Page 48 of Blackstone's Heart
“Let’s go inside, I’ll tell you and Lance together.” Ethan answered, his voice clipped. Nick led him inside. They found Lance in the living room. The three sat down and Ethan jumped right in. “Wilson said this guy was dressed as a doctor and walked right in there. The postmark on the letter and package says San Antonio. Both me and Wilson believe that this guy is forging the postmarks.”
Lance growled low in his throat. “That means this guy could very well be right here in Austin and a hell of a lot closer than we think.”
“That’s right.” Ethan agreed.
Nick looked deep in thought. For several moments he sat there before he finally spoke. “This complicates things gentlemen. Debbie is on her way to get Jerry’s parents, Tessa and Carl, and bringing them here. It will be a few days before Jerry’s body will be released. I have already notified Detective Wilson and he will call me once they release Jerry.”
“How’s Krista?” Ethan asked.
Surprisingly it was Lance who answered. “She’s upstairs in her old room. When I started to leave, Christ boss, she wouldn’t let me. When she finally drifted off again I came down here. She’s trying to stay strong, but she’s devastated.”
Ethan nodded. Without a word he walked out of the room and headed upstairs. He wanted Krista. Quietly he slipped into her childhood bedroom and walked up to the side of the bed. He studied the woman that he knew without a shred of doubt he loved. Hell, he had always loved her if he were honest with himself. He sat on the edge of the bed and stroked her cheek.
“Ethan.” Krista whimpered.
“I’m here baby. Come on, let’s take you home.” He said.
Ethan stood, squatted down and gathered Krista into his arms. Holding her securely and tightly to him, He found Lance waiting for him at the foot of the stairs. Without a word, Lance took the lead and started walking for the door. Lance climbed into the cab and Ethan placed Krista into his arms.
Neither man spoke as Ethan drove a few streets away to Krista’s house. Ethan pulled into the drive and moved around the hood. He retook Krista into his arms and led the way into the house. He vaguely heard Lance resetting the alarm as he headed upstairs. He gently laid her in the bed and tucked the sheets securely around her. Sighing, he turned away and walked back downstairs.
“I’ll call one of the guys to come get you.” Ethan said.
“No boss. I’m staying right here. If you’re right, this mother fucker is here in Austin. He’s been watching Krista and her father for weeks now. That means he knows where she lives.” Lance argued.
“What are you saying Lance?”
“This isn’t just a stalker turned killer. He’s using psychology to fuck with her. He knows enough about her to know that killing Jerry will devastate her.”
“You think he could come here?”
Lance nodded. “He could. For the rest of the day and tonight I will stay right here with you and Krista. If he does try something, I will cover you while you get her out. Do I think he will? More than likely not now. But it could be a possibility.”
Ethan ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, but knew his guy was right. “Alright. Alright, call up Gage and let him know what the situation is. Tell him if anything happens or he gets any information from either the Feds or PD, to call me immediately.”
“Yes sir.” Lance replied and walked into the kitchen.
Suddenly feeling exhausted, Ethan went back upstairs and into the bedroom. He removed his boots and slipped under the covers with Krista. As if she sensed him, she turned onto her side and snuggled into him. Sighing, Ethan held her close and rested his head atop of hers.
“Don’t worry Krista, I’ll find him and I’ll take care of this. I won’t let him get to you. I swear to you.” He whispered.
***
Krista groggily walked into the kitchen. The tempting smells wafting upstairs had stirred her. She nearly screamed when she saw the man standing in front of her stove. “Jesus Lance, you scared the hell out of me.”
“I’m sorry. Where’s Ethan?” Lance replied as he faced her.
“He’s getting a shower.” She said moving to the coffee pot and poured a cup. “I thought it was just me and him here.”
“I volunteered to stay here tonight.” He stated, as he returned to whatever he was stirring on the stove top.
“Why?” She asked as she slipped onto one of the barstools at the kitchen island.
Lance gave the pot’s contents one more quick stir before placing a lid on it. He then moved so that he was standing across from her. “Just in case this fucker makes another move.”
“You think he would so soon after…after he killed Jerry?”
“It’s a possibility. Look, you’ve shown to me that you’re not just some pampered princess. This morning you got my boy Grant out of a hairy situation and have shown that you’re tougher than you look.”
