chapter 4

Six o’clock rolled around, and Seth made sure he was right on time. The brief time he’d had to fly back to his car and drive to the salon had been hell, not knowing if she was safe or not. But there she was, smiling and laughing with her coworkers and her customer, leaving Seth to study everyone in peace. Abby smiled and waved when she saw him, but otherwise ignored him. He smiled and nodded back, and opened his briefcase.

Something was off in the salon. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but the lingering whiff of evil was strong, the faintest hint of Shem tickling his senses. He had the urge to pick Abby up and cart her off, whether she agreed or not. He studied her coworkers and pulled out the file Damien had printed for him. He studied each woman and read up on her as he went. They were a potential source of trouble, so Seth needed to know all of them, if only by sight.

None of them were in the Archives, that much he knew. Still, better to be safe than sorry, so he pulled up the first picture on his tablet PC.

He smiled as he saw who was at the top of the list. Nancy Braddock, the owner, was a sprightly redhead. Her curls danced around her face in an untamed riot. Her bright green eyes shone and her movements were energetic. She laughed loudly and talked freely with her customers and employees. If she wore makeup, it was with so light a touch that Seth couldn’t detect it. She reminded him of a dryad out of a fairy story, but there was strength within her he doubted few could detect. If he had to leave Abby alone with a human, Nancy was the one he’d pick.

Nothing about her pinged Seth’s personal radar, so he moved on to the next worker.

Next to Nancy was a woman named Lisa. Her blond hair was worn chin length and razor straight, and her light hazel eyes were serious. She smiled quietly at Nancy’s jokes, shaking her head at one particularly outrageous remark. The wedding ring on her finger sparkled in the light, and pictures of two cute blond children were taped to her mirror. No sense of trouble there, so Seth dismissed her.

Abby took up the third chair. Behind her, two other stations were occupied, but the sixth was empty.

One chair was held by a woman Seth would normally have asked out. Glancing at his notes, he saw that her name was Diana. She was a tall, cool blonde, breathtakingly beautiful in the classic sense.

She had curves in all the right places and moved with a smooth grace that should have intrigued him. Her ice-blue eyes smiled in his direction more than once, and he thought he detected a glimmer of interest in them. Her voice was low and husky, her lips full and pouty, lusciously red, designed for a man to savor.

Her appearance didn’t move him. She alone pinged his trouble radar, but he didn’t know why. He didn’t sense anything supernatural about her. There was no way she could be Shemyaza. Very few Shem could hide from him, and Damien had already checked to see if any of Abby’s coworkers were listed in the Archives. There was no Diana Martin listed.

Still, it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye on her.

Next to the ice princess was a small, brown-haired girl named Mercy. She had sweet brown eyes and long, dark brown hair bound up in a curled, bouncy ponytail. Her smile was her best feature, lighting up her face and making her more attractive than Diana by far. She had an air of innocence similar to Abby’s, intriguing him.

The sixth, empty, chair, according to Damien’s report, was usually occupied by a man named Judd. It was probably the same Judd that Finley had flipped out over. The man’s dossier was clean, but until Seth saw him, he wouldn’t know if Judd was the Shemyaza or not. He’d have to find out what Judd’s

schedule was and make sure he stopped by when Judd was in the salon.

It was odd that he couldn’t quite place where the Shem stench was coming from. It was faint, nearly undetectable. Perhaps a customer, one who’d already come and gone? He was tempted to start searching, but that would be difficult. In his human form he’d be visible to everyone.

Sniffing every chair in the salon would definitely earn him that hug-me jacket.

The green miasma he normally associated with the Shem was there, hanging faintly in the air like a dissipating fog. Maybe the Shem hadn’t left? If the Shem was still here, then Abby was—

“So I broke up with Bradley.”

There was a chorus of aws at Nancy’s pronouncement, distracting Seth. He blinked, losing the vision of the fog and the faint sent of Shem.

“What happened?” Abby turned from her client for a moment, the concern on her face real. “I found out he’d cheated on me.” Nancy shook her head. “Once a cheater, always a cheater.

Needless to say, I kicked him the hell out.” Nancy kicked her foot out, making a clucking sound with her tongue. “Butt, meet boot.”

Mercy bit her lip. “I don’t know if you should have. I mean, was it a one-time thing or was it ongoing?” The other women looked at her like she’d lost her mind. “Seriously. They say you should try and work things like that out.”

“There are some things that shouldn’t be. Everyone has a deal breaker in a relationship, and cheating just happens to be mine.”

