Chapter 32
32
Sisco couldn't remember a better few days than the last ones he'd just experienced. Having Evie and Lenore at his house had solidified his growing feelings for the two. Evie had wanted to explore the land, so he led them on easy trails, carrying the little girl when she tired. Lenore could have insisted Evie not do anything strenuous but instead encouraged her daughter to try whatever she'd wanted to experience.
They had visited the LSIMT compound, where Evie had searched for and found the kittens again, declaring each one precious as she sat cross-legged on the ground and snuggled them. Lenore had stared at her daughter for a long time, emotions passing over her face. She’d finally turned a watery gaze up to him and leaned closer. “We're so getting a kitten, aren't we?”
He'd chuckled and wrapped his arm around her. “Only when you're ready. She'll be welcome here anytime to play with these.”
Lenore had spent time with Vivian and Mary while Sisco worked one day, and then Devil took them to the ranch next door to pet the horses. Lenore still wasn't convinced she wanted Evie to ride one yet, but she allowed Devil to set the little girl on the back of a tame horse with him holding tightly.
Lenore had insisted on cooking each night, which he’d protested but then thoroughly enjoyed. She claimed she loved to cook and loved his kitchen. The first night, she'd lifted on her toes to whisper that it was nice to cook for someone who ate more than chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. All he noticed was her sweet breath ghosting past his ear, and his cock stirred. Glad Evie was occupied with the puzzle she'd brought, and Lenore turned to check the oven, he was able to adjust himself.
Frazier had asked him if it was strange having them stay over, and he'd answered honestly… absolutely fucking no. He loved having them at his house. He felt as though he could breathe easier, not having to worry about them. But he also knew it was temporary.
He'd brought them back to their house, and Evie was now in her Halloween costume. She had wanted to be a princess, and he was amazed at the costume Lenore had designed and made. Her dress was layers of silky material in various shades of pink that flowed out from the waist. A twinkly necklace, bracelet, and a tiara completed the outfit. She even had a little pink eye shadow and bubblegum-colored lipstick. Her feet were adorned with pink sneakers.
“Mommy says clackety plastic heels are for home, not for the streets in town,” Evie had explained when his gaze dropped to her feet.
He had been surprised when told they were trick-or-treating in town. He'd thought they'd stop at a few neighbors’ houses. When he questioned where they were going, Evie looked at him, and with a voice filled with exasperation, she said, “ All the shops on Main Street give out candy , Sisco!”
Evie looked enthusiastic, but he'd turned to Lenore with raised brows. She laughed and shrugged. “More candy, less walking. What kid doesn't want that?”
Nodding, he agreed. “When I was a kid, we'd go through our apartment building, and then when we moved to a house in a neighborhood, we'd race from house to house. I would have loved just walking a few steps between shops to get candy.”
“Plus, the town uses it to let the kids show off their costumes. It's sort of an unofficial Halloween parade.”
It didn't take long to drive to a parking lot in the small town, but he discovered it was crowded. “Damn, where did all these people come from? It's like the whole county is here.”
“Candy!” Evie piped up from the back seat.
He chuckled. “I guess free candy brings them out, baby girl.”
Once parked, he barely had time to open her door before she bolted out, nearly tripping on her long skirt. He caught her before she faceplanted on the concrete and held her to his chest. “Whoa, sweet Evie. Don't get hurt before you get your candy.”
Lenore walked to their side of the SUV and lifted her brow, giving what he knew was a mommy stare. “Evie Keller. Do we need to review the rules?”
Evie latched her arms around Sisco's neck as though finding protection in his arms. She heaved a sigh and began reciting: “Stay with you. Don't run ahead. Say ‘thank you’ every time someone gives me a treat.”
Sisco caught Lenore pressing her lips together, and a grin slipped out as her lips curved slightly. He chuckled again. “Sounds like she's got the rules down.” But at the thought of what could happen during the night's frivolities, he shifted Evie in his arms so he could hold her gaze. “All kidding aside, you make sure to stay right with us. And don't eat any candy until I can check it out first.”
“I promise, Sisco. Now, let's go before all the candy is gone!”
Laughing, he carried her across the street with Lenore at his side, dodging little kids in costumes darting around. Setting Evie's feet on the ground, he reluctantly relinquished her hand. He'd initially thought he'd enjoy walking with Lenore but found his gaze didn't stray from Evie, terrified she'd forget and run into the street.
Lenore was greeted by many people as they walked, smiling and waving to friends. It struck him that she'd be easily recognized with her employment with the school system. Evie found her friends, each squealing over their costumes. And at the doors of the little shops in town, shopkeepers in costumes handed out candy to the eager trick-or-treaters.
They had fallen behind Evie and two of her friends, and Lenore introduced him to the other parents. He didn't miss the curious glances. Lenore had introduced him as her friend, but when she reached over and linked fingers with him, his chest puffed with pride, knowing she was making a public proclamation that while they hadn't defined what they were, he was someone special to her.
“Do you want to get some hot cider or hot chocolate?” she asked, and he looked to the side to see a food truck.
“Absolutely.” His phone vibrated in his pocket. He recognized the vibration code. Emergency. “Hang on,” he said to Lenore, holding up his forefinger, then stepping to the side to let the crowd pass. “Sisco,” he answered.
“Dalton here. The security alarm on Lenore's back door was set off. Visual shows a man had entered.”
