Seth (Casella Cousins #2) - Kathryn Shay Page 0,19
tried to leave the studio with her last student, especially because it got dark earlier and earlier this time of year.
In minutes, they were out of the studio and Julianne locked up. Logan clicked off the phone when they reached his car, and buzzed down the window. “Hello, again.”
“I wanted to say goodnight.”
“Did the lesson go well?”
“Like always. She’s so talented.”
His face fell. “Like her mother.”
“Yes, I know.”
He tried for a smile.
“I should get going.” Julianne stepped back. “Goodnight, Logan. Bye, Maddie.”
Though the neighboring businesses shared the parking lot, hers was the only car left, now. She stopped short when she reached it. Oh, my God.
Long, angry lines dug the exterior. She circled the front. On both sides. The car had been keyed.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
She fished out her phone and called Anabelle Sanders.
The Rogers’ car pulled up and Logan got out. “What’s wrong? You didn’t get inside.” He glanced at the vehicle. “For the love of God. Did that just happen?”
“Sometime between four and eight. Did you see anybody out here the last hour?”
“No, but I had the windows closed and was talking the whole time to some customers. I didn’t notice anybody near your car, but I was preoccupied. You should call the police.”
She held up her phone. “Already did that.”
He squeezed her arm, to offer comfort. “We’ll wait for them in my car, in case the person is still around.”
Her heart beat a clip and she nervously scanned the area. Could it be the person who broke into her house? Would he do her harm?
Chapter 5
* * *
Seth opened his front door and found his brother had stopped over unannounced. He was still wearing his uniform. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it?” Seth asked.
“Yeah, let me in.”
Seth stepped aside and Gideon entered his home. “Julianne’s car was impounded.”
“What? Why?”
“Because when she left her studio tonight, she found both sides keyed. She called Detective Sanders, who went to inspect it.” He looked around the modest living space of Seth’s apartment. “Can I have a beer? I’m off duty now.”
“Yeah, sure.” They got brews and sat at the kitchen table.
Seth sipped the Molson’s absently. “Was she alone?”
“No, she was smart enough to leave when her last student finished up.”
“She told me she always does that.”
“The girl’s father was waiting for her and they stayed in his car until the police came.”
“I wish she’d called me, or you.”
“I guess I do, too.”
“How’d she get home?”
“Anabelle Sanders drove her. She’s a pain in the ass, but she’s good at her job. Especially investigations.”
Seth’s eyes narrowed. “I can’t leave this unaddressed, Gideon. I have to see her.”
“Look, Seth, I haven’t said much about the two of you, but you can’t keep going back and forth like this. It’s ruining your life.” His low tone meant he was serious.
He stared over Gideon’s shoulder. “She’s done with me. I’m the hanger-on.”
“You’ve gotten over her before.”
“I know. And I promised myself today I’d give up on her.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I need a keeper.”
“I’m not volunteering, buddy.”
That made him laugh. Gideon could be a bear when people didn’t do things his way. But he could also be great company. “Not asking, bro. But stay for a while. I like having you here.”
* * *
“It’s up here on the left,” Julianne said.
Detective Anabelle Sanders kept her eyes on the road. “I know. I came over when the break-in happened. You were gone, though.”
“That’s right. My mind’s muddled, I guess.” And she’d never ridden in a police car or had her own vehicle impounded.
They turned into the driveway. Anabelle cut the engine and faced Julianne. “I’m coming in with you.”
“All right. I’m shaky.”
Anabelle didn’t get out right away. “Julianne, you’re a sweet person. Don’t you have a friend or family you could call to stay with you during all this?”
“My mother moved to Florida and I have a sister in D.C. She works for the governor. She’s busy, but we’re close long-distance.” Julianne’s heart twisted in her chest. “I have some acquaintances when I work in the schools, but I’m not there long enough to socialize. I guess my work has isolated me.”
“What about the Casellas? We’ve talked about them before.”
“Carmella’s like a mother to me. I could stay over there but the reasons I won’t are complicated.” She shook her head. “I was engaged to her son and when we broke up, that put a damper on my friendship with all of them, especially his sister Alessia, who I was close to.” Her voice got