Peter Decker 3-Book Thriller Collection: False Prophet, Grievous Sin, Sanctuary

“I’m sorry.”

Rina smiled weakly and kissed his cheek. “Go call Marge.”

Decker took another step backward and ran his hand over his face. “Okay.” He felt his breath returning to normal. “Okay.” He kissed Rina on the forehead and headed for the bedroom, taking the dog with him.

“Peter?” Rina called.

Decker turned around.

“Check in on the boys, please.”

Decker nodded and left. Rina’s eyes went from him to Lilah who was still huddled in the corner, her arms strapped across her chest protectively. But she had a strange look on her face. Like a frightened little girl who’d done something naughty—scared but nonetheless pleased with herself. Slowly, Lilah’s lips formed a half smile.

“He was really angry, wasn’t he?”

Rina caught the sex-hungry timbre in Lilah’s voice. Or maybe she was overreacting because the woman was so beautiful. She said, “Have a seat at the dining-room table. I’ll make you some coffee.”

Silence.

“Come.” Rina extended her arm in the direction of the table. “Sit.”

“You must think I’m crazy.”

There were tears in the woman’s eyes. Rina said, “Not at all. Come.”

Lilah extricated herself from the corner and made baby steps over to the table. Rina made a beeline for the kitchen. She took the coffee from the refrigerator and poured water into the glass carafe. Sensing another body behind her, she knew Lilah had followed her in.

“Does he get angry like that all the time?”

Rina poured the water into the coffeemaker. “Why don’t you sit at the kitchen table.”

“I’m very sorry,” Lilah whispered. “It’s just …” She sat down at the kitchen table. “Black coffee’s fine. I’m sorry.”

Rina suddenly remembered what had happened to her and softened her attitude. “It’s okay. I’m very sorry about yesterday. I’m glad you’re all right.”

“I wouldn’t have been if your husband hadn’t been there.”

Rina nodded.

“He’s a marvelous rider.”

“Yes, he is.” Rina answered.

“I wouldn’t mind riding with him again.” Lilah brought her fingers to her lips. “I mean …” Lilah laughed. “I don’t know what I’m saying. Please forgive me.”

“Don’t worry about it. Coffee’ll be ready in a moment.”

“Thank you.”

Rina noticed Lilah’s voice had turned low and sexy. Against the still of the night, it was as beckoning as an aromatic whiff from the kitchen.

“I didn’t just come to wake Peter up,” Lilah said. “I really do need to talk to him. Normally, I handle stress very well, but …” Her eyes became wet. “But how much …”

She was leaking tears, but it seemed to Rina that she had a smile on her face.

“How much can one person take?” Rina said.

“Exactly!” Lilah wiped her eyes.

Rina picked up the carafe and said, “I made decaf. Just in case anyone’s contemplating sleep.”

Lilah looked up, her eyes squinting. “You’re pregnant!”

Rina nodded and poured two cups of coffee. The telephone rang. Peter got to the line before she did. Lilah looked at the mug in front of her.

“Is this water-processed decaf?”

“Yes.”

Lilah sipped, her eyes suddenly hardening. “So, is it your first—no, it can’t be if you asked Peter to check on the boys. How many kids do you have anyway?” Again she squinted. “You’re much younger than he is. How old are you?”

“Excuse me for a moment,” Rina said.

She walked into the bedroom as Peter was walking out.

“I’m really sorry about this,” he whispered.

“Boys are okay?”

“Yeah, they’re waiting for you to kiss them good night. Rina, I’m sorry—”

“Don’t worry about it, Peter. She’s calmer now. Claims she needs to talk to you. Let her get it off her chest, then get her out of here.” She paused. “Don’t be too harsh. She’s gone through a lot.”

Decker thought about what Lilah had gone through. Could be her extreme rage was a delayed reaction from the rape. She was angry at men and taking it out on him. If that was the case, she had the worst case of transference he’d ever seen. But Lilah didn’t seem to act in moderation. Or it could be the woman was bonkers before and the rape drove her over the edge. Whatever the reason, no way was he going to let this broad take it out on Rina.

“You’re wonderful, Rina. The best!”

She shook her head knowingly. “This is true.”

“I’ve called Marge,” Decker said. “I’ve also called Lilah’s brother. He’s coming down and picking her up.” He stuck his hands in his pants pockets. “Kiss the boys and go back to sleep.”

“Go back to sleep?” Rina laughed.

“Well, rest, okay?”

Rina smiled, noticing that Peter had dressed. She held him by the arms and looked over his attire—a pair of loose-fitting jeans, a work shirt, and sneakers. Comfortable but not the least bit provocative. She approved.

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