37. Loose ends

Brice's POV

"You think I'm not racking my brain, trying to remember who that guy was? I'm fairly sure I didn't give out certain vibes to any of my fans. You know they're called psychopaths for a reason don't you?" I drawled out my words in frustration. I was still at the twins' penthouse, I and Percy were still discussing about the possibility of me knowing the guy tried to kidnap me and Jill.

"I'm sure if you have, it wasn't intentional." Percy then told me to stay the night, telling me I need to be close by for any news.

Feeling the need to stick through the issue, I nodded my head. I was also curious about the report from the security agency, a couple of glasses later we were done with drinking. Percy invited me to sit in their outdoor seating area looking out to their private pool. My brain was done calculating their net worth the second I saw their collection of liquor when Percy proudly showed me their hidden room showcasing their vintage floor-to-ceiling collectors' liquor bottles.

You may know people who are crazy about books, and these guys sure are crazy about their bottles. There's no seating area to read books here, but it surely is a very expensive man cave stretched out to their outside pool and jacuzzi.

"Do you have anyone who has a grudge for your fall? it may not be related to your love life. Maybe the person is just targeting your overall happiness, and failure?" the man sit back and puffed his cigarette while I rest back and my mind wandered to Ella back at her parents.

"...how about a fellow author, competitor, someone who lost their big chance. Hell, maybe...maybe this has nothing to do with Ella or your previous love life." He paused to sit up and look at me.

"I don't think I have that kind of enemies, I need to double-check with Clara..." Percy cuts me off and continues voicing out his thoughts.

"The movie deal is a big deal, yes? shit, maybe we're looking at this from the wrong angle. We definitely need to talk to Clara and trace back to what was happening to your career when your previous fiancée..."

"You like murder mystery don't you?" I abruptly asked when Percy didn't stop his words for a single beat.

"I like mystery, solving them, thinking about what makes people tick, you know...the why, the reason behind their actions. It made me look like a nosy bastard, but the bits and pieces helped us make good business decisions."

I nodded to his reasonable explanation while I try to think like him. Who's my stalker, why would anyone murder my Summer? I've never thought that I have that kind of competitor.

"Come, let me show you the guest room. You'll stay here tonight, it's safer until we know what's truly going on."

"Thanks, but I think I'll go back to my place." Suddenly I changed my mind. I needed my place to sulk, I miss Ella. I didn't want Percy to see me in my mood. Between the pressure of my relationship with Ella and then the stalker, my emotions weren't the best.

"Dude, seriously, stay. It's more practical, rather than spreading security than going back here in the morning. You can take the guestroom by the end of the hall if you want more privacy." Percy got up and lead me back into their living space then direct me to the bedroom areas of their two-story penthouse apartment.

"Look, I know all of this hasn't been easy. But my sister is crazy in love with you, and I'm not going to be the one to break the news if anything bad happened to you." He was watching me but didn't push me. He's the nicer one of the twins I could tell and he pats my shoulder when moments later I decided to stay the night there.

"There's fresh toiletries in the adjoining bathroom. I'll be in one of the master's down the hall. Just call if you need anything, if not I'll see you in the morning." Percy said as he showed me to one of the guest bedrooms.

The man leaves me to my privacy minutes later. Then I went straight to the bathroom to take a quick shower. I was feeling fresh and ready to go to bed, but not without checking in with Ella. I hope she's not asleep yet and I smile when she picks up my call after the second tone.

"Brice, it's about time." I sighed when she greeted me in her annoyed tone, I can imagine her pout in my mind. "Grady won't tell me anything, and I couldn't find anything online. Tell me." It wasn't a question, she was demanding an explanation from me.

Damn it.

"We're getting closer, Ella. I'll pick you up in the next couple of days, and...I signed the movie deal." I paused to let her react, but she was waiting for more explanation. Evidently, the news about the movie was not news at all for her.

"Hmm...I was hoping for more enthusiasm about my career, but hey..." I tried to be playful, but she was not having it.

Damn it.

"You're not telling me everything, the guys are getting to you, aren't they?" Ella was pushing me, she sounded irritated.

"Ella, we're just taking more precautions. They got the guy, but they're just making sure that there are no loose ends." I didn't tell her that my bodyguard Jill stabbed and shot the guy to death. I was still not sure about the story that they were going to release to the public, so I decided to keep her in the dark. For now. The less she knows the better. Or so I thought.

"You've been talking to Percy, haven't you? the guy is obsessed with conspiracy, he will throw you theories. I'm sure it's done, I'm sure they got the person and just keep you in the dark, for now, I miss you." What she said made me feel worst about hiding the facts from her. Ella knows exactly how her brothers think. I should've known.

"Baby, I miss you too, but it's just going to be a couple of more days. And honestly, I think your parents will be happy having you there. You will be mine soon, by then who knows when will you visit them again."

"I guess you're right."

"I am," I said smugly and that made her laugh. Finally.

"So tell me, what did you do today?" I asked and we talked about her parents and how Grady told them about our situation with the security issues.

"Dad didn't want bodyguards in our house, but mom was thrilled that she has more people joining for meals." I chuckled, I could see Ella rolling her eyes already. We continue to talk as I relax back to the cool comforter and rest my back to the headboard.

The call ended almost two hours later, I didn't want to end the call, but she sounded sleepy. I'm sure that the fresh air away from the city will make her healthier. Ella was fast to sleep and that's a good sign for her to get better. Maybe it's her mom's cooking and her parents' affection, but knowing she was there with God knows how many guards Percy assign to their home and within the perimeters, I was in a better state of mind.

The fatigue set in minutes later and I drifted off to sleep, hoping that this whole issue will be settled by tomorrow since I don't know how much longer I can be away from her.