Double Take

By E Kelly

He smiled as he listened to the local news report. In the past month, three sets of twins had disappeared, only to be found dead a few days later, their bodies stuffed in the trunk of a car. The police were calling him a madman. It wasn't true though. He was simply doing what had to be done. Methodically and efficiently. Clicking off the television, he reached for the file on his desk. It was time to see who was next on the list.
I need you to find my sister. Those were the words that drove Caleb Knight from his bed well before sunrise. Find my sister, Keith had said. She isn't answering her phone. As he sped across town, years of experience told Caleb that he was overreacting. Grace was a beautiful, intelligent, desirable woman. There were many reasons a woman like that didn't answer her phone before dawn. But here he was, parking the car, and feeling like an idiot. He could only imagine the look on Grace's face when he dragged her from her bed. With one last fleeting thought for his professional reputation, Caleb stepped out of the car. Then he heard her scream.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E Kelly
• Release date: Jun 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476454061

E Kelly

E Kelly lives in Eastern Maryland with her husband, amazing daughter, and the weirdest dog on the planet. She is an avid reader and writer. She is currently at work on her newest series. You can contact Ms. Kelly as well as check out her latest releases at: http://writerekelly.com/.

Book preview

Double Take

E Kelly

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 E Kelly

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Chapter 1

As Caleb stepped from his car, a woman's scream ripped through the early morning stillness. Without hesitation, he ran toward the sound, swearing viciously under his breath at the scene unfolding before him. Two men were dragging Grace Bennett, the woman he had come to see, toward a white, unmarked van. Even though, she was hopelessly outmatched, she fought. And fought hard. Kicking one man in the shin and the other in the crotch, Grace sprinted a few steps. The larger of the two men, Crotch Man, howled in rage. Grabbing a handful of his captive’s hair, he yanked her back, viciously. Grace began beating and clawing at the hands that held her. No one noticed Caleb as he came up behind them. He was fast and silent. But not fast enough to stop the man’s fist. Grace staggered under the force of it, blood instantly pouring from a cut above her eye. She would have fallen if not for the hold on her hair.

Caleb intercepted the second blow, grabbing the man’s wrist and wrenching it high behind his back. He slipped his free arm around the man’s neck, knife in hand. Let her go, Caleb hissed. Or I’ll drop you here and now.

You sure about that? Crotch Man’s hand tightened in Grace’s hair, causing her to cry out. I could just have John here, shoot her.

You could. If he had a gun.

Gun or not, he can still do plenty of damage to someone as pretty and delicate as your girlfriend.

As John stepped forward, Caleb shifted the knife until it rested on Crotch man’s throat. I wouldn’t if I were you, John. I assure you, if you take another step, I'll kill your friend here. Caleb kept his face blank and his body tense as John hesitated. He knew that the only way to save Grace was to convince these men that they were better off letting her go. As an added incentive, Caleb applied just enough pressure to allow the tip of the knife to sink into Crotch man's throat.

Jesus! You cut me, you crazy bastard! You fucking cut me!

John started forward again.

Don’t. Caleb ordered. He kept his voice soft and cold. Emotionless.

Mark? John pleaded, shifting nervously from one foot to the other.

Caleb pushed the knife a little deeper into Mark’s throat. Let the woman go, he repeated.

Mark didn’t even hesitate this time as he pushed Grace roughly away from him and raised his hands in surrender. She fell, her hands coming out just in time to keep her head from hitting the hard concrete. There. I let her go, Mark argued. See? She’s fine. No real harm done, man. Right?

Caleb hesitated. His first instinct was to fight. To pay them back for hurting Grace. A little pain. A little blood. A lot of personal satisfaction. But not this time. This time, his first priority had to be Grace’s safety. Without warning, Caleb shoved Mark into his partner. As the men scrambled to their feet, he unsheathed his second knife, preparing to defend Grace at all costs. He needn’t have bothered though. Without a backward glance, the men ran toward the van. Caleb could hear Grace moving behind him. Not yet, he cautioned. They can still turn back. It wasn’t until Mark and John sped out of the garage, tires screeching, that Caleb finally relaxed. Tucking away both his knives, he turned to Grace. I think we’re safe now.

