Blind Witness (19 page)

“He knows every move I make,” Britt bit out.

Rachelle’s hand settled on his arm.

Britt laid his hand over hers. “Come on. I’ll go with your theory.”

“You don’t need to come yet,” Todd said.

“It’s my company. I’ll be there as soon as I find somewhere safe for Rachelle.”

“I’m staying with you. You promised you wouldn’t send me away again,” she countered firmly as if she could see his objection coming. “Just look at the trouble I got in last time you left me. You just said he seems to know everything you do. He’ll know if you leave me. He’ll come after me. You know that.”

“Brat.”

Rachelle laughed, knowing she had won.

“Right by my side.”

“No place else.”

“What am I getting myself into?” He grumbled so she could hear him as he helped her into the detective’s car.

Three hours and fifty minutes later, frustration was rising in everyone. No bomb had been found in the main lobby, around Britt’s office, or the design area. Sweeps had been made of the whole building, but there was nothing.

“I don’t like it,” Britt said, his arm around Rachelle as they stood in the main lobby. It was dark outside the windows that stretched from the floor to the opulent ceiling thirty feet above, on the east and west sides.

“It looks like he’s just toying with us.” Todd shook his head.

“I don’t think so. He wanted us here,” Rachelle spoke up. “I think you were right about the lobby too. It makes sense.”

“We’ve checked every square inch.”

Britt’s eyes scanned the room that was the size of a small basketball court. It was a large open area with elevators on both sides. A dozen couches made up seating in the center. The only other thing besides a few planters and a sculpture was a large receptionist’s desk. But he agreed with Rachelle. “It’s here. It’s like what Dr. Lamb said. He’s very methodical. That’s why the company first. It’s a symbol of power. He has to weaken
Clairbourne. Each time he’s getting more showy. It has to be here.” It hit him that the detective had told him they couldn’t find anything once before. It had been in the warehouse right before the bomb had taken out the overhead crane cable almost smashing several people under the box it had been moving. It had been set high, out of the range of the dogs.

Britt looked up at the lighting and high windows. Rachelle’s words came back to his mind, ‘he wanted us here.’ He wanted them here. Britt glanced at his watch. Two minutes and the four hours would be up.

He looked up again. “Get everyone out,” he said, and then yelled it. “Get everyone out! Now! It’s here, up there. He wanted people here, people who are trying to help me. He wants to show what will happen to those who help me. Get everyone out of here, now!”

Todd got what he was saying.
“Everyone out! Clear it, now!” he gave the order. The men in the room looked around, but all headed for the doors.

Britt started to lead Rachelle out then looked at the clock on the wall. The hand on the clock was almost straight up. The second hand was just past the thirty. “Hang on,” he said as he turned to Rachelle, wrapping his arms around her legs and lifted her up over his shoulder. Rachelle squeaked in surprise but didn’t fight him. Britt ran for the door as the other officers picked up the pace. Everyone was running now.

Halfway across the quad they all slowed, moving together in a group, many turning to the building, while still backing up.

“Is everyone clear?” The call came out.

“All clear,” an officer in full protective gear and a headset reported back a second later.

Britt set Rachelle on her feet, and she clung to his arms as she steadied herself.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Yes, just give me a little more warning next time you do that.”

The explosion ripped the air making it impossible for him to answer, and for the second time that night, windows blasted out around them. This time it was in a shower of glass that would have shredded anyone close. Britt spun Rachelle away shielding her with his body though, fortunately, no glass reached where they’d stopped.

In just seconds it was over, leaving everyone staring back in disbelief. A few lights survived in the lobby, showing not a single upper window remained intact. The ground glistened like it was covered with diamonds.

“Is everyone okay?” Todd yelled, echoed by the man in charge wearing the headset.

Britt ran his hands over Rachelle then pulled her tight against him. “You’re okay,” he kissed her hard needing to prove to himself that she was, in fact, unharmed.

