Obsession Read online

  “They’re safe. I moved them all over to my place for the time being.”

  This caught Nikko’s attention. “You’re in Atlanta? But you’re supposed to be in California.”

  “One second, cousin,” I said, then met Julia’s gaze in the kitchen, Londyn sitting on one of the barstools, Wes beside her.

  I knew they hadn’t told Londyn a lot of what was going on regarding the possibility of a copycat mirroring Nick’s kill cycle. Because of that, this wasn’t a discussion I could have out here.

  “I’m heading down the hall to talk to Nikko for a second. You okay?”

  Julia smiled. “I’m fine. Just another Saturday,” she tried to assure me, although it was anything but.

  “Another Saturday,” I repeated, walking toward her and kissing the top of her head. Giving Londyn and Wes a smile, I made my way down the hallway and into my office, closing the door behind me.

  “Sorry. Didn’t want to have this conversation in front of an audience.”

  “What’s going on?” he pressed.

  “A lot.”

  I sighed, falling into the chair. I didn’t even know how to begin to explain the events of the past week. “Remember how I mentioned Agent Curran had learned Claire had visited Nick on several occasions in the weeks leading up to her death, including the day before?”

  “Of course.”

  “Ethan had been trying to figure out what they’d discussed. Combed through her notes and files. Unfortunately, he came up empty. So Curran paid Nick a visit himself.”

  “And what did he say?”

  “That he’d share what he and Claire discussed… But he wanted something from Curran first.”

  “Why do I have a feeling I’m not going to like what he asked for?”

  “Because I think you already know what that is.”

  “Julia?”

  “He wanted her to visit him. I was against it. As was Wes.” I shook my head, rage bubbling inside me at the reminder of everything I learned about Nick and Julia’s relationship this week. All the messed-up shite he did to her…

  “But Julia wanted to do it, didn’t she?”

  “She thought it might help. I tried to get her to see it was just Nick trying to manipulate her again. We got into a pretty heated argument over it. Even broke up for a bit. At least I think we did. Suffice it to say, it was a rough few days. So when Wes called to tell me when Julia planned to visit Nick…” I pushed out a breath, running a hand over my face. “Part of me regretted the way I’d left things with her. I thought if she was willing to confront her demons, the least I could do was be there for her. So I hopped on a flight back here.”

  “And how did the visit go?”

  “Terrible. We got nothing out of him, other than the fact Claire seemed to focus on Nick’s early years. Before he and Julia first met. Or met for the second time, since they were at the same foster home as kids.”

  “That’s something, though.”

  “Ethan thought so, too. Started looking through Claire’s things again. See if anything stood out.”

  “And did it?”

  “Actually, yes.”

  “What?”

  I heaved a sigh, then proceeded to run Nikko through everything Ethan had shared with us this morning.

  How he’d uncovered an incident report from when Nick was a PhD student at Brown.

  How a woman named Lucy Ellis reported a sexual assault that fit Nick’s MO — leaving a night out with friends early after not feeling well, making it to her apartment, then not remembering anything until she woke up the following morning, only to discover blood between her legs, sore in places that shouldn’t have been sore.

  How the complaint was never pursued or investigated.

  How Lucy ended up pregnant.

  How she married a man named Alton Shea, then gave birth to a boy seven months later, naming him Daxton.

  “Just because this report fits what we know about Nick doesn’t mean—”

  “There’s more. Ethan found proof that Daxton knew Autumn Quinn, the copycat’s first victim. The Emory student who volunteered at Homes for the Homeless. In fact, it appears Dax and Autumn dated.”

  “Again, that’s—”

  “Dax also volunteers with a prison outreach ministry. The same one that has visited Nick.”

  “Is there proof Dax visited Nick?” Nikko asked.

  “Ethan’s working on that.”

  There was a brief pause before Nikko sighed. “I won’t deny it’s suspicious, but I doubt any judge would sign an arrest warrant based on this information. There’s no smoking gun, so to speak.”