Mercy sighed. “How did you find out he was cheating?”

Nancy made a face and reached for another piece of foil. “I got home early and he wasn’t expecting me.” She put some white gunk on the woman’s hair and wrapped it in the foil. “What’s worse? The bitch he was with had terrible highlights.”

All of the women laughed lightly except for Mercy. “That’s a shame, Nancy. You liked him a lot, and he made good money.”

Nancy pointed at the younger woman. “I make my own money, thank you very much. Money is no reason to hang on to a man you no longer respect.”

All the women nodded in agreement. Hell, Seth agreed with that wholeheartedly.

Diana took the styling cape off her client. “Trust me, honey. When you find the one, you’ll know.” She smiled secretly.

When she shot him another sultry glance from her icy-blue eyes, he shivered.

Seth hunkered down in his chair and pretended to read the papers in his briefcase. He hoped Abby would be done soon or he might find himself clubbed and dragged out of the salon by his hair.

It took Abby another half hour to finish her last client of the day. She cleaned up her station, waved goodbye to the girls and headed out with Seth. Just before the doors to the salon closed, Nancy began talking loudly. The only phrase he caught was “My, isn’t he luscious?”

“Have a safe trip home, Abby,” an amused voice drawled. Seth turned to find a tiny, ethereal woman locking the door of her store. Abby muttered something and hustled Seth to his car. She tried to hide her flaming cheeks from him, but it didn’t work.

The woman’s soft laughter followed them.

She wouldn’t look at Seth until they were halfway back to the town house.

He couldn’t stand it anymore. “Do I want to know what you discussed with your friends today?” Her face turned so red he was surprised she didn’t get a nosebleed.

* * *

The rest of the week flew by in much the same fashion. Seth made breakfast and did the dishes at dinner. Abby cooked dinner and did the dishes at breakfast. Every evening he picked her up at work, and they would stop briefly at her town house to water her plants. She moved the milk from her fridge to his, and sneaked a couple of her plaid shirts back to his place when he wasn’t looking. The easy camaraderie they’d established that first day lasted through the whole week.

He made no effort to kiss her again, though he watched her constantly. Abby didn’t know whether she should feel glad that he’d cooled things down, or upset. She also didn’t understand how he could move so easily into her comfortable routine. She didn’t feel awkward in front of him when she did her yoga, and he didn’t seem uncomfortable in front of her when he worked out in the home gym he’d installed in his third bedroom. He offered her the use of some of his machines, and she found herself working out beside him. She even tried teaching him some of her yoga moves, but wound up laughing at his commentary on pretzels and bendy straws and positions men should not be in.

She’d collapsed on the floor in a heap of giggles when he’d muttered, “Gives the phrase bend over and spread ’em a whole new meaning.” Seth had opted out of the yoga after that.

They talked about everything and nothing at all. It was scary how much they had in common, even favorite authors. The both loved science fiction, though she preferred softer and he preferred harder. She loved to cuddle on the sofa with a good paranormal romance novel, while he’d rather scrub his eyes with steel wool than read one. He loved classic mystery novels, but they bored her into drooling stupidity. They both loved to huddle under the covers while watching scary shows like Ghost Hunters and The Haunted late at night.

It was perfect, and it couldn’t last.

Eventually she’d have to go back to her life, and he’d have to go back to his. Already the cops had come knocking on Seth’s door, much to Seth’s amusement and her embarrassment. It helped that Seth seemed to know the detective in charge of her case, and even invited him inside for a cup of coffee. She’d seen him once before. He’d been with her brother when they came to investigate her break-in. Detective Dante Zucco was large, blond and intimidating, and if Seth hadn’t been holding her hand, she probably would have shaken apart from nerves.

Yet after an hour in Dante’s company she found herself comparing recipes with him. It sounded like he was quite the cook, his expertise in Italian cuisine, whereas hers was in Mexican. He was like a giant teddy bear, somewhat growly, somewhat sweet and definitely protective. By the time he left, she felt like maybe there was another male in her life she could trust to protect her.

The not-so-subtle thumbs-up he’d given Seth had both annoyed and amused her.

No new incidents occurred, and that Friday, Abby decided that moving back in to her own home was a good idea. She didn’t want to get any more comfortable where she was, or she might never leave.

It wasn’t the first-date conversation she’d envisioned, but it had to be done. She couldn’t squat in his house forever, no matter how sweet this little interlude was. So when he picked her up that night, she had a plan already in place.

