Secure Desire Page 25

  “Humble bastards,” Martin said.

  “San Diego is sending Mia en route with half her team to help us backfill. If we need more, call Denver and New York."

  Ian’s breath was haggard. "Before I go further, we have a leak. Kieran and I want to believe it’s not coming from any of you. As we speak, technical analysts are going over the estate with a fine-toothed comb, looking for electronic surveillance. I want everyone to place their electronics in the bomb box in the hallway.” He swiped his face and grimaced when using his injured arm.

  Once the room filled again, Martin stood. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve worked together quite a while. I need to ask, does anyone have a new person in their life? Any of you go out together to decompress and talk a little loud? Think.” Martin’s question was met with a choir of “no’s.”

  Ian rolled up his sleeves. Everyone saw, but no one mentioned the bandage. “This afternoon, Metro discovered another dead woman—killed like Phyllis Wilson. Turns out there are eleven more dead young women with the same MO.

  “Cassie sustained similar injuries six years ago. She is the only survivor. The police made the official confirmation Ames was involved in two of those deaths—as well as the original attack on Cassie. My guess is, as they complete their evaluation, there will be more. Ames told Cassie she would have brought a good price. The police are looking, and I want us to look into potential survivors and potential human trafficking.

  “Preliminary cause of death for Joe Maddox is suicide. I’ve sent our forensics team to take a second look. It’s not adding up. As far as the baby goes, we have round-the-clock surveillance on the grave. DNA results don’t come back fast. Sometimes I wish it was like TV,” Ian said. The men and women laughed.

  Zach walked into the office wearing an expensive suit, his expression blank. “Sorry I’m late. I just left Whitman, Tyler, and Bates. The security system in their offices is military grade—doesn’t fit the type of business. The head of security, Monte Wickham, is slick. He also matches the description of our ghost. I put in for the background check.

  “Bradford is the senior partner. Tyler and Bates were reluctant to speak, but both men stated Bradford never keeps a secretary past her twenty-fifth birthday. Garett and Daddy argue often. Son is more capable than the father. This is the kicker: since mid-May, Son has been working from home. When I pushed, I learned Garett hasn’t been back to the office since the Helping Hearts dinner.”

  Martin puffed his cheeks and blew out a breath. “The restaurant hostess obliterated the theory of the parking lot fight.”

  Ian’s expression hardened. “Well, that gives us no choice. We need to go back to the Whitmans, which includes finding Garett. This is where it started, and I think this is where it ends. There are a lot of bits of circumstantial evidence, but if they’re behind these attempts, they’re well equipped to cover their bases. Our plan needs to be bulletproof.

  "We know there is a Russian connection. Every time Cassie tells her story, she lapses into Russian. The gentlemen who tried to take Christian and me out were hired by a Russian mobster. Ellis Art Finds maintains business connections with Sabitov Galleries. I spoke with Mark Devereaux today; he is coexecutor of Cassie’s father’s estate. He mentioned speaking to Luke Paulsen. I hate to think about it, but Luke could be an unintentional leak. I need a full dossier on Devereaux and any known associates. Check his finances through before Cassie’s dad died. Also, is there any connection between him and the Whitmans?”

  Kieran stood. “While you were in California, I went through the files from Cassie’s original attack. I thought fresh eyes might help. I started with the physical evidence. Our discussion confirmed the bites were from Sebastian and another male. Given their friendship, plus the number of calls between the two, the senator’s son is a good place to start. I've arranged to get DNA and a bite cast. This is where the case gets… well, intimate. Cassie was not sexually active at the time of her attack. The DNA from Baby William has half Cassie’s DNA and half the sperm donor’s DNA.”

  “Rapist,” Ian said.

  Kieran held up his hand and exhaled. “I had a discussion with Hunt, Tuck, and Pete.”

  When Kieran flashed the anatomical picture from the rape file on the screen, Ian stiffened. Kieran circled a laser pointer over a specific area. “They believe this swelling was caused by an artificial insemination attempt—I guess success.” He rested his hand on Ian’s left shoulder and flicked on the lights.