“Goddamnit,” he growled, then looked around hastily and lowered his voice. “I'm on my way. Getting the girls to my vehicle will take me a couple of minutes. Goddamnit,” he cursed again, not wanting to take them anywhere near someone who'd broken into their home. His gaze shot toward Lenore, who held Evie's hand, but her eyes were on him and worried.
“Frazier and Casper are on their way there,” Dalton reported. “My eyes are on the inside.”
“Hang on,” he said to his fellow Keeper as he stalked to Lenore. Keeping his voice low, he leaned to whisper, “Security breach at your house. I need to get there.”
“Oh my God!” she whispered back, eyes wide. Her chest heaved, and she shook her head back and forth. “What… what do we do?”
“We need to leave now, but I don't want you and Evie?—”
“No, you go on. I'll stay here with Evie.”
He shook his head. “Lenore, I'm not leaving you here in town unprotected.”
“We'll be in a crowd with friends. Please go, Sisco. I can't possibly take Evie or explain what's happening.”
Her eyes begged even more than her words. He looked around, but the town was just as it had been—kids running around, laughing as they looked at the candy they'd received. Parents milling about keeping an eye on their children. He'd even seen the local police and county deputies in force, patrolling the streets. “Fuck,” he muttered, his eyes landing on Evie as she stood several feet away with one of her friends as they peered into their bags to compare their candy haul. “Dalton, I'm leaving them here since we don't know the situation. I'll be there in ten minutes.”
“Got it. The man hasn't looked at any cameras, but he's wandered through the house, not taking anything. The local police are on their way. They'll get there first.”
Disconnecting, his hands landed on Lenore's shoulders. “Stay with who you know. Don't wander away. Keep your eyes on Evie. The police will be at your house first, but I'll return for you as soon as I know anything.”
Her lips were pressed together, but there was no smile this time. “If you don't contact me and everyone is leaving, I'll get a ride with a friend and let you know.”
Fiery rage shot through his body. He hated her having to ride with anyone but him, but without knowing what he was facing, he nodded. Then he kissed her, fast and hard, before turning and jogging across the street to the parking lot.
He was two minutes from her house, but he noted that some kids were trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, not the town event, so he drove slowly. As he maneuvered as fast as he dared with children around, Dalton reported, “The intruder is gone. He left from the back door and disappeared through the neighbor's yard facing Pine Street. We've lost sight of him. The police car has just arrived at the front.”
“Goddamnit,” he cursed again, this time giving full voice to his frustration. “Almost there. I'll report as soon as I get in.” Jerking his SUV to a stop in front of the house, he jumped from behind the wheel and slammed his door closed. Halloween had turned into a bad-trick kind of night.
He identified himself to the officers, but having dealt with the Trainors, he was fully aware that law enforcement could be paid to turn a blind eye. “Sisco Aguilar, with Lighthouse Security Investigations,” he said, holding his identification to them. “We have this house wired for security and monitored, so we've seen the intruder and know someone broke into the back.”
The younger officer put his hand on his holster, his eyes wide and his expression almost hopeful.
“He's gone. We've got him on video, and my boss has already sent it to the FBI agent in charge,” Sisco continued.
The older officer's brows snap together. “In charge of what?”
“The case involving the woman living here.” He wasn't about to explain to the officers who Evie was when he wanted to get inside to ensure that no one was there and take stock of what had occurred. He tapped his earpiece and walked toward the house. “Dalton, I'm ready to go in.”
“It's clear.”
“I'm going to the back.”
“Mister, you can't just come here and go into a house where the alarm is gone off!” the older officer said, his hand also landing on his holster.
“Then you'd better come with me,” Sisco said. His gaze dropped down to the officer's hand, and added, “If you use that, you better be damn sure of what you're doing. You might want to check with your police chief or the county sheriff, and you might want to do that fuckin' now.”
Hearing a noise behind him, he turned to see Frazier come up behind him. Lifting his chin to Frazier, he ignored the officers.
“Going to the back. I'll come through to let you in.” He continued around the side of the house, taking care when he neared the back corner. He didn't want to mess with possible footprints, but with the dry ground, there didn't appear to be any. It was easy to see that the back window leading into the kitchen had been smashed. He slipped on gloves before pulling out his key, and entered the back door. Stepping inside, he punched in the code to stop the alarm and then looked around.
He made his way to the front door, where he unlocked it, allowing Frazier to enter that way. His gaze swept around the living room.
“He was seen on camera, walking around the kitchen, the living room, and then back to the kitchen,” Dalton said, reported. “He didn't go through anything or attempt to take anything.”
“What the fuck was he doing?” Sisco asked, looking around at the rooms that appeared undisturbed except for the glass from the kitchen window.
“Call Everett, let him know what's going on,” Frazier said through his earpiece to Dalton.
“Landon is on it,” Dalton responded.
“Whoever did this knew she was gone,” Sisco growled. “Knew she was gone this evening and just did this to fuck with her. Just to let her know that someone could. And goddamnit, they knew the house had security and figured the police were spread thin being in town this Halloween evening.”
Suddenly, a thought slammed into Sisco, and he swung around, his gaze landing on Frazier and Casper. “That leaves Lenore and Evie unprotected in town! Fucking hell! I have to get back there.” He started to race out the front door and called over his shoulder, “Get Everett here. We’ve been set up!”
Frazier pounded down the driveway after him, jumping into the passenger side just as Sisco was ready to tear out. “I figure you know what you're doing, but I have your back.”
Sisco simply nodded as fear kept a stranglehold on him. His hands gripped the steering wheel, and he raced back to town.