“I didn’t figure you did. But you met me through my friendship with the Coopers and knowing I was raised by the former El Paso County Sheriff, you feel safe.”
“Exactly,” Charley said. “I do feel safe here with you.”
Giving her an appreciative nod, Sully said, “There are towels and soap in the bathroom. Please make yourself at home.”
“Thank you, Sully. See you bright and early in the morning?”
“Yup.”
CHAPTER SIX
Sully heard a bloodcurdling scream.
“What the hell?” He sat up on the side of his bed and glanced at the clock: 3:30 a.m.
Acutely aware he had an overnight guest, Sully hurried across the room and climbed the stairs two at a time. It had taken him forever to fall asleep, knowing a stunning stranger was in bed on the floor above him. He came to a stop at her closed door and hearing a whimper, he gently tapped his knuckles against the wood.
“Sully?”
“Yeah. Are you okay?”
“Yes,” Charley said. “Come in.”
Sully opened the door. Moonlight, streaming through the window, haloed her pretty head as she sat in the middle of the bed. Her long brown hair was loose and cascaded around her shoulders. Under the sheet her knees were pulled up to her chest. She looked vulnerable, delicate, and frightened.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, entering the room.
“I’m so sorry I woke you. I thought I only screamed in the nightmares I’ve been prone to lately. I didn’t know I was screaming out loud.”
Sully walked a few steps closer to the bed. “What can I do to help?”
“Keep me company?”
“Sure,” he said, and when she patted the mattress, he took a seat on it facing her. She had the sheet pulled over her breasts, but he saw bra straps on her shoulders. Realizing he was sitting on something, he tugged her leopard-print pants out from under him and knew she was sleeping in her underwear. He should have offered her one of his tee shirts. “What’s causing your nightmares?” When Charley didn’t reply, he asked, “The death of your mother? Or the strangler? Both? Or something else?”
Charley only nodded and then rested her forehead on her knees. Feeling protective of the beautiful young woman, Sully clenched his jaw. Reaching for Charley, he pulled his hand back before he made contact. A strange man touching her was probably the last thing she wanted. But when a sob escaped her, he threw caution to the wind and tugged her into his arms. Resting her head on his shoulder, she used the corner of the sheet to dry her eyes and sniffled.
“He didn’t succeed with me,” Charley whispered.
“Who didn’t succeed?”
“The man who killed my mother. My presence during her murder has not been disclosed by the police to the press.”
“What do you mean he didn’t succeed?” Sully asked and then instinctively knew. “You mean raping you?”
“Yes, he only got as far as tearing open the top of my robe. I screamed and fought. A moment later, my mother called my name from the living room. The guy stopped and ran. He shot her on his way out of my apartment.”
“Damn.” Sully tightened his hold on her. Relief that a murderer had not been able to rape Charley hit him faster and harder than he would have expected. “I’m thinking I might find this guy and kill him.”
“No, Sully,” Charley said with alarm in her voice as she leaned away from him. Her eyes glittered with tears. “Whether or not he’s the Cave Killer, he’s out there and he’s dangerous.”
“Yeah,” Sully gritted through his teeth. Charley was quiet, and he didn’t want to push her. “How did he get into your apartment?”
“I had left my door unlocked because I was expecting my mom. I came out of the shower and there was a man in my bedroom wearing a ski mask.” Charley gently pushed out of his arms. “He grabbed me and shoved me onto my bed and I—I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I understand. You’ve been through a lot in a short span of time. But I’m a good listener if you change your mind.” He paused and added, “Or if you need help, Charley.”
“I’m basically a stranger to you, Sully,” Charley said with a shake of her head. “Why would you help me?”
