Key Witness (13 page)

“How often did she call you Ellebird? All the time? Ever in public?”

“She called me that all the time. But she didn’t often go out in public with us as a family. She didn’t like the limelight.” She glanced at him. “What’s wrong? Why are you frowning?”

“Elle, if your grandmother died a year ago, I’m afraid these guys have been planning this for a long time. How else would they know that?”

“You think they were around my family just for the purpose of one day doing this?”

He nodded. “I do. Was the IT guy ever at your house?”

She shook her head. “No, I only saw him up at my dad’s D.C. office.” She paused. “Now that I think about it, he may have been at the campaign office in Norfolk, also. He was from an outside firm that we used whenever we had computer problems.”

“That would explain how someone hacked into your father’s email account and website so easily.”

She shivered. “They’ve been planning this a year. That’s disturbing, to say the least. And they chose to implement their little plan right now while my father is trying to get reelected. That’s probably not a coincidence.”

“The FBI is on it. They’ll figure out who this guy is. And maybe then we’ll be able to track him down, figure out who his partner is, also.”

Elle nodded, not wanting to admit that her hope was dying little by little.

She had to find a way to keep it alive, though. She had to find a way to keep Brianna alive.

* * *

Another wave of insomnia kept Elle unsettled, praying for sleep to find her. She had too much on her mind to sleep. Too many worries. Too many fears.

She simply couldn’t get Brianna out of her mind. Every time she closed her eyes, she pictured what her friend might be going through. The sheets lay twisted at her feet, evidence of her anguish. Finally, she sat up and threw her feet over the edge of the bed. Her heart raced and her throat felt dry with emotion as she stared at the dark room around her. The only light was that of the moon outside that shone in through her window.

She raked a hand through her hair. She’d tried desperately to come up with a plan to appease Brianna’s abductors. If she could get her phone, maybe she could text them, let them know she’d trade herself for Brianna. Those around her would never let that happen. There were eyes on her all the time, especially Denton’s.

Denton.

He’d been such a support to her during this crazy experience.

Of course he had been. He’d been hired to protect her. Somehow, she’d begun feeling like he was more than hired help, though. He felt like a friend, maybe even like... She swallowed. No, she couldn’t think like that. She needed someone safe, predictable. Someone who valued routine and stability and privacy. Not someone who took chances for a living. When would she ever learn her lesson?

Finally, she stood, stretching as she did so. She would give in to her insomnia. Maybe she could at least read a book and drink some milk, do something that might get her mind off everything going on and help sleep find her. She pulled on a robe over her pajama set and crept down the hallway. Denton’s door remained closed. Maybe this would be the one time she’d be able to slip past him. The man seemed to have a sixth sense that clued him in whenever she tried to do something without his knowledge.

She tiptoed downstairs, shivering as she stepped onto the wooden floor. The house, at the moment, felt big and overwhelming. Not safe and secure. There were too many places for people to hide, too many shadows.

She knew there was an agent stationed outside, watching for anything suspicious. Certainly she was safe in her own house. All the campaign staff and law enforcement personnel had cleared out.

Tonight, it was just her, her mother, Denton and Bentley. Her father was still in D.C. He had his own security detail with him.

What if her father was really the target in all this? What better way to get at her father than by getting to her? Because really there was no one she could think of who’d hate her this much. Preston would have the most reason to be upset with her—he’d tried to convince her for months that they should get back together. But now he was engaged. He’d obviously gotten over her. Besides, he was the one who had cheated.

But Preston would have known that her grandmother called her Ellebird. He knew the family’s schedule. He knew Brianna was her best friend. Had he been the one who recommended that IT firm?

Tension pinched her back muscles.

No, Preston couldn’t be behind this.

But she had to acknowledge that there was a chance it was someone her father knew and trusted or had hired.

If not Preston, then who?

Bentley? Denton seemed to think it was a possibility, but she had a hard time believing it. The man was set in his ways and determined, but he would never do this. He was too intent on her father being reelected.

Of course, her father’s numbers had climbed since the press got wind of everything that had happened. Bentley wouldn’t do this just to get votes...would he? She shook her head. No, he was conniving, but not that conniving. Still, doubt lingered.

She tried to think of someone—anyone—else, but her mind drew a blank. She liked to believe the best in people, but she truly couldn’t think of anyone this evil or twisted. Not even Preston or Bentley.

