Scattered Thoughts (Betrayed by Love Book 1) (20 page)

“Thank you, Detective,” I said by means of rescue. I wanted answers as much as Alec, maybe even more, but berating the man in charge of the investigation certainly wasn’t going to get them any faster.

Spencer burst into the room, making my whole body tense. He was the last person I wanted to deal with at the moment. Given the fact that Alec’s arm was draped over my shoulders he surely wasn’t going to help ease the tension in the room.

“What the hell are you doing here, Izzy?” Spencer barked. “You have no right to be here.”

The venom dripping from his words made my blood boil. All the calm I felt just a few minutes early was suddenly nonexistent. “This is my house too, Spencer. I have every right to be here.”

“Yeah, well, I’m the one who lives here. And you left us, or don’t you remember that now that you’re shacked up with Mr. Money Bags over there?”

I moved quickly toward him, wagging my finger inches from his face. “Seriously!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, ready to finally give him a piece of my mind. He was the one who’d cheated, and he had the nerve to blame me for leaving. “Did you honestly expect me to stay after you cheated on me?”

Spencer grabbed my shoulders with both hands. “Damn it, Bella. When are you going to let that go?”

Alec stepped between us, pushing Spencer backward. “Take your fucking hands off her.”

Spencer staggered into the door jamb, barely able to maintain his balance. “This has nothing to do with you, Payne. This is between me and my wife.”

“She isn’t your wife anymore.”

Spencer lunged toward Alec, his fist drawn. “Get the hell out of my house!” He took a swing.

“Spencer. No!” Damn him. What was he doing?

Alec caught Spencer’s fist in his hand and with one quick motion he pinned Spencer’s arm behind his back and took him to the ground. “I’m willing to let this slide, considering all that’s happened here today, but put your hands on her again and we’re going to have a real problem. Are we clear about that?”

Spencer wriggled on the floor, trying to free himself from Alec’s unrelenting grip. “Get the fuck off me,” he shouted.

“Okay, okay, let’s break it up,” Detective Rux chimed in, finally putting a stop to the madness before it got completely out of hand. “It’s natural for tempers to flare in situations like this but it’s important that we all keep a level head, especially in the middle of the crime scene.”

Alec released Spencer and stood back up. He straightened his shirt then turned his attention to me. Tears were rolling slowly down my cheeks. Seeing the destruction was bad enough by itself, but the two of them fighting was more than I could handle. Alec moved to my side. “Are you okay?” I nodded silently, too stunned to speak. Alec pulled me into his arms and kissed me on the top of the head. “Baby, don’t cry. Everything’s going to be okay. You’re safe with me.”

Spencer pushed himself back up to his feet. “GET OUT,” he shouted, pointing toward the door before lunging at Alec again. “Get the hell out of my house.”

Detective Rux stepped between them. “Mr. James, control yourself. This is still an active crime scene.”

Spencer threw his hands in the air. “Whatever. But I want them out of here. And I mean now!”

Alec had made his point by showing me the damage so didn’t hesitate to escort me out of the house and into the waiting car, his arm gripped firmly around my shoulders. Detective Rux suggested Drew and Anna stay away from the house until they could figure out who was behind the break-ins. But, unfortunately, Drew was just as stubborn as his father. Spencer kept insisting I was the only one in danger and given the fact that they’d all been home during the last break-in and none of them were injured, I knew I’d have a battle on my hands trying to convince Drew to leave.

“What’s wrong, Isabella?”

I shook my head, not wanting to talk about it.

Alec lowered his eyebrows. “You know how I feel about half-truths.”

A sigh escaped me. “What if Drew won’t leave? Or Anna? Oh Alec, I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to them.”

Unbuckling his seatbelt, Alec slid over next to me on the seat, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “Everything is going to be okay, baby. I won’t let anything happen to them.”

I burst into tears. “How can you keep them safe?” I cried. “They’re leaving for college soon and it’s not like you can keep them trapped inside a hotel room too.”

He lifted my chin until he was staring right into my eyes. “Trapped? Is that how you feel?”

“Yes,” I whispered.

Alec pulled his hands through his hair. “You’re free to come and go as you please, Isabella. Frank is there for that very reason.”

“Yes, Frank. Everywhere I go he’s there. I’m suffocating, Alec. I miss my privacy. I miss my home and my job.” That confession had the tears coming even faster.

“Please don’t cry,” Alec whispered in my ear. “Frank is there to keep you safe, not suffocate you.”

“I’m not some weakling that needs protection, Alec. I’m Izzy James. I can take care of myself.”