“Clairbourne?”

“We’re all right.” He kept Rachelle wrapped in his arms.

“What happened?” Rachelle asked against his chest.

“The windows all blew out.” He kissed her on the head, staring back at the building, hardly able to take in what he saw.

“Britt?” There was a question in Rachelle’s voice, and he knew she was picking up a mood change in him.

“You realize with this maniac,” he paused, “you could be left a widow before your
honeymoon’s over?”

Her hand came up to his lips. “Don’t talk like that.”

“We have to face it. I’m being selfish wanting to spend every minute I have left with you, but you have got to understand the chances you’re taking before we’re married.”

Rachelle nodded her head against his chest. “I learned something in my accident. There are no guarantees in life. Things can change in an instant. I want to have all the time I can have with you, whether it be a day or a century.”

“I’m going for the century.” A smile came back to his face, and he vowed that this maniac was not going to take a minute of their time together from them.

He pressed her back tight against him. Everything was all right with Rachelle. His mind shifted back to the foray of activity around him. “Will you stay with me while I talk to Todd then make arrangements with security to close off this part of the building until clean up and repairs can be done?”

****

It was late when the detective finally gave them a ride to Britt’s apartment. Passing the security guard, Britt directed Rachelle into the elevator. Setting her suitcase on the floor as the doors closed, he pulled her to him. Rachelle’s arms came instinctively around his waist, resting her head on his chest. It was becoming his favorite stance. He relished the feel of her, amazed how much he liked the touch of her, just to hold her.

“What would I do without you?” He groaned, not needing an answer. “I’ve been alone so long and didn’t even realize it.” It was true. He hadn’t realized he never had much physical contact when he was growing up, not since his mother had died. He had been an only child. His father worked long hours and kept to himself. He had fallen into the same role himself.

She shifted, turning her face to his, sliding her hands up over his shoulders, along his neck to caress his cheek. “I love you.” The feelings behind her words were evident on her face. “I’ve been lonely too. I think it’s been harder than not being able to see, because I know I’m missing something but don’t know what it is. Not what I feel for you. This, I’ve never had.” She kissed him. “I’m so glad to have found you.”

He kissed her back. “I know what you mean. Tomorrow you’re mine.” He kissed her again as the doors opened. He had to push the door open button to keep it from closing on them before taking her arm and picking up the suitcase. “I’ll call Dr. Christensen in the morning and find out how the tests are going and then I’ll call Conrad.”

The door across the hall opened and closed as a man stepped out. Britt steered Rachelle to the side but paid little attention until the man stopped. “Rachelle?”

She froze.

“You look incredible. I didn’t know you were out and about. You should have called.”

“Why? What possibility we had was long over.”

“Rachelle,” Britt called her attention, studying the handsome man who had the polish of someone who had stepped out of a men’s magazine.

“Sorry, Britt, this is Richard Johnson. Richard, this is Britton Clairbourne.”

“
Clairbourne, so it really was you I saw in the picture. I couldn’t believe it.”

Britt watched the man’s eyes run over him ending at the suitcase in his hand. Britt stiffened at the look the man gave it.

“I guess something has changed.” Her ex-fiancé smirked. “You were too tight to give it before.”

Britt dropped the suitcase and released Rachelle, stepping toward the man.

“Britt.” Rachelle reached out, flailing to catch his arm.

“You’re still blind.” The man gaped, stepping back as if it were contagious.

Britt stopped at her touch and turned back to her.

She stood straight, regal. “That’s right.”

The man looked at her then back to Britt. “But why?” His eyes dropped to the suitcase. “Then again, I guess it doesn’t matter.”

Rachelle caught his meaning and gasped. Britt started to shake off her hand, but she stopped him again. “He isn’t worth the trouble he would cause. He’s the type that would sue you. He’s very self-centered. I can’t believe I didn’t see it for a long time. But he’s right. It really doesn’t matter to a truly strong, confident man.
A man who looks beyond pretenses.” She turned away. Britt held back a second, glaring at the other man before he picked up her suitcase once more and led her to his door.

