Her Duty Bound Defender, page 6
Bennett couldn’t contain his smile. “Hey, buddy.”
“Detective,” the security officer greeted from his seat in front of a series of computer monitors.
Bennett struggled to remember the guy’s name. Ben? Bert? He shifted to the side, glimpsing the badge. Bill Nolice. “Thanks again.”
“It was a joy.” Nolice smiled broadly.
Spike rushed and jumped into Bennett’s outstretched arms.
Nolice chuckled. “He’s happy to see you.”
“The feeling’s mutual.” Bennett set Spike down and snapped on his leash.
The stout man rose, keeping one hand on the chair. “I enjoyed his company.”
“He’s great if you don’t have drugs on you.” Bennett ruffled the dog’s fur, catching Naomi’s wince in his peripheral vision. Stuck between feeling like a heel and the satisfaction of reestablishing their roles, he averted his eyes. “Let’s get going.”
“Have a good night.” Nolice offered Naomi a nod.
She returned a tired half smile.
They exited the security office and walked silently to where his pickup was parked.
Once they’d driven away from the hospital, Naomi said, “I need to tell you something.”
At last, she’d confess. “Okay.” Bennett slowed and pulled the truck over to the side of the road.
“No! Keep going!” Naomi twisted around to look behind them. “He might follow us.”
“Who?”
“Drive and I’ll talk.”
Bennett accelerated.
“A man threatened me in my room.”
Bennett slammed on the brakes, stretching his right arm to cover Naomi in an involuntary protective maneuver. “What?” He searched the parking lot and road for any approaching vehicles.
“Not here. It was before the doctor released me.” Naomi waved her arms. “Go!”
Against his better judgment, Bennett continued driving from the hospital. “You should’ve told me sooner!”
“Why didn’t you stop him from getting into my room?”
Bennett’s head snapped back from the verbal slap. “I watched your room the entire time we were there. The only distraction I’d had was almost getting run over by a soon-to-be-dad.”
Understanding poured over Naomi’s face, illuminated by the truck’s interior dashboard lights.
“Please start from the beginning.”
“I awoke right before a man entered my room. He wore scrubs and a doctor’s coat, and a mask covered his mouth. There was a big thick scar over his left eye. I didn’t suspect anything until he got closer. I could feel hate rolling off him in waves.” Naomi exhaled. “He held a knife. He warned me not to make a sound and demanded I give him ‘what belongs to him.’ Then the nurse knocked on the door. He hid in the attached bathroom. I was terrified he’d burst out and stab her!” Naomi’s words ended on a quivering note.
Bennett reached a hand to comfort her. She’d put someone else’s life ahead of her own?
“I’m sorry.” Her voice trembled. “I wasn’t sure if he’d stayed at the hospital watching us. I wanted to get out of there alive.”
“We’ll need to review the hospital security footage.” Bennett pulled over and called Isla.
“I don’t know if we’ve ever talked this many times in one day,” Isla said, but the teasing words didn’t match her sharp tone.
“Hey, is everything okay?”
“No. We’ll talk later. What’s up?”
Concern for his teammate had Bennett pausing, but he wouldn’t press her with Naomi freaking out beside him. “I need to get access to the security footage from the hospital.” He relayed the information Naomi had shared, including the description of the intruder. “Also add Adeline Everett to your background search. She’s a colleague of Naomi’s.”
“On it.”
“Thanks.”
They disconnected, and Bennett shifted into Drive. “I wish you’d told me all of this at the hospital.”
“I was scared and seriously considered running away, except you’d have labeled me a fugitive serial killer slash drug dealer.” She gave him a weak smile.
“I’m glad you didn’t run. And this explains why you were so jumpy.”
Naomi didn’t cease to surprise him, but anger at his ineptness in missing the intruder’s appearance boiled his blood.
Naomi’s voice trembled. “He threatened to kill me and demanded his stuff.”
Bennett wanted to reprimand her for withholding the information, but her justification made sense. “Wait, what did you say?”
“He said he wanted what belongs to him.”
“Do you think he meant the drugs in your van or something else?” An icy shiver trickled down Bennett’s back. Had he recovered everything from the van? Or was there something more hidden there? And if so, what?
“That’s what I’m assuming.”
Bennett checked the dashboard clock. The impound lot was closed. Surely, someone guarded the premises. One look at Naomi, and the exhaustion she wore concerned Bennett. He couldn’t drag her out there at this hour, anyway. “Naomi, please use my phone to call Deputy McClintock and put it on speakerphone.”
She did as he asked. The deputy answered on the third ring, sounding less than pleased with his late-night interruption. “Deputy McClintock.”
“I apologize for calling at this time of night, but there’s been a recent development in the case I’m working on. Does the impound lot have twenty-four-hour security?”
“Yes, both a full-time guard and security cameras.”
“My K-9 and I will go over the van first thing in the morning.”
“I’ll notify the guard.”
“Thank you,” Bennett said.
Naomi took the phone and swiped to hang up. “What’re you thinking?”
“I want to find anything left in the van before they do.”
