Chapter 7

LUCAS KNEWthe situation was becoming more complicated and that his problem was quickly becoming an issue for Matthew, and by extension his family. If he smoked, he'd probably have gone through at least three packs while sitting by the window watching for whatever happened next.

"Come to bed," Matthew whispered from behind him. He had taken off his suit and had on just a pair of light shorts and a T-shirt. Lucas had pulled off his tie and opened the collar of his shirt, but otherwise he was still in the clothes he'd worn to the benefit. "Nothing more is going to happen tonight, and staring into the darkness isn't going to help anyone."

"I know. Rachel said she was on her way back, and I wanted to know what she found out." He was getting more anxious with every incident. No one had said anything, but he knew that this had something to do with the person stalking him. He just wasn't sure how or what they wanted. The guy took pictures and followed him. Lucas suspected that he was tipping people off about his whereabouts and movements, but why? If the guy wanted access or to get close to him, then telling the world made no sense.

Matthew slipped his arms around Lucas's waist, resting his head against Lucas's shoulder blades. "I keep wondering why the press came here," Matthew said softly.

"Me too." Lucas put his hands on Matthew's.

"They seemed pretty intent on getting some sort of story, and just because you're here doesn't mean there will be one." Lucas slowly turned around. "I know we're a small town, and having a big movie star here has a lot of tongues wagging, but you've been here for a while, and people have seen you. That story is over."

"Okay…," Lucas agreed. Matthew had a point. Unless Lucas did something outrageous, there shouldn't be legions of people trying to follow him.

"So what was the cheese? The bait? They had to be tipped off by someone, but with what?" Matthew shivered. "One of the people outside the benefit asked if I was being paid or something. I ignored the question because it didn't deserve an answer. But what if that's supposed to be the story?" His eyes filled with pain. "Do they think I'm some sort of rent boy?" He began breathing heavily. "God, if that story is being reported, I'm going to have Child Services and everyone else at my door. Investigations, the kids' lives upended." He began to shake, and Lucas held him tightly.

"That isn't going to happen. I'd have heard if that kind of story were circulating. Leon would be having puppies—hell, man-eating puppies—if that were the case." Instead, he had been quiet, which was almost as curious. "I'll call my publicity people in the morning and see if anything is happening and what's being said." As far as he knew, there had been a few pictures on social media, a few speculations, but nothing more than that. People speculated about him all the time, and Lucas had learned to ignore it.

"But something is happening. I can feel it. There are things we don't know. Doesn't it drive you crazy? How can you live like this?" Matthew asked.

Lucas sighed. "To tell you the truth, most of the time it's no big deal. I have an assistant who helps me on set. Karen is really amazing, and she's been looking after the house for me and making sure that things in LA are moving forward. I have a driver when I need one, but I like driving myself. Rachel has been with me because of the asshole who won't leave me alone, but otherwise I lead a very busy but quiet life. I'm not one of those people who does outrageous things. I'm too busy. I put my energy into my work, not into making a spectacle of myself, so I'm not a huge target for the paparazzi because they can't get pictures of me, I don't know, trying to catch a greased pig or something."

Matthew laughed. "Did that really happen?"

"Yeah. Someone decided it would be a great stunt to promote their latest YouTube project. It wasn't pretty. The guys all missed, no one caught the damned pig, and it ran out on Melrose and got hit by a Mercedes." Matthew gasped. "Yeah, and the worst part was that the film was supposed to be about the evils of the pork industry or something like that. A don't-eat-bacon movie that killed a pig."

"At least they weren't trying to promote a version of Charlotte's Web," Matthew retorted, and Lucas chuckled gently. "Or Babe."

"Yeah. But the pig chasers were all known for crazy stunts, so their fiasco was all over social media for days, and everyone is always following them to see what they'll do next. That isn't me."

Matthew drew closer. "What is you? What do you do when you aren't working?"

