Talia

“I saw the news last night. I wanted to call, but thought it would be too late. I’m sorry for your loss. Are you okay, Talia?”

“It was tragic and the family is dealing as best as we can, but I’m fine, Nathan.” Why did I answer my cell without looking at the Caller ID?

“I was shocked by that news, but even more shocked when I came into work this morning and learned that you had resigned. If your husband made you quit after how hard you worked to get back into this business—”

“Stop right there, Nathan. Sebastian had nothing to do with me quitting. It was my choice. Period. End of story.”

“But you’re a fantastic investigator. I won’t let you give that up.”

“Who says I’m giving it up?” When I hear Sebastian’s voice approaching his office, I say, “I really have to go now, Nathan. I’m okay. Thanks for calling.”

I hang up just as Sebastian enters the office with a tall, sandy-haired man in a dark suit and three-day beard scruff. The man looks like he’d been athletic when he was in his twenties, but too many beers and less time in the gym have turned sculpted muscles into less defined bulk in his forties.

“Talia, this is Detective Phil Mayhew. Phil, this is my wife, Talia. She works for the Tribune as an investigator, but is helping us comb through the data in the hopes of capturing the person responsible for yesterday’s bombing.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Talia. Like I was telling Sebastian. Other than Mrs. Blake’s body, this folder is all the evidence from the limo worth noting. We interviewed the limo driver, but he only remembers driving away and then nothing else.”

Opening the folder, Sebastian frowns, then silently slides one of the photos across his office table to me.

I gasp and snatch up the photo, taking in the mangled, half-melted chain and blackened dual hearts on the locket. “My necklace!” I meet the detective’s brown gaze, blinking away the mist in mine. “This was found in the limo?”

He glances Sebastian’s way, then nods. “Do you know how your necklace ended up under the floor mat?”

“My wife is not a suspect, Phil. Is that clear?”

The detective clears his throat. “The police have their job to do, Sebastian. I’m here as a courtesy, but now that I know the necklace belongs to your wife, I’ll have to report my findings to the detectives working the case.”

“It’s fine, Sebastian. I thought I’d lost my necklace in my old apartment,” I tell the detective. “I was there cleaning yesterday and I took the necklace off. I knew I’d need a shower afterward, but the photos in the locket would be ruined if I showered with it on. After my shower, I went to put it on. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find my necklace. I looked everywhere for it, but I ran out of time before I had to be home to get dressed for the rehearsal.”

Sebastian rests his hands on my shoulders as I stare at the photo with misty eyes. How did my necklace end up in a burned limo?

“Didn’t you drop your purse on the floor?” Sebastian asks. “Was it in your purse?”

I jerk my gaze to his. “That’s it! My purse was the one place I never thought to check for my necklace. It must’ve been in there the whole time.”

Nodding his agreement, he sets the other photo on the table. “This appears to be some sort of small wired bomb with an igniter.”

Phil points to the picture. “That’s the culprit. According to the reports, they believe it this bomb was attached to the gas tank flap and that’s what caused the massive explosion. Based on the size of the bomb, if it had been anywhere else on the vehicle other than near a fuel source, the damage would’ve been minimal. This was no freak accident.”

The photo is of several pieces of warped, blackened metal and a tiny circuit board. It’s hard to tell anything from it. “How big was it?” I ask.

“The tech guys said it was no bigger than one by two and a half inches.”

“You said the gas tank flap? If it was on the outside of the limo the whole time, someone would’ve noticed that,” I say, tapping my finger on the photo.

Sebastian nods his agreement. “Did the tech guys make a rendering of the device so we can see what it would’ve looked like? I wonder if we could uncover serial numbers on it.”

“I can see if they made a rendering, but unfortunately the device was severely damaged by the fire, so I’m not sure if there would be any serial numbers left on any of the parts. I’m sorry I don’t have more, but that’s it.”

“Could you possibly get us a copy of all the photos taken from the scene?” I ask.

