Xander nodded his head. “We’re at my parents’ estate in Indiana. Bella, Lucas, and the entire family are here. My brother, Lincoln, has arranged security. Between the retired army rangers, and the Secret Service, you’ll be safe here.”
Xander pulled up to the massive home in the middle of a picturesque paradise.
“Wow,” Niyah gushed. “This belongs to your parents?”
Xander shifted into park and released the trunk. “It does.”
He hopped out of the car and opened the door for Niyah.
After a deep sigh, she looked up. “What am I gonna do, Xander? I can’t stay here forever. I gotta work. I have a family. My sister was in my office today. What if whoever is after me, saw her? What if she’s in danger?” Niyah was unable to hide her fear when she stepped out of the car. “I don’t know what to do, Xander.” She dropped her head and choked back the tears. “I don’t know what to do,” she repeated in a whisper.
Xander used his finger to lift Niyah’s chin until she was able to look into his expressive blue eyes. “Niyah, it seems to me that whoever killed your friend was looking for you. She just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Warm tears pooled in her eyes at the thought of India.
With his thumb, Xander gently swiped away a tear that trickled down her cheek. “We’ll figure it out, Niyah. I promise.”
Niyah inhaled a deep breath and sighed. “Okay.”
“All right. Let’s get you situated.” Xander grabbed her hand and led her toward the house.
Large, wooden double doors opened before they could reach the front steps. A nice-looking older man wearing a dark suit stepped out with a smile. Xander smiled, but just as he was ready to greet the man, a black cargo van pulled behind Xander’s car. Loud voices poured from the van when the doors opened.
“What the hell?” Xander muttered.
“Friends of Lincoln,” the man offered.
Niyah watched six boisterous men and two equally energetic women pile out of the van. Each was wearing a backpack and carrying large duffle bags. They looked like soldiers getting ready for war.
Xander placed his hand at the small of Niyah’s back, urging her toward the house. “Niyah, this is Andrew. He’s gonna show you to your room and help you get situated.”
Niyah forced a smile. “Hello, Andrew.”
He greeted with a nod. “Welcome, Dr. Reed.” His accent was English. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you the way.”
Niyah entered the house behind Andrew. He led her through room after room and halls that could only be described as pure elegance. Finally, they arrived at a room located on the second floor. He opened the door and held it open for her to enter. Inside was a huge satin-covered bed that was situated on a platform. A red sofa was positioned in front of a gold-and-glass cocktail table and a television. In the corner near a window, was a desk and chair.
“You’ll find the bathroom through that door,” Andrew informed. “Pick up the telephone and dial 0 if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Andrew.”
“It’s my pleasure, Dr. Reed.”
Andrew left the room, closing the door behind him. Niyah grabbed her phone from her pocket and sat on the couch. There was no way she could even begin to get comfortable until she’d spoken to her family. She needed to know that they were alive and safe.
Naomi didn’t answer, but her mother assured her that she was in her room taking a nap. With nothing else to do, Niyah decided that she’d gather her thoughts in a nice long shower. But when she went into the bathroom, which was more like a spa, she realized that she didn’t have any clothes to change into. Her bag was still in the trunk of Xander’s car. However, hanging near the shower was a bathrobe. There were some plush towels too. The bathrobe would have to do until she got her things. So, with the extra time, Niyah opted for a long soak in the freestanding bathtub.
***
A knock at the door snapped Niyah awake.
“Dr. Reed?” a female voice called from the other side.
Niyah peeled her face from the soft pillow and stood on wobbly legs. She hadn’t realized just how tired she was. “Coming,” she croaked.
After crossing the room and opening the door, she was greeted by a pretty twenty-something-year-old, dressed in an institutional gray dress. “I have your bags, Dr. Reed.”
Niyah smiled and took possession of her roller bag and tote. “Thank you.”
