What can we do that isnt already being done? Craig responded from where he sat on the leather couch, pressing his fingers to his forehead gingerly, lucky he only had a bump on his forehead to show for his collision with the light pole. The car that hit me hasnt been foundit was too dark to identify the make and model. Basically, the police have nothing to go on.
Devins family had gathered for this meeting at his request. The twentieth anniversary of his parents murders loomed like a ghostly specter with teeth that could come back to bite any one of the Kendallsand apparently had in the attack on his uncle the previous night.
Devin stopped pacing and faced his family. The person who killed our parents is still out there. And things are becoming much more dangerous since Rick Campbells murder.
Though he had been exonerated of the crime for which hed served almost twenty years, Campbell had not been able to revel in his release as he himself was killed just days afterward.
Devins sister, Natalie, leaned forward in the wing-backed chair beside the couch. Whoever did it hasnt made a move on the rest of us. With her long straight blond hair and green eyes, Natalie was the spitting image of their dead mother. And, she could more than hold her own in a marketing meeting with the executives of the multimillion-dollar corporation, Kendall Communications.
But Devin wasnt so sure she could stand up against a cold-blooded murderer. What if the killer decides the police are getting too close? What if one of us reminds him too much of our parents and he decides to kill again?
Youre borrowing trouble, Dev. His brother Ash shook his head. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police have reopened the case. Were working it.
Devin snorted. No offense, Ash, but they arrested the wrong man twenty years ago. What makes you think they can figure it out now?
Ashs lips thinned into a straight line and his eyes narrowed at Devin. This time, we dont have a celebrity-seeking cop investigating. And were not kids ready to accept any answer.
His chest tightened as Devin recalled the morning hed learned his parents had been murdered. Guilt wadded like a fist in his throat and he had to swallow several times to clear it in order to speak.
Hed been out all night and sneaked back into the house only to find their bodies. Natalie had been standing in mute shock. If only hed been there, he might have been able to stop the murderer and spared his little sister the horror.
Devin wished his brother Thad was there. As usual, Thad was off on a journalism assignment with no expected return date and limited ability to contact.
Jolie Carson, Devins executive assistant, appeared at his side with a cup of coffee. Just her presence helped to ease his discomfort. Shed been his best hire to date. Six years and counting, shed stood by him, organized his schedule and his life to the point he couldnt imagine functioning without her. He took the coffee mug from her. Thanks.
Devin took a sip of the coffee. Black, with a hint of cinnamon, just the way he liked it. We arent kids anymore. He set the mug on the desk and crossed his arms over his chest. But that might make us more of a target.
What do you suggest we do? Natalies eyebrows rose up her forehead. Hide in our homes until the real killer is brought to justice? She stood, her shoulders back, twin flags of color in her cheeks. Im not going to run scared just because some lunatic is out there. Twenty years is a long time. If he was going to make a move on any of the rest of us, hed have done it by now. I have a job, as do the rest of you.
Jolie stopped on her way out of the office. Shes right. You cant run scared or the killer wins.
Devin scowled at Jolie. She propped a hand on her hip, her lips firm, her chin held high, daring him to contradict her in front of his family.
Hed have a talk with Jolie when everyone cleared out of his office. Her advice was usually sound and he valued her opinion, but she didnt understand how dangerous the situation could get.
Natalie and Jolie are right. Craig stood, as well. Much as I hate that we havent found the killer, we cant live in fear. We have lives. We have a business to run.
If Devin could, hed lock his family up on the Kendall estate until the killer was found. He leaned toward telling them just that, but knew theyd fight him tooth and nail. The Kendall stubborn streak was strong in every one of them. Its what made them successful. They didnt give up and they didnt run scared. Unfortunately, that didnt make him worry any less.
The tension in his shoulders loosened and he sighed. Just do me a favor, will you?
His siblings and uncle waited before committing to the favor.
Be careful. Watch your backs and dont take anything for granted. If you see anything or anyone suspicious, let me or Ash know immediately. You cant be too cautious. His message was for all of them, but his gaze landed on Natalie.
She frowned. Im always careful. Just try to attack me and lets see who ends up on his butt. She waved him forward, her stance hampered by her slim-fitting skirt.
Jolie chuckled. Im scared.
Me, too. Ash clapped his sister on her back. Natalie is a black belt.
Training and defending are completely different. Devins gaze darkened. Natalie was his little sister. He still felt responsible for her safety even though she was a fully grown twenty-six-year-old.
I think hes chicken, Natalie confided to Ash, her gaze on Devin, a smile lurking at the corners of her mouth. But Ill let it slide this time. Id hate to damage my favorite skirt. She cocked her head at him. Anything else, dear brother?
Yeah, I need that marketing plan by end of day. I suggest you get to work before the CEO fires you.
She laughed. Anyone ever tell the CEO hes a pain in the butt?
That could be construed as insubordination. Devin shot a wad of paper at her. Get out of here.
Natalie spun on her sensible heel and headed for the door, stopping long enough to ask Jolie, We still on for dinner tonight?
You bet. Ive been dying to try that new Hunan restaurant around the corner.
Me, too. Natalie turned back toward her brothers. And, dont worry, Ill have eyes in the back of my head.
Craig buttoned his suit jacket. Im sorry this has all come up again. Your aunt Angela is beside herself with worry.
Like Natalie said, we can take care of ourselves. Ash draped an arm over his uncles shoulder. You and Aunt Angela have done so much for this family. Im more worried about you than the rest of us.
Craig and Angela had taken on the responsibility of raising the Kendall children upon the death of their parents.
I beefed up the security at the estate, Craig said. Im considering hiring a bodyguard, but Angela is dead set against it.
Natalie paused in the doorway. Cant blame her. She shuddered. Id hate having someone following me around, anticipating my every move. It would drive me nuts. She glanced at Jolie. Six oclock, then. Bye.
Jolie smiled and closed the door behind Natalie. She had her wavy red hair pulled back in a neat bun, exposing the long length and porcelain skin of her neck.
For a moment, Devin studied the way an errant curl bounced against her earlobe and wondered what she looked like with her hair down. She was somewhat plain in her soft gray suit with a proper slim-line skirt cut to the knee. Everything about Jolie was proper except her wicked sense of humor and her ability to tell him like it was. She didnt pull her punches.