As she stepped into the kitchen, resolve settled in her. She was going to look into the people who openly disliked her father. The ones who’d sent him death threats, posted nasty messages or organized protests.

She knew the FBI was investigating, and she trusted them. But right now she had to do something to help her friend and investigating on her own was all she could think of. Besides, her investigating would take place behind a computer desk. That seemed safe enough.

As she stepped toward the cabinet where the glasses were kept, she decided to keep the lights out. The illumination from the inside of the refrigerator should be enough to let her see what she was doing. She grabbed a glass and pulled out the milk.

As she closed the door, something at the window caught her eye. She squinted, caught in a moment of fight or flight.

She wanted to run, but her hand felt frozen on the refrigerator handle.

Finally, the discrepancy that caught her eye came into focus.

There, on the bay window by the breakfast nook, something had been smeared on the window. Something white. Letters. Words. A message.

A threat.

We’re watching you.

She dropped her milk and screamed.

THIRTEEN

D
enton had heard Elle slip out of her room. He’d quietly dressed, trying to give her space but wanting to be ready in case she needed him. He pictured her tiptoeing downstairs to get a midnight snack. But he could also picture her trying to sneak out and help her friend. That’s why he had to be on guard.

A scream ripped through the air.

Denton grabbed his gun and raced out of his room. He took the stairs by twos, desperate to get to Elle, to find out what had happened, to make sure she was okay.

He halted in the kitchen doorway. Elle stood there, a pool of liquid and broken glass at her feet. Her face looked as pale as the milk on the floor.

She pointed to the window.

He read the words painted there, visible even in the dark.

We’re watching you.

How had those words gotten there? When? How had someone gotten past security outside the house?

He had to radio his agent and find out where he was. His gut told him something was wrong. No way had someone gotten this close to the residence with Agent Banks patrolling the premises.

He closed the space between him and Elle. “Are you okay?”

She grabbed some paper towels and began sopping up the mess on the floor. “Just surprised.”

Denton knelt beside her and placed his hands over hers. “We’ll get that in a moment. Right now, I need you to stay away from the windows, okay?”

She nodded. Denton raised her to her feet and led her to her mom’s bedroom. “I’ve got to go check on my guy outside. I need you to stay here. Lock the door behind me, and don’t answer for anyone but me. Understand?”

She nodded again, obviously shaken.

Denton waited until he heard the lock click in place before running downstairs. A sleepy-eyed Bentley stood in the foyer, a dazed look about him. “What’s going on?”

“Stay inside with Elle and Mrs. Philips, and call me if you need me. I’ve got to go outside and check things out.”

“I heard a scream. Is someone hurt?”

“Not on my watch.”

Denton slipped outside, his gaze darting around for Agent Banks. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed his number. “Banks, you there?”

Nothing.

What had happened to his agent? Tension clinched his gut.

“Banks?”

Still nothing.

Denton scanned the landscape, looking for a sign of trouble or a sign of life. Anything out of the ordinary that would give him a clue as to where to look.

In the distance, the door to the guard station stood ajar. He darted toward the small building. As soon as he got to the entrance, he drew his gun and stood on alert. He swung around the corner and took in the guard station.

Agent Banks lay on the floor, blood on his forehead. Quickly, he felt for a pulse. It was faint but there. He had to get him medical help and fast.

Just as he pulled out his phone, a noise caught his ear.

A beeping.

His eyes zeroed in on a blinking light in the corner.

A bomb.

And it was set to explode in five seconds.

* * *

Elle’s mom pulled herself up in bed, strain obvious over her pulled features. Her cast weighed her down, made every movement harder.

“What’s going on? I heard a scream.”

Elle sat on the edge of her bed and flicked on a bedside lamp. “Someone left a message on the window downstairs. It said, ‘We’re watching you.’”

Her mother’s eyes closed and a somber expression ingrained every part of her being. “Elle, I don’t understand why all this is happening. Where’s Denton?”

“He went to check things out on the property.”

“Do you think this is all because of your father’s indiscretions?”

Elle blinked. “You think it’s because of the women he’s rumored to have been with?”

“Could be. Someone may have finally decided to get revenge.”

“They’re going over-the-top with revenge, if that’s the case. They’re not even focusing on Dad. They’re focusing on—”

“On you.” Her mom nodded, her gaze heavy with grief. “Nothing makes sense.”

“I’m hoping this will end soon. The country’s best is working the case. I’m sure answers are close.”

