Ryker

by Trent, Emily Jane

  Iris laughed. “That’s an understatement. The guy is a total hunk, and you know it. Plus, he’s sleeping in the bedroom next to you every night.”

  “You don’t have to tell me,” Mia said. Each night, she thought of Ryker so close. The electricity between them couldn’t be denied, but that didn’t make getting intimate a good idea. “I’m resisting. That’s all I need is a messy relationship, while all this other stuff is going on.”

  Mia needed to focus on the business at hand, which was keeping her company profitable. And the meeting with the advisory group for the board was very soon.

  *****

  The morning of the meeting, Mia changed clothes three times. She couldn’t make up her mind what to wear. She ended up calling Iris. “Should I go with a suit, look formal and all-business? Or is casual better?”

  “Be yourself,” Iris said. “The members want to meet you and, to a degree, will base their decision on whether you connect with them. That’s how it works these days.”

  That was sage advice, but Mia wasn’t sure what being herself meant anymore. With so much change, it was difficult to gain firm footing. It seemed that one day she’d been a struggling student, and the next she was expected to manage a high-profile company.

  Some days, it was too much. Mia thought about what was at stake; that was what kept her going. Eddie and other children were unaware of the pressures of her career. Yet they depended on her to come through for them.

  Ryker cooked breakfast, but Mia was too nervous to eat. “I’ll just have coffee.” He looked yummy enough to eat in his polo shirt and slacks. But she couldn’t afford any distractions.

  “You look nice.”

  “You think this will work?” Mia had chosen a satin blouse and matching pants in a soft fabric. “I’m hoping to look professional, yet approachable.”

  Ryker handed her a cup of coffee. “I don’t understand all the nuances of how to dress to impress. But I’m sure the members will admire your choice of outfit.”

  “That’s not the point,” Mia said. “This meeting is a big deal. It’s not with the Board of Education, as that organization doesn’t meet directly. There is an advisory group of parents and community members. What the group recommends carries a lot of weight.”

  Ryker sat across from her. “I suppose that makes sense. It’s a way for the officials to understand what’s wanted in the educational system.”

  “I have to make them see the advantages of my product,” Mia said. “But James will be there. He’s on the board and volunteered to represent them.” That was what she dreaded most.

  After dumping the dishes in the sink, Ryker drove her to the meeting. He wouldn’t allow anyone else to take over security on such an important day. He’d told her that he wanted to be there for moral support. On the way, Mia rehearsed what she’d say for the hundredth time. She was a bundle of nerves.

  When Mia arrived, it was good to see that Griffen and Iris were already there. At least she didn’t have to do this alone. The room was like most school meeting rooms, with a long Formica table and aluminum chairs with beige plastic seats. The walls were dirty white, and the floor was linoleum.

  For a moment, Mia was back in school. All her young years she’d felt trapped by the dull atmosphere of the educational system, the struggle to learn. She understood what students endured, and remembering that fueled her purpose to do something about it.

  Gradually, the members of the advisory board filtered in. Mia noticed that each member looked at her, as if deciding whether she was acceptable. In general, the members were parents concerned for their children’s education. She hoped to demonstrate the value of what she had to offer.

  The overall tone was conservative, which was expected in such a forum. Mia could work with that; she’d become skilled at presenting from all the interactions with investors. Speaking to a group of parents shouldn’t be so bad.

  And it wouldn’t have been, except for the one person whose arrival she dreaded.

  A middle-aged woman wearing tortoiseshell glasses ran the proceedings. Her name was Sarah, and she gave a short rundown of her duties. Mia introduced herself, along with Griffen and Iris, letting the group know their roles and that they were the core of her team.

  Ryker stood by the door, looking very former military. He received a scrutinizing look.

  “This is Ryker Johnson from Black Swan Protection. He will be observing.” Mia smiled at the group. “It is part of the corporate world to have executive protection.” She didn’t mention any of the recent news stories about her and was relieved that no questions about that were asked.

  Mia had brought a slide presentation, so she set that up with Griffen’s assistance, while Iris interacted with a few of the members. So far, the group seemed amenable to hearing what Mental Magic was about and what the software could do for students with learning difficulties.

