The Prize (9 page)

Chapter Twelve

I stayed at my parents’ until Sunday, unable to convince them to leave the country.
Perhaps take a cruise. They insisted their home was as secure as possible and refused.
I left their house, stopped at a department store, and bought myself some new clothes,
completely unwilling to go back to my apartment yet. By Sunday night, I had checked
into a hotel near my office, paid in cash, and settled into the fancy plush bed.

I would sleep. I felt safe. There was little chance anyone could find me.

After texting Amy and Cheyenne and putting them both off about Parker, I called Detective
Branch. He answered on the first ring. “Are you ever not working?” I asked as a greeting.

He chuckled. “Nope. At least not where you’re concerned.”

“Ah. So you’re not ‘at work’. You just take my calls day and night.”

“Something like that. How’re you holding up?”

“I’m good,” I lied.

“You realize just because he skipped town doesn’t mean he’s coming after you. If there
was any evidence you were in real danger, I would bring you in or put someone on you.
We interviewed several people at the prison. No one knew anything about any side plans
of his. Of course, they could have been lying. What do they have to lose? But, that’s
all we have to go on. The room he was renting was empty. No evidence of where he went
or who he might be with.”

“I see.”

“If there’s any change, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Thanks.”

He hesitated, and then spoke again. “Why don’t you come here?”

“To Charlotte. No way.”

He exhaled slowly. “Just an idea.”

We ended the call, and I reluctantly dialed Parker. If I didn’t, he would call me
soon. I hadn’t spoken to him since Saturday morning.

“Hey, Meagan.” His voice was sultry. Gentle.

“Hi.”

“Where are you?”

“A hotel.”

“Have you been home?”

“No.”

“Spoken to Amy or Cheyenne?”

“No. Just texts. Mostly about you. I dodged them, for now.”

“Are you going to work tomorrow?”

“Yes. Definitely. That’s one place you can rest assured I will be.”

“So definitive. Why’s that?”

I hesitated a moment before divulging that one card. “Safest place on Earth,” I teased.
“You were there. Bob wouldn’t let a soul into the building that didn’t belong.”

He chuckled. At least we lightened the mood. “Do me a favor.”

“Why am I always doing favors for you?”

“Whatever’s going on, please share some of it with Bob. At least give him a head’s
up. I’ll feel better knowing he is keeping an extra eye on you.”

That wasn’t a bad idea. “’K.”

“You’ll do it? Can I trust you?”

“If there’s one thing you should know about me, I will never lie to you. Not about
anything important. If I say I’m going to do something, I will.”

“I don’t need to call Bob myself?”

“Nope. It’s a good idea. Got it covered.” I was glad he suggested it. Besides the
fact it would give me a bigger peace of mind, I knew Bob was also a discreet employee.
He wouldn’t blab anyone’s business. I had never once heard him gossiping.

“I’m worried about you.”

“I know.”

“Am I the only person besides your parents who knows about this?”

“No. The caller from yesterday morning knows. And my therapist.”

“I bet they have a few more details than me.”

“Correct.” I listened to him breathe, enjoying the sound. It was comforting. Knowing
he cared. Unexpected.

“Will you tell me what hotel you’re in?”

“Nope. Will you trace my phone?”

“Not until you give me a good reason to.”

“Good. I’m going to sleep now. I’ll text you when I get to work.” I found I sort of
liked this arrangement. At least I couldn’t go missing for any length of time because
I knew for a fact Parker would call the police before noon if I didn’t communicate
with him.

“Okay. Sleep well.”

I ended the call and lay back in the bed, loving the feel of the soft sheets and down
comforter, so unlike my own.

****

Bob was his usual self when I arrived at work on Monday morning. I showed him the
latest picture I had of Michael Swarth and told him not to let anyone up to see me
for any reason unless I already gave him the okay. He had nodded and assured me no
one would be getting past him. For all he knew, the man in the photo could have been
an estranged boyfriend or a cousin or more likely some distant relative. Realistically
the guy in the picture was rough. Unlikely I was sleeping with him.

