N. Walters - Erin's Fancy

There was a generally shuffling behind her as they pulled up their chairs to the table and settled themselves comfortably. When she turned back to the counter, she allowed herself a smile, knowing they couldn’t see her face. God, she loved them all so much and she was an incredibly lucky woman to have such wonderful men love her back. Happily, she set to work putting on a pot of fresh coffee before she started cooking pancakes.

Behind her, Abel filled them in on all the details of her search and their planned trip to Chicago. It was fascinating to listen to them interact together. Jackson was the listener. He didn’t have much to say, but when he did speak, what he had to say was worth listening to. Nathan, on the other hand, was full of questions and keenly interested in the simple techniques that Abel had employed to find his brother.

Erin mostly listened, only now and again adding details and the occasional bit of commentary. By the time all of them had eaten their fill of homemade blueberry pancakes, Jackson was already on to practical matters.

“What do you want to do about the berry fields? They’ll be ready for harvest any day now.” Jackson leaned back and took a large swallow from his mug of coffee.

“I know, but hopefully I won’t be gone to long.” Her mind was already busy making to-do lists and organizing tasks. “I’ve already hired my pickers, and some of them have been with me for years. If something happened and I don’t make it back in time, they know what to do.” She hated not being here for the harvest, but being with Abel when he confronted his brother was more important. Besides, she trusted her young employees.

But Jackson was already shaking his head, making tentative plans to take over her berry harvest if she had to be gone longer than anticipated. “They’re good kids, but I’ll supervise the picking if it comes to that. Nathan can help me with the orchards and I’ll take on extra help for a week or so if I have to.”

It was at that moment that she realized that he was okay with her marrying Abel. In his own way, he’d just given them his stamp of approval. Catching his eye from across the table, she smiled at him. He nodded and winked at her before turning his attention back to the conversation between Abel and Nathan.

In a very short time, she’d come a long way from the woman who’d sat at the end of the table reading her magazine. Oh my God, the magazine! She made a mental note to pack it for the trip, as she’d never actually showed it to Abel yet. They always got sidetracked before she could bring it up. She flushed at the images that thought conjured, but decided that it was probably too late anyway As far as she could remember, they’d already covered every single position in the article. But it was probably better to pack it, just in case.

Erin held Abel’s hand tight as they stood at the back entrance of the older stone building. From what Abel’s contact at the police department had informed him, Cain Benjamin lived in the penthouse apartment here. They had no idea if he was home or if he would even see them. Chances weren’t good, since the man preferred to isolate himself from the rest of the world. Abel raised his hand to knock, but the door flew open before he had the chance.

A slender, athletic-looking woman suddenly appeared in the doorway, her short brown hair spiked around her head in tousled disarray. She almost barreled headfirst into them before coming to a dead stop. “I’m sorry…” she glanced up, an apology left half-spoken on her lips. Her blue eyes widened as she got a good look at them, and she took a hasty step backwards.

“Wait.” Abel stepped forward before she could close the door in his face. “Can you tell me if Cain Benjamin lives here?” Abel’s voice was calm and deep, but Erin could hear the underlying urgency.

The woman continued to stare at him. “Yes.” She seemed at a loss for words and said nothing else. She glanced at Erin for a moment, but then her gaze returned to Abel and seemed to focus entirely on him.

Erin knew that the last thing he wanted to do was frighten this woman, who obviously had access to Cain’s apartment. Abel softened his voice, and tried his best not to look intimidating, which was impossible for a man of his size. “I’d like to see him if that’s possible.”

Abel’s shoulders were tense, obviously braced for disappointment. Erin gave his hand an encouraging squeeze and almost yelped out loud as his grip on her hand tightened almost to the point of causing her pain.

The woman shook her head, as if coming out of a trance. “I imagine you would,” she slowly replied. She stared at them for a moment longer before seeming to come to some internal decision. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and offered her hand. “I’m Katie. Who are you?”

“Abel Benjamin Garrett.” He took Katie’s hand gently in his much larger one, and was careful not to hold it too tight.

“And this is Erin Connors.” The grip on Erin’s hand lessened as he introduced her, until he finally let go of it altogether. Erin casually flexed her fingers by her side as she nodded her own greeting.

Katie held Abel’s hand for a moment before dropping it and holding the door open wide. “Follow me.” She beckoned with a nod of her head before turning and leading the way.

Abel placed his hand on Erin’s back, as he ushered her through the door. He glanced down and made eye contact with her, as they followed Katie into the dimly lit parking garage. His face was a mask of determination, and Erin gave him a smile of encouragement as they crossed the threshold of the building.

The door slammed shut ominously behind them. There was no going back. Erin had no idea where this stranger was leading them, but they were one step closer to meeting Cain Benjamin. The door to the fortress had been opened, and neither of them was about to question their good fortune.

They swiftly followed Katie across the garage to a private elevator, the sound of their shoes echoing throughout the cavernous space. Katie pressed a red button on the wall, and the door immediately slid open. Nobody spoke as they all climbed inside the waiting elevator.

As the door closed behind them and they started to ascend, Erin blurted out the question she knew that Abel wanted answered. “Will he see us?”

“Yes,” she nodded decisively. “I believe he will.” The elevator lurched to a halt, the bell rang, and the door glided opened before Erin could ask Katie anything more.

Katie swiftly exited the elevator, digging a key out of her pocket as she went. They hurried down the short hallway behind her, unwilling to let her out of their sight for a moment.

Erin shot a quick look at Abel. His jaw was clenched tight, and his eyes were grim, but determined. Mentally crossing her fingers, she hoped for the best. But whatever the outcome, she was glad she was there to support him. As if he knew what she was thinking, he glanced down at her and smiled. It was an intimate smile that made her body tingle and her heart melt.

Katie didn’t stop at the front door, but unlocked it, and went straight into the apartment, yelling as she went. “Cain!”

They quickly followed her through the open apartment door, but stopped suddenly as a huge dog, that appeared to be a wolfhound of some sort, bounded out of nowhere, barking for all it was worth.

“Gabriel, down.” The dog ignored Katie’s command and kept on coming towards them.

Erin found herself looking at Abel’s broad back as he grabbed her arm and thrust her safely behind him. Abel glared down at the beast when it skittered to a stop in front of him. “Sit,” he commanded.

The dog ceased barking and turned its head to look at Abel. After a moment, Gabriel sat and waited expectantly, his tail wagging behind him. Slowly, Abel extended his hand and allowed the dog to sniff it.