“What about the article that says Joseph was upset and blamed you?” Summer asked.
“My older sister was standing nearby when the journalist approached Joseph outside the courthouse. He was a kid, and they confused him with their questions. My sister told me they twisted his words, and I believed her. The local reporter tried to interrogate me too, but Dad had my back.”
Josh watched her closely. “What aren’t you telling us, Ashley? You’re careful with what you’re saying.”
“Miss Townsend, if you know anything to clear Joseph Harrison please tell us,” Gerry said in a firm voice.
Ashley fought a visible inner battle before her shoulders slumped. “All right, but this can’t be made public. It’s not as if I’m certain, anyway. The reason Joseph has fallen off the face of the Earth is that I think he followed through and became Josephine. Jess wasn’t the only one with problems in the family.”
Summer’s hands flew over the keyboard. “Ah, Ashley is right. There is a profile for Jo Harrison here.”
“Let me see,” Ashley demanded.
She pushed past Josh, and he got a whiff of lavender. Summer murmured something, and when Josh’s gaze jerked to her, he found his little sister smirking at him. Busted.
“That’s Joseph,” Ashley confirmed. “Or Jo. The face is the same. Joseph always had a girlish appearance.”
“Not a suspect then,” Summer said.
“We’ll check,” Nelson stated in a no-nonsense voice. Efficient and protective. “We’ll have a chat with this Jo. No one needs to know.”
“Thanks.” Ashley turned to him, her brown eyes serious. Her features in what he was beginning to recognize as her work-mode. “Josh, you’d better hurry if you want to shower before we leave again.”
“That’s my cue to leave.” Summer stood and packed away her laptop. “Nikolai will be wondering where Sam and I have got to.”
“Thanks, Summer,” Josh said. “I’ll carry Sam out to the car for you.”
Outside, he opened the vehicle’s rear door and fastened his wriggling nephew into his car seat.
“You’re falling for her,” Summer accused.
“Butt out.”
“Do you want to live in a fishbowl with the press watching every little thing you do? That’s what will happen.”
Josh glanced around him and lowered his voice, even though they were alone. “We’re friends.”
“Kissing friends,” Summer retorted. “Ashley has the appearance of a well-kissed woman.”
“Butt out.”
Summer laughed. “So if someone from the press corners me, I should tell them no comment.”
“Summer,” he growled.
His sister laughed again as she settled behind the wheel. “Emotions are tricky things, brother, mine. They sneak up and pounce when you’re not looking, not ready, not prepared. And they pack a punch. Don’t say I never warned you.”
Josh scowled as Summer drove away. As he turned for the door, he caught a glint of something in the trees. Curious, he took two steps closer before every well-trained instinct screamed a warning. Josh dived to the right as the gun fired. Hot, agonizing pain seared his left arm.
The door burst open behind him, and Nelson and Gerry appeared, both with weapons raised.
“Rifle, eight o’clock,” Josh snapped. “Flesh wound. I’ll live.”
With a nod, the two cops cautiously ran from bush to bush, seeking cover where possible. Josh yanked on his shirt and held the fabric to the wound on his arm.
“Josh? What’s happening?”
“Get back inside. Close the door and don’t come back out until one of us says it’s all right. Move!” Josh barked when Ashley hesitated.
In the distance, a car started and roared as it accelerated away. The bastard was making a run for it.
Josh pushed to his feet and lifted his makeshift pad to check his wound. The bullet had furrowed across his upper arm. It throbbed and bled, but he’d been lucky. If he hadn’t moved when he did, the bullet would’ve struck him mid-body.
Nelson appeared from the shrubbery. “You’ll need medical attention. I’ll ring for an ambulance.”
“No, I’ll go to the emergency medical center on Great South Road.”
Gerry sprinted up the driveway. “He got away. I know the color and make of the car. Guy is smart. He covered the plates with mud.”
“This is going to cause complications,” Nelson said.
A siren blasted in the distance, the din indicating an approaching vehicle.