  “Ethan also mapped out the kills. Want to know what he found out?”

  “What’s that?”

  “While a majority of the kills occurred within a 200-mile radius of Atlanta, all the kills that took place outside his comfort zone, with one exception, occurred on a date the team had away games in that particular city.”

  “And the exception?”

  I lowered my voice. “You know what it is, Nikko.”

  “Of course.” He paused, then asked, “As part owner, does Dax travel with the team to away games?”

  “Not all of them, but he does go to quite a few. He’s the only owner who does.”

  Another brief silence passed as I waited for Nikko to see how suspicious all of this was. Instead, he blew out a long breath.

  Which he did whenever he was about to tell me something I didn’t want to hear.

  “I don’t mean to burst your bubble, Lachlan, but none of this is an indicator of guilt. The fact Daxton Shea was born nine months after his mother reported being drugged and assaulted on campus doesn’t mean anything. Unfortunately, rapes on college campuses aren’t rare. They’re pretty fucking common, as awful as that sounds. And the use of drugs to subdue a potential victim is just as common. Simply because one or two of Nick’s other victims reported the same thing doesn’t mean he was the perpetrator, even if he was attending the same college at the same time.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Even if it’s true, even if Daxton is the result of Nick raping Lucy Shea, it doesn’t mean jack shit. Becoming a serial killer isn’t in your DNA. By that rationale, we should be suspicious of Imogene, as well. You need something more than just a few pieces of circumstantial evidence, especially in a murder investigation.”

  “So I’m just supposed to pretend I don’t know any of this when I see Dax at my next game?” I asked incredulously, my frustration with the situation making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

  “That’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. This guy is smart. Smart enough to kill and not raise any doubt as to the method of death being self-inflicted. I guarantee he’s covered every track he could think of. If Daxton is involved and you accuse him of something like this, he’ll erase any remaining tracks. Believe me, bruh. I want this guy to pay for what he’s done. But I want to make sure we find the right guy this time. Not jump to conclusions.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut, pinching the bridge of my nose. Sometimes I hated how sensible Nikko could be. But Ethan had also insisted we needed more proof before accusing Dax of being a serial killer, especially considering who he was. It still didn’t make it any easier to know everything I did and not be able to do anything.

  “When do you go back to California? Isn’t there a game tonight?”

  “My original plan was to fly back today, but with everything going on, I’m delaying that since I’m not scheduled to pitch until Monday. But I have to leave tomorrow night. It’s one thing to skip a game I’m not playing in, which they’ll fine me heavily for, but I can’t miss Monday. It’s the last game of the regular season. And with the standings the way they are, it could be the game that decides if we go straight to the playoffs or have to fight for a wild card spot. I just don’t know how I’m going to focus enough to pitch knowing Julia’s here and that fucker’s on the loose. Sure, her brother’s close by and they’ve established a twenty-four-h
our watch around my place, in addition to my regular security, but—”

  “I’ll come out,” Nikko interrupted. “Once I heard the news, I was thinking about it anyway. I can catch a flight this afternoon and be there around seven tomorrow morning.”

  I blinked, surprised. “What about work?”

  “I have more personal time coming than I know what to do with. I’ve been on the force nearly ten years now. The last time I took any time off was…” He trailed off. I didn’t need him to spell it out. The last time he took time off was to mourn Piper’s death.

  “You’d really come all the way out here?”

  “If it gives you peace of mind and helps keep your girl safe, you bet I will. You’re ohana. And ohana takes care of each other. No matter what.”

  I closed my eyes, instantly feeling lighter.

  Like I could breathe again.

  All morning, this had weighed heavily on my mind. The concern I’d leave and my biggest fears would come true. That I’d lose Julia. Lose Imogene.

  If I couldn’t be here, there was no one I trusted more to keep them safe than Nikko.

  “Send me what flight you want. I’ll have my assistant book it for you.”

