Page 26 of Obsession (Temptation 4)

Julia

“He’s pretty amazing,” Naomi whispered to me as we sat on the back patio of Lachlan’s house watching the game, surrounded by friends and family —Naomi, Imogene, Wes, Londyn, Eli, Nikko, Roman, and even Roman’s parents.

But this wasn’t simply a gathering of friends and family. It was an escape. A reminder that life would go on, regardless of what it threw at us.

I stared at the screen, watching Lachlan throw another strike for the final out of the fourth inning, preserving his team’s one-run lead.

“He really is. I played softball, albeit badly. The skill involved in pitching like he does… You can’t teach that. It’s nothing short of remarkable.”

“Well, he’s a pretty remarkable guy.”

I sighed. “Yes, he is.” My eyes remained glued to the TV, the cameras following Lachlan as he jogged off the field. Just as a commercial came on, the doorbell rang, the sound ominous and foreboding.

Instantly, the light atmosphere shifted, considering everyone I’d invited was already here. Nervous eyes darted around, the air thick with apprehension.

“I’ll see who it is.” Nikko’s gaze drilled into me as he stood. “You stay here.”

I nodded, then met Imogene’s worried expression. “It’ll be okay,” I assured her.

“Okay,” she replied anxiously, Roman squeezing her hand.

I tried to refocus my attention on the screen, but my thoughts were elsewhere. And glancing at the people around me, I could tell their thoughts were also elsewhere, especially Wes and Londyn, all of us sharing a concerned look.

At the sound of footsteps, I snapped my gaze toward the doorway. My heart plummeted into the pit of my stomach when Nikko appeared, Agent Curran behind him.

“I apologize for the interruption,” he began very matter-of-factly, addressing my guests. Then he met my stare. “I need to speak with you. It’s urgent.”

Naomi clutched my hand, offering me the support and strength I needed right now.

“Is it…” I trailed off, bile rising in my throat.

“Yes,” he answered.

Wes quickly stood, his expression unwavering, making it clear he intended on being a part of this conversation.

Agent Curran parted his lips, probably about to tell Wes he needed to speak to me alone. Then he sighed. “Actually, you and your wife should hear this.” He looked from Wes to Londyn, then turned to Nikko at his side. “You, as well, Detective Kekoa.”

“Do you mind watching over things for a few minutes?” I asked Naomi.

A hint of unease flashed in her eyes, a strange occurrence for a woman who always had tenacity in spades. But even she sensed something big was going on.

“Of course.”

I gave her a thankful smile, then stood and made my way toward Imogene.

“Is everything okay, Mama?” she asked shakily.

“Everything will be fine. Don’t worry. Just…watch the game. I won’t be long.” I stole a glimpse at Roman, silently asking him to be there for Imogene since she was on edge.

I was, too. But I had to remain strong, regardless of the dread settling in my stomach.

When he gave me an understanding nod, I continued into the house, leading everyone into Lachlan’s study, all of us sitting on the couches and chairs, our attention focused on Agent Curran.

“As I’m sure you’ve already figured out by my presence here, there’s been a development.”

A tightness formed in my chest. “What kind of development?”

“Have you found him?” Londyn pressed, her hand firmly enclosed in Wes’ grasp, eyes pleading with Agent Curran to give her the answer we all prayed for.