“And leave those,” Sebastian says, nodding to the photos. “We’d also like the piece parts of the device and the crime scene investigator’s reports.”

Phil shakes his head as he sets the empty folder on the table. “You don’t ask for much, do you, Sebastian.”

“I’ve consulted for the police department on tons of cases. If they balk at sharing info, tell them to consider this a favor for our help in shutting down that illegal MMA ring a few months ago. That was a big win for your current Chief.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Phil pauses in the doorway, his hand on the doorknob. “I’m sorry for your family’s loss. You know we’ll do what we can to bring the culprit to justice.”

Sebastian gives him a curt nod, then says in a non-negotiable tone, “We need the rest today, Phil.”

“What did you do for him that he’s so accommodating?” I ask once the detective shuts the door.

Sebastian slides the two photos back into the folder. “Normally the Blake name is enough. Blake Industries brings in millions to the city, and my father has funded many political campaigns, including the mayor and members of the city council. But I also got Phil out from under a huge gambling debt his eighteen-year-old kid racked up.”

“How’d you do that?”

He flashes a dark smile. “Having a tech whiz like Elijah came in very handy for discovering dirt Phil could use as leverage against the loan sharks.”

I’ve met several of Sebastian’s team, but never the ever-helpful Elijah. “When am I going to meet Elijah? I swear, I’m beginning to think he’s a very real-sounding AI who lives only in the computer system.”

“I wish an AI computer had his intuitive hacking skills; I’d save a mint in Compensation and Benefits. Elijah’s not cheap, but he’s worth every penny. You’ll get to meet him soon enough once he’s done pulling every camera feed Calder identifies from the street in front of the church.”

“Which is completely legal?” I ask, raising my eyebrows.

“When you swim with sharks, your teeth need to be just as sharp.”

I know Sebastian’s fighting to protect his family from further threats. Sometimes timely data retrieval is hard to come by, but I prefer getting data the old fashioned way if possible…through contacts. My stomach growls and I glance at my watch. I can’t believe it’s almost lunchtime already. I planned to check on Mina after I eat. “Have you talked to your father or sister today?”

Sebastian’s phone rings and he holds it up, his expression tense as he hits the speaker button. “Hey, Mina. How’s Adam holding up?”

“He left for work before the sun rose. Can you believe that crap?” she snaps.

Sebastian sets the phone on the table and leans on it with both hands, tension in his face. “Tell me one of the guys went with him.”

“Gavin did. Damien drank until he passed out last night.”

“How are you doing?”

“Actually, I’m beyond annoyed at the moment. Can you believe the restaurant is trying to bill us for being no shows for last night? The manager even tried to deny that Mom had issues with their service right before we were due to arrive.” She stops talking and exhales an unsteady breath, her voice rising. “I just don’t need that kind of stress. Now that I have the funeral arrangements done, I’ve got to put together an announcement for the paper.”

“Leave the restaurant to me and don’t announce anything in the paper, Mina. There’s too much risk right now.”

She sighs. “Of course. Duh! Sorry, I’m running on autopilot.”

“Mina, I’m here too,” I say, relieved to hear Mina is in planning mode. “If you need help with Josi so you can run errands and such, we’ll be glad to watch her.”

“Thank you, both. I may need your help as the time draws closer. Oh, the funeral service is on Wednesday at four. The director asked that the family be there by three-thirty.”

“I have to continue to work the investigation, Mina. It’s the only way to keep everyone safe, so I won’t be attending the funeral.”

My gaze snaps to Sebastian. When complete silence comes across the line, my husband lifts his gaze to mine. I shake my head, but I understand why he’s chosen not to attend.

“You’re joking, right?” Mina’s surprised tone shifts to frustration. “Seb, I know you didn’t care that much for my mother, but it’s a Blake funeral for God’s sake! She’s family.”

“I’ll be doing my part protecting the rest of you,” he says in a tense tone as he straightens to slide his hands in his slacks’ pockets.