I was calmer at work. In fact, I was calm at the hotel too. Both places gave me a
sense of safety. The only time I felt stressed was the short walk from the hotel to
the office. It was only a few blocks. I kept my eyes peeled to my surroundings the
entire time.

How long could I keep this up? I had plenty of money saved up. I could stay in this
hotel for as long as I wanted. I could get money from my parents. Or my trust fund.
But I didn’t want to.

I’d prided myself on being self-sufficient since finishing my masters and landing
this job.

Before that, I’d used scholarships and summer jobs to help defray the cost of college
tuition. My parents thought I was insane, but they were also proud of me. There hadn’t
been any reason to live stingy. They had the money. I just didn’t like using it. And
I didn’t like them using it either.

Money had been a bone of contention between us for fifteen years. Even at ten, I had
been wise enough to know I hated money and wished it all away. After months of arguing,
my parents had given in to their only child and given up their upper-class life to
appease me. And they’d never mentioned it again. I knew it also eased their own minds.

When my phone buzzed midmorning, signaling a text, I jumped.

Parker. Of course. I read his message.

You’re calling me now, right?

I smiled as I picked up the phone and hit the buttons to make the call. “Master?”
I greeted when I heard the line connect.

“Imp.”

I giggled, glancing around to make sure no one was in earshot.

“I like the sound of that.”

“What, my laughing?”

“Yes, and you calling me master. I could get used to both.”

I rolled my eyes. What would he think if he saw? “Don’t hold your breath.”

“Fine. For now.”

“How many times do we have to go over this? It’s growing old. You don’t own me. You
can’t own me. It’s not in the cards. The sooner you accept that, the sooner we can
move on.”

“I’m not going to argue with you because I know you need a friend right now more than
a lover. And I want to be here for you.”

“How chivalrous.” It was. I wasn’t kidding. I was surprised by his ability to put
aside our sexual attraction for the last two days and simply be there.

“Yeah. That’s me. A regular knight in shining armor. When are you going to let me
pick you up on my white horse?”

“When hell freezes over. I don’t like horses.”

He chuckled. I liked the sound as much as he liked
my
laughter. It was light. Refreshing in my fucked-up world.

“Are you safe? Made it to work okay?”

“Yep.”

“Text me when you get back to the hotel.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Don’t be a smart ass, hon. Your teasing makes my cock hard.”

I clenched my legs together at the mention of his cock and the tone of his sexy voice.
But I couldn’t resist the urge to respond the same way. “Yes, Master.”

“Get to work.”

“On it.”

“Goodbye, Meagan.” He ended the call before I had a chance to respond. Probably for
the best.

****

Two hours later, my world flipped upside down.

My office line rang before lunch. I picked it up when I saw it was Bob at the front
desk downstairs.

“Ms. Hollister?”

“Yes.”

“Bob Winters. Front desk. There’s a police officer here to see you. Can I send him
up?”

I stopped breathing. What the hell?

“Ma’am?”

I forced the words out. “Of course. Thanks.”

I didn’t move for the entire two minutes it took before a man in uniform entered my
office. “Are you Meagan Hollister?”

“Yes.” I stood finally, gripping the sides of my desk so hard my knuckles hurt.

“I’m Officer Koreg. Is this your address?” He held out a piece of paper for me to
see, though I could barely focus.

“Yes.”

“Someone broke into your apartment.”

I lowered myself into my chair.
No
.

This couldn’t be happening.

Sweat beaded on my forehead. The room spun. I thought I might faint.

“Ma’am? Are you okay?”

I tried to nod, but couldn’t.

“Ma’am?” He leaned his hands on my desk.

“Detective Branch. Arnold Branch. Can you call him? Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.”

He paused, taking in my words, and then nodded and took out his cell.

I didn’t have the wherewithal to give him the number from my own phone.