Alec put his arm around me again, tucking me into his side. “I’m sure you can, baby.” He kissed me on the forehead. “I’m sure you can.”

His condescending tone grated on my nerves, giving me just the push I needed to set the record straight. “I’m serious, Alec. I don’t need a damn keeper. And I want to go back to work. If you aren’t going to let me do my job I’ll find another client who will.”

“Feisty.” He chuckled. “I like it when you’re feisty.”

“Alec, this isn’t funny.”

“You’re right. There’s nothing funny about your safety.”

I rolled my eyes. “Distraction isn’t going to work this time. I’m going back to work and that’s final.”

Alec moved back to his seat and fastened his seatbelt. “That’s a dangerous game you’re playing, Isabella. All of me, remember?” I wasn’t sure what he was talking about but right then I didn’t really care. I was going back to work and there was nothing he could say or do to stop me.

Preston pulled under the portico at the hotel entrance. I hopped out of the car as soon as we stopped, slamming the door behind me. “You’ve lost your mind if you think I’m going to sit by and let you control my life,” I mumbled as I stomped inside the hotel. Alec called after me but I kept walking, too angry to talk to him, not stopping until I reached the bank of elevators.

Nathan stepped out of the elevator as soon as the doors opened. He wasn’t wearing his uniform and he looked as though he’d just gotten out of the shower causing the hairs on my neck to stand on end. “Hey, Izzy.”

I stepped back. “Nathan,” I said.

“Did you enjoy dinner last night?”

“Yes,” I said hesitantly.

“I’m glad you liked it.” He glanced over my shoulder. “Good morning, Mr. Payne.”

Alec took my arm and practically shoved me into the elevator. “Good morning,” he said through gritted teeth.

“What was that all about?” Alec asked when the elevator doors closed.

“It’s nothing.”

His eyes narrowed. “You know how I feel about half-truths, Isabella.”

I sighed. “He works here, Alec. He delivered dinner to my room last night. The dinner you ordered.”

Without another word, Alec reached up and activated his Bluetooth device. “Pull the hotel security video from the elevators. The man in blue jeans and a t-shirt who just rode down to the lobby. I want to know who he is and where he’s been.”

“Alec, I told you. He works here. And his name is Nathan.”

Alec pulled both hands through his hair. “Baby, I didn’t order dinner for you last night.”

Everything went dark. The only sound audible was the pounding of my heart. If it wasn’t Alec or ordered me dinner, then who could it have been? Thoughts whirled through my mind like a spinning top. Had my attacker tracked me to the hotel? How? Alec had been so careful. But Val knew where I was too. And if he knew where I was, why did he break into my house? Alec didn’t order me dinner.

Tomorrow was the day; the day I’d been simultaneously dreading and looking forward to all year. In less than twenty four hours Drew and Anna would walk across that stage and receive their high school diploma, officially bringing another chapter of their lives to an end. My dad was flying in for the big event and I’d been a nervous wreck all morning. I still hadn’t told anyone about my divorce and the one person I dreaded telling most of all was Jack Jones. I’d hoped to keep the news of our divorce under wraps as not to cast a shadow on graduation, but there was no way I’d be able to hide it from my dad. As soon as he laid eyes on me, he’d know. Especially considering Alec hadn’t left my side since learning Nathan didn’t work at the hotel, if Nathan was even his real name.

Alec wanted to move me to a different hotel but I refused to leave the Garden until after graduation. Five miles was as far away from my kids as I was willing to go at this point. As it was I hated not being under the same roof as them. Moving twenty minutes further away, the distance to the closest hotel, was out of the question. A fact Alec wasn’t exactly happy about.

He brought in a second security team to ensure there were no more unauthorized visits to my room, though, and I hadn’t even told him about the nightmare I had that night. I couldn’t imagine how he might’ve reacted if he thought for even a second someone had been in my room while I was sleeping.

“Are you ready to go?”

I spun around, Alec’s voice startling me. “Almost.”

“We need to leave soon if you want to be there when your dad’s plane arrives.”

“Give me five minutes, okay?”

Alec looked at his watch. “You’ve got exactly five minutes.” I rolled my eyes. Quickly, Alec closed the gap between us, pulling me into his arms. He kissed me hard on the mouth then pulled away, leaving me tingling inside. “The next time you roll your eyes at me, Isabella, I’m going to show you exactly how I feel about it.” He swatted me playfully on the butt. “Now get ready.”

I opened my mouth to object, but Alec disappeared before I could find the words.
Damn it, Alec Payne
, my inner voice snapped. The effect he had on my body was so unfair.