Beth had bet her ten bucks she would cave and stay at Seth’s. Beth was so going down.

They stopped off at home first to change out of their work clothes. He came downstairs wearing a bright blue T-shirt and jeans, his white sneakers gleaming. He had an anticipatory grin on his face.

She stood up, glad she’d chosen to go with her green T-shirt and black jeans. She felt both brave and exposed without her usual oversized shirt. Abby stroked the scar on her arm. It had been five years, and Seth didn’t seem to mind her burns. She stifled the urge to run upstairs and grab a big shirt to put on over the T-shirt.

“So, where are we going for dinner?”

He locked the door and put his hand at the small of her back. “It’s a surprise.” He grinned again as he escorted her to the car.

Seth took her for Mexican.

She bounced up and down in her seat like an over-eager kid at the familiar sign of her favorite restaurant, and he chuckled as he pulled into the parking lot..

Abby ordered sangria, the nachos and chimichangas. Seth ordered cherry cola, tortilla soup and steak fajitas.

While they waited for their food Abby decided it was time. “I’m moving back home tomorrow.” His expression was blank for a moment, and then his brows drew together in a frown. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Abby? I mean, it’s only been a week. We don’t know if the incident was an

isolated one, and quite frankly, I doubt it.”

Abby made a face. “Beth says the same thing.” She scooped up some salsa and popped the loaded chip into her mouth.

“Beth, your PI friend?” She nodded, her mouth too full of tomatoey goodness to respond. “If she’s telling you to stay put, then stay put. Don’t rock the boat. Wait until we catch this guy before you go back to your town house.”

We? “Don’t you think it’s about time I moved back?” “No.”

Oh, hell. There was that expression again, the one that made her insides melt like butter in the sun.

She swallowed hard, licking her lips at the sudden heat in his gaze. “Okay.”

Damn it. Now she owed Beth ten bucks. She’d given in far too quickly. She’d have to sign up for the Backbone of the Month Club. Shit.

He leaned back in his chair, obviously satisfied that she wasn’t going anywhere. “Besides, you make a good roommate. You cook, you clean up after yourself and you don’t leave pantyhose drying in the shower. I could do a lot worse.”

“Maybe I could do better.” She tossed a chip at his fat head. He chuckled, the deep sound resonating to her core.

She was in so much trouble.

She managed to keep the conversation light after that, discussing her day and his with a bright vivaciousness that didn’t seem to fool him for a minute.

* * *

He was exhausted. He’d known Abby was thinking of flying away, but he’d hoped he’d have more than a week to talk her into staying.

“Dessert?” “Dairy Queen?”

“Oh. Chocolate, ice cream and peanuts. Sounds good.”

Seth breathed a sigh of relief as he led her to the car. They were good. She wasn’t going to run, not yet, anyway.

He stopped and stared at his car.

Fuck. They found us.

A green miasma lingered around his car. The tire had been slashed deliberately by a Shem. “I’m calling the police.”

Abby responded to his grim tone by gripping his arm. “You think it’s the same person.” Smart girl. She hadn’t phrased it as a question, but he answered anyway. “Yes.”

He called Dante as he led Abby back into the restaurant. “Problems, lover boy? I thought you were on a date.”

“I am. Our tire was slashed.”

“I’m on my way.” From Dante’s tone, Seth figured he’d probably speed.

He was right. It didn’t take long for Dante to arrive. Seth escorted Abby back out of the restaurant when he saw Dante’s ugly tan sedan pull up. “Seth, Abby. What happened?”

Seth pointed toward his car. “Slashed tire.”

Dante’s brows rose, but he didn’t comment. He sauntered over to the car, and Seth could see his shoulders tensing. He’d picked up on the Shem stink. “Let me write out a report. We can add this to the incident at Abby’s home, keep it in the same file.” He then walked over and gave Abby a brief hug. “Seth, buddy. Go ahead and change the tire. I’ll watch your girl.” He leered down at Abby good- naturedly. “How do you feel about Italian?”

Abby laughed, and Seth decided that Dante could live another day. But if his brother didn’t get his hands off his woman, they were going to have words.

Seth changed the tire as quickly as he could, listening to the quiet murmurs of conversation between Dante and Abby, her soft laugh as Dante told her some story about working with Bill. The men weren’t partners, but they were in the same department and often worked cases together.

Shit. Maybe he should have had Dante change the tire.

Seth stood and put all the tools away, giving the slashed tire to Dante as evidence. He turned to Abby and held out his hand, pleased when she immediately took it. “We ready to head home?”

