Foundation for Three (30 page)

Z
oey leaned back against the truck seat. “I wish I had a clue who broke into my house. Thad would have a better idea if robbery were the motive. If the goal was to harm me, I might be able to come up with a few names.” No suspect jumped out at her, though.

Pete glanced at her. “Name one.”

“You playing cop tonight?”

He glanced over at her, but it was too dark to see his expression. “I know your mind must be going a million miles an hour. I’m hoping to quell some of your anxiety by asking questions. If you can bounce ideas off me, it might help.”

Zoey reached out and squeezed his thigh. “Thank you. You’re right. Talking always helps.” If she didn’t believe that, she wouldn’t be a therapist. “At the funeral, Dr. Avery Carson was rather upset at me for mentioning his indiscretion to the police, but do I think he’d break into my house? No. He’s a professional. I don’t even see him hiring someone to scare me. There’d be no point without a warning.” Carson had been too distraught over losing that little boy to do something like this.

“If you think this is related to Mrs. Sanchez’s murder, how about her husband?”

“Why would Dr. Sanchez harm me? If he knows I saw Carson with his wife and blabbed to the police already, he’d be happy I turned in the cheater.”

“Your actions might put the hospital in a bad light. Could he fear you’ll go public?”

Zoey tried to don her therapist mindset instead of that of a victim. “Why not ask me to keep it hushed up?”

Pete turned left onto Amber Way. “Embarrassed perhaps? If not him, what about one of your clients?”

She looked over at him, but his gaze was focused on the road. “It’s always possible, but without proof, it would be against the rules to even give you a name.”

Pete nodded. “We need to hope the burglar left a piece of physical evidence that will lead to his identity.”

“That would be nice.”

Before she knew it, they were back at Thad and Pete’s house. He edged into the garage and closed the door. She couldn’t wait to get inside and into bed. Pete helped her out.

“I can walk.”

“You sure? I can carry you.”

While it would be nice to be in his arms, she wanted to test her pain level. “I’ll go slow.” The bottom of her foot throbbed, but she managed.

With an arm around her waist, he escorted her into the kitchen and then flicked on the overhead bank of lights. “Make yourself at home. I’ll get your bags.”

The house was quiet—almost too quiet. She hadn’t realized how the small amount of street noise at her place helped calm her. Within seconds, Pete returned with the purse she’d inadvertently left on the floor, along with her two suitcases.

“You want a cup of coffee or something?” he asked.

“Thanks, but if I have any caffeine, I won’t sleep.”

“I have decaf.”

She gave that some thought. “I’m good. I’d probably fall asleep before it’s finished brewing.”

He nodded. “Where do you want to stay? Guest room? My room? Thad’s room?”

That was a tough call. Being with her men would be fantastic, but the inevitable touching would occur, followed by glorious sex. Rest was what she needed. “How about the guest room for tonight?”

“That’s probably smart, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to hold you until you fall asleep. Then I’ll sneak out. How does that sound?”

Pete must have read her mind. “You are the best.”

Because she had to navigate the stairs, Pete insisted on carrying her again. Tomorrow, she hoped her cut would have healed enough that walking wouldn’t be a big deal.

Pete set her down in the guest room then drew back the spread. “Take off your clothes, sugar, and I’ll bring up your things so you can change.”

Even though Zoey was tired, her body remained wired. Before she’d even taken off her one boot, Pete had returned. He placed the case on the bed and opened it for her.

“Need help undressing?” he asked, with a suggestive shine in his eye.

Pete was a fun man. “You know that wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Suit yourself, but think about what you’re missing.”

She chuckled. With his arms crossed, he watched her strip. His smile warmed her heart. Once she drew on warm pajamas, she crawled under the blankets and waited for Pete to get ready. When he tucked her in and placed a light kiss on her forehead, disappointment bubbled inside her. “You said you’d hold me.”

He laughed. “I was wondering when my platonic actions would get to you.”

