Chapter 22

Chapter

Twenty-Two

DECLAN

I watch with envy as the blacked out private jet carrying my cousin and his family touches down at the private airport just outside of town. Luckily, they were able to be wheels up in time for me to pick them up before going to soccer practice later today. I had to miss a couple classes, but I’m not worried about that. My spot at my mom’s family company isn’t going anywhere regardless of my grades.

The gate opens for me to drive out onto the tarmac. Sawyer is first to deplane, jogging down the stairs in a perfectly tailored Tom Ford suit. He turns and offers a hand to Olivia, sneaking a kiss as soon as she’s beside him. Next comes Nolan, his actual job is a mystery to most people, but an air of danger always hangs in the atmosphere around him. Lake is the last out, carrying a duffel in each hand and wearing a gun on his hip. His black hair is styled in a crew cut, a reminder of his background as an Army Ranger.

Those bags he’s carrying are full of security equipment for our house. Having her room entered and violated like that is disconcerting for us and terrifying for her. It’s clear that we need more help.

“Hey, Dec.” Sawyer grabs my hand and pulls me in for a hug, slapping me on the back a couple times.

“Hi.” I return the embrace and then hug Olivia. “How was the flight?”

“Easy and quick.”

“Good.” I nod in greeting at Nolan and Lake then lead them around to the trunk to put the bags away.

Sawyer sits in the front seat with Lake and Nolan behind us and Olivia in the middle. All four of them listen intently as I explain the situation and Harper’s background. Scott Flynn’s arrest and downfall was national news, so they have a decent foundational understanding already .

“How is Harper doing?” Olivia asks. “Emotionally and physically?”

I’m not surprised to see her focus being Harper’s health. Olivia is a doctor and went through some really horrible things with her ex-husband. I don’t know the details, but I know that she’ll be able to empathize with Harper in a way no one else can.

“She tends to hold things in. I think she’s alright, all things considered. She got decent sleep last night.”

“I’ll check her out before we leave.”

“Thank you. She’ll be home around two today.”

I spend the rest of the drive talking about all the threats and letters Harper and her mom have received over the past few months, both those they know about and those Dad and I have intercepted. Nolan already has a file of everything he’s started going through to try to figure out a point of origin for the anonymous threats. I know that Harper said she’d feel better if we went to the police, but I reassured her that between Lake and Nolan, we’d be in a much better position than if we went to the police.

As soon as I pull into the driveway, Cyrus comes out the side door to meet us. I know he’s just as anxious about everything as I am. Emerson, too, for that matter, but he’s on campus with Harper .

We lead everyone upstairs to Harper’s room. We left everything untouched just as they told us to last night. Nolan puts on a pair of latex gloves and pulls the knife out of the mattress. He looks at both sides of the blade and hilt, turning it over in his hands.

“It’s a common hunting knife, but it might be exclusive to a certain outdoor goods chain store down here.” He holds it up and points to a discoloration on the side of the blade with scratches. “The mark looks like it was removed.”

Lake is by the window, looking around the frame. He lifts it and studies the screen for a couple minutes. “There are a few smudges in the window sill but nothing conclusive. Does she keep the window locked?”

“I don’t know that I’ve ever seen her open it, so I would assume so.” I walk over and look down out the window. There’s a small ledge someone could step on, but the pitch of the roof line below is pretty steep. “They’d have to be athletic to get in that way.”

“Yeah, even if they used that tree.” He points to the oak tree in the backyard whose branches reach toward the window.

“You and Harper were gone when this happened?”

“Yeah, Emerson was the only one home, but he was locked up in his room studying.” I glance in Olivia’s direction knowing she would understand his hustle better than anyone.

“I’ll start researching the knife,” Nolan says.

“I’ll help you.” Olivia follows him out.

Sawyer, Cyrus, and I spend the next hour and a half helping Lake set up a state-of-the-art security system in our house. Every common area has at least two security cameras placed strategically to minimize any blind spots. The hall upstairs also has multiple cameras. The only places without them are our bedrooms.

By the time we finish putting up motion sensor lights on every side of the house and garage, Emerson and Harper pull up. She walks over to me, moving straight into my open arms for a hug. My chest explodes at the feeling of her nuzzling against me for comfort.

Emerson flanks her other side, standing just as close as I do while I introduce them to her. I accompany her inside where we find Nolan and Olivia sitting side by side on the couch, her head rests on his shoulder while they look at the computer sitting on his lap.

“Olivia, Nolan, this is Harper.”

Nolan sets down the computer and stands, extending his tattooed hand to her. “Nice to meet you.”

“Thank you, you, too.” Harper is forever the sweet pastor’s daughter, giving warm welcomes even when she’s dying inside.

“Hi Harper, I’m Olivia.” She extends her hand as well. When Harper takes it, she pats the back of Harper’s hand with her other palm.

“Nice to meet you. Declan has said the best things about y’all.”

“Good. Did he mention I’m a doctor?”

“Yes.”

“Would you mind if we talked privately for a few minutes? I’d love to just touch base with you about everything. Ease any worries you might have.”

“Sure. I have a few questions about some things.” She glances nervously at me.

“Use my room.” I nod toward the stairs.

I want her to feel safe enough to be completely open with Olivia. Especially if there are things she’s holding back from us because she’s embarrassed or ashamed. This is one of the only times I’d say my desire to know everything about her comes second to her shyness.