It didn’t matter. He stepped back and paced a few moments, but he had Branch on the
phone quickly. He stopped moving to look at me, one hand on his hip while he told
the detective about my apartment and then listened and nodded unnecessarily. Finally,
he spoke. “I see. Okay… Nope. I’m here. Won’t leave.”

I scooted my chair back and leaned forward to put my head between my knees. It seemed
like the right thing to do to keep from passing out.

When Koreg ended the call, he sat across from me. “Ms. Hollister. You okay?”

I nodded subtly. “Just give me a minute. Shocked.”

“I’m sure. I’m so sorry. Detective Branch is making a few calls. I’ll stay here with
you until we figure out what to do next.”

I nodded again. “Has anyone called my parents?” I managed to mumble.

“Branch is on it. He’s sending someone to the house now.”

Good. I sat up suddenly, grabbed my phone, and dialed my mom. With my eyes squeezed
shut, I prayed for her to answer.

“Honey, we’re fine. Just got off the phone with Detective Branch.”

I sighed in relief. “Will you please leave town now?”

“No. But we’ll come get you.”

I shook my head before responding. “Don’t. You’re safer apart from me.”

“Honey, there’s no way your father’s going to agree to that.”

My fog dissipated. Clarity rushed in. “Mom, listen to me. I’m leaving Atlanta. You
need to do the same. Go to the beach. Do whatever you want. Just don’t leave a trail
until this is over. Okay?”

“Meagan…”

“I mean it. I’m fine. I have a place to go.”

“Where?”

“Charlotte.”

She gasped. How could I blame her? “Charlotte? Why? Meagan you haven’t been there
in fifteen years. After all the—”

I cut her off. “What difference does it make now? He found me.”

“You don’t know that for sure. Maybe the break-in was a coincidence.”

“Mom. There’s a cop in my office who’s convinced I’m in enough danger to stay with
me. I’m not going to pretend someone randomly broke into my apartment to rob me of
my ratty old couch or my fine three-hundred-dollar mattress.”

Shit. I sat up straighter and met Koreg’s gaze.

“I have to go, Mom. Pack a bag and leave. I’ll call you back in a while.”

“Okay, honey. We will. If it keeps you from worrying.”

“It does.” I ended the call and chewed on my lower lip. “How trashed is my place?”
I asked the officer.

He lifted a brow. “Pretty trashed for someone with such an expensive mattress?” He
gave me a slight grin.

Fuck.

“What are you thinking?”

“That he could have dug around enough to figure out where I worked.”

“Ah. Good point.”

“He won’t find that evidence, but that was what he wanted.”

“What makes you think that?”

“I’ve waited fifteen years for Michael Swarth to come after me. I’m prepared. I keep
no paper. I’ve been through a dozen shredders in the last decade. But that’s what
he was looking for.”

“Any chance this is random? Do you own any expensive jewelry? Anything that could
be missing? Maybe something someone saw and coveted?”

I smiled. “Not one goddamn thing, Officer Koreg. Not even a diamond stud. And that’s
not a coincidence. It’s by design.”

Chapter Thirteen

At nine o’clock, I stood outside Parker’s home in Myers Park with my finger on his
doorbell.

It took about thirty seconds for him to answer, and when he did, his eyes bugged out
of his head. “Holy shit. Meagan.” He looked past me toward Detective Branch at my
back and two steps down.

“I need your help. Can I stay here?” I lifted my small suitcase and my computer bag
to show him I meant that to be a while.

“Of course.” He stepped back to let me in and then held the door wider and glanced
at Branch.

Branch tipped his head at me and pointed at his unmarked car. “I’ll be out front until
we figure out what to do next.” He had followed me to Parker’s, and I was grateful.

“Thanks,” I responded, setting my hand on Parker’s grip on the door and easing his
fingers away to shut it.

Parker locked the door in three places, grabbed my bags from my hand, and wrapped
his fingers around my bicep to lure me into his home. After leading me through the
entryway, he set my things on the floor next to the couch in the living room, turned
to face me, and cupped my cheeks with his hands.

