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.
Chapter Eighteen
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.
“Sorry about his bad manners,” Katie said before making the necessary introductions. “As you probably already gathered, this is Gabriel.” Erin inched out from behind Abel and held her hand out to the large, but seemingly friendly dog.
“What the hell is going on out here?” Erin’s head jerked up at the sound of the voice. For a moment, she’d thought that Abel had spoken. It took her a few seconds to realize that Abel’s gaze was fixed on a dark figure standing imposingly at the end of the hallway. The dog gave a happy woof and padded towards this new voice.
“Cain, there’s someone you need to meet.” Katie held out her hand and the man walked towards it, never taking his eyes off Abel. When he reached Katie, he pushed her behind him and fisted his large hands on his hips.
“Who the hell are you?” At the stranger’s surly tone, Erin found herself once again gazing into Abel’s back, and she was forced to stand on her toes and peek over his shoulder.
The resemblance between the two men was amazing. The only difference was that Abel’s twin wore his dark hair long and had a patch on his eye that had scars radiating out from it. They were the same height and build, and their voices were uncannily alike.
“I’m Abel Benjamin Garrett.” Abel’s reply was calm and steady. “And I’m your brother.”
“I don’t have a brother,” came the quick reply.
“Obviously you do,” Abel replied, his tone now as cold as Cain’s. The similarity in their tones of voice made Erin shiver. She could barely take her eyes off of Cain. It was like looking at a slightly distorted view of Abel. Katie seemed to be as fascinated by the two men as she did, and watched them just as intently.
“It’s a long story, but suffice to say, we were definitely born to the same parents.” Abel waited for a moment, but Cain stood like a statue in the hallway with his arms crossed, all but ignoring him.
Erin could feel the frustration and anger radiating from Abel, but he continued to speak evenly. “I have documented proof if and when you’re ever interested.” Reaching into his pocket, Abel drew out a white business card and held it out to Cain. When Cain made no move to accept it, he placed it carefully on a small hall table. Abel clenched his hand into a tight fist as he withdrew it.