“Yeah, and got the wrong man placed behind bars.” Donald ran his fing
ers through his hair. Grace couldn’t help but feel bad for him. Donald was a good man and a good family friend.
“The only other information I know, Grace, is that all the women killed so far have similar resemblances. Other than that there’s nothing to go by. The murders are at number eleven. Once they find the young woman in those pictures the killer sent to you—”
The knock on the door interrupted his sentence but Donald didn’t need to finish. She got it. The number would be at twelve.
“I knocked this time. Are you happy?” Sandman teased Grace, and she gave a small smile.
* * * *
Sandman hadn’t liked leaving her out of his sight, even while he made plans and organized the detectives. He watched her closely as she gave him a small smile. She looked sad. Her eyes were still red and she appeared drained and tired. He wanted to hold her again and keep her safe in his arms. He was so attracted to her and instantly felt the need to protect her. No matter where he was or what he was doing, she was on his mind. He never had a reaction like this to a woman before. He actually thought that his heart had grown solid as a rock. Nothing really got to him or bothered him. In his profession he focused on the goal of capturing the criminal, solving the crime, and then heading home to his ranch to recoup before the next job. His brothers noticed the change in him yesterday, and when he told them about Grace, they were intrigued by her.
As Grace watched him, hesitating to respond to his teasing statement, he approached and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“What’s going on? Any news yet about the woman in the picture?” she asked him, and he was impressed with her strength.
He squeezed her shoulder lightly before removing his hand.
“I don’t want you to worry about that. You look like you could use some rest,” he told her and Donald agreed.
“Can we go back to the house now or are the detectives still there?” she asked.
“You’re not going back to the house, Grace. You’re going to come stay with me.”
Her eyes widened. “With you? Why? Won’t the house be safest with my brother and the other SWAT team guys around? It’s not their fault the envelope was delivered to the house. They were asleep and Charlie and I were out jogging. You can’t hold them responsible, just like you shouldn’t keep Donald out of this investigation because you feel that he messed up.”
“Whoooa…hold on there. I’m not blaming anyone for what happened. I never said that Donald messed up or couldn’t be involved in this investigation. I’m just saying that whoever is responsible for those pictures and the eleven women who have been brutally murdered is after you. I’m here to protect you, and I’m better qualified and trained to do so. I’ve already discussed this with your brothers John and Frank. They’ve agreed, and the detectives working the other cases feel that you need the best protection right now.”
“They’ve agreed? You all have discussed this? What about me? What about what I think? Doesn’t anyone give a shit about what I might have to say here? My whole world is being turned upside down and everyone’s talking behind my back and keeping information from me. Don’t I have a say in all this? How do I know you’re more capable of protecting me?”
“He is more than capable, Grace. He’s a special investigator, and from what was not deemed classified in his file that I was able to read, I’d say he’s definitely the most qualified,” Donald said. Sandman knew the lieutenant had checked him out.
Grace looked at Donald.
* * * *
She wasn’t sure what was happening here. Why was a specialist called in anyway? Who was Sandman? Looking at him, she felt intimidated, yet protected. She didn’t want to admit that she would definitely feel uneasy staying with her brother and his friends back at the house they shared. That would be a lie. Right now, it probably didn’t matter where she stayed or with whom. She would be a nervous wreck.
She knew for sure that Donald would not put her in harm’s way. He was like family and he had shown nothing but kindness and love for her mother and her brothers. She looked back at Sandman. He stood at complete attention, perfect posture, like a soldier waiting to strike. It was sexy, it was nerve wracking, and it showed his confidence and a hit of potential abilities. She had to admit, she was curious about what exactly Sandman would be capable of.
Her pussy clenched at the thought, nearly shocking her with a verbal reaction.
She bit her tongue as Donald watched with curiosity.
“Well?” Donald asked.
“Give me a minute,” she whispered while watching Sandman.
He was definitely quick on his toes the way he tackled her and covered her entire body with his. Then the way he came through the bathroom door and pulled her into his arms. A place she liked and truly felt safe.
But she didn’t want to see anyone get hurt. He was willing to protect her and take her into his own home, knowing that he could be shot or killed because of her.
“Why are you willing to do this? You don’t know me? It couldn’t possibly be part of your job requirement. I hate to repeat myself but there has got to be more to this situation.”
Donald seemed to be enjoying the interrogation.
“Grace, there’s an evil person out there killing innocent, beautiful young woman like yourself. Eleven victims so far and after the attempt on your life and the envelope that was delivered to you I’d say you’re somehow a connection to all of it. I don’t want you to be a victim and you’re the closest clue we have to catching this guy. Worse could have happened at the house or when you were out jogging with Charlie. This guy is good. Really good. He’s been able to evade capture for more than three years. That’s why I and the other agents are involved now. I’m here to protect you. You’re now in my protective custody program.”