  “You don’t have to. I—”

  “You’re willing to sit on a plane for nine, ten hours in order to keep my girls safe. The least I can do is pay for it. And make sure you’re in first class instead of coach, since I know you’re too cheap to splurge on it yourself.”

  “I’m a simple man.”

  I chuckled. “A simple man who would have to squeeze his massive frame into one of those economy seats. So send me the flight you want. I’ll make it happen.”

  “Will do. Mahalo.”

  “I should be the one thanking you. You have no idea what this means to me.”

  “I’m pretty sure I do. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Four

  Lachlan

  I lifted the underside of the pancake, checking the color. Satisfied, I flipped the batch. Who knew I’d become an expert at making pancakes? Or at least more comfortable making them than I was during my first attempt all those months ago.

  When I woke up this morning, the same tension that had permeated my house since yesterday was present. If anything, it was thicker, considering it had now been twenty-four hours and there hadn’t been one viable lead as to Nick’s whereabouts. I was beginning to worry he might never be found.

  It didn’t help that his escape was the headline news story across the nation. To make matters worse, some reporters even interviewed security consultants, asking how easy it would be for Nick to start life again under a new identity.

  That wasn’t something any of us wanted to consider.

  So, in an effort to enjoy some sort of normalcy, I turned off the TV, telling Julia and Imogene there’d be no talk of Nick, his escape, or anything remotely related to it for the next hour. Instead, we’d enjoy a normal breakfast on a normal Sunday.

  For the past half-hour, as Imogene helped me whip up the batter, Julia watching us work together, everything was normal.

  And I desperately needed normal, especially if I was expected to get on a plane tonight and fly to the opposite side of the country.

  Just as I finished flipping the pancakes, the doorbell rang. I opened the app on my phone to see Nikko’s imposing frame standing on my front porch.

  “Nikko?” Julia arched a single brow in question.

  When I told her I’d taken him up on his offer to come keep an eye on things while I was away, I braced myself for an argument. Surprisingly, she thought it was a good idea. Even confessed she’d feel much better having Nikko here, too. I couldn’t blame her. Nikko was an intimidating guy. Once aspired to be an MMA fighter…until his father died in the line of duty and he decided to follow in his legacy.

  “Can you take over for a minute?” I asked her.

  She took the spatula from me. “Of course.”

  After placing a kiss on her temple, I made my way to the foyer and opened the door.

  “Pohili,” Nikko greeted. He gave me a quick hug, our foreheads touching briefly before he pulled back. “Howzit? You all hanging in?”

  “We are. Thanks for being here. It means a lot.”

  “Like I said… Anything for ohana. You need me here, I’m here. No questions.”

  I held his gaze, giving him an appreciative smile. I didn’t realize how much I missed having him around. He’d always been a voice of reason. Always offered me advice when I needed it. Always kept me grounded, even as my star continued to rise.

  And despite any length of time we went without speaking to or seeing each other, he’d always drop everything if I needed him.

  Like now.

  He sniffed the air, the aroma of vanilla, sugar, and maple surrounding us, a smile slowly forming on his face. “Is Julia baking?”

  “Actually, I was just making pancakes.”

  He gave me a sideways glance, raising a brow. “You? Cooking? Since when?”

  I shrugged. “Since Julia.”

  “Damn, bruh.” He shook his head, patting my back. “Julia looks good on you.”

  I smiled slyly. “In more ways than one.”

  He squeezed my shoulder. “I’m happy for you. Truly. You deserve this.”

  “Thanks, cousin. Come on. I’ll introduce you to Imogene.”

  I started toward the kitchen, Nikko following. The second we turned the corner, both Julia and Imogene looked up from where they stood, side by side, preparing breakfast.

  In my kitchen.

  Such a simple, innocent scene. But it made me want more of this. And not just because Julia’s ex-husband had escaped prison. I wanted to walk into this kitchen every day and see the two most important women in my life.

  It was a strange feeling, considering mere months ago, I shied away from anything remotely resembling a relationship. But Julia changed my mind about that.

