Beautiful Music (17 page)

Andrea’s lip came out in a pout and Jena saw her swallow hard.

Chase kneeled in front of her. “We are a family, Andy. We might not be the parents God gave you, but we’re second string. We love you and want to protect you. I can’t protect you, Andy, if I don’t know what I’m fighting.”

“I’m not allowed to tell you,” she said barely above a whisper.

“Andrea, you’re scaring me,” Jena’s voice cracked.

“I don’t mean to, Aunt Jen. I promised.”

“Is it someone you know?” Chase questioned.

“Yes.” A huge tear escaped as she answered reluctantly.

“Is that all you’re going to say?”

“Uncle Chase, I promised. My mommy always told me to keep my promises.”

“Sometimes promises need to be broken. Especially if the promise may hurt someone,” Jena reasoned.

Her niece’s forehead wrinkled, but she remained silent. Another tear slid down her cheek.

“Stay in your room for a while,” Chase ordered. “Maybe you’ll change your mind if you have some time to think.”

“I won’t,” she answered stubbornly.

“Come on, Jen.” He waited for her to go through the door first and quietly shut it behind them.

Jena rubbed her temples. “I have never felt so inept in all my life.”

He nodded toward the steps. “Let’s give her some time.”

Mrs. R. met them at the bottom of the steps. “Well?”

“She’s not talking,” Chase answered.

“I told you. You know what that child needs? A good old-fashioned meeting with the belt.”

“That’s not going to do any good. I know you’re frustrated, Mrs. R. We are, too. She’s hiding something…protecting someone.”

“What if she doesn’t talk?” Jena paced.

“I have a bad feeling this is all connected. I’m going to give Detective Burrows a call. I’ll see what he thinks.” Chase went toward the study leaving Jena alone with Mrs. R.

Jena wrung her hands. She was used to taking charge. She was useless. How could this have happened? Depending on Chase to handle everything was becoming a habit. She couldn’t lose herself.

She was vaguely aware of Mrs. R. speaking behind her. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“I’m going to make some tea. Seems we could all use some to calm our nerves.”

****

“Did you check the caller ID?” the detective asked.

“I did. Name withheld.”

“I can understand your concern. I’ll see what I can get from the phone records. By the way, that Richards fella…couldn’t find any trace of him. Does your niece know him?”

“She was with us at the aquarium when he approached Jena. Why?”

“His name keeps coming up. I have his place of employment. I’ll give them a call and see if he’s back in the office. If you find out anything let me know. There’s been no crime committed, so my hands are tied a bit.”

Chase was irritated. “I don’t want to wait until there’s a crime to make a move.”

“I’m not saying not to trust your gut on this. My gut’s telling me the same thing. Let me know if anything else comes to mind.”

“Will do. Thanks.” Chase hung up feeling less than thankful.

****

Jena was pacing when Chase entered the living room. She stopped long enough to ask, “What did he say?”

“He’s going to check into some things and get back to me.”

“I still think you should force the issue,” Mrs. R. offered from the couch as she sipped a cup of tea.

“She obviously feels strongly about who she’s protecting,” Jena interjected.

“I suppose we wait for her to talk or for something else to happen,” Chase sighed.

Mrs. R. stood, tea cup in hand, and grumbled, “I don’t like that plan. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

Jena silently agreed with the housekeeper. She was frightened. Something was going on and she didn’t like being a victim. She needed to figure out where the threat was coming from. The question was…where should she start?

“I’m going back to my place and pack a bag,” Chase announced.

Jena folded her arms in front of her. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

He pulled his keys from his pocket. “It’s very necessary. I won’t sleep knowing you two are here by yourselves.”

“I think you’re overreacting.”

He lifted her chin to meet his eyes. “Indulge me.”

She sighed. “I don’t know…”

“This has nothing to do with sex, Jen.”

She flinched at his bluntness.

“I
need
to be here, please understand. You and Andrea are my family. Family means something to me. Even if I wasn’t in love with you, I’d be saying the same words.”

Her head was nodding in agreement before she realized what she was doing. “Okay. I’ll make up the guest room.”

“The couch is fine.”