  “It is my theory that Cassie was attacked twice six years ago. First the insemination—and second, the assault. At the time, police classified the bruising as caused by a foreign object. Hunt explained it took skill to leave only minimal bruising. He felt it couldn’t be caused by non-medical personnel. Considering the severity of the other bruising, we thought the theory is plausible. Two of my team are speaking with the doctor at the Franklin Clinic again. It is unclear why he didn’t make the connection in light of the ease with which Hunt and our PAs made it.”

  Ian controlled the rate of his breathing. “How does Cassie figure into this, and who wanted that baby?”

  “If we consider the insemination as the first attack and the sexual assault as the second, then the common denominators for the attacked women were they were all wealthy and innocent. I learned the original perception of Cassie’s attack was a drug-filled night of rough sex. According to the police, the families of the other victims were very private. The fear limited family cooperation.”

  Kieran assigned two more of his team to work with technical analysis to find any intersection between the senator’s son and Ames. “Search for any unsolved dead or missing girls with our MO in that timeframe. Circle back to each man’s past whereabouts, searching for any patterned unsolved assaults or disappearances.”

  Ian continued, “Find out if Ames’s mom or Adrienne Whitman could perform a procedure like that. Maddox was a surgeon. I’m sure he could do it. I assigned two analysts to assist PD in searching for Maddox’s files. His wife is cooperating—she swears he wouldn’t kill himself.

  “Run every call from every cell phone present at the dinner again. My priority is finding Garett; he’s been avoiding us. I want eyes and ears in both Whitman homes and offices. I need to know where they are at all times.”

  “Ian, to do this amount of surveillance, we need at least twenty operators for each person. We’re gonna need a couple of days to get everything in place. We do have other clients,” Kieran said in a cautious tone.

  Ian nodded. “Unless something becomes acute, let’s meet back here in ninety-six hours.”

  Ian stayed with Kieran and the two teams’ leadership until well after midnight. They compiled lists of every employee at the blood bank, the MRI office, and the portable MRI office—and the phone logs from the chief medical officer.

  Tate rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Dr. Vera Liukin is the chief of radiology. Mobile MRI is co-owned by University Hospital and Vera Vasova. How likely is it that there would be two Veras?”

  “Here it is. Vasova is Liukin’s maiden name.” Mike frowned.

  “Like we asked with Maddox, why would she do this? Her financials are pristine,” Martin said.

  “Let’s put together some false intel to see if she bites. Mike, call tech. Put them on Liukin’s trail—friends, relatives, acquaintances. Then go home. Martin, you need to get off your feet. Tate, Kieran, go home to your wives. We’re too tired right now. We’ll make unnecessary mistakes,” Ian said, nodding at Martin.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Ian tiptoed into Cassie’s room where Jamie sat writing a note in her chart. “She’s out cold. Sophie and Rachel kept her busy, but you were missed. After the burial, she had another session with Stephanie. Tuck reported good progress in her rehab, but it's coming with a price. We’re concerned—she lost another pound. When Hunt comes in, he’s going to reorder the feeding tube. She needs more calories and protein. She isn't able to get enough down without getting sick—two thousand calories are a lot
for a small adult. I’ll leave you be, but give me a shout if you need anything.”

  Ian washed his hands and leaned down, letting his lips caress hers. He promised himself he would only stay a little while, not wanting to disturb her. He never heard Jamie return after falling asleep beside her, his fingers intertwined with hers.

  At dawn, Cassie awakened from a peaceful sleep and looked over to see Ian, wearing sweats, working on his laptop in the recliner. “Hi. When did you get here?” She swung her legs over the side and took slow, cautious steps toward him. Her eyes dilated when she saw the small bit of white bandage visible below his sleeve. “Ian, my God, you’re hurt.” She moved faster, losing her balance. “What happened?”

  His computer clattered to the floor. “I've got you." He whisked her into his lap. "I’m fine. Just a scratch.”

  Cassie exposed the bandage, her questioning eyes penetrating his soul.

  “Sweetheart, I’m fine.” He kissed the tip of her nose. When she gave him an eyebrow raise, he laughed. “Sorry, Cassie. I grew up with the Lillian Chase brow. You don’t stand a chance.”