“A neighbor must’ve rung it in.” Gerry eyed the blood staining Josh’s T-shirt. “Come inside and let me check your arm. Nelson, get the cops to wait. They can drive Josh to the clinic. I think we should stay with Ashley. For all we know, the guy might decide to double back and try again.”
“Give me a sec.” Josh pulled his phone out of his pocket. He’d cracked the screen when he’d struck the ground. He pushed a button and the screen lit. With relief, he dialed Nikolai.
“Josh,” Nikolai said.
“Ashley’s stalker shot me. A flesh wound. Nicked my upper arm. I’m bleeding like a stuck pig. Thing is Summer and Sam had just left.”
“Fuck.” Nikolai’s curse trembled with fear for his wife and son.
“Yeah, you’re probably okay, but watch security around your place. Maybe now is a good time to visit the folks in Eketahuna. I’d never forgive myself if this guy hurt any of you.”
“Aw, I’ve grown on you.”
“Like a rash,” Josh fired back, not bothering to hide his grin. He and Dillon had disapproved of Nikolai’s relationship with their sister. They’d tried their best to talk around Summer and break up the pair. They’d changed their minds about Nikolai, although neither of them admitted it aloud.
A police car pulled up, and Nelson strode over to liaise with the driver.
“Summer will refuse to go,” Nikolai said.
“I’ll talk to her. She can do her research from Eketahuna. Are you at home? Is she home yet?”
“That sounds like her now. I’ll go and meet her. Hang tight.”
While he waited, Josh tried to remember details. The guy had worn dark clothes that allowed him to blend. A beanie had covered his head. He couldn’t even say for sure how tall the guy had been although he’d given off an air of competence. He hadn’t hesitated to shoot at Josh.
“What’s going on? How bad are you hurt?” Summer demanded.
“Just after you left, I spotted a glint in the trees. The guy was there. He had a rifle, and he shot me. It’s a flesh wound. I’m fine, but I’d be happier if you and Sam were in Eketahuna.”
“I didn’t see anything. There was a car parked down the road. I noticed it because the rear was filthy. You couldn’t see the numbers and letters on the plate for the mud. The car was empty.”
“Which means the guy was staking out Ashley’s house while you were there. He saw me with you and Sam. Knows you might be a weak spot. Please go to stay with Mum and Dad. At least for a week or two.”
“All right,” Summer said.
“What?” Josh asked, shocked at her easy acquiescence.
“We have Sam to consider. I didn’t go through hours of pain for him to die at the hands of a madman. I’ll see if we can get flights for tomorrow morning. Dillon or Ella won’t mind picking us up from the airport in Palmerston North.”
Josh closed his eyes briefly, relieved that maturity and responsibility had softened his sister’s impetuous tendencies. “Thanks.”
“I’ll send you links to Jo’s social media page, so you can message her. If you’re polite and explain the circumstances, I’m sure she’ll cooperate.”
“Josh,” Ashley called from inside the house. “I don’t want to be late for my meeting. What’s happening?”
Josh glanced toward the doorway. Gerry was standing guard and making certain Ashley didn’t come outside.
“Summer, the police will contact him. I’d better go. I have two functions tonight and
need to get changed.” And have something done with his arm. It throbbed like a kick from a feisty cow. He lifted the pad to study the wound. The bleeding had halted. It wouldn’t stop him from protecting Ashley.
“I thought you were shot. Won’t Ashley cancel?”
“I’m fine. We can’t let this guy dick us around. Keep in touch and let me know when you’re heading to Eketahuna.” Josh ended the call and scowled at his wound. Close call.
“How is it?” Nelson asked.
“I think it’s okay, but I should get it looked at. How about I meet you at this cocktail thing? You’ll watch Ashley closely?”
Nelson nodded. “We’ll look after your girl.”
“Tell the cops I’ll be five minutes. Better grab my wallet.” Josh entered the house and found Ashley dressed in a long, form-fitting red dress. She’d done her hair in an up-do thing, baring her shoulders and neck. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thanks.” She spotted the pad on his arm, the blood on his shirt, and her eyes grew wide. Her hand pressed against her chest. “What happened? Gerry told me everything was okay. He told me to go and get ready. He did not tell me you’re hurt.”