FIVE
The ride to Naomi’s home was silent for many reasons. None of which helped her current predicament if she bothered striking up a conversation.
“It’s the end building.” Before Naomi finished speaking the words, Bennett had already headed in the direction where she’d pointed. Of course, he was familiar with the area if he’d followed her. Irritation rose within her at the realization.
He parked in front of her two-story townhome. A bright colorful wreath decorated with plastic Easter eggs hung askew on the front door. As if seeing the decoration for the first time, Naomi realized the holiday had passed two weeks ago. She’d come and gone, scarcely noticing it or the fact that a detective had surveilled her. Her extended work hours had melted into one continuous day, making them indistinguishable from one another.
Bennett shut off the engine and faced her. “I need to leash Spike before we head inside.”
Naomi didn’t argue. It was pointless to do so. More than likely, he wanted the beagle to search for narcotics. Whatever. She didn’t have any drugs in her house beyond ibuprofen and prenatal vitamins. Let him look to his heart’s content.
Until he’d found the bags stashed in her van, the possibility that someone would hide them there had never crossed her mind. However, she didn’t have a garage, so she parked her vehicle in front of her house. Anyone could’ve accessed it. Right? Her home was different. It was a safe place. Her solace. Nobody would put drugs there for safekeeping.
Bennett slid from the driver’s seat and released Spike while Naomi exited the vehicle. The contractions had stopped, but her exhaustion was tenfold from before the shootout at Peter’s ranch.
She exhaled in relief at finally being home. Might as well enjoy the freedom until Detective Ford arrested her. As Naomi strode toward the front door, the baby resumed his ninja moves. She chuckled, relishing how it grounded her.
Naomi placed her hand over her son’s tiny foot, which was still kicking. Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful reminder of Your presence in my life.
Bennett and Spike caught up with her. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, little man was on the move again.”
“Good to hear.” Bennett offered her a hand as she stepped onto the sidewalk from the parking lot.
To an outsider, the duo might appear protective. Instead, she recognized Bennett’s motives for keeping her close. Sadness hovered like a fog. How could he think she’d kill Peter and the others? Her eyes welled with tears. She blinked them away, unwilling to show Detective Ford anything but quiet calmness. She was tired and her emotions were raw, balancing on the edge. The last thing she needed was to come apart at the seams in front of the man determined to arrest her for a murder—strike that, murders—she hadn’t committed.
Eager to get inside and take a relaxing bath before bed, Naomi walked faster. She started to insert her key into the lock when the door opened.
She turned and caught Bennett’s eye.
“Step to the side.” He moved an arm defensively in front of her in a sweeping motion, one hand brandishing his gun. “Wait here until I clear the apartment.” His tone was barely a whisper, but it held a firmness that left no room for argument.
Naomi flattened herself against the stone wall exterior.
“Spike, stay. Guard.” Bennett removed the leash.
Clearly oblivious that his slight stature intimidated no one, the little beagle maneuvered in front of her in a solid stance.
Naomi shifted, attempting to peer around Bennett, earning her a warning look. Too exhausted to outrun another shooter, she retreated to her original position. The maternal instinct to protect her unborn child prevailed, and she inhaled a fortifying breath for courage.
Bennett entered her apartment, leaving the door ajar.
She glanced down at Spike, his compassionate eyes meeting hers. “It won’t take long,” she whispered, speaking more to herself than the dog. With two bedrooms and one bathroom, her cozy townhome was far from extravagant.
Bennett returned within minutes, holstering his gun, and snapped on Spike’s leash. The look on his face compelled her to push past him.
Naomi stepped over the threshold and gasped at the destruction. With her hand over her mouth, containing the cry that threatened to escape, she slowly walked through her home.
The once lovely burgundy faux leather couch she and Ted had saved up to buy sat maliciously gutted. Slash marks ravaged the fabric and stuffing spewed from the inflicted wounds. She pivoted toward the bookcase where the mess continued with her belongings haplessly strewn across the carpet.
Pages from her favorite leather-bound classic books littered the floor and coffee table. The only framed picture she’d kept of her and Ted lay amid the shards of glass. The broken image contrasted Naomi’s dreams of a happy family with their failed marriage. Her throat constricted as she knelt.
“No.” Bennett’s command and his hand on her arm halted Naomi in place.
Empathy filled his light brown eyes.
“You can’t touch anything until the evidence technicians have documented the scene.”
Naomi averted her gaze, everything within her aching physically and emotionally. Before she could stop it, the tears welled again, filling her eyes and blurring her vision. Bennett helped her to stand, supporting her lower back with one hand, and offered a light squeeze of her arm. Though she would normally resist his touch, her resolve had fled, leaving her vulnerable.
“I’ve called for assistance.” His response offered no comfort.
Great, more cops. “My life is falling apart, and I don’t understand why. What did I do to deserve this? Why now?” The questions tumbled out like the tears streaming down her face.
Naomi didn’t look at Bennett. She also didn’t withdraw from his touch, but she was grateful he didn’t pull her into an embrace. The slight distancing helped her to remember their roles.
They weren’t friends.
