Free Emily by Storm Jk Page A

to pack up his bag.
    Vladimir was on to him instantly, ‘What are her injuries?’ he asked in a tone that was reasonable and calm but that demanded total compliance.
    David again had to steady himself; he was unsure why they intimidated him.
    ‘As far as I can see she has a concussion and bruising but no broken bones. I think within a week she’ll be back to her old self.’
    ‘ Do you know who did this?’ Vladimir asked in a tone that hinted at violence.
    David knew Vladimir would pick up on a lie so he said, ‘I wasn’t there when Emily was attacked.’ The answer didn’t satisfy Vladimir. He sensed that David knew something more and he shot a look at Eric, indicating for him to go outside. Eric picked up on his meaning and left the room.
    Extending his hand to David, Vladimir looked him in the eye and said, ‘Thank you, David, for helping her.’ David could see in Vladimir’s face how much he loved Emily and he could also see that this matter was not over. Looking back at Emily he waved goodbye then stepped outside. Eric was waiting for him by his truck and as he placed his bag in the back, Eric spoke softly.
    ‘ David, I think there is more for you to tell us.’
    David was surprised at how cold Eric was, out of the pair he was the friendlier one.
    ‘Maybe,’ David replied, ‘but it’s for Emily to tell you, not me. I’m her friend and she’s like my little sister, I won’t betray her.’
    Eric paused and then said, ‘Yes, you are her friend and she does think of you like a brother. I just hope you made a wise choice because Vlad and I will not allow anyone to ever hurt her again or to get in the way of keeping her safe.’
    David got in the truck and as he turned the key he found his hands were shaking.
     

Chapter 9
    After putting Emily to bed that night, Vladimir asked Eric to stay with her. He reached for the phone and dialled the number of Vince Haldane. Vince had been a Special Forces Operative before coming to work for Vladimir ’s firm. Vladimir recounted to him what had happened to Emily, and Vince gave Vladimir instructions not to touch anything or wipe anything down. He would have a team of men there in the morning to search for clues. Vladimir would have to think of a way to get Emily out of the house as he knew she would object to Vince coming over. He didn’t blame her for not telling them who had attacked her. She knew what the punishment would be.
    The next morning Emily woke up early and set about doing her morning chores. Her head felt better but her body was still sore when she moved about, but it was nothing she couldn ’t handle. Applejacks was glad to see her and they touched heads for a long moment. After breakfast Vladimir suggested to Emily that Eric take her for a drive.
    ‘ Will you come with us?’ Emily asked, slightly suspicious.
    ‘ Sweet girl, I have been off work for almost two weeks. I need to take a conference call with my associates to see if I still have a business.’
    Emily saw tiredness reflected in his face. ‘Did you sleep last night?’
    Vladimir replied, ‘Only half the night. I stood guard till 2am then Eric took over till morning.’
    ‘Vladimir, Eric, there is no need for all of this. I just want to forget it happened, please. We have other things we need to focus on.’ Emily was upset that her men were so affected.
    ‘ Come Em,’ Eric said, ‘let’s go for a drive, we can talk about this later. It’s a nice day and it will do you good to get out of the house.’
    Vladimir gently helped her into her coat, kissing her goodbye and as he gave Eric a hug he whispered into his ear, ‘Keep away until I call you.’
    Within fifteen minutes of their departure, Vince Haldane and his team arrived and started searching the house for clues. As Vince looked around the room he asked Vladimir if there was anything missing.
    Vladimir paused. He had a photographic memory so he closed his eyes and remembered the last time he sat in the room. Vladimir