Um. Thanks, she murmured. Grace slowly and carefully stood, stumbling a little when she backed away from him. Her heart was racing, her head spinning.

Here, let me help you. The man’s hands were on her before she could stop him, wrapping around her upper arms, steady and strong.

Look. I don’t mean to be rude. She reached up to soothe her throbbing head, startled and more than a little unnerved to feel blood warm and wet on her skin. Um, Grace stammered. I'm aware that I owe my safety, possibly my life to you. But... Um. I think I can take it from here. Thanks.

You’re welcome. Caleb had to admire her spirit, but she worried him. With blood running down her face and neck, she was terrifyingly pale. And her hands had started to shake. He moved with her as she retreated a few more steps. At least let me escort you to your apartment. Make sure you get there without further incident.

Grace shook her head, wincing at the unexpected pain. No. Thank you. I assure you, I’ll be…

Fine, Caleb finished as he caught her safely in his arms. She had fainted; whether from shock or injury, he wasn’t yet sure. One arm held Grace upright as he reached for his handkerchief. He dabbed carefully at the cut above her eye, relieved to see that, although it was messy, it didn't appear to be serious. Caleb lifted Grace up and into his arms. He knew he needed to call the police. They needed to report the attack and give a description of the men involved. But not, he decided, until they were safely tucked away in her apartment. He used the back stairwell to travel through the building, hoping to avoid Grace’s neighbors. Two-oh-eight Caleb remembered, moving quietly down the hall. As he reached her door, he simply sighed in frustration when he saw that it stood open. Her place had been turned upside down – every cupboard and drawer emptied, breakables shattered. Apparently, Mark and John had been to Grace’s apartment before they found her in the parking garage. Or, did they ambush her here? Somehow the thought of them dragging her from her home, bothered him more than an attack in a parking garage. Quickly scanning the wreckage, Caleb looked for a place to put her down. The chairs and sofa had been overturned; the floor covered in debris. As unorthodox as it was, he had to settle for laying Grace out on her dining room table. He backtracked to the living room to find something to put under her head. Once he was satisfied that she was reasonably comfortable, he closed the front door. Caleb went in search of the bathroom next, dialing as he walked. When he reached Keith's voicemail, he left a message. I have her. She's safe now. He disconnected then and hurried to find what he needed – washcloth, towel, ointment, gauze, and tape. Dampening the washcloth in the sink, he rushed back to Grace. He placed the towel directly on the cut, hoping to staunch the flow and used the washcloth to clean the blood from Grace’s face and neck. Caleb studied her features as he washed her skin. She was elegant and feminine with high cheekbones and red full lips. Her eyes, heavily lashed, would be the same vivid green as her brother’s when they opened. Her dark brown hair, spilled out in waves around her. He ran his fingers through it experimentally, causing Grace to moan softly. Caleb was surprised when his body tensed at the sound. He bent to get a closer look, close enough that he could feel the warmth of her. His hand came out to caress the soft skin of her cheek. With that first gentle touch, Grace stirred. Her eyes fluttered open and fixed on Caleb’s face. She took in blond hair, dark eyes, and rugged features. With a smile designed to melt a woman’s defenses.

Nice to have you back. He spoke softly, not wanting to frighten her. You fainted in the parking garage. I brought you upstairs. We’re in your apartment now. When her hand drifted up to her face, Caleb’s intercepted it. He held her hand gently but firmly in his. You have a cut above your eye, he reminded her. He turned his attention to cleaning and bandaging the wound, giving Grace time to collect her thoughts.

You carried me up here. To my apartment.

Yes.

Um. Thanks.

You’re welcome, Caleb smiled. It gave me an opportunity to be gallant.

Grace smiled weakly in return. I’m sorry I missed it.

