Always Been Mine

by Elizabeth Reyes

  Romero rushed in the door, almost colliding into Alex. “I gotta talk to you.”

  Alex pointed to the phone and held up a finger. “Listen, babe—”

  “Is that Valerie?”

  Alex turned back to Romero irritated and nodded. “Put her on speaker. She should hear this.”

  The dread seeped in slowly. He stared at Romero. This wasn’t going to be good. He could tell by Romero’s anxious disposition. “Valerie, I’m gonna put you on speaker. Romero’s here. He wants you to hear.”

  Romero walked over to the door and closed it.

  “What?”

  “Just listen.” Alex pressed speaker and held it up for Romero.

  “We got a date. Shit, we got his entire fucking calendar.” Romero smiled, smug. “Mr. X found it. It has all the dates this guy’s confronted Valerie. He has a small V on every one. If we had had this when he attacked her at the apartment, we would have known before hand, because he sets it up in his calendar ahead of time. The next one is Monday.”

  “Monday?” Both Alex and Valerie spoke at the same time.

  “What’s going on Monday?” Alex asked.

  “I don’t know.” Romero said. “But all the other dates had a small V in black in the corner. This one has a big V in red takes up the whole square.” Romero looked back down at the phone. “You have anything special planned for Monday, Val?”

  “No… nothing.”

  “Think, baby. Any properties you showing? Or any events going on?” Alex’s own mind raced as he asked trying to think if she’d mentioned anything or if they’d made any plans.

  “Oh, wait.”

  Alex’s insides were already in knots. Whatever it was, she was canceling.

  “I have an interview.”

  “With who?” Alex asked.

  “Where?” Romero added.

  Alex heard her sigh. “I didn’t want to say anything until I knew for sure. Luke got me an interview with someone from corporate. It’s in downtown San Diego. They’re looking for someone to manage a second office that will be opening up here in La Jolla. That’s what those breakfasts were about. He didn’t want to talk about it in the office. I’m the only one he’s recommending.”

  His hand squeezed the phone a little tighter. What else was Luke willing to try to get in Valerie’s good graces?

  “If I get the position, it means I won’t be working with him anymore.”

  “You’re not going.” As good as Valerie leaving Luke’s office for good sounded, she wasn’t leaving his side Monday. Bruce would have to go through him to get to her, and that was final.

  “But Luke pulled strings to get this interview for me. Don’t you see, I won’t have to see him everyday anymore. I thought that’s what you wanted.”

  “Not if it means putting you at risk. Reschedule it.”

  “Alex I told you-”

  “Wait.” Romero looked excited. “Valerie, when did you find out about the interview?”

  “Just this morning, Luke called to tell me about it.”

  “Then that’s probably when he’s planning it. Mr. X said he came across the calendar last night. But the big V wasn’t in the calendar until he checked it about an hour ago.” He turned to Alex, eyes lit up. “We can set up a trap.”

  “No way. She’s not going anywhere, Monday.”

  “It could work, Alex,” Valerie chimed in.

  “Hell no!” He’d give in to Valerie on a lot of things, but not this. He took her off speaker and brought the phone to his ear. “It’s not happening, Z. Understand? You’ll be with me all day Monday. Even if it means I have to handcuff you to me.”

  “Just what gives you the right-”

  “I’ll tell your dad.” Oh yeah, he was pulling out the big guns now. If she wasn’t listening to him, he was sure her dad would have a thing or two to say about this. In his state he knew that’s the last thing Valerie would want him worrying about. Alex felt a little dirty about the threat, but she left him no choice.

  “You wouldn’t.”

  “Try me.”

  Romero charged him. “Alex, listen to me. This is our chance. You can’t be there with her every minute, forever. You cancel this shit, and his ass will come up with something else. Let’s end this now!”

  Alex put the phone behind his back and turned back to Romero’s face. “Damn it, Romero, I’m not putting her up as bait, so think up something else!”