Her mom ran a hand over her face before raising her chin. She drew in a deep breath, composure replacing her exhaustion. “Thank goodness Denton is here. I don’t think I would get any sleep at night without him.”

“I agree.” Denton did have a way of making people feel safe. He was good at his job. “He’s one of the country’s best, too.”

Elle hoped he was okay now, as well as Agent Banks. She’d expected him back by now—the silence and the waiting were enough to drive her batty. Just what was going on outside?

She got up and paced over to the window. She hoped the full moon might allow her to see something.

Nothing.

Only an expanse of lawn and the silhouette of trees at the edge of the property. The guard station stood at the end of the drive, surrounded by the iron fence. Elle bit her lip and stayed at the window a moment, hoping to catch a glimpse of Denton or Agent Banks. She just needed some sign that they were okay.

Just as she dropped the drape to return to her mother, an explosion lit the evening sky. She pressed her face to the glass and saw the guard station in flames.

“No!” Elle darted across the room toward the hallway.

Her mother lunged forward, trying to get up but unable to with her cast. “What’s going on? What was that?”

Elle hurried toward the door, panic lacing each movement. “The guard station. It just went up in flames.”

“Elle, come back here.”

“No, I’ve got to make sure Denton is okay. I’ve got to call the police.”

“I’ll call the police. Elle—”

Elle didn’t hear her mom. She flew toward the front door. Just as her hand covered the knob, strong arms grabbed her from behind.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

She fought against the man’s grasp. Her elbow came up and back and caught his eye. The man moaned and doubled over in pain. She flipped around, ready to fight. Then she straightened.

“Bentley?”

His hand covered his eye, but even then she could see his scowl. “I’m going to have a shiner, thanks to you.”

She straightened from her fighting stance. “What are you doing grabbing me like that, especially after everything that’s happened?”

He pursed his lips in aggravation. “Your little boyfriend told me not to let you go out there. I was just doing what he said.”

“He’s not my little boyfriend, and I need to see if he’s okay.” She reached for the door, but Bentley grabbed her arm again.

“You can’t do that. It’s dangerous. You don’t know what’s going on. Maybe the person who caused that explosion is waiting outside the front door. You’ve got to use your brain instead of your heart.”

Elle paused, blood pounding in her ears. “You may be in charge of my father’s staff, but you’re not in charge of me.” She pulled from his grasp and opened the front door. Her gaze scanned her surroundings a moment for any signs of danger.

Flames licked away at the building in the distance and the smoldering scent of smoke and ash fell heavy in the air. Before Bentley could reach for her again, she ran toward the explosion, ignoring any fears of what could happen or the situation she may have just put herself in.

She simply couldn’t stay inside, sitting by idly, while someone may be outside and hurt. She knew if she’d stopped long enough to think about it, she would find this decision foolhardy. But sometimes emotions trumped logic.

Her bare feet pounded the prickly grass. Her mom should have called 9–1–1 by now. Hopefully emergency crews would be on their way.

Raging-hot debris littered the lawn. Elle slowed, stepping carefully so as not to injure herself. She wouldn’t be much help hurt.

“Denton! Agent Banks!” she called.

She saw no signs of life, only destruction. Her heart panged with grief.
Please, Lord, let there be no one inside of the building.

She rounded the corner and spotted two bodies sprawled on the ground. Casualties of war? She prayed that wasn’t the case.

Her heart froze as her eyes focused on the features of one of the men.

Denton.

She rushed toward him and knelt at his side. Blood gushed from his forehead. His shirt was stained red and ripped. He looked lifeless. She grabbed his arm and nudged him. “Denton?”

His eyes pulled open. Slowly, he raised up on his elbows. His hand went to his forehead before his gaze focused on her. “Elle. You shouldn’t be out here.”

“What happened? Are you okay?”

He grimaced with pain. “You should be inside.”

“I couldn’t stay inside, not when I thought you might be out here hurt.” Her fingers reached for Agent Banks. She found his pulse. There, but barely. “He’s still hanging on. Help is on the way. What happened?”

“Someone knocked Agent Banks unconscious and left a bomb. I got him out just in time.”

Sirens wailed down the road. Help was on the way. Thank goodness help was finally on the way.

“Elle, I’ve got to get you back inside.”

She shook her head. “No. Don’t be ridiculous. I’m staying here with you.”

“Elle...” His eyes implored her, weakening her resolve. But only for a moment.

