Page 34 of Absolution

Shock Waves

Ella

“How the hell was this possible, Ewan?” Tucker’s fist tightened as he slammed it down onto the kitchen island.

The sleek monochrome clock on the wall suggested it was only nine in the morning, but the hours she’d already been awake listening to Tucker suggested it should be much later.

“We’re looking into it, Mr. Bowman.” Ewan, the head of security, pressed his lips together. The poor guy didn’t look much older than Ella and seemed totally unprepared for the roasting Tucker was giving him. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for him, even though she accepted it was his job to know what was happening in Tucker’s building. “All I can do is apologize.”

“Apologize?” Tucker’s voice trembled with fury.

He’d been over and over the intruder’s means of entry, first with her when she’d woken to find Tucker pacing the floor in the kitchen, then again with Ewan more than a dozen times. No matter how many times she heard the story, she never felt any better about it.

Based on what Tucker said, someone had gotten in—apparently, via the window, although God only knew how they’d achieved it or who would have been willing to put their life on the line that way. Worse, they’d seen fit to decapitateher wonderful roses, as though beheading them would achieve anything except ratchet up their dread. She supposed that was the point.

“We could have been killed!” Tucker’s gaze slid fleetingly to Ella, as though he regretted the admission, but the worry in his eyes told her it was true. She couldn’t recall ever seeing him this concerned before… not even when Tucker had called to tell security about the cabin.

“I want the whole system overhauled.” He rose from his stool, towering over Ewan as he hollered. “And get someone in here to secure all the windows in the apartment.”

“Yes, sir.” Ewan scribbled down Tucker’s latest instructions. “Shall I contact the police for you?”

“This site is covered in closed-circuit television. I want footage of the intruder in my inbox by five o’clock.” Tucker closed his eyes. “After that, I’ll decide whether to contact the police.”

Ewan nodded. “Anything else, sir?”

“I’ll let you know.” Tucker pulled in a deep breath. “I need some time to talk to Miss Bennett in private first. I’ll call you later.”

She gripped her coffee cup as she offered Ewan a small smile. The poor guy looked completely stunned.

“As you wish, sir.” Ewan glanced in her direction. “Goodbye, Miss Bennett.”

“Bye,” she managed, watching as the younger man scurried from his stool.

Tucker accompanied him to the elevator. No doubt because there was something else he wanted to say when she wasn’t in earshot, and likely because he wanted to make sure the elevator was secure. Tucker had believed that security would keep them safe, so last night’s intrusion was all the more horrifying for him.

“Can I get you another coffee, sir?” She gestured to his empty cup as he stalked back into the room.

“If I drink any more, I’ll be flying, little girl.” He fell wearily onto his stool as if the weight of the entire world was bearing down on him.

“How about a hot shower, then?”

She understood his concerns and realized he’d been awake for hours, but surely the idea of sharing a shower with her would be enough to distract him for an hour.

“Nice idea.” He sighed. “But not right now. I have to think.”

Her brows knitted. She’d never known Tucker to refuse to shower with her before.

“Are you okay?” She reached for his large hand. “Apart from the obvious, I mean.”

“No.” He lifted his face to the ceiling. “I think maybe we ought to move until I know this place is secure.”

“Move?” Anxiety knotted in her tummy. “Move where, sir?”

Ella had just gotten used to the apartment and liked what she’d gotten to know. Sure, she was disconcerted thatsomeone had broken in and attacked her flowers, but she and her mum had experienced break-ins before. It took time, but they’d get over the sense of violation, and ultimately, neither of them had been hurt. Tucker seemed to be overreacting.

“To one of my other places.” He glanced at the window. “But then, maybe that wouldn’t help.”

“Sir.” Her voice was firmer this time, though her heart was beating so loudly, she was surprised he couldn’t hear it. “I know what happened is shocking, but we’re okay. Ewan will take care of security, and while I loved my flowers, they were the only things that were hurt. It could have been much worse.”

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