Chapter 26

Sara

"Please come talk to me. Please. I just want you to be safe."

I'd heard Josie's plea once again and it had settled entirely differently in the back of my mind.

The Angel of Death.

I'd googled the term.

It would seem the term had been used for at least a dozen infamous serial killers over the years. It had taken me a couple of hours to randomly put together articles.

Some of those being called the Angel of Death had been doing society a favor. Like Robin Hood for the poor. The victims hadn't been the best human beings if you could call them that at all.

Including the few supposedly tied to the current reincarnated monster.

Easton.

I knew the man had it in him. I'd seen the hate in his eyes. Even crazier than taking some comfort in the fact he might have already saved my life was that I could easily forgive him for his atrocious sins.

A laugh bubbled to the surface. Maybe he and I weren't that far removed from each other after all.

I was a firm believer not only in karma but that the world gave us what we needed to survive. Maybe I was sugar coating everything, including horrible murders, but what Easton and his brothers had gone through was horrific. Unimaginable.

There was no doubt he wanted to protect me and would stop at nothing to try to make that happen. Somehow, I had a feeling that things were rocketing out of control. Had he been trying to tell me he wanted me to leave? I wasn't certain and I hated it.

A lump formed in my throat as I stared into the rearview mirror. What I'd chosen to do was risky, but I wanted to help. Instead of acting mortified that Easton was who he was, I would use his influence and stature in the community to get what I wanted.

Answers.

Guards.

Before Easton had left for yet another meeting, he'd mentioned guards would arrive at his house within thirty minutes to keep me protected. He seemed appeased by that fact, resigned to utilizing what were merely the perks of the Saints' world. Like health insurance or a 401-K.

Fortunately, they wouldn't know I was gone given I'd parked in Easton's several car garage. That would buy me some time, even though returning might be dicey.

I'd gone to bed, trying to make sense of everything knowing he'd killed those young men. Maybe I was trying to make it okay in my mind that Zane had been murdered.

And that I had wanted to see it happen, the moment the bastard had died. As sick and twisted as it was, there was no denying what I'd thought about almost all night long.

What he'd told me hadn't really mattered, at least not about the way I felt about him.

I was falling hard and fast, although I wouldn't call it love just yet. I had to temper my feelings knowing it was entirely possible I was infatuated with the man and his brain, especially when we'd put together a potential bestseller.

Time would tell.

However, I didn't care whether or not I was crossing the line between right and wrong. I needed to know the truth about who was threatening him.

As I pulled into the parking lot of the coffee shop, I scanned the road behind me to ensure I hadn't been followed. The place was closer to his house than in town, which limited traffic, but I still felt the creepy crawlies all over me. I would try to hurry but had yet to figure out what to say to these guards if they saw me returning to my plush cage.

I climbed out, still feeling as if eyes were on me. As I walked into the little place I'd been a couple of times, I felt another layer of resolve building. I glanced around the room, finding her quickly. I headed to the table, glaring down at her, still partially uncertain what I wanted to say or how I would react.

When Josie lifted her head, she had dark circles under her eyes. She gripped my hand, yanking me into the seat. On the table was a thin manila file, which already put me on edge. She was here to destroy my life. Of that I was certain. "I was so worried when you didn't come to graduation. I thought the worst."

"As you can see, I'm just fine. We were working and I never really wanted to attend in the first place. You knew that."

She nodded and took a sip of her coffee, which allowed me to see her hand was shaking.

"What did you want to tell me that seems so desperate?"

"It's my dad. You know who he is."

She glanced at the customers, keeping her voice low.

"Yes. Why?"

"He's convinced some people that Easton is the devil. He has proof. Did you know he killed a couple boys recently? Boys? One went to our school."

"And you father has proof." She felt it necessary to remind me of Dylan's death.

"Yes. On the entire family. Which is why you need to go back home."

I was ready to laugh. "Why?"

"Because my father is out for blood. He'll take you down if that's what needs to happen."

"Because of political gain?"

She was acting far too odd, as if something else was going on. I'd never seen her so stressed. So I decided to throw out a carrot for the hell of it. "Look, I know you don't want to hear this but I'm in love with Easton and he's not a bad guy. I will stand by his side if your father or any other man attempts to bring him down."

Her eyes opened wide. "You can't be serious."

"I'm very serious. He is very important to me. We're very close."

"You're crazy. He's a monster just like his father."

"What do you know about his father, I mean really?"

"I told you. My father has been very frank with me. They hunted men on that piece of property. They killed them."

"Maybe they deserved it. Ridding the world of even worse people."

"Oh, my God. You can't mean that."

There was such a strange flash in her eyes, something far too unnerving. "I'm curious, Josie. What's this to you? I mean I know we're friends and all but why try and warn me so many times?"

"Because we are friends."

"Why do I have a terrible feeling you're not telling me everything?"

"That's crazy! He's a dangerous monster and he's using you."

When she looked nervous, I could tell she had something else on her mind.

"Spill it, Josie. You were never good at keeping secrets."

"You're close to Easton. It's closer than anyone has been to him."