“Do your parents know where you’re spending the night?” The man managed enough bravado to yell after them before the door closed him out.

“You can ask me now what I ever saw in him. I can hear the question running through your mind.”

“I was trying not to pry.” A smile lit his face.

“For a man that was about to get charged with assault back there, you sound pretty calm and happy.”

“I am. You never loved him.”

“No, I tried to convince myself I did because everyone expected it, but I never did. How did you know?”

“You had no reaction to meeting him except as if it was an old acquaintance. There was no emotion. If you had ever loved him, there would have been pain or anger there. I would have known it, like I know love when you touch me. You don’t hide or turn off your emotions. They are too much a part of you.”

“Is that so?” She felt the need to challenge him.

“Yes,” he said firmly.

“Then how do I feel about you?” She tilted her head up.

“That’s easy.” He took a step toward her, and she moved back against the wall. “You love me.”

“I already told you that.”

“Yes,” Britt raised his hands putting them on either side of her head. “But what you didn’t say was you’re mine. That was probably what made Richard so mad. He knew you were never his. With his ego, that must be difficult to accept. It’s probably eating at him right now.” Britt’s lips brushed the edge of her mouth. “He’s wondering just what he let get away.”

His mouth caressed the other side of her mouth. Her knees went weak, but he held her up, pressed between the wall and his body. “He’s wondering what we’re doing and dying of jealousy.” Britt took full possession of her lips, drinking in as she gave herself over to him.

With a groan he pushed back, dropped his forehead to rest on hers while he took deep breaths. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish we were doing what he thinks. Off to bed.” He stepped back.

“Britt?”

“Tomorrow, Rachelle. Tomorrow you’ll be mine, and we’ll rejoice in it.” He led her to her room then dropped her hand.

Rachelle turned expecting him to kiss her, but he moved back.

“Tomorrow,” the word was repeated, sounding something between a promise and a threat. Rachelle heard the door across the hall shut and knew Britt was gone. She felt a second of sadness being away from him then was cheered knowing he didn’t like it any better. More excitement shot through her. Tomorrow night, he wouldn’t leave her at the door but take her to his room, their room. A rush of nervousness hit her which slid right back to excitement. The problems of the day were forgotten when she went to sleep.

****

As usual Rachelle’s internal alarm clock went off early, but Britt was already i
n the kitchen when she entered.

“Good morning.” Britt rose from the table coming to her.
“Ready for a busy day?”

“Yes.”

“No second thoughts?”

“About marrying you, no.
I want this more than anything.”

“I feel guilty rushing you.” He caught hold of her fingers.

“You’re not. This is the way I want it.”

“I’m afraid your family might not think that, but I’m glad. I’ve already called Conrad. We’ll meet him in his chambers at one.”

“You called him this early?”

“He’s an early riser, likes to get a game of golf in before work. Why don’t you get some breakfast? I have to swing by the office for about fifteen minutes then we have an appointment to pick up rings before your doctor’s appointment, then the license. After the wedding, we’ll go somewhere nice for a late lunch.” He paused a second. “I wish I could take you somewhere for a honeymoon.”

She smiled and stepped to him. “That’s not necessary.”

“After your surgery, I’ll take you anywhere you want.”

“I just want to see you.”

“Who would have guessed,” he teased making her blush.

“That wasn’t what I meant.”

“But you’re thinking it now.” He laughed wickedly.

“You like doing that to me.”

“You have that right.”

“You know to make it fair tonight, I should blindfold you.”

“That’s fine. I plan to have every inch of you memorized by then.”

“Britt.” She blushed, shocked at how free their talk had become.

“I won’t deny that I want you, that I’m hunger for you. I plan on making love to you as soon as I can and still appear partly civilized.”