“No, it’s not. I’ll feel guilty knowing you’re crammed on the couch when there’s a perfectly good bed…” she trailed off.

“You were saying?”

Her mind went immediately to the perfectly good bed in her room and she blushed at the thought. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut in an attempt to erase the visions of Chase tangled in her sheets. “I’ll, um, be upstairs.” She looked at him for a moment before making a mad dash up the stairs.

She grabbed clean sheets from the linen closet in the hallway. She heard the living room door open and close and let out a sigh of relief. Leaning against the wall she took a moment to calm her breathing. Satisfied she was in control, she entered the room directly across from hers—the guest room. The close proximity gave her a warm feeling. She wanted him closer, but now wasn’t the time.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chase was nervous. He didn’t like leaving them alone. Jena practically pushed him out the door to band practice, but not before he made her take the spare key to his house. His reasoning? He lived closer to the police department, there was a front gate, and his alarm system was state of the art. Chase knew she only took the key to get him out of the house. Damn! If they didn’t have this benefit coming up...They were putting the finishing touches on their set for the show later this week. He had no choice.

Practice had only taken a couple of hours, but it seemed a lifetime to Chase. He walked out the door of Braden’s house and headed for his truck. Even though there had been no other incidents, Chase was very aware of his surroundings. He noted cars in the vicinity and gave attention to the people he saw. He was on edge. The recent call from Detective Burrows was stuck in his mind. Todd Richards was still unaccounted for.

He needed to get home and showered. He wouldn’t be at ease until he saw his girls. A smile broke across his lips. “His girls.” He would do whatever it took to protect them. His mind wandered to Todd Richards. He was slime, but Chase wasn’t convinced he’d want to get his hands dirty. Ever since the phone call to Andrea, Chase wasn’t so sure Todd Richards was involved.

He pulled down his street and panic coursed through his veins. Why was Jena’s car in his driveway? Something was wrong. The gate swung open in slow motion. Hell, he was ready to climb over it. He jumped out of the truck and flew up the steps to his front door. He grabbed the knob, but it was locked. He fumbled with his keys before getting the door open.

Chase turned to shut the door and was tackled by Andrea. The aroma of a home-cooked meal filled his nostrils as he took a deep breath. He nearly dropped Andrea from his arms when he spotted her coming from the kitchen.

“Hi,” she said shyly. “I suppose you’re wondering what we’re doing here?”

He lowered Andrea carefully to her feet. “Hi back. I was worried when I saw your car.” That was an understatement. He kept the words to a minimum, afraid he would stumble over the next sentence. The little sundress showed off her new Florida tan. Her blonde mane was piled on top of her head in a sexy array of curls. The apron she wore nearly did him in.

“I hope you don’t mind. We wanted to surprise you. I guess I should have called.”

“Mind?” He couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across his face. “I could learn to get used to this.” He made the three short steps to Jena’s side and lifted her into an embrace, kissing her on the lips. “Mmmmm, you smell good,” he said under his breath.

“Uncle Chase, is Aunt Jen your girlfriend?”

He heard Jena’s quick intake of air as he put her feet back on the floor. “What would you think if she was?”

“I think it would be okay. My mommy will be really happy. I can’t wait to tell her.”

Jena and Chase exchanged a look, but he decided to let the comment slide. She didn’t reply either, but cleared her throat instead. “Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes,” she announced with a smile.

“Gives me time to get a shower.” He mussed Andrea’s hair on the way by and dropped another quick kiss on Jena’s lips. He could hear his niece’s giggles follow him up the stairs.

He showered quickly and threw on shorts and a t-shirt. Checking his image in the bathroom mirror, he splashed on some cologne. Shaking his head in disbelief, he saw his reflection smiling back at him. Jena was downstairs in
his
kitchen cooking him supper. For the first time since he moved into this huge place it felt like a home. He could hear the commotion of pots clanging, Andrea’s laughter, and as he descended the steps…Jena’s voice. Chase silently prayed for this scene to become a daily reality. Nothing else mattered.

Chase followed the voices and ended in the dining room. He’d almost forgotten he’d had a table in here. He stood in the doorway and watched them fussing around. He’d almost given up on the dream, but here it was…right in front of him.