Warmth spread through my body. Calming. Soothing. Amazing.

“You don’t expect me to put in a movie and make popcorn, do you?”

I smiled slowly. “No.”

“Good, because you better start talking. I’ve never been so glad to see anyone at
my front door in my life, but, hon, I’m finished being left in the dark.”

“I know.” I leaned forward and set my forehead on his chest, trying to catch my breath
and decide where to begin. I inhaled his scent and fought against the moan that wanted
to escape my lips.

“Come. Sit.” He circled my biceps and led me to an amazingly inviting plush, off-white,
oversized couch.

When I lowered myself into the corner, kicking off my heels and tucking my feet under
me, I glanced around. The great room was warm and inviting. The attached kitchen was
state of the art with stainless steel appliances and marble countertops. The long
glass dining table between the two sides of the room seated ten. But the living area
was the best part. A person could stay for days sucked into the deep cushions of the
sofa or the matching chairs. The entertainment system across from them was enormous
and amazing. Every component had a place in the built-in, floor-to-ceiling cabinet.
“I could sit here for the rest of my life and be content.”

“I could arrange that, but eventually I assume you’d get hungry or thirsty, or maybe
even horny.” He lifted one brow and grinned. “Speaking of which, have you eaten? I
can heat something up for you.”

I shook my head. “I ate earlier. I’m good.” Earlier being seven thirty that morning…

“You’re a crappy liar. And you told me you’d never lie.”

I chuckled. “Not about important things. A harmless white lie won’t kill you.”

“So, tell me the important things.”

I glanced down at my lap where I was twisting my fingers around and around each other.
“I’ve never spoken of this with anyone outside of my parents and my therapist.” I
wanted him to realize how important this was to me.

“I know, hon.” He lowered himself next to me, but didn’t touch me. Thank God. I couldn’t
spill out the story if he had his hand on me.

“When I was ten, two men broke into my home in the middle of the night. They were
high, and they needed cash for drugs. I woke up to the commotion and wandered into
the hall. I was half asleep, but when I leaned over the balcony, I found my parents
tied to each other back-to-back on the living room floor below me. Their mouths were
duct taped and their eyes were huge.”

I paused. Parker said nothing.

I didn’t lift my gaze to see his expression. Instead I watched as his hands stiffened
in his lap, fisting on his jeans. “I must have made a sound because the men who were
rummaging around in the living room both glanced up at me and then dashed toward the
stairs.

“I turned and ran into my parents’ bedroom, my adrenaline pumping so hard I was wide
awake. I yanked open my mother’s nightstand, grabbed her gun, and crawled under the
bed.

“I don’t know why I thought I could hide from them. But I was ten.

“When they came into the room, they shouted at me to come out, reaching under with
their arms. I scrambled toward the wall, scared for my life.

“They yelled words I had rarely heard by that age, calling me a little bitch and telling
me they would kill my parents if I didn’t come out right that instant.”

I took several deep breaths, looking for the courage to continue. It had been so long
since I’d relived that night.

“One man left the room while the other man paced. I watched his feet. I got a good
hold on the gun and held it in front of me. I heard my mother scream and then nothing
else. I thought she was dead.

“When the guy came back, the other man stepped toward the door to the room. ‘Jesus,
Matt. Did you kill her?’ he asked. I panicked, wiggled out from the other side of
the bed, and stood across from them. The guy named Matt started laughing. As soon
as he stepped toward me, I lifted the gun and pulled the trigger.”

Parker gasped.

I finally lifted my gaze to find his eyes huge and his forehead raised. His mouth
hung open.

I continued. “Matt fell to the floor, and the other guy I would later learn was Michael,
his brother, turned around and came after me. So, I shot again. My aim wasn’t as good
the second time. He lived. Matt died.”

Parker ran a hand through his hair. “My, God. Meagan…”

“Yeah. That was the end of my childhood.”

“You were ten?”

