Free Whatever It Takes by Christy Reece Page B

guard’s lack of attention gave her the opportunity she needed.
    She carefully closed the security panel door and took off. In between the noshing of pizza, he might just look behind him and notice the blip. She had no extra time to spare. Reaching the tree again, she jumped for the lowest branch and swung herself up. Within seconds, she was scooting across the branch that hung over the railing. A moment later, she was at the brick column. Bracing herself for impact, she dropped to the ground. Pleased her weak ankle gave no indication it had even felt jarred, she took off into the night.
     
    Evening shadows lengthened into midnight dark, quiet blanketed the house, and night settled in. Eli sat alone in his bedroom and stared at nothing. He thought about and rejected the idea of turning on lights. The darkness fit his mood. Besides, night shadows offered more comfort these days. In daylight, flaws were revealed, armor pierced, blood spilled. In darkness, he could escape the cold light of reality.
    His daughters, Violet and Sophia, were tucked in for the night. He hoped they dreamed of magical wizards and beautiful, kindhearted fairies. He hoped they always believed in goodness and light. That they could escape the darkness that permeated their surroundings. 
    Someone wanted to hurt him by hurting his daughters. He would die before he let that happen. And he would do whatever it took to make sure they stayed safe.
    The first threat had been subtle, almost negligible. So much so that if it had been made against him, he would have dismissed it as an amusing incident. But it hadn’t been made against him…it had been made against his children. No way in hell would he stand for that.
    The next ones had been much less subtle but still vague. Today’s had been different. It had come with attachments—photos of his children taken at various times of the day. The bastard wanted him to know they were being watched…stalked.
    Adam had denied sending any of the emails. Having the IP address come from the prison, the location of the threat so easily obtained, screamed setup, not guilt. But he trusted his brother’s word as far as he could throw this damn house. So until Eli knew different, Adam would remain his prime suspect.
    But if not Adam, then who?
    Who the hell was left that hated him enough to do something vile like this? He was an adult, a businessman who dealt with ruthless and conscienceless people. He could handle the heat and any threat made toward him. But to threaten two innocent children? Hell, that was so damn far over the line. 
    Sure, there were people who didn’t like him. More than a few were probably not happy with the way he’d ended his father and brother’s business agreements. But he honestly could not name one person he’d pissed off enough to warrant threats against his children.
    He wouldn’t wait for something to happen. He was being proactive, setting things in place, getting ready. When and if the devil came calling, Eli intended to be well prepared to send him back to hell.
    Out of the darkness, a small click sounded, telling him one more thing he’d needed to know. There was no safe place. His home, the one place he believed his children were the safest, wasn’t. And yet, when he stood and turned, he couldn’t prevent the lift to his heart at the sight before him.
    “You’re late,” Eli said.
    Her posture went military straight as her eyes flared with temper. For an intruder, she looked highly insulted. “Well, excuse me, but I just got the assignment an hour ago. Besides, burglars have a tendency to arrive at unexpected times. They don’t normally call in advance for an appointment.”
    He’d never forgotten that husky, almost musical voice. Had been anticipating hearing it again.
    “Sorry for the short notice.” He didn’t add that it was deliberate. If she’d had time to do research, she might not have shown up.
    He took in her appearance and fought a smile. Black jeans,