“Should I come back?” He laughed when two female faces whipped in his direction.

He didn’t miss the look that passed between Jena and Andrea before she spoke. “No, we’re all ready. I hope you’re hungry. I haven’t cooked for anyone in a very long time. I might have gotten carried away. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy it.”

Chase went around the table and pulled out the chair for Jena. “Feel free to exercise your culinary hobby in my kitchen anytime.” Color rose in her face as she sat.

“I think you should hold on the offer until you’ve sampled the menu.”

“I set the table, Uncle Chase,” Andrea said proudly.

“You did a great job, kiddo. You know, I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten at this table. In fact, I’m not sure the oven has ever been turned on.”

Andrea giggled before asking, “Where did you eat? The floor?”

“Honestly?” He thought for a moment. “Usually leaning against the kitchen counter with take-out.”

Chase couldn’t remember when he had such a great time. Their laughter filled his heart. He would do whatever it took to keep them safe and happy.

“Are you still coming to the benefit concert?” He was afraid she might have changed her mind.

“We’re coming, don’t worry. What time should we be there?”

“We play at six, so if you want to see me before you should get there around 4.”

“I think I’ll wait until after,” Jena said slowly.

Andrea, bored with the conversation, announced, “I’m finished. May I be excused?”

“Take your plate to the kitchen,” Chase directed. He studied Jena’s face. “You’re not backing out on me, are you?”

“Of course not.”

“Why wouldn’t you want to come backstage and give me a good luck kiss?” He followed the question with a wink.

She shifted nervously in her seat. “I’d rather wait.”

He eyed her doubtfully. “What’s really bothering you?”

She sighed. “I’m really nervous and I don’t want to pass that on to you.”

Chase laughed. “I’m the one on the stage.”

Jena’s face remained serious. “I’m nervous about meeting your friends. I’m nervous about someone putting me in a newspaper. I’m petrified to watch you sing. What if I get jealous?”

He nearly let a smile slip at the petrified look on Jena’s face. “First of all, there is no reason to be jealous. Would you rather watch from backstage? You wouldn’t have to deal with the crowd.”

“I’d like to watch my first concert with the masses. I want the full effect. However, I’d rather not see anyone throw underwear on stage.”

Normally, he would have returned her halfway attempt at humor with a comment of his own. Not this time. His blood went cold with sudden terror. What if the person following them was there? And they were unprotected?

“Chase? Did I say something wrong?”

Jena was regarding him with a concerned look. He didn’t want her worrying for nothing. He’d have a bodyguard watching them. He needed to set that up right away.

“No, nothing’s wrong. Everything’s perfect. Thanks for the meal. What will you be making tomorrow night?” he asked shoveling in the last bite.

She stood and lifted her plate from the table. “Don’t go thinking you’ll have me tied to the stove.”

“So barefoot and pregnant is out of the question, too?” he asked, following her into the kitchen.

She gently placed the dish on the counter and turned toward him. “I sincerely hope you’re joking.”

“The right answer would be yes?” he asked in a low voice. He pinned her against the counter, gently running his hands up and down her back.

He barely heard her muted yes as he covered her mouth with his, lingering in the kiss that ran deep. He took a moment to search her eyes for a response. “I’ve missed you, Beautiful. I want every night to be like this.”

Her rapid breathing was the only confirmation he needed. Pulling her against him he quickly grazed his lips across hers. He nearly came unglued as she looked at him with need in her eyes, sliding her tongue across her lips. He grabbed her bottom lip with his teeth and gently nipped. Her grip tightened on his biceps as her breathing grew louder. He answered with kisses to her neck, her ear…his hands began to roam…

“Uncle Chase! Uncle Chase! Where are you?” the small voice grew nearer.

“Oh, hell, that girl has timing,” he cursed, stepping back. Jena smoothed her dress and ran her hands over her face, looking like a guilty teenager. The ache in the pit of his stomach grew. What he wouldn’t give for a half hour alone with her.

“Where’s the fire, Andy?” he asked as she burst in the kitchen.

“I was wondering if I could go play on the beach? Big John has his dog out playing catch.”