“People have been sheltering me my entire life. Sometimes I have to follow my own instincts.” She kept his head elevated in her lap. “Now you stay put until an ambulance gets here.”

Despite his injuries, a smile curled part of his lip. “Yes, ma’am.”

Maybe he’d be okay. Agent Banks, too. She had to believe that or she’d go crazy blaming herself. All of this was because of her. People around her kept getting hurt. How much longer could she go on, knowing that she was the key component to all these crimes?

“You’re one stubborn lady, Elle Philips.”

Elle smiled this time. “So I’ve been told.” Her smile slipped. Eventually, she’d have to tap into that stubbornness in order to keep her family and friends safe. What other choice did she have?

Just then, the ambulance pulled to a stop outside the gate. Two EMTs ran over to help. Elle stepped back and let them do their job.

But as they bandaged up Denton and began to examine Agent Banks, a realization crashed into her mind. She cared about Denton. Too much.

She had to keep her distance. As hard as it was going to be, she had no other choice, not if she wanted to keep her heart safe. And if she wanted to keep him safe.

* * *

An hour later, Denton was bandaged and bruised, but no worse for wear. Agent Banks, on the other hand, had a concussion and had to be admitted to the hospital. The FBI was back again and investigated the explosion, as well as the threatening message.

Though it was the middle of the night, people milled about the house. Denton stood in the entryway of the home, his gaze focused on Bentley. His shoes in particular. There were wet grass blades on the bottom of his sneakers. Had Bentley been outside? Denton certainly hadn’t seen him.

But someone had been outside to leave that message and to leave the bomb. Was Bentley capable of those things? Absolutely. But did he have a motive?

Denton wasn’t sure.

“What are you thinking?” Elle appeared beside him.

“That you should have never gone outside.”

“Besides that.”

“Did Bentley go outside to help you?”

“No. Why?”

“He has grass on his shoes.”

“You don’t think...”

“I’m not ruling anyone out at this point. Bentley certainly has the inside track on what’s going on in your life. It’s entirely possible that he could be involved. Not likely, but possible.”

Bentley turned away from the agent questioning him and stomped over to them at that moment. Fire lit his eyes. “I tried to keep her inside. I did. But she wouldn’t listen.”

Denton pointed at his feet. “You were outside.”

He looked down and when he raised his head again, his cheeks flushed red. “I couldn’t sleep. I just stepped onto the patio to have a drink.”

“The patio doesn’t have grass on it.”

He frowned. “I paced around a little bit.”

“A lot on your mind?”

“I’d say! Someone is trying to single-handedly destroy this campaign!”

Elle’s hands went to her hips. “My dad’s numbers have gone up. Are you sure this isn’t helping his chances for reelection?”

“What are you suggesting? That I’m behind this? You’re crazy.” He threw his hands in the air, his voice rising in pitch with every word.

Elle remained firm. “You had the day off when the bank robbery happened.”

“I had a doctor’s appointment. You can’t think I’m the one who’s killing people off! I can’t believe you.” He started to step away.

“I wouldn’t go far. I’m sure the FBI will want to talk to you.” Denton’s voice cut through the air. Goose bumps popped over Bentley’s arms, visible even from where Denton stood.

Bentley turned around, his nostrils flaring. “You’re serious?”

Denton nodded. “Your defensiveness isn’t helping your case, you know. It only makes you look guilty.”

“I haven’t done anything!”

Elle crossed her arms over her chest. “Then why do you look guilty?”

He raised his hands in the air. “Listen, I’ve let a few things leak to the media. That’s it. I haven’t been behind any of the crimes, though. I swear.”

Elle’s voice remained surprisingly steady. “Why would you let these things leak? Do you not value my family’s privacy?”

“I value winning.”

Elle’s chin jutted out, and she stepped closer to her father’s chief-of-staff. “I strongly suggest you not stay at our house anymore, Bentley.”

Bentley blinked in obvious surprise. “Are you firing me?”

“That’s up to my dad. I’m simply kicking you out of our house.”

His face turned an explosive shade of red. “You’ll regret this, Elle.”

Denton pulled Elle back a step. “Is that a threat?”

He didn’t respond. He turned on his heel and stormed away instead.

* * *

Elle sat at her desk, absently doodling and writing notes that didn’t make sense, somehow trying to sort out her twisted thoughts. She began jotting down everything that had happened so far. Would this help? Probably not. But maybe getting all her thoughts out of her head and onto paper would somehow let her brain feel less cluttered.