  “You can be there!” Romero stood his ground. “I might have a plan. But if you think this psycho’s gonna give up just like that you’re nuts. Let’s get him now.”

  As much as he hated the idea, Alex knew Romero had a point. He brought the phone back to his ear.

  “Alex! Are you there?”

  “Yes.”

  Romero stared at him. “Let me and Romero work this out. But we’ll talk tonight, okay?”

  She was quiet for a moment then, “I’m going to that interview.”

  “Yeah, I figured that much.” He glared back at Romero’s dogged stare. “I’ll talk to you tonight…” He turned away from Romero. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  He hung up and loomed over Romero. “This better be good.”

  *

  Romero’s plan was actually not half bad. They’d have Valerie park her car in Alex’s attached garage Sunday night so that Monday morning Bruce wouldn’t see Alex slip in the back seat. Hank and Steve weren’t going to be the only ones tailing them. Romero was going to put a few more guys on the job.

  He was also working closely with Mr. X trying to find more details to Bruce’s plan. Today he’d be driving down to the building where Valerie would be interviewed to get an exact visual of what they were facing. He said he would plan a place for each of them to park so they’d have Valerie covered from every angle.

  Alex had to admit he was little impressed with how fast Romero had come up with a plan. He filled Valerie in on it last night when he went to see her at her dad’s. She didn’t seem nearly as apprehensive about this as Alex was. The only good thing was that Alex would be there the whole time. He’d been so immersed filling Valerie in on the plan and making absolutely sure she would be prepared for Monday, he nearly forgot to ask anything about Luke.

  His concerns about Luke had lost a little steam, especially after learning about Valerie’s plans to leave the office and why she’d met him for breakfast. Even the seminar today had moved down on Alex’s list of most screaming worries. He still had this wedding dinner to deal with.

  Valerie would be at her seminar all day. She’d be out of there by eight tonight, then go back tomorrow in the morning. Hank and Steve were still keeping a close eye on her. Alex wasn’t taking any chances, but he felt fairly certain she’d be safe there.

  Just after eight in the morning, Alex headed into the restaurant. He had to check on the Birria and make sure it’d be ready on time. They couldn’t afford to screw this up. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint the old man.

  Both Sal’s and Angel’s cars were already there. Angel had only flown back in from his honeymoon last night, and he was already back at work. Angel was opening, but Sal was supposed to be there tonight to work the wedding. He must’ve had the same thought as Alex and decided to come in to check on the food.

  The delectable spicy scent of the Birria hit him almost as soon as he walked in the back door of the restaurant. He headed straight for the kitchen. Sal and Angel were both in there looking into one of the huge pots of Birria. Sal turned when Alex walked in and smiled. “Looks good.”

  “Does it?” Alex welcomed some relief finally.

  “Yeah,” Angel confirmed. “I feel like having some.”

  Sal started toward the door. Angel was still picking at the food. Sal lifted his eyebrows at Alex. Damn. The moment of relief hadn’t lasted long before having to think about what he had to do now.

  Sal tapped him on the shoulder. “You gotta tell him.”

  Even though this might be something that would
hopefully be over on Monday, Alex couldn’t chance it. He’d never forgive himself if anything happened to Sarah, and he hadn’t warned Angel at all.

  Some of the cooks had just arrived and started things up for breakfast. Alex glanced around. This might get ugly, so he decided the kitchen wasn’t the best place to have this conversation.

  “Angel, you got a minute? I need to talk to you.”

  Angel didn’t bother looking away from the pot where he’d pulled a spoonful of meat out and was blowing on it. “Sure, go for it.”

  “In private… it’s about Sarah.”

  Angel turned immediately. Alex knew that would get his attention. If his expression was any indication of what the conversation might be like, he was definitely not looking forward to it.

  They walked out back. Angel had already asked what about, twice. By the time they were outside, Angel had lost his patience.

  “What the hell, Alex. Just tell me.”