She walked to the bedrooms, where the destruction continued. Her heart dropped to the floor at the sight of her baby’s crib shattered, his nursery destroyed. Naomi gasped and leaned against the door.
“It’ll be okay,” Bennett said, coming up behind her.
“How is it going to be okay?” she snapped, swiping the moisture from her face.
If she wasn’t mistaken, Bennett seemed to wince at her reproach.
She didn’t have the luxury of falling apart. Not now. There was no one to help her or lean on. Her baby shifted. He was all that mattered. This was just stuff. Naomi lifted her chin in a quiet resolve to fight, if not for herself, for her unborn son.
“It’s not safe for you to stay here.” He released his hold. “I’ll help you gather whatever you need for a couple of days’ stay.”
“And where am I supposed to go?” She planted her fists on her hips. “It’s not like I can sleep in my van.”
“I live about twenty minutes from here.” Bennett hoisted Spike into his arms. “You’re welcome to stay with me.”
Naomi shook her head. “No way.”
“I realize it’s a little unorthodox. However, I have a spare room.”
“I’ll be fine.” She crossed her arms.
“Let me word this another way. You’re still my prime suspect, like it or not—”
“As though I get an opinion?” It wasn’t fair to unleash her emotions on Bennett, but he was the closest recipient. Even the sweet little beagle in his arms didn’t prevent her from targeting him with her frustration.
“Of course you do.” Bennett stroked the dog’s fur. “Until I have more information on the drugs and the most recent events from tonight, I can’t let you out of my sight. The offer to stay with me remains. If not, your alternative is for me to book you into the county jail.”
Naomi gaped. Surely, he was joking. “On what charges?” She immediately regretted the question.
“Possession with intent to distribute, for starters.” He answered matter-of-factly, like a glass of cold water in her face. “I don’t want to do that, Naomi. But whoever did this—” he swept his arm wide as if reinforcing his point “—might not stop. Prison is full of criminals willing to kill for money. If they get wind you’re incarcerated...”
Naomi swallowed hard. “Why would someone want me dead?”
“Good question.”
A knock sounded. “Naomi?”
Naomi jerked upright, recognizing Addy’s voice. Bennett stood with gun in hand. “It’s Addy,” she whispered. “The one who has the competitive tour company. Coming,” she called, then swiped at her eyes and hurried to the stairs.
Addy stood in the living room, eyes wide. “What happened?”
“Someone broke into my home.”
Bennett quickly descended behind her, gun poised.
Addy gasped.
“He’s a cop,” Naomi explained.
“Oh.” Addy visibly relaxed. “I stopped by to bring you this.” She passed Naomi a stack of fliers. “I’m starting hiking tours and thought you could give them to your customers.”
“Sure,” Naomi said absently.
“This is an active scene, you’ll have to leave,” Bennett replied.
Addy crossed her arms. “You’re a real charmer.” She addressed Naomi. “Maybe you should go somewhere safe. Whoever did this—” she gestured toward the destroyed room “—might return.”
Bennett stared at Addy. “Would you know anything about who that person might be?”
“Of course not! Probably one of her husband’s deadbeat friends,” Addy snapped.
“What did you know about Ted?” Bennett asked.
“Nothing more than he was a loser who should’ve helped his wife instead of abandoning her.”
Naomi gaped at Addy. She’d never spoken about Ted that way before. Instead of feeling protected, the comment made her feel vulnerable.
“Shouldn’t you be asking for backup or collecting evidence instead of interrogating an innocent citizen like me?” Addy challenged.
“I haven’t interrogated you, ma’am,” Bennett’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps we should start there.”
“Thanks for stopping by, Addy.” Naomi inserted herself. “I’ll add these to my handout packet and send you any referrals.”
“You’re too close to your delivery date. You shouldn’t be working this late into your pregnancy, anyway. Get some rest.” Addy held Bennett’s gaze for several seconds. “Let me know if you need anything.” She spun on her heel and stomped away.
Bennett moved to the door, apparently confirming Addy had departed. “That’s your friend?”
“She’s nice when you get to know her.”
He snorted, closing the door.
“Let me get my stuff together.” Naomi moved past him and gathered an overnight bag, tossing in essentials, a couple of changes of clothes and a second pair of shoes.
She returned to where Bennett and Spike searched the room. “Looking for drugs?” The inquiry came out a little snarkier than she’d intended, but her politeness had evaporated.
“Yes.” His quick reply should’ve shocked Naomi, but it didn’t.
“Find any?”
“No.”
“I could’ve told you that, but I’m glad you figured it out on your own.” Naomi slung the bag over her shoulder.
“Until we’re able to verify your alibi, you must remain close to me.”
“You’ve made that clear.” She softened her response while maintaining her distance. Better to be in his care than alone when whoever had destroyed her apartment returned. The men at Peter’s ranch didn’t believe her when she’d proclaimed no knowledge of the drugs. They would invoke whatever means necessary to threaten her. Naomi shivered at the implications. When she confessed the police had the drugs, what would they do then?
Why had someone targeted her? Were they using her van to mule? She’d read about criminals choosing an unsuspecting person, usually a teenager or a woman, and planting drugs on them.
