Deception (Infidelity #3)(19)

Out of the park, the car moved through traffic.

“Shots.”

It was a word I heard in Nox’s tirade.

I tried to remember. I hadn’t heard shots nor had I seen them. But then again, could one really see a shot or only its end result? It wasn’t like real life was a movie that could be slowed for special effects.

“Break-in—shots—attempted murder—testimony.”

Though Nox spoke in a language I recognized, one I’d spoken my entire life, I couldn’t decipher his meaning.

A chill rushed over my skin, leaving goose bumps in its wake. I pulled my light jacket tighter around my shoulders and pushed my hands, now free of Nox’s grasp, deep into the pockets.

Not long into Nox’s monologue I realized it was Deloris on the other end of the call.

The SUV eased onto the highway and I recognized the signs: I-95 north. We were headed to Nox’s family home in Westchester County.

My class and discussion group would go unattended. And although it upset me that once again I hadn’t been consulted, I also understood. I just wasn’t sure if being shot at was an acceptable excuse for absence on the second full day of classes.





“WELCOME,” SILVIA SAID as she hurriedly ushered us both inside.

By the way she scanned the driveway, undoubtedly she’d been informed of what had occurred.

“Alex,” she said, reaching for my hand, “you’re ice cold. Let me get you something warm. Coffee? Tea?”

Nox kissed my forehead before disappearing in the other direction and leaving me alone with the kind woman I’d only met once.

“Coffee, thank you.” Forming longer sentences was suddenly outside of my repertoire.

I trailed a step behind Silvia as she walked toward the kitchen. The glistening Long Island Sound shone through the large windows with small white caps skirting across the blue water. I opened the glass door and inhaled the warm breeze.

“Dear, are you all right?”

Once again I looked down at my own body, scanning it as if it belonged to someone else. Flat ballet-type shoes peered out from the legs of my tight jeans and my top hung loosely from the edge of my light jacket. I unzipped the jacket, needing to be sure everything was fine underneath. Removing it, I said, “Physically. I-I don’t know or understand what just happened.”

“You’re safe. That’s what matters.”

She reached for the glass door that I’d opened and pulled it shut.

“Silvia, I think maybe I’d like to go out to the pool, just to feel some sunshine.”

She reached for my arm. “Alex, please stay inside until everything is secure.”

How did she know about everything?

The cold chill from earlier returned. “You don’t think…” I wasn’t sure how to ask my question. “…someone would hurt us here?”

“I’ve been with the Demetris for a long time. I was briefed before your arrival. What just happened was unusually brazen. The two of you were in Central Park, for goodness’ sake. If someone wanted to find you, it wouldn’t be difficult for that person to connect the dots. It’s a matter of public record that this house belongs to Lennox.” She released my arm and tended to the coffee. “This house is safe. I know that. However, outside needs to be secured. And there could be someone on a boat or a flyover for that matter. Staying inside is best.”

Oh my God!

My eyes widened at the wall of windows. “You’re sure we’re all right with the windows?”

“I’m sure, dear.”

My knees gave out as I sank onto a chair near the kitchen table and tucked my trembling hands between my knees.

Silvia turned my way. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Keeping you safe is the objective.”

I nodded, overwhelmed and a bit perplexed over her knowledge and level of comfort with this kind of emergency.

“Does this happen? Has it happened?” I asked.

Her eyes softened. “Not every day. Not every year. But the Demetris need to be prepared.”

“I-I.” Words began to fail me. I wanted Nox. I wanted to be locked in a bunker or perhaps secured on a desert island with him.

Silvia handed me a warm cup. “I have an idea. Let’s go to the pool house. It’s beautiful and you can enjoy the sunshine without going outdoors. It will help you ward away the chill.”

Without speaking, I stood and nodded. I didn’t know what else to do.

As we made our way through a breezeway, Silvia turned back toward me, her sparkling eyes bringing life to her expression. “I may have alluded to this before, but I’ve been around here for a while…” She allowed her words to trail away suggestively.

“Teenage Lennox?” I asked, remembering her words from over a month before.

She lifted her brow and pursed her lips. “Perhaps…”

I smiled, appreciating her willingness to ease my mind and refocus my attention. Nevertheless, her warnings clung to me like a fog, keeping the warming rays of sunshine just out of reach.

Before reaching the pool house, Nox’s voice boomed from the depths of the house. Silvia’s eyes met mine.

“Can you tell what he said?” I asked.

“No, but sometimes I hear his father in him.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know much about his family and haven’t been around that long, but I’d suspect that wouldn’t be a welcomed analogy.”