  Cassie pouted and nestled her body into his. “We saw each other for a few short minutes yesterday, but I missed you. I’m glad you’re back.”

  “If this is how I’m greeted, then I should go away more often.”

  Cassie placed a soft kiss against his throat. “Please don’t.” She was working hard to stay in the moment. “Can we talk?”

  “About anything you want.”

  “Thank you for bringing William home.”

  Ian caressed her cheek, and she turned to kiss his palm.

  “When we got back, your dad took me for a walk. Well, he walked and talked, and I rolled and talked. I talked some more things out with Stephanie and made some decisions.” She made full eye contact with him. “I understand I can’t stay in the cocoon I built. It’s very lonely. I’m afraid and need to go slow, but I would like to take a chance on starting a relationship with you. I mean, if you’re still interested.”

  When Ian kissed her, she was tentative, filled with fear and promise. “Cassie, I’m more than interested.”

  Her heart pounded in her chest. “I’m sorry, Ian. You’re so caring. Please bear with me. I’m all over the place. My mind is playing tricks. The things I told you about me—they’re so ugly.”

  Ian interrupted her by placing two fingers against her lips. “I meant every word, Cassiopeia Ellis—Cassie Modine—I love you.”

  Cassie didn’t understand why, but she wanted the chance. His kisses started like feathers tickling her. Deepening the intensity, he showed her his love without words. This time, Cassie let herself feel desire, melting her body into his.

  “You’re going to get stronger, and we’ll take one step at a time. As slow as you need.” Ian pulled her tighter. “How about we get you dressed and have some delicious breakfast? I’ve got an in with Pete and Tuck. I bet you can have some gelato too.” He scooped her up and plopped her on the bed. “I can help you change if you want.”

  Cassie giggled. “Ask Aunt Rachel or your mom, please?”

  They sat together at the patio table with the navy and white striped umbrella protecting Cassie from the sun. She fingered Ian’s bandage. “I can’t stay here forever. Everyone is in danger because of me. Please tell me no one was killed.”

  “Only one of the bad guys.” Ian’s hand formed a vise around hers. “Now listen—you will stay here until you are well.” Forever—if I have my way. “You’re safe here.”

  “I’m not comfortable having people fight my battles. I know you want to help me. Stephanie helped me see that my experiences from the past are tainting my present. This is new to me.” Her nose crinkled. “Ian.”

  “Cassie.” He lifted his hands to cup her chin. Tipping her face to look at his, he placed tiny pecks from one corner of her mouth to the other.

  Cassie placed a hand against his chest. “I know you’re a very wealthy man, and you say you love me, but why am I here? And how are you doing all this?”

  “Sweetheart, I promised you answers.” Ian explained how his feelings grew from the brief encounter six years earlier. “When I saw you in that bathroom, a piece of my heart cracked. I know I sound like a caveman, but I should have protected you. I am so sorry.”

  He explained what happened in the hospital. “After the potassium, I decided then and there that no one is going to hurt you again.”

  Her face paled. “God, how can you do that? That’s not fair to you.”

  He moved to the chair beside her. “That is part of who I am. I understand I can’t place you in a cocoon. I don’t want to take away your sense of who you are. But until you can fight for yourself, I will keep you safe. You need to know everything about me. No secrets between us. As part of the Chase Group, Kieran and I own and operate Chase Security.”

  “I know.”

  “Well, there’s a special division buried within. I sometimes do work with your Uncle Luke as well as other government agencies. Sweetheart, Kieran and I own the Eagle’s Talon.”

  Cassie coughed hard and braced her chest. “The black file, it’s real? I’ve heard rumors in the Bureau, but I figured it was a myth.”

  In a terrible British accent, Ian said, “Part of my secret agent mystique.”

  “Frumph.” Cassie snorted.

  “Does it bother you? I mean, what the job entails? Sometimes skirting the edge of the law? The secretive nature? The crazy hours?”