Lucas sighed. "I'm always working. I think that's the problem. I've been working all the time for years. I have to be the most boring man in Hollywood. My schedule is so filled that the delay in starting my next film could impact the films down the line. I hope not, and I know that people will work things out because I can't be in two places at once. I also know that people like to work with me because I don't pull a bunch of crap and I'm a part of the team working to get the movie made. But I'm tired, Matthew. I had hoped that coming back home would let me rest and give me some quiet time."

"I'm sorry that hasn't happened. And maybe I've been part of the noise here—"

Lucas shook his head. "No. You and the kids are part of the quiet. Don't think anything else."

"How is that possible?" Matthew half snorted. "They are never quiet, and one of them always wants attention or needs something. Even when I'm in the bathroom, I can hear them chattering away, and half the time they knock on the door because they want something. Quiet they are not."

Lucas rocked them slowly from side to side, like they were dancing once more. "But what they want and say is genuine. There's no guile, no ulterior motive. And you… well…." Lucas was so tired of talking about his own life. Even in his head it came across as whining, and he certainly had nothing to complain about. "Let's just say that all of you make me feel real. The kids may talk and make noise, but it still leaves me feeling quiet inside." That was the best way he could describe it.

A car pulled into the drive, and Rachel got out, waved to the driver, and then hurried up the walk. The car pulled out once again, and Rachel quietly came inside. "I wasn't sure you would be up."

"I couldn't sleep until I had some answers," Lucas said.

Rachel pulled out her phone. "I wish I had more for you, but I do know a few things. First, the man from the benefit matched the man taking photos out at the state park the other day, but he doesn't match anything we have on the stalker from last year, which isn't a great deal, and we can't place him at any of the locations. We were able to match him to a driver's license photo. His name is Ralph Evers, and he lives south of Scottville."

"So two stalkers?"

"I don't think so. I believe we have a local fan who saw you at the park, and I believe he crashed the benefit, which was why he ran. Haven has already been to his address, and no one was home, but the place was lived in. Don't worry, we'll talk to him."

"Be nice, okay? If he is a fan…."

"I know," Rachel said. "But that leaves us with very little else. I plan to review all the pictures we have again. Somehow we must have gotten an image of our man somewhere. He isn't a ghost."

"Or maybe he is," Matthew said. "Obviously he's good at blending in, so we need to look at the details. If you want, we can do that in the morning."

"Is anything trending? Other than the benefit," Lucas asked, and Rachel stood straighter. "What is it?"

"I got to the bottom of tonight's little fiasco. It seems that someone called various stations with the tip that you would be making some sort of big announcement tonight. Then they gave the address here."

Lucas groaned. "Crap," he muttered under his breath. "Did they say what kind?"

"Something about your future. There was a lot of speculation among the reporters, but every station sent someone. I think they got a little overzealous when everyone showed up, like it reinforced the story…."

"When there was nothing to it," Lucas finished.

Matthew held him tighter. "Someone really knows how to manipulate the media."

"What?" Rachel asked.

Matthew pulled away a little, but Lucas still held him. "It's not like everyone knows the television stations or how to get their attention. They must get tons of calls every day, and yet whoever is behind this knew how to get through, created a juicy story, and got everyone here quickly. There aren't any television stations in town. Some of these people came from an hour away. That takes some slick talking and a knowledge of what will get their attention."

"True," Lucas said. "I wish I had thought of that."

"I doubt our guy from tonight is that media-savvy. I think he's an overexcited and maybe a little obsessive fan, but beyond that…."

"That would jibe with our stalker from last year. And he's using the same handle, Ruetoyou. It was dormant for a while." Rachel worked her phone. "Yup. Look here. The latest post. ‘What's going on with Lucas Reardon? He's back where he grew up, and yet the press is still dogging him. What or who has he been up to, and how will it end?'" Rachel continued looking while Lucas seethed at the implication. Then his blood chilled. Was this a threat? "Jesus, there are pictures of the house."

Lucas pulled out his phone and checked the site. Sure enough, there were pictures of the reporters outside the house. "He was here, in that mess." Too damned close.

