Leena breathed a sigh of relief as she dropped down onto her couch. Opening the cell phone in her hand, she hit a few buttons and sent a text message to the group. Home safe! Lee then hit send. They agreed on three things before crossing the bridge that morning.
First; they wouldn’t take the gris-gris bags off until they knew they were safe. She hoped for the chance the police would be able to find something from the bodies or the note to lead them toward finding out who did such a horrid thing.
Justin dealt with all that, including providing her and Owen’s names and information. She hoped for a day of peace before she had to give the police a statement.
Second: they all programmed everyone’s numbers into their cell phones, and set up a group for text messaging. She smiled when she remembered showing Owen that technological advance. If any of them had any ideas or feelings to share, they could do it easily.
Finally, the eight agreed to meet once a week, mostly just to be reassured by sight that everyone was, in fact, fine.
The part they hadn’t agreed to was the men following the women until they were back in town, but it happened anyway.
Leena wasn’t sure how she felt about anything. She was exhausted and brought nothing from the car except her purse. She was just relieved to be home. Dry and home. The phone beside her buzzed. She opened it.
Lock doors, and take hot bath. Owen
Well, he’d figured out the text messaging. She sighed and headed toward the bathroom. She might just fall asleep in the bathtub tonight, it was going to take hours of soaking to feel warm again.
Leena was standing in the kitchen deciding whether to make herbal tea to knock her into peaceful sleep, or one to ease the heartache. Her cell phone buzzed from across the room, where it rested on the counter. Still perusing her tea cupboard, she flipped the phone open.
Police called. Meeting them at your house in morning at 10. Owen
She was relieved. Thanks. See you then. Lee
The kettle hadn’t begun to boil when the phone buzzed again.
Where is your place? O
Laughing, she sent him the address. Then she sent the girls a quick message letting them know what was happening in the morning. Setting the phone aside, she grabbed a cup from the cupboard and finally chose a tea blend.
As soon as Leena closed the door behind the two officers who had been asking questions for more than an hour, she turned and glared at Owen.
“How mad are you?”
“Mad enough.” She paced out to the kitchen and grabbed her cell phone. “Did you men really think we wouldn’t find out about that note? Do you have any idea how I felt when they handed me that sealed bag?” She spun back to see him leaning against the door. “I almost lost it in front of those officers, Owen! It was written in blood! In blood! You should have told us the note was written in the victims’ blood!” She typed out something on her phone, and then tossed it on the counter again.
No sooner had she spun back to the counter and placed the cups in the sink did his phone vibrate. He reached in his pocket and opened it. Meeting my house 1 today! L “Well at least I’ll be on time.”
Leena whirled back on him and stared at the phone he held, still grinning at her. Realizing she had also sent a message to the man standing in front of her did nothing to improve her mood.
Her phone buzzed, and she picked it up. “Chris will be a half-hour late.” She put her hands on her hips and stared at Owen. “If you want to stay close to my good side, Owen, following every little thing Dade and his faithful followers suggest is something you should avoid.”
He shrugged. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He stepped toward her but stopped when she shook her head.
“I think you need to run to the store for me and pick up some stuff before everyone gets here.”
“Will you be happier if I’m out of your face for a bit?”
She nodded.
“Write me a list of what you want.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets and stared at her as she wrote out a list. When she handed it to him, he tried to look repentant. “I’ll be back by one.”
Dade sat across from Owen, who stood looking out the window. “Once Chris gets here, they’re going to storm out of that kitchen and want flesh.” Steven nodded in agreement.
Owen spun from the window. “Well, I already donated earlier, so the three of you can step up.”
When the doorbell rang, Leena flew to the door to answer it.
Chris walked into the surprisingly colorful room and glanced around. Leena certainly liked bright colors. The couch and chairs were deep purple, the drapes were a rust shade, and the carpet was cream. Somehow, it worked. “Sorry I’m late, I had to speak with the police.” He grinned at the women as they walked into the room. “So, do we offer our heads for the guillotine, or are we to receive lashes only?” He perched on the edge of the couch beside Dade.
Cora walked in and sat down. The look she sent Dade would have peeled paint off wood. “You knew I would see all of it if I’d touched that note, that blood, how they died and who did it...”
Dade stood up and was in front of her, glaring down at her before anyone could blink. “Yes, you would have felt it all, too, their pain, his madness. I wasn’t going to stand by and let you go through that, Cora, so be as angry as you wish.”
Cora stood up. They stood face to face glaring at each other silently.
Leena stepped forward. “I think we can all agree we wouldn’t want to see Cora go through that. What we need to settle here is that you won’t hide things, regardless of how insignificant, from us again.”
Rachel dropped down in a chair to watch the show. “It’s not fair, gentlemen. We’re all involved. We were all there when Owen was burned.”
Kasey stepped from behind Chris and touched his arm. “Do the police know anything?”
He shook his head. “They’ll know more after the autopsy, Kase. They’re going to send me a copy.” At her puzzled look, he grinned. “Being a legal representative has a few perks. I know some of the right people.”
Steven leaned forward, “I wouldn’t mind reading that, because I have some questions of my own.”
Rachel sat up in the chair and looked at Chris. “Have their families been notified?”
Chris nodded and stuck his hands in his pockets.
Dade let out a deep breath and stepped away from Cora. He looked over at Owen, who was silently watching Leena through it all. Dade sighed and turned toward Leena. “I think I should apologize about the note. When we saw how distraught Leena was when they came back to the cabin after finding those girls... well….” He looked around at everyone before turning back to Leena. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen you anything but strong and steady, Lee.” He offered her a weak smile. “I don’t think I could ever see you like that again.”
Leena looked around at everyone for a moment. “I’m sorry for overreacting. Seeing that note really affected me. It was like seeing them all over again.”