  “That’s the first easy question anyone has asked. No. Ian Chase, you make me feel safe. I need you to bear with me. I mean no disrespect to my family, but you’re the first person to do that. Everybody who was at the grave yesterday, are they Eagle’s Talon? Martin?”

  “Yes, sweetheart. You are my priority.”

  Cassie patted her heart at his words, and Ian lifted her hand and kissed it. When she picked at her food, he waited her out, watching the gears moving in her head.

  Her voice was teasing, with a pitch-perfect British accent, but her face was earnest. “Okay, Mr. Chase, spill.”

  “Mr. Chase, huh?”

  “Yes.” Cassie maintained the accent.

  He continued to hold her hand. “You can see through me? Huh. Please understand, I hate telling you this, but I promised you no secrets. The medical examiner confirmed that Sebastian was one of your attackers from six years ago.”

  “He told me I would ruin everything. I still don’t understand.”

  “The best theory is that the other people involved in your attack are running scared. They have no idea what Sebastian told you.”

  “People?”

  “We know you had two sets of bites.”

  “William’s DNA?”

  “Waiting on the results.”

  “There’s more?”

  “The night of your first attack…did you change before you met Garett?”

  “No, I went straight to Reston.” When Cassie’s pulse increased beneath his fingers, he saw something flash in her expression.

  “Sweetheart, we found evidence you never went to La Luna.”

  “But that would mean…Garett lied.” She closed her eyes.

  “I’m sorry, Cassie.”

  “Don’t be; you didn’t do this. If anything, it answers a question. I have no memory of La Luna because I was never there. But where was I?”

  “We’ll figure it out. Did you ever meet Dr. Joseph Maddox?”

  “After we talked the night by the river, I asked Hunter to tell me everything. You left out one fact: if you hadn’t tied that tourniquet on my thigh, I would be dead."

  Ian's sapphire eyes held hers as his Adam's apple bobbed in his long, corded throat.

  “I met Dr. Maddox at the Whitmans’ house. He and Adrienne worked together early in his career. What did he say when the police questioned him?”

  “He denied everything. We tied the sponge and the bacteria to him.”

  “When is he being arrested?”

  Ian looked down. �
�He’s dead. Andy Blake is coming back to ask a few more questions.”

  Cassie tried to shake off her growing fear. “Why does Andy need to talk to me again?”

  “Sweetheart, he has eleven dead women with similar injuries.”

  “They’re all dead?” Cassie repeated. Ian nodded. She shook her head wildly. “But I don’t remember anything. I don’t remember their faces.”

  “I think you do remember. Caleb told me about the bookstore, and I saw your reaction when Sebastian touched you. The Russian. What happened was so terrible, it’s buried.”

  “Just say the rest.” Cassie raised her voice.

  “Phyllis Wilson was one of those victims. Robby Bynum overdosed. His funeral hasn’t been scheduled yet.”

  The little color in her face disappeared. “Oh my god, who are you, Ian Chase? Why do you care so much? Explain to me, with all this horror and danger, how can you love me? Look at all the death and ugliness around me. I don’t deserve you or anyone.”

  He turned her until their knees touched. “You couldn’t be more wrong. If I have to, I will spend every moment of every day proving that to you. Love has no timetable—it just comes. And when it does, you know. I’m thirty-eight years old. I have a successful business beyond my wildest dreams and a wonderful family. I have terrific friends, but there was always a missing piece. My mom told Kieran and me when we were growing up that one day, we’d meet a girl and our hearts would skip a beat. We’d realize we can’t live without her. She was right. Kieran found Monique, and I found you.”

  “Ian, you don’t know me.”

  His eyes yearned for her as he took her hand and placed it against his chest. His heart fluttered beneath her fingers as he leaned in to kiss her. “I learned the first night I met you that you are brilliant, funny, beautiful, and charming. I saw you captivate everyone in that room. Alone with the Titian, you beguiled me. The next time I met you, I saw your sense of humor and your loving and caring soul for friends, family, and pets. I heard your quick tongue. I saw your vulnerability. The third time, I got to see the sensitive soul who weathered more in a lifetime than anyone should. And now, I see a strong woman who has no idea how sweet, soft, and desirable she is.”