Matthew paled. "He was that close to the kids. And he put a picture of my house out there for everyone to see." He turned to Rachel, eyes blazing. "When we do catch this guy, I want first whack at him. I have kids, and he's putting them in danger with his craziness."

"Okay. Settle down, tiger. The first thing we need to do is make sure all of you are safe."

"I should be able to do that in my own home," Matthew said.

Lucas agreed. "I'll leave and make a big show of going somewhere else. Maybe that will draw them away." His first concern was that Matthew and the kids were safe. They didn't sign up for any of this.

"And put a target on you? No, thanks," Matthew said.

Lucas swallowed hard. No one fought for him the way Matthew was. "How big is this house you rented?" he asked Rachel.

"Haven got one of the homes on Hackett Lake. It has a private drive and plenty of bedrooms."

"If you want, move into the house with us for a while. There will be security, and the kids can swim in the lake." He sat down. "We'll need someone to stay with the kids when you're at work." Lucas sent a message to his assistant, and his phone rang seconds later. "I need a favor."

LUCAS DIDN'Tsleep a wink. Every sound had him checking to see if someone was outside the house. Matthew was just as jumpy and anxious as he was.

As soon as light shone in the windows, Matthew got up and out of bed. Lucas rolled over and tried to sleep some more, but he gave up and dressed in his clothes from yesterday before finding Matthew in the living room, sitting near the front window.

"Are you sure we need to do this?" he asked.

Lucas's heart skipped a beat. "I don't know. I wish I had a crystal ball to know what is coming next, but I don't. The kids will be safe this way, and no one is going to know where they are." He perched on the arm of the chair. "Maybe it would be best if I left. At least then, the attention would leave with me."

Matthew turned his gaze on Lucas. "Is that what you want?"

Lucas shook his head. "We're way past what I want. This has little do to with that. You and the kids are more important." He sighed. "I thought I'd come back here to say goodbye to my father, spend a few days to help out Aunt Rose, and then leave town."

"And then…?" Matthew prompted.

"You know what happened then," Lucas whispered. "My first boyfriend walked back into my life with four kids, all of whom have me wrapped around their little fingers. But…."

Will shuffled into the room, still half asleep. "Hey…."

"Lucas has rented a house on one of the lakes, and he invited us to come stay there with him."

He nodded. "Is this because of last night?"

Lucas nodded, and so did Matthew. "There's also a boat, and we can all go out on it."

Will came closer. "Are you only inviting all of us because you want to spend time with Uncle Daddy? And what happens when you have to go home? Carl likes you, and so does Brianna. Gregory even talks to you, and he never talks to anyone he doesn't know. What happens to them when you leave?"

"Will," Matthew warned.

"No, he has a point, and he deserves answers." Lucas turned back to Will. "I don't know. I like your uncle and I always have, and…." Will deserved more than Lucas's doubts and an unknown future. "I wish I had a better answer for you."

Will shrugged. "I think no one has any answers."

"Do you want to go to the beach house or not?" Matthew asked.

"Do I really get to choose?" Will asked, and Matthew nodded.

"You're growing up, so it's time you make some of the decisions." Matthew stilled, and Lucas realized that he was watching one of those magical moments in life.

Will stood straighter and taller. "Okay. Then let's go."

Matthew chuckled. "Then go pack yourself a bag, and maybe you can help the others. We'll leave as soon as everyone is up and ready to go." Matthew waited until Will had left the room before slipping into Lucas's arms. "I should pack too."

"Don't forget your bathing suit." He hoped the words didn't come out as a growl.

AN HOURlater, everything was loaded into the vehicle, which Rachel had managed to keep out of sight. She hauled everything around the back and through the trees too, but Lucas still worried. She and Haven were coordinating the move, with him keeping an eye out for anyone who might be watching.

"We have everything. How are we going to get everyone to the SUV without being seen? We can't expect the kids to traipse through the woods, though they'd probably like it, especially Gregory. He is going through a phase where he loves bugs."

"Rachel has a plan." Lucas had to trust that she knew what she was doing.

