Secrets by Lynn Crandall Page B

enough that your friend’s son was acquitted. You have to step on me, take away my home, and who knows what else you have planned for me?”
    Carter twisted a grin. “Oh, that motive. Maybe this time you’ll learn. I can do anything to you I want.”
    Casey leaped at Carter, swiftly circling his neck in a headlock. “That sounds like a threat.” He gritted his teeth and glared at the bodyguard. “Put away that gun or your boss is going to get what he deserves.” His fury gritted his teeth and he had to stomp on a growl rumbling in his chest.
    Michelle marched to the bodyguard and demanded the gun. Casey stopped breathing, seeing her face down the gun.
    “Give the girl the gun,” William managed to say.
    She stuck out her hand and the bodyguard surrendered it.
    Casey let go of Carter at the same moment he shoved him toward the door. “Now, both of you get out. And don’t ever go near her again.”
    Carter collected himself, adjusting the collar on his dress shirt and running a hand through his hair. “See that you stay away from my business, Casey, or I’ll notify the police.”
    Casey shook his head. “I know you have the cops in your pocket, but I’m making you my personal business. Be sure of it.”
    Carter headed toward the door, but turned back to glare at Michelle. “Ms. Slade, I expect you out of my house. I’ll be watching you.”
    Casey slammed the door closed as William and his bodyguard barely got through the doorway. Immediately, he spun on his heels and went to Michelle. He so wanted to wrap her in his arms, make all the pain go away.
    Instead, he stood in front of her, waiting for a cue. Her eyes glazed, she drew in rapid breaths as she stood still in the same spot.
    She set down the gun, then turned her beautiful blue eyes up at him. Pain and sorrow and fear all combined to release one tear, then another. But she didn’t reach out to him.
    “What can I do?” His voice soft, pleaded to let him in.
    Trembling, she fingered the envelope from Carter. “I don’t understand. Why is this happening, why is he happening?”
    She started to melt to the floor, shaking badly. Casey gently put his arms around her, lowering to the floor with her. He guided her head to rest on his shoulder, taking in the shaking rippling through her. “I’ll find out, Michelle. I promise.”
    “It’s never going to stop. Not ever.”
    Casey rubbed her cheek, trying to soothe her senses. “It feels like it now, I know. But it will end.”
    He could feel her coming back. Her breaths became even and her trembling stopped. She aimed clear eyes at him. His words were sinking in. He was in this with her. “I don’t want you to be alone. I’m taking you home and I’m staying with you.”
    She nodded her head without objecting. Suddenly, a subtle shift in Michelle’s expression glazed her face. He knew better than to interfere. She was getting a premonition. The premonitions didn’t take her over completely, but he knew from experience that if he didn’t distract her she’d get a more thorough glimpse.
    “I’ve seen this premonition before. Just like the first one, I see a cat.” Her eyes remained directed in front of her. “The cat is walking into a trap, then the trap is picked up.” She breathed in and let it out slowly. “That’s it.” She hunched her shoulders and pursed her lips.
    “The premonition troubles you?”
    “Yes. There is fear and confusion in the cat. I feel danger.” Michelle shivered. “I wish I would get more of the picture.”
    Casey’s heart stuttered in his chest. First she shared the terrible experience of her rape, then a disturbing premonition. It would be a lot for anyone to deal with. Admiration and acknowledgement of her strength expanded inside of him.
    “Why are you looking at me like that, all googly-eyed?” Michelle fidgeted with a beaded bracelet on her arm.
    Casey smiled. “Because you’re amazing. Your premonition is spot on. Stray cats are coming up missing. Lara