“You did that on purpose, you sly dog. Now strip.”

Her command brought another smile. Pete kicked off his boots, stepped out of his pants, and yanked off his sweater. Without socks or briefs, it hadn’t take him long to get naked. She scooted over. As promised, he gathered her into his arms and kissed her. Boy, what a kiss that was.

“We can’t start,” she said, her body coming alive to his touch.

“I know. I won’t take advantage of you, but I wanted you to know how much I need to feel you underneath me, to know you’re alive.”

She stroked his cheek. “Trust me, I’m very much alive, but I won’t be of use to anyone unless I sleep.”

Pete winked. “Have it your way.”

He rolled her over so that her back was pressed against his rock hard chest. His presence soothed her until his thick shaft poked her back, reminding of the ecstasy she could have for the asking. She waffled between keeping her hands to herself and touching him, but before she could decide, she fell asleep.

*     *     *

When Zoey opened her eyes, light was streaming in the window, and the bed around her was cold. Damn. She’d lost the opportunity to enjoy Pete. It was Saturday, but she wasn’t sure if he had to go in to work or not. Thad’s schedule was equally a mystery.

A bit blurry eyed, Zoey sat, stretched, and then eased out of bed.
Get coffee or change clothes?
Hmm
. Coffee won. After testing her foot to make sure she could walk, she limped across the hall and slowly went down the stairs, careful not to put too much weight on the injury. Halfway there, the aroma of strong coffee and eggs met her, and her stomach grumbled. She found Pete at the stove.

“Good morning,” she said as she slipped onto the stool at the kitchen’s center island. Thad must be either asleep or at work.

Pete looked over his shoulder. “Morning. Coffee’s just finished brewing. Help yourself.”

She pushed back her chair. While she prepared her cup, the garage door opened and she stilled.

“It’s just Thad,” Pete said. “He texted that he’d been called in right as he was leaving your house.”

An ache raced up her spine. “Oh, my God. The poor man.”

She poured her coffee then made another one for Thad and one for Pete. No sooner had she set all three cups on the counter than Thad dragged in, his eyes bloodshot, looking in need of a shave. She hobbled over to him and gave him a hug. “How are you?” Concern rushed through her.

“Tired.” He kissed the top of her head. “Let me take off my jacket, and I’ll tell you everything.”

Everything? She stepped back. “Coffee’s on the counter.”

“I can sure use some.” He nodded to her foot. “How’s the injury?”

“Improved.”

“No stitches needed?”

“I’ll be fine in a few days.” Zoey wanted to discuss what had caused him to be out all night.

Pete dumped the scrambled eggs onto a large platter and placed it on the island. The bacon sizzled in the pan on the other burner. “So, what happened?” Pete asked.

Thad tossed his jacket on the back of his chair and then faced Pete. “I was on my way home from Zoey’s when I get a call from Max Gruden.”

“The fire inspector?”

“Yes. Seems a fire broke out shortly after your break-in, and Max had photos he wanted me to look at.”

“In the middle of the night?”

He nodded. “Max believed it was gang related, which I confirmed. The sooner we jumped on the case, the quicker the cops could catch the guy with the evidence. Long story short, I identified the markings on the building as that of the Blood Rights gang. I dragged Jeremy’s ass out of bed and went in search of our informant who told us that this kid, who I shall call
Bob
was quite verbal about wanting revenge for some cops shooting his brother and then arresting him.”

“Was that the kid Jeremy shot?” Pete asked, sliding onto the chair across from them.

“Yes. Along with the evidence Max had, I was able to get a search warrant for Bob’s house. By the time we got there, though, the guy had gotten rid of any gas cans, but he failed to toss his clothes and burned shoes.”

Pete waved his fork. “Committing a crime isn’t as easy as it looks on TV.”

Zoey sipped the hot brew, not sure if she should be privy to this information, but she was happy Thad was willing to share. “Seems like he wanted to be caught.”

“That was my guess.”