Maybe next time.

She studied him silently for a moment, before holding out her hand. Grace Bennett.

Caleb’s smile widened as he finished taping gauze over her wound. Then he gently took her hand in his. I know. Your brother Keith sent me. I’m Caleb…

Knight, she smiled in relief. He could feel her body relax under his hands. Not some sort deviant or ax murder, she realized. You and Keith used to work together.

Yeah.

Keith sent you to check up on me.

He nodded, his hands resting absently at her waist. Even pale, injured, and frightened, Grace was achingly lovely.

I told him to stop doing things like this. It isn’t necessary. She took a deep breath then, slowly releasing it. Obviously, I was wrong.

Caleb was still close enough to see tears threaten. Don’t tell him that, he teased. You know he’s impossible when he’s right about something. You'll never hear the end of it.

Grace chuckled softly. She started to sit up, coming up short when Caleb held her in place. He stood between her thighs, leaning intimately over her. Grace raised one eyebrow in question.

Before you sit up, can you answer one question for me? He paused, taking in the suspicion in her eyes. Was the parking garage the first time you saw those men?

Yeah. I think so. Why?

Because I’m pretty sure they were here before they met up with you downstairs. Without another word of explanation, Caleb helped her sit up. He kept one hand at the small of her back as she looked around the room.

Dammit all to hell and back! Grace hissed. She reached for her sore head again, only to have Caleb's hand catch hers and bring it back to her lap. Did you call the police?

No. I wanted to make sure you were okay first. But I can do that for you now, if you’re ready. When she agreed, he pulled out his phone. Do me a favor, please, and stay put until I come back. You don’t look too steady yet.

With her eyes locked on the chaos that used to be her apartment, Grace could only nod. Caleb stepped into the kitchen, leaving her alone for a moment. What the hell was going on, she wondered. Why would two total strangers trash her apartment and attack her in a parking garage? Smothering the fear that clawed at her, she worked to replay the scene in her mind. Grace remembered that she had just gotten home from an early breakfast with a friend. She had been preoccupied as she parked her car in the garage, and walked toward the stairwell. Two men had been waiting just inside the door, out of sight. Without a word, they had grabbed her and pulled her back into the garage. When Grace saw their van, she had been terrified. Fighting became instinctive - punching, clawing, whatever it took. Grace’s heart beat hard and fast in her chest at the memory of it. Her head ached as she carefully went over the details again to be sure. She looked up to see Caleb standing in the doorway. Without a word, he came to kneel at her feet. They didn’t come here to hurt me, she murmured as the first tears fell. They came to kidnap me.

Caleb’s hand caressed her cheek, his thumb brushing away her tears. Yeah. I think that’s exactly what they did.

But why?

The pain in her eyes and voice was more than Caleb could bear. He stood and folded Grace into his arms. She came willingly, taking the comfort, needing it. When she began to shake, he lifted her into his arms, effortlessly. Moving across the room, he set her on her feet. Just a second, baby, he whispered. As quickly as he could, he righted the sofa and shoved the cushions back in place. Caleb sat, pulling Grace intimately into his lap. She curled into him, tears coming in earnest now as her body shook uncontrollably.

Caleb wasn’t sure how long they sat together as he held Grace in his arms. Gradually, though, her tears subsided and her body stilled. At the first sound in the hallway, he tensed. Caleb could feel Grace's heart begin to beat wildly against his chest. He was just reaching for one of his knives, when a voice called out.

Police! Is anyone in there?

Clear! Caleb responded.

Two police officers came through the door, guns drawn. Pivoting towards Caleb, they froze. Miss? one of them spoke. Are you alright?

Slowly, Grace lifted her head from Caleb’s shoulder and turned toward the sound of the voice. Her eyes went wide when she saw the guns, but she persevered. I’m fine now, she whispered.