• • • • •

We arrived at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport with plenty of time to spare. Butterflies danced around in my stomach, making it impossible for me to stand still. I paced back-and-forth, anxiously awaiting my dad’s arrival.

Alec put his arm around my shoulder, forcing me to stop moving. “Are you okay, baby?”

I held on to his waist. “I should’ve told him about the divorce. He’s going to be mad that I kept it from him and I hate it when he’s mad.”

“Isabella, I’m sure your dad will understand.

“Understand what?”

I spun around. “Daddy!”

Jack lifted me up in a bear hug. Luckily, my ribs had healed or that would have really hurt. “I’ve missed you.” He put me down and held me at arm’s length. “Look at you, Iz. You’re too thin. Are you sure you’re eating enough.”

“Dad,” I objected. I certainly didn’t need him giving Alec something else to fixate on. He still had his hands full making sure I followed Dr. Leonard’s discharge orders, even though it’d been almost six weeks since I was released from the hospital. My dad picked me up again and kissed me on the cheek.

“I’m so glad you came.”

“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.” A sigh of relief escaped, distraction scored again. “Now, what is it you needed to tell me, Isabella?”

Shit. I was wrong. My distraction had failed but this wasn’t a conversation to have at the airport, especially with Alec glued to my side. Redirection was my only hope of avoiding the awkward situation that was about to occur. “We’ll talk about that later. Right now I’d like to introduce you to Alec Payne. Alec, this is my father, Jack Jones.”

Alec extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Jones.”

“Please, call me Jack.” The two men shook hands. “How do you know Izzy?”

“Alec’s a friend, daddy,” I answered quickly.

“Well it’s nice to meet you, Alec Payne, friend of Izzy.” The look on his face said it all. He knew there was more to the story, but I was relieved he was letting it go, for now anyway.

“You must be hungry after that long flight. How about we go to the Brick and Spoon before heading to the hotel?” Food was the last thing I wanted, but they made an amazing mango mimosa and that sounded pretty good at the moment. I wouldn’t be able to keep the news of my divorce a secret much longer, and I was going to need some liquid courage to help me get through that conversation.

“I could eat.”

“Brick and Spoon it is then,” Alec said.

We collected my dad’s suitcase then walked out to the car where Preston was waiting. Alec hopped in the front seat, leaving the back seat for the two of us. Preston typed the address I gave him into the GPS then started off in the direction of the restaurant. With traffic it would be a thirty minute drive, but I didn’t mind. My dad wasn’t much of a phone talker, and I hadn’t seen him since Christmas so we had a lot to catch up on.

“Izzy, I have something to tell you.” He took a deep breath. “I’m selling the ranch.”

We’d barely left the airport and my dad had already dropped a bomb. “What do you mean, you’re selling the ranch?” I asked, surprised by the news. He’d gotten several offers over the years, but I never thought he’d actually sell it.

“I’m getting too old to be a rancher, Iz, and the offer was just too good to pass up this time.”

“Was too good? That sounds like you’ve already accepted it.”

“I did. We close as soon as I get back.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

He cupped my face in his hand. “Because I knew you’d worry about me.”

“Well, you still should’ve told me,” I said, folding my arms across my chest.

“Don’t pout, Isabella. Maybe I should’ve told you sooner, but it wouldn’t have changed anything. My mind was made up.”

“What are you going to do now? Where will you live?”

“That’s the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve met someone.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, now it makes perfect sense.”

“Isabella, I may be too old to take you over my knee but I’m sure your
friend
up there wouldn’t mind doing an old man a favor.”

“I’d be more than happy to oblige, sir,” Alec said all too quickly.

My face turned fire engine red, the space inside the car suddenly feeling too small for all four of us.

“See, he’s more than happy to help out. Now, do you have anything else to say about this or can we move on?”

I stared out the window, trying to figure out what surprised me more, dad selling the ranch or him finding a girlfriend. He’d been single for so long. I kind of thought he’d stay that way forever.

“Who is she?” I asked, finally putting an end to the awkward silence.

“Her name is Francine Walker. We met at church.”

“And what, you’re gonna live with her now?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Isabella. I bought a condo at One Ski Hill. Francine owns the property and she gave me a great deal on the place.”

“A condo? Seriously, Dad? You sold your ranch and bought a condo?”

“Izzy, please don’t be upset. She makes me happy. Don’t you want me to be happy?”

“Of course I want you to be happy. It’s just…” I exhaled loudly. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“There are never any guarantees in life, Iz. We both know that all too well.” He dropped his head, shaking it gently. “I loved your mother with all my heart and soul. But she’s been gone for a long time now. It’s time for me to move on.”

