Page 74 of Beneath the Surface

Brad pulled into the driveway of Tristan and Sophie’s sprawling home on the grounds of the Blackwell Institute, the evening moon casting long shadows across the front lawn. The Blackwell Institute grounds were quiet and serene, but the increased police presence, two squad cars parked discreetly near the gate, was a constant reminder that danger was still lurking. Hale was still out there, and they couldn’t afford to let their guard down.

He stepped out of the car, making his way toward the front door, where he could already hear the lively chatter of Isobel’s family. The moment the door opened, Sophie greeted him with a warm smile.

“Brad. You’re just in time. We’re having an impromptu dinner, and you’re not getting out of it,” she teased, her eyes twinkling with the kind of warmth that made Brad feel welcomed, despite the intensity of everything that had been happening.

Behind her, Isobel stood, a smile tugging at her lips, though he could still see the exhaustion in her eyes. Brad made his way over to her, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Ready to headout?” he asked gently, but before Isobel could respond, Olivia’s voice rang out from the dining room.

“Oh, come on, Brad. You’re not taking her away just yet. Stay for dinner!” Olivia called, her tone playful but insistent.

Brad looked at Isobel, who gave him a small nod. “I guess we’re staying,” he said with a chuckle, wrapping his arm around her waist as they followed Sophie into the dining room.

The table was already set, filled with plates of food, and Isobel’s family was seated around it. Jackson, Olivia’s fiancé, was pouring wine, while Molly, heavily pregnant, sat propped up with a pillow behind her back, a serene smile on her face. Charlotte and Alex were quietly chatting near the end of the table, their hands intertwined.

“Brad, sit,” Tristan said from his spot at the head of the table, his voice warm. “We could all use some company tonight.”

Brad and Isobel took their seats, the noise of the room settling as everyone turned their attention toward them. He could feel their gazes, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

As they started to pass around the food, Olivia, always the most outspoken, looked at Brad with a knowing glint in her eye. “So, any news? Have you and Larson figured anything out?”

Isobel stiffened beside him, but Brad gave her a reassuring glance before turning back to the group. He knew he could trust them—they were family, and they wouldn’t let any information slip. Still, the gravity of the situation required delicacy.

“We’ve made some progress,” Brad began. “John Larson and I believe we know who’s responsible for the murders. His name is Dr. Malcolm Hale, a former psychologist who’s been obsessed with dominance, submission, and control. He’s been targeting forensic psychologists, like Isobel, for years.”

A ripple of shock went through the room, but no one interrupted as Brad continued, “We’ve pieced together that Hale has been using different aliases and disguises to stay hidden.”He avoided telling them he’d been watching Isobel for a long time. And that they believed he was planning to make his final move soon.

Charlotte placed a hand over her heart, her face filled with concern. “So, what happens now?”

Brad leaned forward, his expression determined. “Now, we make sure Isobel is safe. The police presence has been increased, and Larson and I are working around the clock to find him. He won’t get near her. Not while we’re on his trail.”

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone absorbed the information, and then, one by one, they nodded, a quiet solidarity forming around the table. This was Isobel’s family—strong, protective, and deeply loving. They would stand by her, no matter what.

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Brad felt Olivia’s eyes on him, and soon enough, she leaned in with a sly grin. “So, Brad,” she began, her voice dropping into a teasing tone. “What are your intentions regarding my sister?”

Before Brad could respond, Jackson laughed from across the table. “Careful, Brad. She’s watching you. You better be good to Isobel, or you’ll have the whole family after you.”

The entire table erupted into laughter, the tension breaking in an instant. Even Isobel, who had been so quiet, smiled and let out a soft laugh.

Brad shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “I wouldn’t dream of being anything but good to her.”

Jackson, not missing a beat, leaned over and clapped Brad on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, man. You’ll survive. Maybe you should join us for men’s night when the girls get together.”

Alex grinned and added, “You play poker, Brad? Could be fun.”

Brad chuckled, feeling the camaraderie around him. “I’m in.” He relaxed as the easy banter continued around the table.This family, despite everything going on, knew how to find moments of joy and laughter. It was something he admired—and something he knew Isobel needed right now.

Later that evening, Brad and Isobel arrived back at his house. The night air was cool, and as they stepped out of the car, they noticed the subtle presence of additional officers patrolling his property. She turned to Brad, her brow furrowed. “Do you think he’s watching?”

Brad nodded, his expression serious. “It’s possible. That’s why the police are here. But I won’t let anything happen to you, Belle.”

She gave him a small nod of understanding before they headed inside. The house felt like a sanctuary.

“I’m going to use the bathroom,” Isobel said softly as they entered the living room, and Brad nodded, watching her disappear down the hallway. He moved to the couch, flicking through the TV listings absentmindedly, thinking about the dinner conversation and everything that had come up.

A few minutes later, he heard the soft click of the bathroom door opening. Brad turned around, expecting to see Isobel walking toward him, but instead, his breath caught in his throat.

She stood there, completely naked, her eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and confidence. Brad’s heart pounded in his chest as she took a step closer, dropping to her knees in front of him. “I’ve never done this before,” she whispered as she reached for him. “But I want to. I want to learn.”

His pulse quickened as she gently opened his belt and undid the button of his suit pants, pulling down the zipper with a deliberate slowness that sent a visible shiver of anticipation through him. He toed out of his shoes and socks, the soft carpet cool against his bare feet, and then Isobel slid his suit pants and boxer briefs down, exposing him fully. Her hands movedover him, tentative at first, and his breath hitched as her fingers explored the warmth of his skin, brushing lightly over his thighs.

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