“Yes.”

“Then what happened?”

“I called nine one one, stepped over Michael clutching his chest and his brother’s
dead body, and ran down the stairs. My parents were both fine. Matt had simply removed
the tape from my mother’s mouth to scare me with her scream.

“The cops came, Michael Swarth went to jail, and my family changed our surname and
moved to Atlanta.”

Parker flinched. “From here, right? You lived here in Charlotte?”

I nodded.

“Let me guess, Michael Swarth got released.”

I nodded again.

“No wonder you’re scared.”

“Oh, it gets worse. He jumped parole and came after me. This morning he broke into
my apartment.”

“Shit.”

“Yes. And that’s why I’m here. I haven’t been to Charlotte for fifteen years. Didn’t
think I could stand the memories. I suppose I thought it would be easier to hide if
I wasn’t in this town. But I was wrong. He will hunt me down until he kills me.”

Parker lurched out and hauled me into his embrace.

Tears stung my eyes, and I fought to keep them at bay, but I lost. On an ugly sob,
the dam broke, and I started crying and didn’t stop for several minutes.

Parker held me the entire time, rocking me against him, his hands buried in my curls,
stroking my head.

When I finally pulled myself together, he reached for a box of tissues on the end
table behind me and handed me several. “You’re safe here.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Parker, I’m not safe anywhere.”

“You are. I’ll make sure of it.”

“I don’t want to disrupt your life. I just needed a place to go for the night.”

“Stop it. You’re staying here until he’s caught, and that’s final. For once, don’t
argue with me.”

“Okay.”

He sighed. “Finally, I get through to her,” he mumbled.

I smiled through my swollen eyes. “I appreciate it. I mean it.”

He wiped a fresh tear from my cheek and kissed my forehead. “Why all the secrecy?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. When I first moved onto the same street as Amy in the middle
of fourth grade, I just wanted to be normal. A regular girl. I didn’t want anyone’s
pity or to have the other kids staring at me, so I told my parents to keep our secret
and launched into a new life. It was good.

“My father still worked for the investment firm he’d always worked for but from home.
My mother gave up her volunteer work to be with me after school. We were a family.
Close. We ate dinner together for the first time ever. I loved my new life.

“I didn’t worry about Michael Swarth for years. Amy became my best friend, and I never
told her. The longer the years stretched, the weirder it was to reveal my secret.”

“You think she would be mad at you?” He eyed me skeptically as though I’d lost a marble
or two.

I shook my head. “No.” I shrugged. “It’s just weird. And I let it go. I always knew
he would eventually get out, but until that day, I pushed it to the back of my head
and ignored the stress.”

“Except not really.”

I smiled again. “How did you get so smart?”

He ignored that question. “Can I pour you a drink at least? Perhaps a shot of something
strong?”

“No. I want to keep my faculties. I’m afraid I would either freak out on you or decide
to drink the entire bottle and vomit on your floor.”

“Then that’s a bad plan.” He stood, tugging me to my feet with him. “You’re exhausted.
You need sleep. Tomorrow we’ll face whatever’s necessary.”

I yawned. He was right.

He took two steps, my hand in his, but I held my ground. When he glanced back, I licked
my lips, looking for the words I needed to say. “I can’t be what you need me to be.
I’m broken. This won’t end well for you, and I’m totally taking advantage of you.
But could you do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Let me sleep with you. I mean…alongside you. In your bed. It’s the only way I know
I’ll actually rest. You make me feel…safe. And I need that right now.”

He closed the gap between us and pulled me into his embrace. “Of course. I wouldn’t
have it any other way.”

I lifted my gaze to meet his. “I’m not asking for sex. I’m asking for comfort.”

“Then comfort you’ll have.” He brushed my hair off my forehead and kissed me there
again. “Let’s get you comfortable. You’ll feel much better when we get you out of
that tight skirt and into a T-shirt and under the covers.”

For the first time in days, I breathed easier as I followed him to his bedroom.