"Okay," Rachel said after she came in the back door with the last of the luggage. "Lucas is going to make a show of leaving. Haven is bringing around the large SUV. You will get in and make sure you can be seen. Wave goodbye and everything. Play it up a little, but not too much. Then you and Haven will take off. After that, you get the kids out to your car. Talk about taking them to a friend's or something. Then head out. I'm hoping that Lucas is the one that anyone watching will follow. Take the kids through the drive-through, or to Nichols's Drug Store in town, even the grocery store. Make this seem like you're getting on with your life. Watch for anyone who might be following you. Then, once you've been out for a while, come to the house using a roundabout way. Here is the address and the code to get through the gate."

"And what about Lucas?" Leave it to Matthew to worry about him.

"Haven and I will get him there, along with the luggage." Rachel smiled. "We've done this before in tougher conditions. Though in LA we usually have traffic we can lose someone in. Out here, we'll have to be a little more creative." Lucas knew she was more than capable, so he did as Rachel asked and made a show of saying goodbye to Matthew in the doorway and then waving to the kids before getting in the SUV.

"Are you sure about this?" Lucas asked.

"Yes," Haven answered. "There's been a drone flying a little ways to the east. I believe it's probably got a camera. It never gets too close." He backed out of the drive and headed down the road toward town. About half a mile from the house, Haven pulled over and used a small cell-phone-like device, holding it out the window.

"What are you doing?"

"Sending a signal that's the same frequency as the drone is using to confuse it. If they stay away, there won't be a problem." He smiled. "It just fell out of the sky and into some trees because they got too close." He seemed pleased with himself. Haven raised the window and took off down the road, heading to US 10. He made a left at the corner, heading to Scottville. For a small town, there was a decent amount of traffic. Haven made a left again, passed through the north section of town, and once again made a left onto a small road. "I found a roundabout way to get where we need to be, and with all the tree cover, even with a drone, which is hopefully out of commission, whoever is trying to keep tabs on you is going to have a tough time."

The road was rough, so Lucas sat back, let Haven do the driving, and worried about Matthew. They were putting a lot of effort into his safety and using Lucas as the visible target, but what if they were putting Matthew and the kids in the line of fire with no one to watch them? God, he hoped this worked and that whoever was doing this thought he had left town and was returning to Hollywood. They'd be disappointed, and the ruse was only going to work for so long. But the hope was that by then, he and Matthew would have some time to themselves.

Haven eventually wound north to a major road. They hurried along before using a side road once more. This time, once they emerged, Haven took a quick right about a quarter mile down, entered a code at a gate, and they were inside. After waiting until the gate closed, Haven continued down the gravel drive and up to a large lake house. He pulled into the garage and lowered the overhead door. They had arrived and were out of sight.

"This seems like quite a place," Lucas said. "How did you find it?"

"The house is for sale, and we contacted the owners. They were happy to rent it out for a while. It was all done in my name, so no one is going to question it, or get very far if they do." Haven opened Lucas's door, and he got out. A car scrunched its way closer, and Haven opened the second door. Matthew pulled in, and then Haven closed that one as well. Everyone piled out of Matthew's car, and Haven led the way inside.

The house centered on a great room with a wall of windows overlooking the lake and the dock with a boat moored to it. The ceilings went up twenty feet, with an open kitchen and dining area off the spacious living room and a huge stone fireplace rising to the ceiling.

"Jesus," Matthew whispered. "This is some place."

"The bedrooms are up here," Haven said as he led the way upstairs, and Lucas left him and Matthew to sort things out. He wasn't needed for this. Instead, he found a coffee maker and got some started, because he was going to need it.

Excited laughter drifted down the stairs as Lucas settled onto the large leather sofa. It seemed the kids were pleased. Haven returned, pausing in the living room. "Thank you for all your help."

"It's no problem. I stocked the refrigerator and pantry. I'm going to change and go out for a run. I'm hoping I can check things out without anyone being the wiser. Rachel will arrive soon, but I won't be far, so call if you need anything." He went to the lower level, which Lucas figured he had set up as some sort of command post. Lucas was already tired and it was barely ten in the morning.

