Page 10 of The Quiet Witness

Kate opened her lips. Ready to give him a piece of her thoughts, when he pushed off the wall. Disappearing into the hall beside the kitchen. Leaving her in Ghost’s company.

Silence. But no, not quite…

A low buzzing sound grated in her ears. Brows furrowed, she swiveled around.

The display of the rather impressive music installation behind her was dark, no clock framed the walls. Raising her head to the ceiling, she spotted it. A white casing holding a black orb, cameras.

Wow. Either he was paranoid, or he was a psychopath who took girls to his house more often. Maybe he wanted trophies from his victories. Fuck. The former, she definitely wanted it to be the first option.

Okay. Cameras… several hung from the ceiling, pointed in every direction. Not allowing for black-out spots, paranoia indeed.

It was illegal by law, though, not to inform people they were being watched. Of course his house was positioned in no man’s land so she guessed he could simply… there it was. She squinted, forcing her tired eyes to focus on the small plaque covering the lowest point of the window, a blue orb with red lettering glinted in the middle ‘Security system 24.’

And there was something else too. Not a camera, none she’d ever seen anyway. It looked like a smoke detector but it was on the wall… not the ceiling.

Light footsteps announced her captor’s return. Tearing her gaze from the unknown rectangular device she was just in time to see him round the corner, carrying a heap of black cloth in his hands, which he dropped unceremoniously onto the cream-colored couch.

“What’s that?” She angled her head in suspicion. If he thought he was going to tie her up again or worse blindfold her, he had another thing coming for him.

“A change of wardrobe.’’

She stared at the dark bundle of clothes, looking as if it might grow teeth and bite her. “It’s yours?’’

A slight nod. “It is. Tomorrow we can find you something more… suitable.’’

Tomorrow. She would survive the night. That was if she could take his words for truth.

That though, was a bridge too far.

Same went for wearing his clothes. Covering herself in his scent. It was light, sandalwood emanating from his silent form, and the clothes he’d dumped in front of her. But present nonetheless. She forced her stomach’s content back down. Daring to ask. “Shopping, tomorrow?’’

He nodded. “That’s what I said.’’

“Well, it’s not like I can take your word for it.’’

Shopping. Whatever the hell could that mean?

The shivers intensified, and she was just about able to keep her teeth from chattering together, hiding the fear he instilled within her.

A shrug rolled off his shoulders. “Well, girl, you’re going to have to.’’

Have to, have to.

The question burning on her tongue finally ripped free. “What are you going to do with me?!’’

He simply returned her stare, assessing what to say, but she wouldn’t let him. An old trick she swore by. Never give someone the time to twist the truth into lies. “Don’t expect me to just kick back and wait for whatever you’ve got in store for me.’’

His eyes narrowed slightly. “I’m not going to do ‘anything’ with you. For now… I’m going to sleep and think about what the next step is.’’ His posture remained the same, loose. But the tone in his voice made goosebumps rise along her arms. “I’d suggest you do the same.’’

So much for truth.

“That said.’’ He pointed toward the pile of clothes. “Perhaps it would be wise to think on the kind of attitude you’ll display. You’re lucky I’m a patient man. But patience only stretches so far.’’

Words left her stranded as she grappled for a smart retort, but before she could, he turned on his heel, moving to leave her once more. But not before gracing her with a final warning. “I’d get out of those sorry looking clothes. Oh, yes, and don’t bother trying to escape.’’ His index finger motioned around his place. “This house is rigged with a solid security system, the only thing you’ll achieve is getting me out of bed in a… less than good mood. Your room is the last on the right. I’d say, use the time to rest wisely.’’

She bristled at the suggestion, he must feel like some God, traipsing around while threatening women. “I’d sleep with one eye open.’’ She muttered it under her breath. Yet… his footsteps stopped. He’d caught up on it. Somehow.

His broad shoulders went rigid, head tilting slightly as he considered her words. When he spoke, his voice was calm. “I’ve faced greater threats Kate.” He turned to look at her, a promise heavy in his eyes. “But if you’re serious, make sure you don’t miss.’’