Page 14 of Saving Salem
No, she thought, even while her mind told her it was possible. The Amirs could be cruel enough. Vicious and spiteful and vindictive. Her hand went to her cheek, tracing the line of the scar. As much as she tried to forget it was there, she was constantly reminded of Tarik’s violence. His betrayal of his vows of love and devotion.
Without a word he walked back into her bedroom and came back with the blanket he’d wrapped the knife in. When he placed the bundle on the coffee table, her insides clenched, and she felt like she was going to throw up.Please, let me be wrong.
With exquisite care, Jack peeled back the edges of Chloe’s blanket, revealing first the blade, stick blotchy with streaked blood. After what felt like an interminably long pause, the ornate handle of the knife was revealed, and she couldn’t hold back her gasp.
“You recognize it.” It wasn’t a question, but still she answered.
“Yes.”
Before she could say anything else, a hard knock sounded on the front door. Had to be Remy. She started to stand, but Jack motioned her to stay, and he headed for the door. When he pulled it open, she knew she was in trouble. Because it wasn’t Remy.
It was Gabi.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“Why did Ihave to hear from Samuel you were back? You couldn’t pick up your phone, make a simple call and say, ‘Hey, Gabi, I’m back.’” She paused long enough to add, “Hi, Jack,” before walking into the apartment, continuing her tirade. “First you head to Texas to see my family because you’re in trouble. Never once telling me what’s going on until you’re in another state. Salem, you left, knowing the Amirs are coming after you, trying to take Chloe, and you didn’t tell me. I thought I was your best friend.”
“You are, Gabs. Everything kind of went into supersonic speed after you left Shiloh Springs and came home. It’s been like I was swept up in a tornado, so much has happened. But, honestly, I’m glad to see you.” Salem gave her a rueful grin. If it’s any consolation, we only just got here.”
Gabi tossed her bag onto the end table, the long metal handle wrapping around the base of the lamp and flung herself onto the sofa next to Salem. The jolting movement was enough to wake Chloe, who immediately started crying.
“Aw, sweetie, Auntie Gabi didn’t mean to wake you. How’s my little angel?” She reached for Chloe, stretching her arms toward her. Chloe cried, burrowing against Salem’s chest, shaking her head no.
“Shh, it’s okay, baby.”
Gabi stared at her in shock. “What’s wrong? Chloe always comes to me for some snuggles.” She stopped, finally catching sight of the knife on the coffee table. “Is that…is that blood? Why is there a bloody knife sitting on your coffee table? What did I miss?”
“Long story. Can you wait until Remy gets here so we only have to tell it once?”
“Sure.” She turned and grabbed her purse, digging inside before pulling out an envelope. “Aunt Patti called and told me you and Jackgot married.” Salem heard the hurt underlying Gabi’s words, and winced, knowing her best friend was upset she hadn’t known about the marriage, and that she hadn’t been there to be her maid of honor, like they’d always talked about. She’d find a way to make it up to her somehow, and she knew Gabi would understand once she knew all the facts. She probably had a good idea of why they’d rushed the whole thing, if she’d talked with Ms. Patti. That woman loved a good wedding, and she loved a good bit of gossip too.
The knock at the front door brought her to her feet, and she tensed, waiting as Jack answered and greeted Remy. Her shoulders slumped when she spotted her boss, Max Lamoreaux, as well as Samuel Carpenter with him. Oh, goody, the whole gang was here. Well, at least she’d only have to tell the story once, as she’d told Gabi.
Officially, Max was her boss, though Remy also worked part-time out of the private investigator’s office. Remy worked homicide and vice for NOLA. Max was also a former cop, who’d moved on to open his own P.I. company when he’d moved back to New Orleans. Between the two of them and Jack, a now former Texas Ranger, there was enough police knowledge in the room that any would-be knife hider should be running scared.
“Hey, Salem. Heard you had a bit of a problem.” Remy strolled into the place like he’d been there a thousand times. He glanced at Gabi, giving her a wink, before adding, “Hey, Squirt.”
Gabi rolled her eyes. Remy had known her bestie since she was little more than a toddler. He and his brother, Max, had known the Boudreaus since they were kids, growing up together. Their posse included Samuel too. From all she’d heard, they’d been a bit of a wild bunch, all four of the Boudreau boys, the two Lamoreauxs, and Samuel. Gabi had been the tagalong when they’d let her.
“Remy, I don’t know if you’ve met Jack.” She paused for a few seconds before adding, “My husband.”
Remy’s eyes widened at her statement, and he spun around. She heard Max’s quick indrawn breath at her announcement. Guess they hadn’t heard.
“Husband, huh.” Max studied Jack intently, his sharp gaze missing nothing. Jack stood silently, allowing the other two men to assess him. Salem knew it wasn’t fair to put him on the spot like that, but she wasn’t sure how her bosses would take the news that she’d gotten hitched while in Texas.
“Hello, Jack. Gotta admit, I’m a little surprised our Salem is married. We didn’t even know she was dating.”
“Max, Remy, Samuel. We’ve got a lot to tell you. Come in, sit down.” Looking down, Salem noted Chloe had finally fallen asleep, and hadn’t awakened when the men got there. “Let me put Chloe in her carrier, and then we’ll talk about what’s happening.”
Fortunately, she’d put the car seat/carrier down beside the kitchen table. It didn’t take long for her to get Chloe snuggled and wrapped up, her little thumb stuck between her lips. Salem caught sight of the bandages on her fingers and fought back the urge to cry. She still couldn’t believe somebody had gotten into her apartment and left a blade in her daughter’s bed. Why there? If the Amirs were determined to take Chloe away, why do something so dangerous? She could have been killed.
By the time she’d finished settling Chloe, everyone had moved into the living room. Max and Remy were on either side of Gabi, talking quietly with her. Samuel sat in one of the two oversized chairs that faced the sofa, leaning back against the upholstery, looking casual and relaxed, though she knew the man’s demeanor was deceptively still. He was an enigma, running a world-renowned security company—one which her new husband was going to work for—and was a billionaire and a philanthropist. A good friend to Gabi and her family, he was helping her find out what the Amirs were up to, and he had the connections to keep tabs on them. She hoped he’d have some answers for her soon, because she wanted this over. Over and done with.
Jack stood beside the other unoccupied chair, and when he saw her looking, he motioned for her to take the empty seat. She sank into its depths, grateful she didn’t have to stand because she was feeling a little shaky.
“Salem, I couldn’t help seeing the knife on the coffee table. Is this the one Jack called about?” Remy pointed toward the bundle in front of him. She nodded.
“We got here not long before we called. Salem had put Chloe down in her crib, after the drive from Shiloh Springs. Salem was getting settled and I was bringing the bags in from the car when we heard a scream and Chloe crying for her mama.” Jack moved to sit on the arm of Salem’s chair, and his presence somehow comforted her, making her feel not-so-alone in the room filled with people. She picked up where he’d left off.