“I’m fine, but because it’s a gunshot wound, I need it checked.”
“Josh.” His name held panic and concern dug into her features. “Oh, Josh! Are you sure you’re okay? You should go to hospital. Let me ring an ambulance.”
“No, it’s okay, sweetheart. Truly. I’m going to the emergency medical center. I’ll get my arm looked at, and I’ll meet you at the cocktail party.”
“I should cancel,” Ashley said. “Go with you to the medical center.”
“No, please. You’ll lose all the impetus you’ve gained this morning. You have an important job to do, and even though I wish you could, you can’t hide away and let this guy win. Gerry and Nelson will watch over you,” Josh said, praying like hell they did keep her from harm. “Every cop is searching for this guy. As long as you pay attention to your surroundings and follow their instructions, you should be safe enough tonight. I’ll join you as soon as I can.”
Still Ashley hesitated, her face pale and worried. Her gaze kept darting to his arm.
Josh nodded, understanding her shock and hesitation because she wasn’t used to this sort of thing. “I promise I’m fine and well enough to watch dragon movies with you.”
Ashley straightened, obviously coming to a decision. She reached up to kiss Josh’s cheek. “He wants to scare me. He’s succeeded. I’m terrified, but you’re right. People are counting on me. I have a responsibility to my party and my colleagues. I’m willing to follow any instructions the DPS give me. You too. This bully mustn’t win.”
“Go you, sweetheart.” Unable to resist, Josh stole another quick kiss. He pulled back and smiled, wishing he could drag her off to bed or spend a quiet night with her. “I’ll meet you at the party.”
“You should stay at home.”
“No. Nelson and Gerry are skilled policemen. They’re efficient, but I gave Frog my word I’d look after you. I keep my word.”
“This is selfish of me, but I feel safe when you’re around.”
“Josh!” Nelson shouted.
“See you soon, sweetheart.” Josh grabbed his wallet and stuffed it in his pocket. At the last minute, he jogged along the passage to get a clean T-shirt. “Give ’em hell with your speech.”
10 – Seduction and Sin
“Will Josh be okay?” Ashley asked after he left in the cop car.
“He will,” Nelson assured her. “He’s a tough soldier. Don’t worry. Right, this is what we’re going to do. Gerry will back up the vehicle. Once we’re positive it’s safe for you to leave the house, I will come to collect you. Under no circumstances are you to leave our sight when we’re at the cocktail party. Tell us if you exit the room, even if it’s a trip to the restroom. One of us will be with you at every moment.”
“I understand,” Ashley said.
“The other thing. If anyone asks about the shots fired here, tell them you know nothing. We have officers checking into the incident, but we want to keep your stalker in the dark. Going forward, we’ll maintain silence about him.”
“Why?”
“Because he shot at Josh and intended to kill him,” Nelson said bluntly. “He’s made a statement, which tells us he won’t stop. We can’t be sure if it’s publicity he wants or if he doesn’t care who he hurts to get to you. We want to keep him off balance. We’ll also take a look at your schedule. You need to shake it up, so your stalker isn’t positive where you’ll be.”
“That’s going to irritate the press.”
“It’s not our job to placate the reporters.” Nelson quietly observed her, his stance wide and open. Alert. “We’re here for your safety.”
Ashley nodded. “Can I tell the senior party members what’s going on? I’ll need some of them to cover for me if I can’t go to the meetings and functions they’ve organized.”
“Give me a list of who you’re telling and make sure everyone understands they can’t discuss your daily location with anyone who rings for details.”
“That will prove difficult. We share our itinerary with our support staff.”
Nelson fell silent. “How about this? Choose one politician and combine your schedules. Each day discuss between yourselves who will cover which function.”
Ashley scowled. “No, you know what? This is stupid. I can’t let a stalker derail my planned program during the run-up to election day. I have a full schedule, as do other party members. It will cause chaos trying to shuffle everything. I’ll continue with my scheduled functions. And on that note, I’m going to be late if we don’t leave soon.”
