When Silence Falls

“I am.”

“Good. Now, go check the windows and doors so we can make sure you stay that way.”

She mumbled a complaint, but went anyway, knowing Gray was even more of a worrier than she was. “So, why’d you send Jake? I thought for sure you’d be the one running to my rescue.”

“I would have been, but Maria and I were in Richmond registering for wedding presents at some swanky place.”

“I can’t believe you both managed to find the time. What’d you register for?”

“Plates. Forks. A bunch of kitchen stuff I don’t even know how to use.”

“Does Maria?” The bedroom windows were locked, and Piper stepped out into the hall.

“She says our chef will know what to do with them.”

“A chef? I hope I’m invited to dinner often.” Piper didn’t switch on the light as she moved through the kitchen and into the morning room.

“As often as you like. Not that Maria and I will be there to enjoy the food with you. She works more hours than I do.”

“Is that possible?” She reached for the last window in the room, ready to check the lock. Saw something dark move to block the moonlight. Large. A head. Black. No. A mask. She could see the eyes gleaming. Something slammed into the glass, rattling the window.

Piper screamed. Jumped back, tumbling over the piano bench, righting herself. Grayson’s voice shouted for her attention, but she was too busy running from the room to listen. There was another jarring thud. She imagined glass shattering, the dark figure climbing through the broken window. Coming after her.

She screamed again. Grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen counter as she flew past. The bedroom. She’d climb out the window if the intruder made it inside the house. She held the phone under her chin as she locked the door, her hands shaking so hard it took three tries. Her palm was slick with sweat and the knife slipped from her grasp, falling to the wood floor with a sharp thud. She didn’t bother picking it up. Just hung up on Grayson and dialed 911, her mouth so dry she was afraid she wouldn’t be able speak.

THREE

Cade sped down Main Street, took a hard right onto Fifth, his sirens blaring, adrenaline pumping through him and waking him more than the strong, bitter coffee he’d been drinking. He barely braked as he turned left onto Apple Orchard Lane. Dark and lined with large, lush trees, the street offered plenty of hiding places. He searched the area as he pulled up in front of the tiny bungalow at the end of the road. Flanked by woods on one side and an oversize Victorian on the other, it looked like a fairy-tale cottage. Soft light spilled from the front window, illuminating the yard and the vintage GTO that sat in the driveway.

The front door of the house flew open as Cade stepped out of his car, and a woman tumbled out. Five foot three, maybe a hundred and ten pounds, wearing baggy sweats and a bright pink T-shirt. Cade didn’t need to see the color of her hair and eyes to know the woman.

He strode forward, caught Piper’s arm as she raced off the last step. “Are you okay? Is he inside?”

“Yes and no.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.” Her eyes were wide with fear, her teeth chattering.

“Then go back inside. I’ll knock when I’m finished out here.”

“But what if he’s out here?”

“Let’s hope he is. I want to have a little chat with him. Go on. Inside.” He nudged her toward the three steps that led to the front door, waited until she was locked inside and made his way around to the back of the property. There was no light here, only the silvery glow of the moon reflected on grass and trees. The yard was empty, but he walked the perimeter anyway, flashing his light into the woods, searching for signs that someone had hidden there. Closer to the house he found a patch of matted down grass, but nothing more. He’d dust the windows and siding for prints, though he doubted he’d find anything. Whoever had been here had fled, leaving little of himself behind.

Was it a coincidence that Piper had stopped a kidnapping attempt three hours ago and was now the victim of an attempted break-in? Cade didn’t think so. He radioed for dispatch to locate Jake Reed, and then strode back around to the front of the house.

An engine roared through the darkness and headlights illuminated the street. Cade’s hand dropped to his gun, then fell away as a silver Jaguar pulled in behind his cruiser, and a lean, hard-built man stepped out. Grayson Sinclair. Even if Cade hadn’t known him years ago, he would have recognized the deputy commonwealth’s attorney. Well-known by the community and well-loved by the media, his was a face often in the news.

He strode toward Cade, calm, but for the hot anger that shot from his eyes. “Is my sister okay?”

“Yes.”

“What happened?”

“Someone was at her back window.”

“You’ve checked out the backyard?”

“Yes.”

“Dusted for prints?”

“Doing it now.”

“Have you called—”

“How about you go inside and talk to Piper and leave me out here to do my job, Gray?”

Grayson’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. “I know you, don’t I?”

“Used to. Cade Macalister.”

“Seth’s friend. Last I heard you were an MP.”

“Now I’m a freelance photographer.”

“And part-time cop?”

“Reserves.”

“I guess Jake needs the help. Things get busy around here when the summer crowd arrives.”

“Grayson?” Piper peeked out the front door, her pale face just visible.

“We’ll catch up later, Macalister. You okay, Piper?” Grayson’s attention turned to his sister, the anger and frustration Cade had noticed well-hidden as he walked up the front steps and disappeared into the house.

Twenty minutes later, Piper’s hands were still shaking. She grabbed cups from the cupboard and tried to pour coffee for the three men sitting in her living room. It splattered over the rim, and she muttered under her breath, wiping the spill up and trying again.

“Need some help?”

Her hand jerked. More coffee spilled. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and turned to face Cade. “Only if you’re better at pouring coffee than I am.”

“I can give it a try.” He stepped beside her, eased the coffeepot from her hand, a half smile showing off a deep dimple in his cheek. Had it been there when they were kids? If so, Piper hadn’t been mature enough to appreciate it.

“You’re staring.”

Her cheeks heated, but she didn’t turn away. “I’m just trying to match who you are now with who you used to be.”