I reached for his hand and squeezed it softly. “You’re right. I’m sorry. You deserve to be happy.” He’d worked hard his whole life. And when my mom left he’d gone out of his way to make sure I felt loved, even sacrificing his own happiness to give me the best life he knew how.

My dad looked up at me; his eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, sweetheart,” he whispered. “You have no idea what it means to hear you say that.”

“I just don’t understand why you didn’t tell me sooner.”

“For the same reason you didn’t tell me about you and Spencer I reckon.”

My mouth dropped open. “You know about me and Spencer?” He nodded but didn’t say a word. “How?”

“Oh, Izzy.” He laughed. “You’ve never been good at hiding things from me.”

“Did one of the kids tell you?”

“No one
told
me, but it isn’t exactly rocket science, young lady.” I tilted my head to one side, waiting for an explanation. “You’re not wearing your wedding ring, and the lack of a tan line on your finger says you haven’t had it on in quite some time. Add that to you showing up to fetch me with your new
friend
up there, the one who can’t seem to take his eyes off you, and that’s all the evidence a father needs.”

• • • • •

Jack and Alec chatted like old friends over brunch while I quietly sipped mimosas in the corner of the booth. By the time I’d finished my third one the shock of my dad selling the ranch had finally worn off. I’d even managed to warm to the idea of him and Francine, but only a little. He hadn’t been this happy in a long time, plus I learned they had a lot in common, including the loss of a spouse. Granted Judy hadn’t died, but she might as well have. We hadn’t heard from her since the day she left. “It’s a pain you have to experience to fully understand,” my dad had said. How could I stay mad after hearing that? He’d been through so much over the years, raising a daughter on his own and always putting me first no matter what the cost. He’d dated a few times when I was younger, but he walked away every time, for me.

“So, Dad, who’s buying the ranch? Anyone I know?”

“Doubt it, not unless you’ve taken up the pot since you left home.”

I tilted my head to one side. “The pot?”

“You know,
marijuana
,” he whispered. A smile crossed my face as I processed what he was saying. “I sold the ranch to a couple who want to be pot farmers,” he said, laughing. “Isn’t that just about the craziest thing you’ve ever heard before, pot farmers.” He took a sip of his coffee. “They’ve been smoking a little too much of that if you ask me.” I glanced at Alec, who was doing his best to hide the growing smile on his face.

The waiter approached the table. “Would you like another drink, ma’am?”

“Absolutely,” I said, more than thankful for the relief today.   

“And for you, sirs?” The waiter looked from Jack to Alec then back again.

“You better bring us all another round. And bring me the check,” my dad said.

The waiter cleared a couple of dishes from the table. “Sorry, sir, the check has already been taken care of, but I’ll be right back with those drinks.”

“Now, Alec, you came all the way to the airport to get me, and I’d planned on treating you.”

“Habit, sir.”

“Well, you might just go broke with a habit like that,” Jack warned, oblivious who Alec was. The socks Alec was wearing probably cost more than our lunch.

The smile on Alec’s face grew larger. “I’ll do my best to remember that.”

Jack got in the front seat with Preston when we left the restaurant. “I don’t much like the back seat,” he said. “Can’t see where you’re going.”

Alec opened my door and I climbed in. He slid in next to me and I leaned against his chest. My dad clearly knew there was something going on between us, so there was no reason to pretend anymore.

Frank was waiting in the parking garage when we got back to the hotel, a worried look plastered across his face. Alec hopped out of the car as soon as we stopped. “Stay in the car,” he snapped, looking right at me.

“What’s that about?” my dad asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m not sure,” I whispered, all the while praying it had nothing to do with the attacks. Alec pulled his hand through his hair then stormed back toward the car. My heart skipped a beat.
Please be nothing
, I pleaded silently.

Alec jerked open my car door. “Nathan was in your room?”

Shit. It wasn’t a dream after all. I had been so sure. I hopped out of the car. “Alec, please, can we talk about this later?” My divorce wasn’t the only thing I’d been keeping from my dad. I hadn’t wanted to worry him, so I never told him about the break-ins, and especially not about the attacks. Too bad I forgot to share that bit of information with Mr. Control Freak.

“Answer the damn question, Isabella.”

Double shit. He was pissed. “I was certain it was a dream this time,” I whispered.

“Well, it wasn’t a dream. His fingerprints are all over the headboard!”

“Whoa there, Alec,” Jack said from behind me. “There’s no need to shout. I’m sure we can handle this like gentlemen.”

Alec looked over my shoulder at him. “I’m sorry, sir, but this is her safety we’re talking about here.”