  “Relax, it’s not that big a deal.” Alex leaned against his truck wishing he’d put more thought into this.

  “So, tell me.”

  Alex inhaled deeply. “Alright. The night Valerie’s stalker called here, he mentioned Sarah by name.”

  “What?” Angel looked ready to kill. Alex knew the feeling.

  “He mentioned Sofie, too. He was just trying to get in my head. Let me know that he’s done his homework and knows all about me and my family.”

  “What did he say?” Angel demanded.

  Alex filled him in, giving him more details than he’d originally planned but that was only because Angel was so damned adamant. They weren’t even done talking before Angel was on the phone checking on Sarah. She was with her mom, and Angel made her promise she’d stay there until he was off.

  Though he didn’t really think it was necessary, Alex offered to have someone watch her.

  “I don’t want anyone following her. Just make sure you schedule us to work together until this psycho is caught.” He stuck his phone in his holster. “I’ll watch her.”

  Alex tried to reassure him that she’d be okay, but Angel was visibly shaken. Alex understood all too well. He was glad now he’d agreed to go along with Romero’s plan. He wanted this thing over with.

  ***

  The resort was as glamorous on the inside as it was on the outside. The entire theme was tropical, from the enormous salt-water aquarium in the front entrance to the vast assorted plant life that decorated every inch of the hotel. Valerie had been to Vegas several times, and this place almost measured up to some of the more sensational casinos she’d been in.

  She walked through the place, feeling excitement build as she glanced around. This was such a welcome retreat from all the stress of the past week. Before she left her dad’s house that morning, she made him promise he’d behave. She and Norma went over her dad’s lunch and dinner menu. Norma laughed, saying her ears would be ringing when she served him his less than exciting, healthy lunch.

  Luke had given her the meet-and-greet pass ahead of time, in case he was running late. It was a good thing too, because he’d been a no-show. She wondered if perhaps he’d only gotten her a pass and not himself. Had he only said they were both going to get to Alex? The way he acted that night, she wouldn’t put it past him.

  The first part of the seminar was everything she’d expected. George Stone didn’t disappoint. He was as moving as all the books she’d read. His wit was just as quick as in his books even with the impromptu questions he took from the audience.

  Valerie was surprised she still hadn’t seen Luke. The first break came. They had an enormous set up. Bagels, pastries fruit juices, coffee, and this was just a break. She could only imagine what lunch and dinner would be like.

  She sat at a table with her bagel and coffee lost in thought, George Stone’s amazing speech still on her mind. Feeling like she was being watched, she glanced up and saw the guy across the room. He looked younger but his eyes were very penetrating. She remembered these hard-ass guys back in college, trying to intimidate with their sexy stares—much like Luke’s—but she was way past that.

  He made his way to her table, and she looked away. There had been plenty of times she had to reject guys, and she prepared to be nice. When he reached her table, he smiled. It wasn’t a bad smile. He was tall, and very handsome.

  “Hey, I noticed you the moment I walked in. I haven’t heard a word George Stone has said.” He reached out his hand. “You’re breathtaking. I’m Abel, what’s your name?”

  Valerie shook his hand and smiled. “Valerie, and thank you, but I’m practically married.”

  “Practically? I like that. Means you’re still technically available.”

  “Nope, means she’s unavailable, asshole.”

  Valerie nearly spit up her last bite of bagel. Bruce wore a suit and tie, blending in right along with all the others there to see George Stone. He stood a few inches taller than Abel, nose to nose. “I appreciate your taste in women but this one’s ALL mine.”

  Abel backed off, putting his hands in the air. “I meant no disrespect. I’m sorry.” He gave Valerie a quick rueful smile and walked away.

  Valerie sat frozen in her chair. Bruce took the one beside her, cradling her chair between his legs. “Have you seen the suite yet?”

  Her breathe was caught somewhere between her throat and her chest. “What suite?”