Matthew came down the stairs. "Everyone is all set and happy. There was a girl's room that has Brianna in princess land. Gregory has taken the smallest bedroom, and Will has the room with bunk beds to share with Carl."

"He looks after the younger ones, doesn't he?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah. Sometimes Carl gets scared at night. This way Will can be there for him. Gregory so much wants to grow up, so having his own room will be good for him." Matthew flopped down next to him, and Lucas gathered him in his arms. "I'm exhausted." He closed his eyes. "Is that coffee?"

"I made some if you want it. Though I was thinking I might try to get a little rest." After all, the house was quiet.

"Can we go swimming and out on the boat?" Will asked as he hurried into the room.

So much for a rest. "Yes. We can do both of those things. But first we need to wait until Rachel gets here with our stuff."

Will nodded as the other three tromped into the room. Matthew found a movie for them, and they settled in front of the huge television screen. Lucas went to find his bedroom, with Matthew following behind.

The room was huge, with a king-size bed, windows that overlooked the lake, and a private balcony with a hot tub. "This is nice," Matthew said quietly as he closed the door.

"Yeah, it is." He watched Matthew checking out the room, paying no attention to anything other than the way he moved. In some ways, it was like the years apart had never happened. Matthew could still make his heart race with just a look, and Lucas still wanted him—needed him, the way he needed to breathe.

But things had changed, and Lucas needed to be practical. There was a hell of a lot more at stake than just what he wanted. Matthew had a life here, and so did the kids. Lucas had a career in Hollywood, one that, despite its drawbacks, he loved a great deal. "I always wondered… I know you act, but have you ever written your own script for a movie?" Matthew paused in front of the window, the light making him glow a little.

"I've thought about it. I even have a few ideas." Lucas crossed the rough plank flooring to where Matthew stood. "One of the ideas is about us. A story of how hard it was in high school, keeping our secrets, how it ate at me that the one person who knew me best was the person I couldn't be honest about." He smiled.

"You were always honest with me."

Lucas nodded. "I was. I never told you a lie, and I shared my biggest dreams with you. But I was never honest about you. I kept my feelings from my family, and you had to do the same thing. As far as everyone in school knew, we were friends… but you were so much more than that." Lucas's throat threatened to close up. "It was Mason County Central, and our class was ninety-six kids. Everyone knew everyone else, and it wasn't the most tolerant place. You know that."

"I do. And I remember. I was lucky because Eden knew, and she would have kicked anyone's ass who gave me a hard time."

Lucas chuckled. "Yes, she would have. And your sister could use words like a knife."

"Uncle Daddy," Brianna called, "Carl is sick."

Matthew sighed. "I'm on my way." He squeezed Lucas's hand. "We aren't done talking about this."

"What? Our little depressing trip down memory lane?"

Matthew scowled. "No, your screenplay." He left the room, and Rachel came in.

"Everything went smoothly. Ruetoyou has taken the bait and posted that you're on your way back to Tinseltown with your tail between your legs—whatever the hell that means—so hopefully you and Matthew can have some time together. Haven is securing the perimeter. The kids have their luggage, but it seems that the little one ate something that his tummy hates."

"Is he throwing up?"

Rachel pulled a face. "No, thank goodness. Also, your assistant called. Her parents returned, and she's on her way. I assume she can be trusted."

"Yes," Lucas answered. "Karen knows plenty about my life that has never been reported to anyone. Give her the location of the house and have her park outside. Her car will be strange to everyone, and no one will think anything of it parked there." God, he hated that he was thinking like a security person.

"Okay, will do." Rachel paused. "And the kids are getting bored. The television isn't holding their interest when there's a whole lake out the window, glittering in the sunshine."

"And you want to go swimming too." He could see it in her eyes.

"Someone has to make sure the lake is safe and doesn't harbor any threats."

He really liked her. She left the room, and Lucas followed out to the living area. Lucas got some coffee and went through the refrigerator. Haven had thought of everything.