Abby nodded. “My head’s starting to hurt.”

He caressed her cheek. “Let’s get you back, then.”

“I’m going to follow you two, just in case.” Dante’s expression turned grim. “If this is the same person who broke into Abby’s home, I want to make sure everything is safe.”

Seth nodded. Dante wanted to check for Shem, give Seth backup just in case. But they couldn’t tell Abby that. So he followed Dante’s car, pulling up to his town house with a heavy heart.

Something definitely wasn’t right. That sick green miasma was all over his front door.

Dante was already standing at the foot of the steps, scowling, his hands in the pockets of his trench coat. Seth got out, but gestured for Abby to stay in the car.

Of course, she ignored him, running right up to Dante.

“Stay put.” Dante’s voice might be gruff, but the hand he placed on Abby’s arm as she stood shivering in the evening chill was gentle. “Let Seth and me check things out first.”

“It’s open.” Abby was biting her lip hard enough to draw blood.

Seth hadn’t even noticed. Sure enough, the door was cracked open. “Dante.”

“On it.” Dante edged through the door, leaving Seth to guard Abby as he drew his gun and

disappeared from sight. “I’m so sorry.”

Seth pulled Abby into his arms, mentally cursing at the way she shook. He’d finally gotten her calm, and some sick Shem had her terrified once more. “It’s all right, Abby. We’ll take care of this.” Lethally. There was going to be a dead Shem as soon as Seth got his hands on him.

Dante stepped out, shaking his head slightly. “I need to call this in, but it looks like it’s clear. Don’t touch anything, you hear me? That’s evidence.”

“Thanks, brother.” Seth walked up the steps, Abby tucked firmly against his side. Dante put a hand on his shoulder, halting him in his tracks. “It’s bad.”

Shit. Double shit. Just what Abby didn’t need. Seth nodded and walked through the door. Abby gasped. “Oh, my God.”

All of Fiona’s delicate glass sculptures lay in unrecognizable shards on the floor. The picture above the fireplace had been slashed down to the wall, the angel’s face shredded beyond recognition. The smell of milk beginning to sour permeated the carpeting. The refrigerator stood wide open, with half the contents sitting on the kitchen floor. Eggs had been thrown at the kitchen walls, making yellow tracks down to the counters. The word Whore had been written in red on several of the walls. He would bet anything it was lipstick.

You’re dead had been written on the slashed angel painting.

Abby fell to her knees, her face so pale he was afraid she’d pass out.

“Abby!” He picked her up and placed her gently on the sofa. He forced her head down between her knees.

“I’m so sorry, Seth.” Her hand caressed his cheek in silent apology. His hand came up automatically and grasped hers. “What?”

“If you hadn’t been trying to help me, if I hadn’t stayed at your place—”

“He probably still would have trashed my place, Abby.” He stood, lifting her to her feet with him, and put his arms around her. He wouldn’t allow her to think even for a second that she was in any way to blame.

Hell, since she’d moved in, he’d been thinking of redecorating anyway. “Why?”

God, she sounded so scared. His grip tightened. He didn’t need her to see the anger brewing in him. His gaze landed on the death threat and he grew cold. “Because Finley has figured out that you’re more than a friend to me.”

“But—”

He placed a finger on her lips. “No buts. I want you to stay here while I talk to Dante.” A fierce frown crossed her face. “No.”

“Abby.”

She stomped her foot. “No, damn it. You will not hide this from me. You think you can protect me from this?” She waved her arms around wildly. “This is my fault.”

“Calm down, Abby. You didn’t trash my living room.”

“I might as well have.” She ran her hands through her hair. He bet she would have been pacing if he hadn’t been holding her. “I have the right to be there to talk to the cops.”

He studied the fear in her eyes. She wasn’t going to back down. “I want you to stay close to me.” She nodded.

Dante entered the room, his expression grim. He grimaced at something over Seth’s shoulder and pointed. “Seth. Look at this.”

It took him a moment to see the message written in red lipstick on the sliding glass doors. “Shit.”

You can’t have her.

A sharp elbow to his stomach had Seth releasing Abby. “Abby.” He chased after her as she raced to his bedroom.

She slid to the floor, her face covered with her hands. “Oh, Seth.”

He stood in the doorway and took in the scene. His bed was covered in red rose petals, the pillows drowning in them. Written on the bedroom mirror were the words he’d dreaded seeing.

For you, my love.