Just A Moment #2
Lia smiled and patted his arm. “Yes, but she needs you and some privacy for a few minutes.”
He rushed the few steps to the library, where he found Esme standing with her arms crossed over her waist, protecting herself or holding herself together?
Either way, Wyatt crossed the room and enveloped her in his arms. It only took a heartbeat for her arms to wrap around his waist. She snuggled into his chest, and he ran his hands gently over her back and hair. “I love you so much, Esme. I’m glad you’re okay.”
She took a deep breath. Her voice shook. “I love you, too.”
Then she broke into sobs, and he tightened his hold. He ran his hands over her, attempting to offer comfort. He told her how much he loved her, how she impressed him at every turn, and how incredible she was.
Her tears didn’t last long, but they stayed wrapped around each other afterward.
Finally, she drew a slow breath and leaned her head back. He cupped her face and brushed her cheeks dry with his thumbs. He drifted his lips over hers, then over each of the butterfly bandages and her scar. “I love you.”
She smiled, steadier than before. “I love you so much. Thank you for everything.”
“I didn’t do much, certainly didn’t do enough to keep you safe.”
Esme’s eyes softened, and she leaned up to kiss him. “You did everything that mattered. As Farid’s twins said, you’re a superhero. My superhero.”
He felt his skin flush at that. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe. Always and forever.”
Her smile widened. “Always and forever. I like the sound of that.”
She kissed him again. When she broke off this time, she smiled. “Okay. That should hold me while we get through the rest of this mess. Time to unmask John.”
He started to tell her it could wait, but with a determined look in her eyes, she grabbed his hand and squeezed. They returned to the kitchen, where only Marcus remained. He poured mugs for them. “Lia ordered chamomile tea for everyone, so I hope that works for you.”
Esme smiled. “That works. I’m steadier now, but that’ll help, too.”
Wyatt pulled his chair right next to Esme while Marcus brought them mugs. His voice serious, he spoke to Esme. “You don’t have to be steady. You’ve been through various levels of hell because of these people. If you’d rather do this tomorrow, that’s fine with me.”
Esme shook her head. “Thanks, but I’d rather find out who she is tonight.”
“Okay, I’ve got a quick overview of what happened from Jolie. I can get your official statements tomorrow, but run me through it quickly.”
Wyatt sighed. “They were in the woods waiting for a chance to grab Esme. When I helped Farid hold up his twins to grab some photos of them picking apples, they got their chance. The man grabbed Esme, and they rushed into the bush.”
Esme nodded. “I moved to get a video of the family from behind and inadvertently moved right to where they waited. One minute she was beside me holding a knife in my face, and then the man grabbed me and held me so that no matter how I fought, I couldn’t get free or kick him.”
Wyatt frowned. “I’m guessing he has training of some kind. It’s difficult to carry an unwilling person through the woods as quickly as he did.”
Marcus nodded. “We’ll get more from him soon, but that wouldn’t surprise me.”
Esme looked between them. “You think he was military?”
Marcus shrugged. “Or a professional thug. If he won’t share his name, I’m sure we’ll learn more from his prints. I’d be shocked if he doesn’t have a record. This doesn’t seem like a first offence.”
Esme went through her experiences again, making Wyatt’s blood heat. She grabbed his hand, reminding him she was strong, safe, and she loved him.
As they prepared to head outside, Knox entered the room. “The male reaper attempted to escape, so he’s sitting his ass in the cruiser. There’s enough space between Downey and the woman. They won’t hear each other when you talk to them. We have chairs set up for you.”
Marcus checked in with Esme. “Are you sure about this? We can wait until tomorrow.”
She nodded. “I’m sure. Let’s see if it’s Lacy Johnson under the mask.”
Wyatt nodded. “That’s my guess, too.”
Marcus grinned. “We’re all on the same page. John’s online comments are personal and ugly. The experts suspect a woman wrote them. With her surname, Lacy Johnson seems a reasonable suspect.”
Esme leaned into Wyatt’s side. “She has a terrible reputation in the business. She’s notoriously demanding and not always sober.”
Marcus nodded. “She’s been arrested a few times for drunk and disorderly.
She’s also been fired from multiple modeling jobs, including every single job she got over the past year.
The employers I contacted said she’s belligerent with staff, doesn’t show up on time or at all, and was high on several jobs.
Apparently, she’s been blacklisted and no one will hire her. ”
Wyatt frowned. “And she’s blaming Esme.”
Marcus grinned. “Yes. People I spoke with told me she appears unstable and obsessed with you. She physically attacked one makeup artist who spoke about wishing you would return to modeling as the scar made your face even more interesting. The woman pressed charges, but Johnson got bail while she awaits trial. She won’t be free anymore.
To add to all the evidence from tonight, my deputy found another knife strapped to her forearm when he cuffed her.
I’m sure we’re right, but let’s confirm our suspicions. ”
The woman sounded batshit crazy. Wyatt kept Esme’s hand in his while they approached the tables.
The woman no longer wore her mask, but she kept her head down, her long hair draping her face as they approached.
Boomer and Gomez sat alert at her side, while Gray and Ford stood guard with their weapons holstered but visible.
They were every bit as intimidating as the uniformed deputies.
When they sat, he and Marcus let Esme take the lead. Gomez trotted around the table and leaped into her lap. While she patted the dog, Esme studied the woman with clear eyes and no fear in her body language. He was in love with a kickass woman.
Esme tilted her head. “Why would you ruin your life and your career by focusing on me, Lacy?”