Nowhere To Run (To Protect And Serve) by Mary Eason Page A

apartment door then forced herself to go inside. Everything looked the same as it had when they’d left it that morning and yet nothing was the same. The people who lived here had no idea what lay ahead for them.
    In the ir tiny kitchen, the evidence of a hurriedly prepared meal remained scattered everywhere. Two-day-old coffee had turned to sludge in the pot. An opened cereal box sat on the counter. Cereal spilled out. A dirty bowl in the sink.
    Jordan took a deep breath and struggled to keep back the tears. She couldn’t cry. Since learning the news of Jeremy’s death she’d cried so many tears. She felt all cried out. She’d need to be strong if she were going to get through this thing. Tears were for the weak. Her father had taught her that lesson only too well.
    She fished out Riley’s business card from her purse and dialed the number listed for his cell.
    “Detective Donovan.” The sound of his voice carried strength and confidence. Like those moments following Jeremy’s death, she found just hearing it brought a strange measure of comfort.
    “It’s Jordan.” After an awkward moment of silence, she rushed on, “Doctor Scott – Jeremy’s sister--”
    “I know who you are, Jordan ,” he assured her quietly. Even grief-stricken, his voice still sounded sexy as hell. “I’m glad you called. How are you?”
    “ I’m okay. I’m not sure,” she admitted with a shaky sigh. She didn’t know she was doing anymore.
    “It’s okay. You’re scared. I understand. You’ve been through a n awful lot in the pass twenty-four hours. Let me help you.”
    God, she wanted to believe he meant it . Jordan shook her head then realized he couldn’t see her answer. “How do I know I can trust you?” The question leapt out before she could yank it back.
    Two heartbeats and a thousand doubts passed before he answered. “I guess you don’t. But I can prove it to you if you let me.”
    Outside of her living window, a noise from down below startled her, jerking her attention from the call. A car backfiring? A gunshot? Her frayed nerves stretched a little bit closer to the breaking point.
    Suddenly, not even Riley’s quiet strength was enough any longer. “Maybe this was a mistake…”
    “Jordan, please just trust me .”
    Around her , the silence of the apartment became even more oppressing. She could hear every creek. Every hum. Every beat of her heart. “I don’t think I can. Not yet. I’m sorry. I’m not sure why I called. It’s just, well you seem so…and I thought…after what happened yesterday… I-I just can’t believe Caesar would do the things you’ve suggested.” God, she hated this war raging within her. She felt frustrated and confused. Exhausted beyond measure.
    “ Jordan, do you know something? Did he tell you anything?”
    “No …I don’t know, I’m not sure…I’m sorry. I know I’m not making any sense, am I?”
    A minute went by before he responded. His voice had grown gentle. “It’s okay. You called. That’s a start. I understand you still have doubts. You need more time, but you have to realize I can’t give you much.”
    “ Why? Has something new happened? Do you know more about Jeremy’s—“
    “No. Not exactly…” Another beat passed before he continued. “Is there somewhere that we can meet in private , we really need to talk face to face, Jordan? I need to see you,” he added and some of her resistance melted.
    Jordan wasn’t sure why she hesitated. She wanted to know who was responsible for Jeremy’s death, didn’t she? “I’m not sure—“
    “Think about it. This is very important, Jordan. I really need to speak with you in person about what we discussed last night.”
    What we discussed last night? Was he trying to tell her Caesar might be listening in on their conversation even now?
    “There’s a coffeehouse not far from the hospital. But I’ll have to call you.”
    She realized this wasn’t the answer he wanted from her , but he’d accept it for