Protected by Shadows Read Online Free PDF Page B

told you anything?” She drew back when he didn’t respond. “Hector?”
    “Remember, Lexy, I told you he’s in a coma.”
    Bile rushed up as her legs buckled. Hector assisted her to a chair and knelt before her as he wiped the tears from her eyes.
    “Did the cops find anything?”
    “Not that I’m aware of.”
    “Eugene is a cautious driver and he takes care of his vehicles. This doesn’t make any sense, Hector.”
    “Accidents happen, Lexy.”
    The call flashed through her mind. “I’m not so sure it was an accident.”
    He gripped her arms. “What do you mean?”
    She told him about the call and watched his expression darken thunderously.
    “Did you tell the cops?”
    “No. I thought I imagined it—hoped I had. There’s no recording of it and the number was blocked.” As if on cue her cell rang. Hector didn’t move away until he saw the name on the screen. Jaydee.
    “Hey, Jay.”
    “How’s Eugene? And how are you?”
    “I’m okay. Eugene’s in a coma, Jay.” More tears spilled and she didn’t even bother wiping them away. “He’s just lying there covered by cuts, bruises and gauze.”
    “Lexy, I’m so sorry. I’ll be on the first plane out I can get.”
    “No,” she mumbled. “You have a family.”
    “And my sister needs me. I will be there today.” She hung up.
    Lexy stared distractedly at the phone until she realized Hector was attempting to talk to her.
    “What did you say, Hector?”
    “I want you to go to the cops.”
    “And say what? Help me, a computer voice told me that what happened to my brother wasn’t an accident. I didn’t record the call and the number was blocked.” She shook her head. “What good will that do? Make them think I’m insane.”
    “You’re staying with me.”
    “No. For all we know it’s a prank.”
    He scowled and jerked her chin so she stared at their brother. “Does that look like a fucking accident to you, Alexsa? Or a prank?”
    She gulped. “I meant the call, Hector. Not Eugene. Never Eugene.” How could he ever think she could feel that way?
    “I’m sorry, Lexy. This”—he gestured—“has me all messed up.”
    She hugged him. “I know. Go home and sleep, Hector. I’ll stay here with Eugene. The clinic is covered.”
    “I’m not leaving.”
    “Promise. I’ll call if there’s any change.”
    “Be careful, sis. If that call was real…”
    “I’ll be right here, Hector. I think I’ll be safe in the hospital room.”
    “Love you,” he murmured, giving her another hug.
    “Ditto.”
    Hector left and Lexy opened the curtains, allowing the morning Southern sun to enter the room. She stood over her brother and wished she could take away all his pain.
    “Time to wake up, Eugene.” She touched one of the few spots on his head not showing an injury. The only sounds were coming from the numerous machines keeping him alive.
    Moving a chair to the sun, she stared out of the window before sitting and closing her eyes.
    * * * *
    The chime of her cell woke her.
    “Hello?” Her greeting came out in a mumble.
    “You will not go to the police and you will give us what we want. You can’t hide from us, The Watchers are everywhere.”
    She bolted up in her chair, heart thundering. “You! What do you want?”
    “Your attention…for now. We will summon you and you had better answer.”
    Her brain scrambled. “Who are The Watchers?”
    “Just know all your activities are being monitored. Do not test us on this, for you will not like the repercussions.”
    “Wait, monitored?”
    “Need an example? Very well. Your brother, Hector, is driving his Chevy Tahoe. And your Spyder is very nice. Although you do like to drive fast, wouldn’t it be a shame if something happened while you were cruising over eighty.” It came out as a statement. A cold-blooded one.
    Lexy wasn’t concerned until they told her Hector’s license plate and color of his vehicle. It was one thing to know what he drove but to give such specifics was scary. Who is