“Wait here.” Nelson disappeared.
Ashley blew out a shuddery breath. She picked up her clutch bag and pulled on her evening jacket. Josh had to be okay. In that moment, she realized she cared for him. Along with relying on his presence, Ashley enjoyed his company and eagerly anticipated each day with him at her side. She inhaled and exhaled again. Despite Matt’s warnings about Josh, she’d come to appreciate her fake fiancé. The idea of growing their relationship appealed to her. Enticed her. Made her inner woman whisper a plea for her to take action. If Josh was on the same page as her, she’d happily offer her body and enjoy the heck out of the interaction.
Half an hour later, Ashley entered the Edwardian Hotel. Only delayed by five minutes.
“Ashley.” A gray-haired woman hurried forward.
“I’m so sorry I’m late.” Ashley held out a hand and offered an apologetic smile. “I hope I haven’t kept everyone waiting.”
“The attendees are busy inhaling drinks and cocktail snacks.” The woman gestured with a chuckle. “I doubt they’ve noticed the time, but if you don’t mind, we’ll get you to speak straight away.”
“No problem.” Ashley followed the woman into the lift.
Her DPS officers stepped inside with them, and the woman gave Ashley a startled look.
“They’re my escorts,” Ashley explained.
“Is it true you have a stalker?”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t discuss details. I’m looking forward to sharing our vision of the future with your attendees.”
“We’re glad you could come tonight.” The woman continued to give Nelson and Gerry a side-eye.
The lift doors opened on the twentieth floor.
“This way, please.”
Even if the woman hadn’t met them in reception, Ashley doubted they’d have trouble finding the function room. Loud chatter poured from the open double doors. The woman led them through the groups of men and women. Some sat at tables while others stood chatting. Soft music poured from concealed speakers and waiters wandered from table to table with drinks and snacks.
“We’ve reserved this table for you. Can I get you a drink before you start?”
“I’d love a glass of water. Sparkling if you have it.” Ashley placed her clutch bag on a seat and removed her jacket. “Where should I
stand?”
The woman gestured at a microphone stand on a raised dais. “I’ll introduce you right now. You can come forward once my intro ends. Will that work?”
“Perfect,” Ashley said.
The woman spoke to a waiter and disappeared out a side door.
Ashley accepted a glass and the bottle of sparkling water a waiter delivered. She took a sip and placed it on the table.
“Nelson, where will you and Gerry be?” she asked.
“Gerry will stand over to the right, slightly behind you, and not visible to most of the attendees. I’ll be on your left. We’ll be watching everyone as you speak.”
The woman who’d greeted them returned and someone switched off the background music. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.”
The chatter faded, and the woman plunged into her welcoming spiel. Ashley retrieved her notecards from her bag and listened with less concentration than usual. Her stalker had shot Josh. Josh’s sister and nephew had been there minutes earlier. What would’ve happened if he’d shot one of them?
“Put your hands together to welcome Ashley Townsend, the Labor party leader.”
Ashley strolled to the dais. While she normally dressed conservatively and didn’t flaunt her body, this evening she’d gone with more daring. A side split on the right of her long red gown gave glimpses of her thigh, and she overheard a couple of whispers mentioning legs before she reached the microphone stand.
Ashley turned and offered the attendees a bright smile before she began her pitch about opportunities for business owners and their proposed policies for the economy.
One of her gifts was a great memory, and as usual, she picked several faces in the audience and spoke directly to them. She finished, not needing her notes.
“I have time to take a few questions,” Ashley said.
A woman’s hand shot up.
“Yes?”
“Where did you get your dress? It’s stunning.”
“A new, young designer made it for me. Bronwyn is a local girl, and I love her work.”
“Where is your fiancé?” another woman asked.
Ashley’s smile faltered before she shored it up enough to project confidence. “He had another engagement, so he’s running late, but he should be here soon.”
Josh's Fake Fiancee (Military Men Book 5) Page 11