Free Bayou Heat by Georgia Tribell

need to be away from Marie right now.”
    “True, but we do need you in top form. I’d hate to tell
Criswell that his granddaughter was dead because of lack of sleep.”
    Rob shuddered but wasn’t sure if his reaction was from the
thought of telling Criswell bad news or the thought of harm coming to Eris.
“How about posting a couple of those new hires outside the building from eleven
at night ’til eight in the morning? With them outside I should be able to get
enough sleep and Eris will be taken care of.”
    LD grumbled on the other end of the phone. “Damn, if I
wasn’t so stressed over Marie I’d have thought of that.”
    Rob chuckled. “Sure you would’ve. Have whoever you put out
there text me once they’re in place and keep trying to contact Nate.”
    “Okay, I’ll get things moving from here and call if you need
me. If Nate calls, I’ll let you know.”
    “Sounds good. Later.” Eris was gathering her purse as Rob
entered the office and pocketed his phone.
    “I heard you on the phone. Did you find Matt?”
    “Yes.”
    “Well, where is he?”
    He followed her through the storage room to the back door.
He checked the alleyway before motioning for her to join him. As she locked the
door, he answered her question. “Matt will be visiting Central Medical Center
for the next few days.”
    Eris stopped and started to turn but he gently nudged her
on, not wanting to be on the dark streets any longer than needed. He relayed
the facts to her and by the time they reached her apartment building, he was
tired of hearing about poor Matt. “Look, Eris, I understand that you would much
rather it had been me who was laid up in the hospital with a broken leg, but I
can’t change places with Matt, so you might as well face it, you’re stuck with
me.”
    Rob yanked open the old screen door so hard it slapped
against the building. He really, really wanted to yank it off its hinges or,
better yet, find something to hit—hard. He made sure she was behind him as he
started up the stairs.
    Her concern for Drew, old Mrs. G, Matt and the way she
interacted with her family reminded him there was no inner-circle he belonged
to. There were times, like today, when he caught a glimpse of something so
different from how he’d been reared that he yearned for a way in. Then he
reminded himself that he didn’t care to belong. His mother taught him long ago
that caring meant pain and he wasn’t about to bleed for anyone. Not ever again.
    He slowed his pace when he reached the third-floor landing,
allowing Eris time to catch up with him. He turned to her, intending to ask for
the apartment keys but stopped when he noticed the fear in her eyes.
    He followed the direction of her gaze and for a split second
fear clutched his heart. Pinned to the front door, by a long-bladed knife, was
an ace of hearts playing card.

Chapter Five
     
    “Drew!” Fear clawed at Eris’ insides as she started toward
the apartment.
    Rob stopped her from rushing into the apartment and moved
her away to a safer location at the top of the stairs. “Do you have your gun?”
    She couldn’t pull her gaze away from the door. “Drew might
be in trouble.”
    He cupped her chin and forced her to look him in the eyes.
“I’ll check the apartment. Do you have your gun?”
    “Yes.” She pulled it from a leg holster concealed by her
long skirt.
    “Good, I need you to focus for me. Can you tell me if anyone
is in the apartment?”
    Eris took a deep breath and focused on his eyes—they
reminded her of a calm blue sea. Slowly, she opened herself to the environment
around her. Rob’s aura was strong and steady, like the man. From there she
turned her focus to the surrounding area. Anger assaulted her like a
thunderhead moving across the plains. Pushing through the evil, she felt a
faint glimmer that distinctly belonged to Drew. “I feel a sick, evil presence
that is almost overwhelming, but I think the person is gone. I can feel Drew. I
just can’t tell if