Page 109 of Fame And Secrets

Chapter Thirty-Six

Julian

I’m no better than her father.

The thought rolled through my head all night and half the morning. I had no right to touch her. We were both lost, and when she came to me, I’d wanted things to go back to the way they used to be.

One touch was all it took. My intention had been to soothe both of us. Then fear for Iris took over, and somehow, it all manifested into using her. That wasn’t who we were.

Phoebe and I had always been passionate people. When we came together, it was explosive. But last night took it over the edge. I wouldn’t treat my girlfriend like a piece of ass. Why the hell would I allow myself to treat my wife like one?

That damn onesie messed with my head.

I needed to be alone, and Phoebe kept at me like always. Only this time, my fear for my daughter’s life took over, and I became the monster Phoebe had run from her whole life.

Rolling out of the guest room bed, I tore the sheet off and wrapped it around me. I’d left our bedroom so fast last night I hadn’t even bothered to get dressed. Pressing my ear against the door, I listened for voices. Recognizing Phoebe’s distinctive drawl coming from downstairs, I flung open the door and headed for the shower, a plan forming in my head.

I’d never be a monster in Phoebe’s nightmares again.

***

By the time I wandered downstairs, freshly showered, the house was full again.

Don’t these people have homes?

I opened my mouth for a smart-ass comment when I caught Phoebe’s face. She sat at the dining room table/FBI headquarters, streaked with tears. The way everyone huddled around her, I knew it couldn’t be about last night.

“What happened?” I stepped forward, intent on finding out for myself.

Hough moved in front of me, blocking my view. “Why don’t you come with me for a minute?”

I shoved his chest. “What happened?” I continue toward Phoebe, and people scattered. Finally, I got a look at what she held in her hand. It seemed to be some sort of yellow scarf. “What’s that?” I demanded. Like a gnat that wouldn’t go away, Hough appeared in front of me again.

“If you’ll shut up, I’ll tell you.” He placed the heel of his palm against my shoulder and moved me away from the table. When we were out of earshot he lowered his voice. “A delivery arrived about an hour ago.”

“What kind of delivery?”

“It was a regular mail delivery with no return address.” He held up a hand as I opened my mouth. “Yes, it’s already been dusted, and no, there aren’t any fingerprints. It was just a note and the scarf.”

My senses went into overdrive. “There’s a note?”

Nodding, he handed me a pair of latex gloves and a typed note on printed paper. As I scanned it, my heartbeat pounded in my throat and sirens wailed in my ears.

Lord’s Princess has lost her sheep

And doesn’t know where to find her.

Leave her alone and she’ll come home,

But just don’t look what’s behind her.

Lord’s Princess fell fast asleep,

And dreamt she heard her screaming.

But when she awoke, she found it a joke,

For she was but still dreaming.

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