"Who wants Lunchables?" he asked, and Will, Gregory, and Brianna hurried over. He let them choose their favorites and set out juice boxes. Lucas got them seated at the table and felt pretty proud of himself. They were happy and eating.

Matthew came out with Carl in his arms, head resting on his shoulder. "His tummy is upset."

"Did you give him anything? Does he need anything? If so, we can get it," Lucas fussed.

Matthew lightly touched his shoulder. "I gave him half a Tums to chew, and I think it's doing the trick." He patted his back, and Carl let out a burp worthy of a truck driver. The kids snickered and giggled, and Carl began to squirm. "Do you want a Lunchables?" Carl nodded, and Matthew set him down.

"Juice?" Carl asked.

"How about some water to let your tummy settle? You can have juice later, I promise." Matthew got something for Carl before they each took a chair. "God, I'm tired."

Lucas was as well, but he figured he'd keep that to himself. Matthew looked worn out and at the end of his rope. His hair was all over the place, and the circles under his eyes only seemed to be growing. "Go on in and take a shower. Relax a little. Okay?"

Matthew yawned, covering his mouth with his hand. "I need to arrange for some things for the kids."

Lucas pulled out his phone and sent a message to Karen, telling her that they needed some toys and games. He sent the kids' ages to her, and she said she was already on it. Damn, that woman deserved a raise. "Go shower and relax. We can handle everything in time."

Matthew left, and Lucas leaned over the table. "So who wants to help me make some lunch for Uncle Daddy?" he whispered like it was a big secret. "He's really tired, so I thought it would be nice."

"What kind of lunch?" Brianna asked.

"I need to figure that out." Maybe he should have thought this through before he made the suggestion. "How about a salad with ham and turkey?" There was plenty in there.

Carl made a yuck face. "I don't like salad."

Lucas hurried around and tickled him lightly. "This is for Uncle Daddy. You already had your lunch. Okay?"

He nodded and giggled. Lucas didn't want to get his tummy going, so he let up and began getting things out for lunch. He gave Will and Gregory tasks to do, and gave Brianna and Carl a bunch of grapes to pull off the stems and put in a bowl. God, he was pleased with himself that he was getting the hang of this.

His phone chimed, and he picked it up and answered the call. "What's going on, Leon?"

"You sound in a really good mood," he said. Lucas refused to let his agent's grumps get to him. "What the hell has been going on there? Strange pictures and questions about you paying for a date?"

"Just someone stirring up trouble. One reporter decided to try to get a reaction from us and didn't succeed." He continued working with one hand. "Say nothing and all of it will die." He set aside the things he needed to cut and leaned back against the counter. The kids were happy, eating the last of their lunch and helping him.

Leon agreed, but he didn't sound convinced, which only got under Lucas's skin. Lucas had obviously given Leon way too much power over his career and too much say in what he did. All these years, Lucas had figured that Leon knew what he was doing and followed his advice. It had worked, and Lucas had prospered. But now something seemed off, and he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Okay. Then that's the plan."

"Fine. Where are you?" Leon asked.

"I'm still in Michigan. Everything is great." He wasn't going to tell Leon his exact location because he wouldn't put it past him to just show up. "There's nothing for you to worry about. I'll be back in plenty of time to start shooting." He smiled at the kids and rolled his eyes dramatically. They giggled at his expression. "Just relax and let me do the same. So unless there's something pressing…." He let the words hang there.

"Okay. Then we'll talk soon, and I'll set up some time so we can go over some additional opportunities."

"As soon as I get back," Lucas said and ended the call. He placed his phone on the counter, four sets of eyes on him.

"When are you leaving?" Will asked.

"Yeah… what's your plan?" Matthew asked, joining them. His hair was still wet, but he seemed more relaxed.

"I have about ten days. Then I'll have to go back and get settled again before I start my next film." Under normal circumstances, he'd be champing at the bit to get started, but for the first time in years, there was something else—someone else—in his life that he wanted just as badly.