  “The one lover-boy got for you? It’s pretty cool.” He stood up, holding his hand out. “Let’s go check it out. This place is going to be on lockdown soon anyway.”

  “What?” Her heart pounded wildly.

  “Moreno’s is busy today.” He tapped his pocket. “You wouldn’t want it blowing up on a day like this now would you?”

  “What are you talking about?” Her heart felt like it was going to rip through her chest. She glanced at her purse, thinking of the taser gun and phone that sat in it. She glances back at Bruce.

  His menacing eyes stared at her, pleased. He leaned over, closing in on her face and stopping when she flinched. “Be pleasant, darling. We have an audience… a small inept audience at that, but an audience nonetheless.” He tilted his head. “You always knew this day would come, didn’t you?” His eyes twinkled with malice now. “I always did.”

  “What are you talking about—blowing up Moreno’s?” She demanded as she stood.

  He stood with her and hushed her, leaning in and reaching for her hand. “Now, now I’m a reasonable man, Valerie. I’d say I’ve been very patient. Nothing is going to happen to Moreno’s if you just do as I say.” She pulled her hand away. Bruce tapped his pocket again. “It’s up to you, Valerie. Take my hand and come with me, or we’ll be hearing about the tragedy at Moreno’s on the news very shortly. But first,” He leaned in close enough so that she could smell the liquor on his breath, “kiss me.”

  “Go to hell,” she hissed, backing away.

  He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. “You’re trying my patience,” he hissed back, then kissed her brusquely. Valerie closed her lips tightly, her thoughts going wild with worry. Would Bruce really do something to Alex? She concentrated on staying calm but at this point, she was close to screaming.

  “Let’s go.”

  Valerie grabbed her purse off the table and walked alongside Bruce.

  “Good girl. You’ll see, everything’s going to be just fine.”

  There was a commotion near the entrance of the hotel and Valerie turned to see what was happening. Bruce didn’t seem at all interested. Instead, he tugged her along, picking up his pace. A security guard rushed past them in the opposite direction. Bodies began to hurry in either direction and voices started to buzz all around them.

  “What’s happening, Bruce?” She tugged at his hand but he held it tightly. “Where are you taking me?”

  “Oh, you’ll see in just a few minutes. Don’t worry about what’s happening, Val. It’s all part of my plan.”

  She stared at his evil smile. Alex had told her many times if she
ever got caught in a scenario like this to fight her way out no matter what she had to do. Never get in a vehicle with anyone attempting to kidnap her. But Bruce wasn’t headed outside. He was headed for the elevators.

  CHAPTER 30

  The energy drink Alex had did nothing to energize him. The past few nights without Valerie, he’d hardly got any sleep, and it was really starting to weigh heavy on him. He could hardly wait to have her back in his bed.

  Everything was set for the wedding, and they were ahead of schedule. Even the food was coming along very nicely. It wasn’t until he was on his way down from checking on the banquet room, and heard Sal paging him over the sound system, that he realized he’d left his phone in the office.

  Alex you’ve got a call on line one.

  Alex rushed to the phone. Sal wouldn’t page him unless it was urgent. The adrenaline immediately kicked in as he picked up the phone.

  “This is, Alex.”

  “Hey, Hank’s been trying to call you.” Romero’s voice was troubled.

  “Why what’s wrong?” Alex asked his chest already constricting.

  “Something’s going on at the resort. They’re evacuating everyone. Steve saw Valerie leave, holding hands with a man, but it wasn’t Luke.”

  Fear and other unknown emotions bolted through him. “Leave where? In a car?” Sal walked out of the office, and Alex motioned for him to bring him his cell.

  “No, they walked out of the dining area where she’d been sitting having coffee by herself. But listen to me, Alex. He’s on to us. He’s been on to us for a while. That’s why he hadn’t changed the emails. The calendar Mr. X found was a ploy. He mocked up a calendar to throw us off. Mr. X picked up his real trail just a few minutes ago. He’s been planning this for a while.”