Owen walked over and stood behind her, running his hands down her arms. Leena closed her eyes and took a breath. She could feel the tension leaving her body at his gentle touch.
“Oh, do me next, Owen. I need the tension sucked out of me, too,” Rachel piped up.
Steven glared at Rachel for a moment, and then looked over at Owen. “Here we go again. Golden boy’s getting all the attention.”
When everyone laughed, Owen dropped his hands “I’m sure I would not get on anyone’s good side if I walked around rubbing you women all the time.”
Leena moved away from Owen and cleared her throat. “We have some snacks and drinks in the kitchen if anyone is interested.” She turned and led the way into the kitchen.
She watched Chris finish his third plate before he looked around at everyone else, his expression said he knew more than he was saying. “Has anyone had any insights about this whole situation? The killer? Motive? Anything?”
Leena set her plate aside and studied him for a minute. “Well, if we can trust the note, I think we’re all okay until Solstice.” She took a sip of water and waited to see if anyone spoke. “I’m going to talk to Gwen in a few days and see if they’ve decided about another gathering.”
Kasey shrugged, “If I were them, I’d never do another event again. It can’t be easy to know someone they let in did something like that.”
Leena sighed, “People aren’t always as they seem, Kasey. No one is going blame Justin or Gwen if they don’t host another gathering.”
“I agree,” Chris said softly, “we can relax a bit until Solstice, but don’t let your guard down completely. If anyone senses or feels anything that isn’t right, get somewhere safe and contact the rest of us.” There were several nods.
“Keep the gris-gris bags somewhere on your person when you’re outside of the house at all times,” Cora added quietly. “I’d like to wait a few days and try to see if I can feel where the killer is. On a mental level, not physically.” Dade started to speak, and she held up her hand. “Nothing like before, just a quick peek-, Dade. I won’t try anything alone either.” She glanced over at Owen, who winced.
Leena watched Steven stand to look out the window. “I think we should meet after Chris gets the reports so we can all go over them. I second what he said about all of us being aware.” He turned and looked at the women. “You four work together so obviously, day-to-day, you’ll be fine. Do you ride to and from work together, ever?”
Rachel who had been very quiet up to that point nodded. “Cora picks me up, and Leena gives Kasey a lift most days.”
“Good. I’m at the hospital surrounded by people most of the time. Chris is in an office building or the courthouse, so he’s fairly safe there.” Steven turned to Dade.
“I’m at construction sites most of the time or at the voodoo temple, so I’m always among people. I guess the only one who’s alone most of the time is Owen.”
Owen grinned, “Essentially, I’m alone in my townhouse, but with a top-notch security system. Don’t worry, my laptop is fairly substantial and would knock anyone out.”
Kasey groaned at his attempt at humor. “So, it’s back to work tomorrow then?” She sighed. “My line better be functioning properly or someone will pay.” She grinned at Leena, teasing her.
“Oh! I almost forgot, the new forklift is supposed to be in.” Rachel jumped up excitedly and looked around at everyone.
“Great, more accident reports to file,” Cora laughed and fell back against the arm of the chair.
“You women are all crazy, you know that?” Steven grinned. “Okay, I’m out of here. I have an early start at the hospital tomorrow, and they’ll have me double-booked all day as punishment for taking a few days.”
“I’m with you. I have to be in court at nine, and I have no idea what cases I’m pleading at this point.” Chris stood and started picking up plates to take back to the kitchen.
“Do you want help with the dishes, Leena?” Kasey inquired as she picked up cups.
“No, it’s fine, Kase. You go and get some rest before work tomorrow.”
Cora walked over and picked up her jacket. “I’m sorry Beltane didn’t work out the way we’d all hoped, but at least Owen found us and we had a few relaxing moments.” She smiled at Owen.
Dade walked past her and patted her backside. “Wasn’t all bad, my drum finally called your lips to mine.” He grinned when she huffed out a breath.
“Will be the last time too, you...”
“Don’t start, children,” Chris said on his way back out of the kitchen.
They filed out the door, one after the other calling out good-byes until it was just Owen standing by the door. He pushed to close the door partway. “Still mad at me?”
Leena studied him for a moment and then shook her head. “No, you’re forgiven... this time.”
He grinned, “Forgiven enough to get away with stealing another kiss?”
“Owen, I don’t think...”
“Just one kiss, beautiful Leena, nothing more.” He touched her cheek in a gentle caress. “Send a man home with warm thoughts.”
She felt her knees weaken at his words. Stepping closer, she placed her hand on his shoulder and lifted her face to his. “One kiss.”
He didn’t waste a second and pulled her tightly against him, sheltering her with his body from anyone seeing through the open door. His arm pulled her in as his hand held the back of her head. Owen wanted to seduce slowly and savor the gift of her kiss, but as soon as his mouth met hers, a fire ignited. Then a greed for more took over, and he kissed her deeply, forcing his way inside her mouth.
The way she responded to his need with a matching passion surprised him. Where was the cool woman men were afraid to talk to? Where her body was touching his, it was burning through their clothes.
Leena clung to him, not wanting to give more than one kiss, but wanting that one kiss to never end. His mouth led where her body wanted so much to follow. Her hands found their way to his hair and held on tightly, afraid he’d end it too soon. She moaned into his mouth and felt the shudder run the length of his body.
When a horn blared from outside, she jumped away from him so quickly she almost lost her footing.
Owen closed his eyes for a second, before he sent her a passion-filled look. “I’ll see you in a few days. Lock up behind me.” He touched her face gently, then stepped through the door.
Stepping down the steps she watched him look over into Dade’s van to see Dade throw his head back and laugh as he pulled away.
Leena closed and locked the door, then leaned up against it. Well, that would keep the bad dreams out of her head tonight. She sighed and headed into the kitchen to clean up.