"What are you getting at?" Before she had a chance to answer, it suddenly dawned on me why she'd been so urgent. "Wait a minute. Your father needs help in finding evidence. Doesn't he? He wants me to cooperate, to lure the predators out in the open. Oh, my God. I can't believe you are trying to use me. That's why you were sucking up to Easton all year long, not because you were attracted to him. How could your father use you that way?"

I jerked up from the table, angrier than I'd been in my life. When she snapped her hand around my wrist, I was shocked how strong she was.

"My father only wants the best for you."

"No, he wants something from me. He wants me to betray someone I care about. That's not going to happen, Josie. Just let me go."

She had a strange look on her face. "I know about your uncle."

In those few seconds, it felt as if my life was falling off a cliff. I remained still, counting my heartbeats. I couldn't breathe or think, the strange fog forming over my brain more protective than anything. I jerked my arm away, leaning over with enough ferocity she gasped.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? What do you want from me? Why are you doing this?" My demand was laced with an acidic tone, which she deserved.

"I'm sorry. I'm really… sorry. Just help. We want your help."

She had to be kidding me.

"Let me guess. So you won't divulge my secret. Well, go ahead, Josie. Tell your fucking father I'm tired of running away from who and what I am. If you're curious if I'm just like good ole Uncle Ronny, keep pushing me and you're going to find out."

"God," she whispered.

She recoiled as if I'd struck her. I leaned back but only after growling like a dog, folding my arms and glaring down at her. "You were using me the entire time. We were never friends."

"That's not true. I just… I'm sorry." She almost appeared as if the tears I'd seen in her eyes were genuine.

Bull fucking shit. I knew an actress when I saw one.

"Just help and everything will go away." She was now pleading with me. I wasn't just disgusted, I also realized someone was putting the screws to her. Would her father do something so heinous? Hell, after what I'd heard from Easton, I could almost believe anything.

"For what reason, Josie? So I can help find the dead bodies or something worse? Maybe your dad will jump over being re-elected senator to be president. Put all the bad boys away and he'll be a star. I'm curious. What the fuck did he offer you? More money dumped in your trust fund?"

I was well aware we were drawing more attention given my voice was increasing in decibels every few seconds, but I didn't give a shit about scandal or people finding out who my uncle was. I wasn't him.

"Please."

"Keep pleading with me. Allow me to take wind out of your sails." I spun around in a circle. "Listen up, everyone. My uncle is Ronny Carlton, a horrible serial killer. He slaughtered people. Are you happy now?"

She tugged at my arm again, forcing me to look at her. Only instead of her crocodile tears, she had a smirk on her face. "You need to stop being hysterical."

"I'm not the one being hysterical, Josie. You tried to seduce Professor Saint, jealous that he was interested in me. When that didn't work, you whined to your daddy to punish him. I'm going to warn you one time. You try and hurt that man and you'll need to go through me." I pointed my finger in her face, ready to wrap all five around her throat, choking the life out of her.

But I only killed on paper.

"You make light, but you'll end up dead if you stay in his life."

I glared at her and sighed. There was no getting through to her so why bother? Sadly, so many things didn't feel right or maybe I was jaded about the way I felt about him. So what? "That almost sounds like a threat."

She snorted as if I was losing my mind. "Don't say I didn't warn you. I was trying to be your friend. Things aren't always as they seem, you know. Sometimes they're out of your control."

"Uh-huh. You're right about that, Josie. Things aren't always as they seem. It's nothing but pretend. Blood is thicker than water. Right? Duly noted. Friend. I have to go."

"One more thing. I didn't want to show you this but in the investigation my father has been doing, this was something his investigator found."

She slipped the file that was on the table in my direction. At first, I also shoved it aside. Whatever was inside, I wanted no part of, but not knowing would nag at me for a long time. Swallowing hard, I moved closer to the table, opening the file with shaky hands. The photo wasn't a smoking gun by any means, but it told me with vivid color that I wasn't the only woman in Easton's life.

"Yes, I thought he was handsome. I laughed at my father saying the man was dangerous. But this isn't the only student he's been having an affair with. It's just one of at least four. I'm sorry I had to break it to you like this. I do care about you."

"I'm not certain you do, Josie, but that's okay. You have your priorities and I have mine." Although at this moment, I had no clue what that meant any longer. Could I believe what I was seeing? I wasn't certain but if what was there in technicolor wasn't a lie, then Easton didn't care anything about me. He'd simply used me.

Including my stupid innocence.

A horrible feeling of dread and sadness rolled through me, my mind finding this tough to believe.

I turned away from her before I ended up slapping the shit out of her. She was her father's puppet, likely her trust fund in the balance. Not that I blamed her completely, but her attempt at ruining a man was despicable.

Sadly, if what she was saying was true, and I had no reason to believe otherwise, then I wanted to warn Easton. Then I'd leave town to avoid the continued humiliation. Before I walked out, I turned slightly. She was already on the phone, undoubtedly calling her father. Thank God I'd graduated.

I had a bad feeling Easton and his brothers were running out of time. The question was—did I give a shit?