“The family needs you there. I need you.”

I see the struggle in his expression and I swallow the lump in my throat. I know what’s at stake for Sebastian.

“Mina, you know I’d do anything for you. I’m sure you’re in pain right now, but this is one request I just can’t agree to.”

“I can’t freaking believe this!” As Mina’s voice rises, I stand and move to his side. Sebastian wraps his arm around me and pulls me close as she rants. “We welcomed you into our home, made you a part of our family and this is the thanks we get? I get? What am I supposed to say to those attending who ask why you’re not there? I don’t even want to think what the tabloids will say about this!”

Does Mina realize how much she sounds like her mother at the moment? My stomach churns and I feel so torn by Mina’s reaction that I try to smooth over the tense situation. “Mina, our offer still stands to babysit Josi while you’re busy with all the arrangements for the funeral. We want to do what we can to support you.”

“But not this? I’m sorry, Talia, but no thank you. If this is how my supposed brother is going to act, he doesn’t deserve to spend time with his goddaughter. Not now, not ever.”

The line goes dead, but the silence in the room is the worst. I look at Sebastian and the tormented haze in his eyes tears me up inside. I know this is one time my husband cannot compromise, nor should he have to. I touch his jaw and wait until his blue eyes meet mine. “She’ll come around, Sebastian. She loves you and Josi adores you. She’s just hurting right now.”

He folds me in his arms, his expression grim. “I don’t know if this will pass, Talia. The whole Blake family will see this as a slap in the face. I sincerely wish that weren’t the case, but I can’t change it.”

“I know you’re staying silent for Mina’s sake, but what good does it do you if you remain estranged from her because of it? I think you’re being a bit too protective of your little sister. She’s tough under that sweet exterior. Life is also about experiences and if she doesn’t have those—both good and bad—how can she learn to become as strong as she can be?”

“Mina’s not the only one I’m protecting.” He hooks his hands at the base of my spine. “I’m safeguarding the family name now too, even if I’ll no longer be welcome as a part of it.”

“That’s not right that you’re on the right side of this issue, but your honor and loyalty won’t be understood or appreciated.” I rest my head on his chest and exhale a frustrated sigh.

“Sacrifice is never the easy path. Sometimes it’s not the perfect path either, but in my case, it’s the only one that honors my mother’s memory.” He folds his fingers in my hair, pulling the ends to his nose. “I’ll survive, Little Red.”

Knuckles rap on the door just before Calder walks in, a stack of printouts in hand. “No location on Talia’s aunt yet. We think she might’ve gone away for the weekend. Her house is quiet. Phil sent this paperwork. He said he only got a card from me, so that’s the email he used to send this large file. The top one is the rendering of the igniter they found at the—” A ringing cell phone cuts him off and he pulls his phone from his pocket. “What’s up, Theo?” Calder frowns and looks at Sebastian. “The entire detail covering the Blake estate has been asked to leave. Did you request this?”

“Fucking hell,” my husband mutters. Glancing at the paperwork in Calder’s hand, he takes the phone from his cousin. “Pull the men off the grounds, Theo, but don’t leave. Stay outside the perimeter of the estate. We’ll call you back.”

Sebastian hands Calder his phone, then picks up his own cell from the table and dials a number. “Hey, should you be at work? Of course, I’m at the office. Where else would I be?” he grumbles. “Fair point, old man. Question: Do you agree that the family’s safety is your number one priority, no matter your feelings on anything else? Good. Now tell your daughter to allow my men to do their damn jobs.”

His father’s voice rumbles on the line and my husband glances my way. “I’d planned to have lunch with Talia.”

I quickly mouth, “Go, he needs you right now.”

“But she’s okay to reschedule for tomorrow. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

Hanging up, he looks at Calder. “Can you head over to the family estate and make sure my sister follows orders?”

“Why would Mina not want to be protected?”

Sebastian lifts his suit jacket off the chair and slips into it. Buttoning the front, he says, “She’s being difficult. Mina’s angry because I told her I’m not going to the funeral.”

