Page 23 of Daddy's Protection
It was Lana who asked, “Cami, can you show us where you were standing when you saw the dancing couple and where they were exactly?”
Cami went about halfway up the stairs. “Right here. And they were there.” She pointed.
“What path did they take?” Stryker asked.
Cami moved her arm, still pointing as she traced the line the ghostly couple had waltzed.
“They disappeared into this parlor?” Lana asked, stepping into the case opening to her right.
“Yep. Then they disappeared. But the other lady who appeared was in there, too.” Cami came down the stairs, walked past the group, and stood right where the lady had materialized.
“Stay right there, please,” Lana said.
Cami did as she’d been asked while Lana walked around her, looking up at the walls and ceilings. “Hmm. That vent up there looks like the perfect spot to have a projector. If it was open, that is.” She looked around the room and then started walking toward a chair. “I can stand on this and?—”
“Oh no you don’t,” Ace said. “We have ladders in the van. I’ll be right back. But you stay off the furniture. It’s too dangerous. Understand?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good girl.”
Cami smiled at the warm interaction. Having a Daddy must be so nice. Someone to care for you and keep you safe. Mmm. Maybe someday, she told herself.
Of course, that someday wouldn’t be with Isaiah. He was so far out of her league it wasn’t even funny.
That didn’t mean she wouldn’t enjoy this time. Right now, she was under his care. It was her intention to soak in every second that she could.
Right now, though, they had other things to worry about.
“I’ll be right back,” Ace continued as he walked toward the door.
“You need a hand?” Isaiah called out.
“Nah. I think I can—” He stopped walking and talking the moment he opened the front door to reveal a rather harsh-looking older man on the front porch.
The gentleman wore a scowl and seemed to be quite annoyed.
Typical, Cami thought, after she realized who it was.
“Mr. McConnell. So nice to see you,” she said as she stepped forward.
That was a lie. It was never nice to see him. Because he wasn’t a nice man.
“What the devil is going on here?” the old man barked.
He was frowning even harder than usual, a feat Cami hadn’t known was possible.
Other than that, he looked as he always did. His silver hair was meticulously combed, with every strand in place. Cami had heard from another neighbor that he got it cut every week. She believed it. It was evident Mr. McConnell took great pride in his appearance. Letting his hair grow the slightest bit longer than he found acceptable was probably out of the question.
He was toned and tan, befitting of the time he spent at the country club, on the golf course. Cami knew this about him because she saw him put his clubs in his car almost every day. She’d also heard him brag about his club membership numerous times.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” she replied, trying to sound pleasant.
“I’ll tell you what I mean! People coming in and out of this house. That… work van or whatever it is… parked in the street, blocking traffic. Are you having work done? Did youget the proper permits? The neighborhood association will not tolerate?—”
Cami didn’t even realize what Isaiah was doing until he’d already stepped between her and the cranky man. She had to move from behind Isaiah’s giant frame to see Mr. McConnell.
“And who are you?” Isaiah asked.