“What did he hope to gain by burning down a building? Did he want to be incarcerated so he could be with his brother?” After one of her teenage patients had committed suicide, Zoey decided to refer other teens to a different therapist who specialized in that age group because she realized she might never understand the teenage mind.

Thad picked up his coffee and held it in his hands as if he needed the warmth more than the caffeine. “Apparently, Bob wanted to get
my
attention, because I collared his brother.” He faced her. “When we picked him up, we also found a map to your house.”

It took a minute for the information to make sense. “Bob broke into my house?”

“Seems so. He said he wanted all cops to know that if we come after any of his people that we’d be sorry.”

“Why me?”

Thad placed his hand over hers. “It was a way to give me the most pain.”

Her fogged brain was having a hard time connecting the dots. Unease crawled up her body at the idea someone would want to harm her to get to Thad. Her mind still hadn’t fully processed the break-in. “I’m not clear on this. Did he set the fire because he failed to get into my house?”

“Yes. Kids like him want recognition. Apparently, he thinks he’ll be out in no time. His message, however, was clear. There will be a price to pay if we mess with his gang.”

Zoey brought her coffee to her lips in the hope of stopping her heart from banging against her chest, but it didn’t help. “I’m not sure landing in jail is the smartest choice.”

“I’ve tried for years to get into the head of the typical gang member. Sometimes I can figure them out. Sometimes I can’t. Here’s one thing that never changes. Gang members, for all their faults and screwed-up ideals, are loyal to one another.”

Her mind raced through the ramifications. “Are you saying that even with this kid in jail, others could come after me?”

Thad looked over at Pete, whose face had paled. “I don’t want to scare you, but it’s possible. Gangs don’t play nice.”

She didn’t want to believe what he said was true, but it made sense. Now, every kid she passed on the sidewalk could be a possible attacker. She looked back at Pete. Zoey was surprised he hadn’t offered his advice. “What do you think?”

Pete picked up his mug and brought it to his face, almost like he wanted to hide. “I don’t like it.”

“Neither do I.” In this case, she had little control over what others did.

Thad faced her. “Pete’s men will replace your bedroom window today, but I don’t want you in the house alone. Alarm or not. If Bob wants to get back at me, he’ll find someone else to do the deed.”

“Way to keep me calm.”

Guilt flashed across his face. “Sorry. It’s possible he believes his message has been delivered, but I want to be careful. What I’m doing a bad job of saying is that I’d like you to move in here until we’re positive the danger has passed.”

Would it ever be gone? “I’d like that.” Too bad it wasn’t under better circumstances—like they wanted to be with her. The fact was, they hadn’t known each other long enough. Relationships took time to build.

“I think Zoey should learn to shoot a gun,” Pete said, with a seriousness she hadn’t heard from him before.

“Guns scare me. Violence solves nothing.”

“I’ll be happy to teach her,” Thad offered, “but if she takes the weapon out of her house, she’ll still need to go through a series of courses to get a concealed weapons permit. Even then, it can’t be issued for sixty days.”

Pete rapped on the island. “Not good enough. What about a stun gun?”

Zoey held up her hands. “Guys. A stun gun? By the time I find my purse in my house and then fish it out, it’ll be too late.”

Thad’s lips thinned. “While you’re with us you’ll be safe, but what about when you’re in your office? I didn’t like the way Dr. Carson looked at you.”

She’d been through that discussion with Pete. From their firm tones, they wanted her to take more precautions. While she never could actually use a stun gun, it was better than if they wanted her to carry a gun. “I’ll buy a stun gun, and I’ll leave it at my office.”

“Perfect,” Pete said.

With that settled, they all dug in. After finishing, Zoey wanted to feel useful, and insisted on cleaning up.

“I’m going to crash for a few hours,” Thad said in between yawns. “Maybe we can all do something fun together tonight.”

“I’d like that.” She could only hope it involved some hot sex.

Chapter Twenty-Five