Easton

"I understand, President DiMarco. Tenure isn't guaranteed." I glanced at Creed, who was already shaking his head. I'd honestly expected the call, especially after receiving a doctored photograph of time spent with Sara that hadn't occurred. At least not in the seductive method the photographer had indicated. However ugly the photos, it was a clear indication the bastard behind the threats had every intention of doing what he, she, or it could to ruin us.

"Well, Mr. President, while Sara Adams is now working with me in an intern capacity, I barely knew her during the semester she was in my class." As he prattled on about the situation, obviously under duress, which could mean someone of influence had put a gun to his head, I was tuning out his words. I simply didn't care any longer. "Let me help you out, Tony. I quit. Maybe that will help you sleep better tonight. Now that I've done you a favor, I will say this and you need to hear me clearly."

Creed was now grinning, crossing his arms as he leaned against his desk.

"If you dare attempt to publish those doctored photographs or sully my family name in any way, I will come after you. And I assure you that it won't be with a lawsuit. Do you understand me?"

He sputtered and groaned. But he got the message.

"Thank you for your call." When I hung up, all I could do was laugh. "And so the trickledown effect continues."

"If you ask me, you were too lenient on him," Creed mused.

"Yeah, well, he's not to blame. The asshole responsible for this shit is." I held up the ugly photo, trying to keep from returning to my angry phase.

"I'm going to do you one better, brother." He headed around to the opposite side of his desk, yanking open his drawer. "This was sent to Bella just last night."

I grabbed the photograph, half laughing. "Your secretary? Interesting if not impossible sexual position."

"Tell me about it. My guess is that's the only woman the bastard could catch me with. As if Bella would believe the jerk. Good picture, I have to admit. The press might like it."

"She's ten years older and spends pretty much all her free time with her family at their lake house."

"Yeah, I know. Emily got one too. They must think we don't talk to our women. You might want to check in with Sara. This dude is on a roll."

I hadn't thought about that. "Where is Styx?"

"He has one more lead of the six we identified to track down. It would appear the dude is invisible."

"Which could mean his guilt."

Creed nodded. "Any luck on your end?"

I'd spent half the night after ravaging Sara all over again trying to find every detail on the two men, one a son and one a brother of two of my father's old enemies. I'd been certain I could uncover a blockbuster of sorts. "The brother of Jack Culdair is living in Texas. He owns a cattle ranch and has for twenty years. He's a grandfather, about to be a great-grandfather and has no ties to his brother's former life."

"And Ross Webber?"

I remembered Ross Webber, the man a real prick. I'd thought for certain he was the one given his ties to the current main prosecutor. "No. He's been out of the country for two months, currently residing in Italy while his new house is renovated in Miami. Not possible."

"We're about to strike out."

"Fuck. We cannot allow this to happen." The phone call had resulted in nothing just like Creed had suspected. A whole lot of nothing.

"I know, brother. We're trying. However, this guy will stop at nothing to take us down. I've already warned our clients we're under siege, our two board members as well. And I've contacted my buddies in the press to put a squash on any other stories but the one our reporter friend released yesterday. You did read it, didn't you?"

"I haven't had a chance. I was a little busy last night." At least I was able to grin.

"Allow me to show you an award-winning piece." Creed was grinning like a kid as he pressed his finger down on the spacebar of his laptop. When he turned the computer around, I walked closer to his desk. Now I could smile. "At least the guy can follow rules."

"Yeah, well, I have a feeling the timing of the article you wrote is a direct correlation to the latest attempts at destroying us. Which means…"

"He's been pushed into a corner."

"Exactly. Is Chase White safely secured?"

"Yeah. He's in the islands with his family. Only a couple people know where he is." I'd come through with my promise, the round the clock soldiers ensuring their safety.

"Good. I have a terrible feeling that things are about to get messy."

"What about the investigation the senator initiated?"

"Unfortunately, that has been confirmed. I don't know what has been found, but we need to push everything but our legitimate weapons contracts aside for now."

I planted my hands on his desk. "No, we need to do that permanently. We all have lives we want to continue living that have nothing to do with violence or putting additional fear into our women."

He narrowed his eyes. "Our women?"

I realized what I'd said and laughed. "Yeah, I feel strongly about her."

"What does Sara feel?"

"Well, as long as she doesn't buy into the bullshit flying around, then I think we have a chance."

"And the book?"

"Let's just say she's an amazing author."

Creed had always been a hard man, lashing out at anyone and everyone who pissed him off. I'd never known him to care about much of anything. Until Bella. But seeing the relief on his face, and what had to be as close to brotherly love as there was inside our family, I finally comprehended what I'd been missing in not allowing myself to care about someone.

"Enjoy your new life, Easton. Styx and I will not allow anyone to take it away from you."

I nodded, wanting nothing more than to have her in my arms. "I need to go. I don't like this and I have a feeling you're right that we're in for a rocky ride."

"We've handled worse."

"Yeah, I know we have."

I had a feeling our lives would never be smooth or easy, but if I had Sara in my life, at least I would have what I'd always wanted.

A family.