  She changed my mind about a lot of things.

  “Nikko…,” Julia exhaled, stepping into his embrace.

  “Good to see you again, Julia. Just wish it were under happier circumstances.”

  “As do I. Hopefully next time it will be.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that.” He smiled, his teeth blindingly white compared to his naturally tanned skin. Then he looked toward the stove.

  “And you must be Imogene.”

  “I am…,” Imogene drew out, wide eyes fixed on Nikko, mouth slightly agape.

  I could only imagine what was going through her mind. At six-five and 280 pounds of pure muscle, Nikko’s physique intimidated adults. To a teenager, he must have seemed larger than life.

  Hell, he seemed larger than life to me at times, and I was almost as tall. But while I had a decent build, it was nothing compared to Nikko’s.

  The man was enormous.

  “I’m Nikko.” He held out his hand. “Lachlan’s cousin. He’s told me a lot about you. I’m happy to finally meet you.”

  Imogene hesitantly placed her hand in his, shaking it as she peered at him quizzically. She glanced at me before returning her eyes to Nikko, nose scrunched.

  “You’re related? You don’t look it.”

  Releasing his hold, he laughed. “Technically, we’re not related.”

  “Our mums grew up together on Oahu before mine moved to Australia to be with my father,” I explained. “When she brought my sister and me back to Hawaii during our breaks from school, I spent a lot of time with Nikko and his family. Once my mum moved back to the island after our father passed, they became like a second family to me. Blood doesn’t make you family.”

  She met my eyes, giving me an understanding smile.

  If anyone knew that, Imogene did. I hated that she was forced to learn that lesson early in life, and not in a good way. Even though she shared blood with Nick, he was never a true father to her. Nor would he ever be.

  Hopefully she’d learn the positive side of it. That people who weren’t related by blood could st
ill care about her as if they were family.

  Could still love her as if she were their own.

  Because that was precisely how I felt about her. As if she were my own, even if my blood didn’t run through her veins.

  “Would you like to join us for breakfast?” Julia asked. “Lachlan made pancakes. Or would you like something else? I’m positive my loco moco wouldn’t be nearly as good as your mother’s, but I can attempt it.”

  He waved her off. “No need to trouble yourself. Pancakes are fine.” He hesitated, leaning toward Julia and lowering his voice. “Are you sure they’re edible, though?” He playfully grimaced. “You did say Lachlan made them.”

  Julia laughed, the sound like music to my ears after the past twenty-four hours. Which further confirmed this was precisely what we needed. To live our lives as if everything were normal.

  As much as I hated to admit it, Julia was right in refusing to come to California. Her life was here. While we couldn’t completely ignore our reality, we didn’t have to let Nick interfere with our lives.

  Didn’t have to allow him to control our lives.

  “He’s actually gotten quite good at them.” Julia beamed at me. “He’s even attempted a few different variations, too.”

  “A few weeks ago, he made macadamia nut pancakes.” Imogene closed her eyes, pure bliss covering her expression. “So good.”

  “What’s on today’s menu?” Still somewhat skeptical, he glanced at the pancakes piled high on a serving platter.

  “Maple bacon,” I announced.

  “Maple…bacon?”

  “They’re good, cousin.” I nudged him with my elbow. “It was Julia’s idea. She makes a maple bacon cupcake that’s out of this world. If it works as a cupcake, it will work as a pancake.”

  He pinned Julia with a stare. “I’m going to trust you on this one.”

  “Come on.” She pushed him toward the table, her petite body seeming even tinier next to Nikko’s size. “I’m certified in first aid and CPR, just in case.” She winked, gesturing to a chair as we all sat.

  This entire scenario must have been a bit of a shock to Nikko. For the past several years, I’d paid a chef to prepare all my meals. Hell, before Julia, the only reason I stepped foot into my kitchen was to make coffee. Now here I was, making pancakes for my girlfriend and her teenage daughter.