Key Witness. Christy Barritt

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СКАЧАТЬ in the midst of cardboard alphabet letters, multiplication tables and twenty-five giggling second-graders, Denton stayed glued to Elle’s side. No, an elementary school wasn’t the most likely place for someone to come after Elle. But Denton couldn’t be too careful.

      Senator Philips sat at the front of the classroom, reading a book to the eager students seated in a semicircle around him. Elle stood at the back of the room with the rest of her father’s handlers. Her gaze fluttered between her BlackBerry and her father.

      Denton had encouraged her to stay home and to lay low, but Elle wanted nothing to do with that. The police had found no clues, come up with no answers. Nothing was known except that an innocent man’s life had been taken.

      Jimmy had been shot by a Glock, right through the skull. The rest of the perimeter was clear. But someone had obviously been trying to send a message—a deadly message. They’d gotten to Jimmy. Denton would make sure they didn’t get to Elle.

      “‘The end.’” Senator Philips closed the book and grinned at the children around him. A newspaper photographer snapped a picture, capturing the moment. Great publicity shot, which Denton was sure was exactly what Elle hoped for.

      Elle tucked her phone back into her purse. “I think we’re all done here. My dad has some meetings he needs to attend for the rest of the afternoon.”

      “So what else is on your schedule?” They began walking with the entourage down the hallway. A menagerie of black SUVs waited out front. Denton made sure that one of his best men would be driving the one Elle rode in. He wouldn’t take any chances. The stakes were too high, the threats too ominous.

      “I’ve got to answer some emails.” She glanced up at him and, just for a moment, Denton thought he saw a glimpse of vulnerability. As quickly as it appeared, it vanished. “Other than that, I’m not sure. I just need to keep myself occupied.”

      “Why is that?”

      “Because if I don’t, my anxiety might get the best of me.”

      She wasn’t too proud to admit her fears or weakness. That was a good sign. That vulnerability reminded him a bit of Wendi, though she hadn’t let very many people see that side of herself. It had been a privilege reserved for those closest to her and seeing it had always had a way of making Denton feel special.

      His heart panged as he remembered her bright smile, a smile that had been dimmed by too much chemo and radiation and pain. He missed that grin. No, there would never be anyone else like Wendi. That’s probably why he’d contented himself simply to casually date women who he saw no future with. It seemed safer that way.

      He stopped by the front doors and waited for Senator Philips to finish shaking hands with the principal. His slick-soled shoes clacked against the floor as he headed toward them.

      “Elle, don’t forget. You need to listen to Denton.”

      Elle’s lip pulled down in a frown. “He’s my bodyguard, not my babysitter, Dad.”

      “I know. But I know how stubborn you are. This is no time to try and prove yourself. Lay low.”

      She offered a curt nod. “I will.”

      Senator Philip’s gaze fell on Denton. “Keep an eye on her.”

      “Yes, sir.”

      He motioned to the three others with him to follow him outside. Denton saw the red on Elle’s cheeks, could tell she didn’t like being addressed like a child—probably ever, but definitely not in public. Her father probably had good intentions, just poor delivery. He took her arm. “You ready?”

      She nodded, and they stepped into the crisp outdoors. A chilly autumn wind swept against the stoop and ruffled their hair. His gaze surveyed the landscape. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. Still, he kept a brisk pace as he led Elle to the SUV and secured her inside, then he joined her.

      The driver pulled away. “Where to?”

      “Back to your parents’?” Denton asked.

      Elle clicked her seat belt in place. “I really need to swing by my place and pick up a few things. Especially since everyone insists that I can’t stay there right now.”

      “Your parents’ house is safer,” Denton stated.

      Lines tightened at her eyes. “Of course.”

      “Just give me your address and we’ll go there.”

      She identified the street before looking out the window, a certain melancholy seeming to fall over her.

      “Elle?”

      She glanced at Denton, the sparkle gone from her gaze. “Yes?”

      “I’m not going to tell you what to do.”

      Her eyelids fluttered down a moment, some of the hard shell she tried to put on disappearing when she looked back up. “What do you mean?”

      “I mean, my job is to protect you. But you’re a grown woman. I’ll respect your decisions—unless I see a bullet flying through the air.”

      She stared at him a moment before answering. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

      Fifteen minutes later they pulled up to a modest condo located on a golf course in Virginia Beach.

      “Stay in the car while I check things out. Please.”

      Elle nodded, and he slipped out. He used Elle’s key to unlock the door and slip inside. He was surprised at her soft and feminine decorations. She always came across as so professional, but her home showed a different side of her. He’d pay attention to that later, though. Right now, he needed to check everything out and make sure it was safe.

      Once he’d swept the area, he went back to the car for Elle. She stepped inside and deposited her purse on the honey-colored dinette. Her eyes scanned the place with obvious unease.

      “What’s wrong?”

      “Something feels different.” She stepped toward her living room, her brows furrowed.

      “What?”

      “I don’t know. It’s just a feeling. You know, that instinct that something has been moved.” She whirled around to him. “Did you move anything?”

      He shook his head. “Not a thing.”

      “I’ll put my finger on it eventually.”

      “Let’s get your things and get out of here.” He nodded toward the door, not liking the implications of what Elle said. What if someone had been in her condo, not to harm her but to take something—or plant something? Why would someone do that?

      “I’m not going to argue with you there.” She disappeared into her bedroom.

      Denton lingered in the doorway, close enough to keep an eye on her, but distant enough for privacy. His gaze wandered the wall of pictures beside him. Elle with her parents. Elle with some girlfriends. An older picture of Elle with another girl when they were probably СКАЧАТЬ