Chapter 15
Zach walked in the door of his condo, and threw his keys on the side table. He sat down on his couch and closed his eyes. What was he thinking? He practically implored Kendall to help him patch up what was left of his shredded family. Where had that come from? It must have been the little demon that had been plagueing him all night. It was apparently upset that he wasn't killed by Crazy Margaret, it wanted Kendall to finish the job. Fortunately she hadn't ridiculed his plea for help. She'd simply given him a sharp, assessing gaze and told him she'd think about it.
Zach checked his cell phone messages. There was an urgent call from one of his spies. He called him back and listened intently to the latest news. When Zach hung up, his face was grim. He strode out of the condo and across the courtyard. He flung open the door to Kendall's condo. She was sitting on her couch with her eyes closed, much as he had been doing moments ago. "Why the hell isn't your door locked?" Her eyes flew open. "I'm beginning to wonder that myself. What are you doing here, Zach? I told you I'd think about it." He made a dismissive gesture and glanced at her answering machine. The light was blinking. "You haven't listened to your messages, have you?" She rolled her eyes. "I didn't feel like dealing with other people's problems right now."
Zach went over and stabbed the Play button. He turned up the volume to cover Kendall's protests. There was a message from Erica. "Kendall, I need you to call me right away. Some horrible things have been uncovered that I think you need to know about. I also want to make sure you're safe." There was a beep, and the next message was from Jackson. "Kendall, please pick up the phone if you're there. Your mother is in hysterics. Frankly, I'm concerned too. We need to make sure you are okay. Call me back on the cell phone because we aren't at home." There was a beep, and the next voice was Ryan. "Kendall, I'm so sorry about this. I hope you're alright. Please be safe. I couldn't stand it if anyone got seriously hurt or worse because of…damn it!" There was a beep and then the next message played. Instead of a voice, there was some breathing, and then whoever it was hung up. Zach glanced over at Kendall. "I'm willing to bet you have more messages on your cell phone."
Kendall's mouth gaped open. "What the hell was that all about? Did someone call and tell them about Crazy Margaret and then forget to say that everything is fine?" Zach shook his head. "Unfortunately, we were not the only ones terrorized by a psychotic tonight. I just heard about it from a friend down at the police station. Jonathan Lavery confessed to poisoning Greenlee. And taking a shot at Ryan." Kendall's hands went to her mouth. "What! I suspected he was the one poisoning Greenlee, but…but shooting his own brother! I can't take this in." She sank down on the couch. Zach sat beside her. "Apparently Jonathan was abusing Maggie. Bianca and Reggie suspected and started trying to get Maggie to leave him. They finally got through to her, and as she was packing up to leave, she found some evidence. Jonathan went berserk and was about to kill her when Bianca and Reggie showed up. He bolted, and hasn't been seen since. After Maggie made her statement, Jackson bundled her, Bianca, Miranda and Greenlee off to someplace safe until they can find Jonathan. I'm guessing they want to make sure that Jonathan hasn't come after you."
Kendall put her head in her hands. "I wonder if that heavy breathing message was Jonathan. I can't believe this is happening. The closer we got to Pine Valley tonight, the safer I felt. Now this." Zach put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm going to keep you safe, Kendall. Jonathan isn't going to touch one curl on that head of yours." She looked up, wide-eyed. "Is that why you came over here? You were worried about me?" Zach grinned. "No, I just wanted another shot at sleeping in your bed." She smirked. "Well, that was supposed to be for warmth. I don't think its necessary in this situation." Zach shook his head, suddenly serious. "No, this time it's vital. How much protection can I possibly be on the couch here, or in the next bedroom, or even in a chair three feet away? We've had a long, exhausting night so far, and I can't guarantee that I would be sleeping lightly enough to hear Jonathan break in. I need to be right on top of you, so that he would literally have to go through me to get to you."
Kendall raised one eyebrow. "Right on top of me?" Zach's eyes gleamed. "My flesh will be the armor that protects your flesh." Kendall cocked her head. "Is that a quote from something?" Zach rubbed his chin. "It's from 'The Seduction of Kendall,' the unfinished story of a woman…who longs to be wanted." Kendall shrugged. "Plenty of men want me." Zach gazed at her for a moment. "Wanted above anything else in the world." Kendall stared at him, something unreadable flashing in her eyes.