Calder blinks at his cousin. “Bash, I know you despised Isabel, but even I think that’s taking things to the extreme. It’s not like you’re being asked to give a eulogy.”

“I’ll be busy working the case to keep the family safe.”

“What kind of bullshi—”

“I’m going to be late if I don’t leave now to meet my father,” Sebastian says. He glances my way and I wave him on.

“Why are you still here? I’ll look over the rendering and see if we can magnify the other picture to read possible serial numbers.”

Stepping close, Sebastian kisses my forehead and says in a low voice, “Did you know you were going to lose the bet?”

His question throws me for a second, then I remember that I’d mentioned cleaning the apartment to the detective. I give him a secret smile to cover my blunder. “Now that we’re giving up the lease on the apartment, maybe your office can become my new home away from home.”

“You’re already an invaluable member of our team.”

“But I haven’t done anything yet.”

“I didn’t say what team I was talking about.”

“Get a room, you two,” Calder snorts.

Snickering, I smile at my husband. “Go enjoy lunch with your father.”

The moment Sebastian leaves, Calder turns to me, his amusement gone. “What the hell is going on with Sebastian? This funeral thing seems extreme.”

“Do you trust him, Calder?”

His light brown brows pull together. “Of course. More than anyone.”

“Trust me when I say that Sebastian’s only goal is to protect his family.”

“To the point of aliening himself?”

“I believe you did something similar not that long ago. I’m going to assume you had your reasons?” When his only answer is to press his lips together, I raise my eyebrow. “Was Sebastian there for you?”

He stares at me for a second, then tilts his head, his green eyes drilling into me. “Yeah, he was.” With a curt nod, he hands me the stack of papers and starts to leave, but turns back. “Thanks, Talia.”

“For what?”

“Reminding me what being a brother means.”

I smile, relieved that Calder will have Sebastian’s back. “You’re welcome.”

My phone rings as he walks out. I glance down at the Caller ID this time and know I can’t ignore this one.

“Hey, Aunt Vanessa.”

“Talia! I just found out what happened at your wedding rehearsal. I’d gone to stay at a Bed and Breakfast for a couple of days and didn’t see the news until this morning. I’m so sorry, dear, but also so very glad you’re safe.”

My aunt’s voice is so shaky, I feel horrible for not inviting her to the wedding sooner. “I’m fine. Of course the family is mourning Isabel’s death, so the wedding has been pushed back for the funeral and while an investigation is going on. Also, since I have you, I wanted to let you know you’ll be getting your invitation with the new date of the wedding in the mail soon.”

“Oh, Talia…that makes me so happy. Thank you! I wouldn’t miss it! Of course now I’m worried about what happened. Please tell me it was an accident and that you’re not in any danger.”

“I’m fine, Aunt Van—” My heart jolts as my gaze lands on the top page of the stack of papers Calder gave me. I stare at the rendering of the igniter from the police’s tech department. Oh, shit!

“Talia? Is everything okay?”

“Yes, I’m good, but I really have to go now. We have a lot to do.”

I hang up and stare at the drawing. It looks exactly like the “tracker” I chucked into the water fountain outside the Fine Tapas restaurant.

I’m pretty sure the water would’ve compromised the circuitry, rendering its igniter component useless against the bit of explosive compound, but if I can retrieve it we might be able to get serial numbers off that one. All I can hope is that it’s actually not a GPS tracker like I thought, and if it’s still sending a signal that the person who planted it on my car hasn’t found it yet.

I quickly grab my purse and walk out into the cubicle area, then remember I rode to the office with Sebastian. Frustrated, I glance around the couple of occupied desks and know that the men are busy working aspects of the case for Sebastian. Calder just left to deal with Mina and the last thing I’ll do is pull Sebastian away from much needed quality time with his father. Biting my lip, I retrieve my phone and dial the only other person I can trust to give me a ride.