Caleb Knight, he introduced himself. I’m the one that made the call. This is Grace Bennett. She was attacked in the parking garage downstairs. He felt her tremble again and tightened his hold. When I brought her upstairs, we realized her apartment had also been broken into. I tended to Grace’s head wound and then called 911.

And the assailants? the officer asked.

Long gone, I’m afraid.

And the two of you are alone here?

Yes.

The officer turned to his partner. Send in the EMTs to check out Miss Bennett, and then search the place. Make sure we don’t have any unexpected surprises. Is that okay with you Miss? He waited for Grace’s permission before signaling the EMTs. The officer turned his attention back to Caleb. While they take care of Miss Bennett, why don’t you and I go into the kitchen and you can tell me everything you remember about the incident.

Caleb lifted Grace from his lap, placing her on the sofa next to him before he answered. I’ll be happy to tell you everything, but I won’t leave Grace. He took her hand in his to emphasize his point. He could tell that the officer didn’t want to agree. He was young, still green, and trying to stick to procedure. While Caleb could understand and respect the need for rules, he wasn’t about to acquiesce. Keith was relying on him to take care of Grace. Caleb refused to let him down.

It took hours to satisfy the curiosity of the detectives handling the case. Caleb reported the events, answered questions, and, with Grace’s help, provided detailed descriptions of her attackers. He was convinced the men were amateurs, probably inexpensive hired help. They had given up too easily to be anything else. So that meant he needed to know who hired them. Obviously, today’s objective had been to kidnap Grace. But why? Caleb looked over at her as she answered even more questions from the police. He hadn’t been sure what to expect when he met Keith’s sister, but it certainly hadn’t been what he found. Grace was strong, beautiful, intelligent, and incredibly resilient. In a potentially life-threatening situation, she had keep her wits about her and stood her ground. That one act alone impressed the hell out of him. Caleb almost smiled at the memory. Almost. Had he not arrived when he did, she would have failed. They both knew that. Just the thought of Grace in the hands of those men, had anger and fear threatening to choke him. With concerted effort, Caleb smothered it, banking it for future use.

Several hours later, Grace stood back to survey the changes in her apartment. It had taken ridiculous amounts of hard work, but it was finally beginning to look normal again. Thanks to Caleb. As the police officers and EMTs left, he had insisted on staying to help her clean up. And while she was grateful for his help, now she just wanted to be alone. Not until she was by herself, would she finally be able to let go, to give in to the fatigue and pain. Turning to Caleb with that in mind, Grace was startled to see him heading down the hall toward the back of her apartment. She found him in her bedroom, stripping the bed.

Where do you keep your clean sheets, sweetheart?

Excuse me.

Caleb turned. Knowing there were strangers in your home, I thought fresh, clean sheets might be appreciated. He studied her as he waited. Her features were pale and strained, her hands beginning to shake again. Caleb needed to get her into bed. Now. Before she collapsed under the weight of sorrow and stress. Sheets? he repeated.

Um. Hallway closet, Grace mumbled.

Without another word, he stepped out of the room, returning quickly. As he entered, she reached for the bedding in his arms. Here, let me.

Caleb held fast. No. I’ll do this. Why don’t you take some aspirin for that headache?

Grace considered arguing, but, truth be told, she just didn’t have it in her. Relinquishing the task to Caleb, she took his advice, and headed into the bathroom. Once the door was closed between them, she took a moment to take stock and survey the damage. Grace winced when she finally saw her reflection. Her hair was a mess, her shirt bloodstained. And the combination of pale skin and the stark white bandage above her bruised and swollen eye made her look fragile. She should probably be grateful, though, she tried to rationalize. One woman against two men; the odds had not been in her favor. Not wanting to dwell on it any longer, Grace filled a glass with water from the tap and swallowed down three aspirin, hoping to dull the pain. She undressed to the waist next, using a washcloth to remove the rest of the blood from her chest. The shirt and bra were a total loss, so she tossed them in the trashcan under the sink. Wrapping a towel around her upper body, she returned to the bedroom to see Caleb just finishing the bed. He turned when he felt