’re just pets.”
“Piper will be happy about that,” Carter said. “She’s wanted a dog ever since she met Ginger,” he said, referring to Marsali’s foster.
“Maybe while you’re here in town you could help me get things sorted out? Come up with something comprehensive?” Oliver asked Denz.
“I’d be happy to,” Denz said. “We can talk about it tomorrow.”
“Yes, tomorrow. I don’t want to think about it anymore.” Marsali leaned her head on Oliver’s chest. “I’ve never been so scared.”
“Denz will help us get squared away,” Oliver said.
“Thank you, Denz,” Marsali said.
“My pleasure, Mrs. B. If Claire is finished giving her statement,” he said to the cop seemingly in charge, “I’d like to get her home.”
For the first time since the ladies had entered, Denz allowed himself to really look at Claire. She wore some sort of one-piece shorts outfit, her long legs looking longer because of the length—or rather lack thereof—and the strappy heels she wore on her slim feet.
He couldn’t imagine her taking someone on in those things, but he was glad she was able to protect her friend, even though she shouldn’t have had to.