  Detailing the software and its use would be the central part of the presentation. Mia was proficient with that, since she’d done it so many times to gain financial support. In many ways, this event would be so much easier. It was more low-key than making her case to potential investors asking pointed questions to judge whether to risk their money.

  James arrived late, which was likely intentional. It was his habit to orchestrate personal interactions, so he was the center of attention. When he entered the room, all eyes were on him. He looked cool as a cucumber as he strolled over to the table.

  He wore a tailored charcoal suit with a light blue shirt, making Mia wish that she’d opted for a business suit instead of her casual outfit. His thick hair was nicely groomed, his close beard shaved to perfection. Turning on the charm, he went to Sarah, greeting her as though she was a close friend.

  With a practiced smile, James held her hand sandwiched between his, exuding warmth. Sarah blushed then turned to the group to introduce him. Most of the members seemed to know him, or at least knew who he was, since he was on the board.

  Mia’s thoughts flashed to a movie she’d seen years before about Ted Bundy. All who’d known him had described him as a charming man. He’d been a volunteer at a suicide hotline and a college graduate. It seemed that not one person saw through his façade or suspected that he was serial killer. She’d marveled at how a psycho could hide his true nature from the outside world.

  Watching James in action wasn’t so different. Mia blinked and looked away; she was freaking herself out. Her ex-husband wasn’t a murderer…surely. He was a manipulator, able to turn sentiment to his favor with seeming ease. She made a note to be cautious of him, as he was in rare form at the meeting.

  In no hurry, James went around the table, shaking hands with each attendee. He was buttering them up, but that didn’t seem apparent to anyone but Mia. She shuddered to think about all the times he’d done something similar. It hadn’t led to anything good.

  With a flourish, James took a seat at last. Only then did he acknowledge the presence of Mia and her team. The intentional slight was for effect; he clearly hoped to put her at a disadvantage from the start. “Mia,” he said with a cursory nod.

  It didn’t go unnoticed that he addressed her by first name only, even though she was the presenter. It demonstrated a lack of respect. He glanced at her team members but offered no greeting. And he completely ignored Ryker, as if her protection didn’t exist.

  Mia’s stomach was in a knot. She rose from her chair and began the presentation, pretending that James wasn’t glaring at her. She went through the slides, speaking clearly and with confidence. She went over the schedule for the distribution of the learning tool into schools.

  The concept was to provide a summer program for the youth in need, before testing in the fall. For some of the students, it would be a last chance before being held back again. She stressed the need for important learning outcomes, such as giving a child a strong sense of identity and making them feel connected, able to contribute to the world around them.

  She shared her personal story, telling
what it had been like for her in similar circumstances, yet how she’d managed to develop a tool that turned things around for her. The concept of her company was to implement that very tool, only greatly refined and improved, into the school system.

  Then she talked about students she interacted with, ones she’d personally worked with in testing the program. She didn’t want to talk about a vague student body, faceless and nameless. She spoke of Eddie and the gains that he’d made, without chancing a glance at James, already knowing she’d find a look of disdain.

  She ended with a plea for the committee’s support and voiced her concern for other children like Eddie. It would be heartless to deny those students the assistance that was available. Then she smiled at the group and took her seat.

  She glanced at Ryker, who watched with a look of pride. It felt good to have him there. She could feel his support and appreciated it. He understood what she was fighting for, and that meant so much to her.

  Griffen spoke next, backing up what Mia had said. He provided some statistics from the program tests, evidence of the tool’s workability. He managed to discuss any lack in the current educational system without maligning efforts that had been made.

  He made a case for relieving some of their burden, bringing to attention that Mental Magic was on their side. It was all about educating the youth. He told the group that the purpose was to create confident and involved learners, who grew up to be effective communicators.

  Mia perceived a favorable reception from the committee—until James stood up. He looked at Mia with challenge in his eyes. She held her breath, fearing what was next—although certain of what was coming. In a power stance, shoulders back and head high, James studied the group.

  His expression when he looked around bordered on pity. He acted as though he was an interested friend, concerned that they’d be misled. Mia marveled at his skill with intimidation. The piercing look at each member made them shrink into their seats.

  While he claimed to understand the desire to assist young students, he felt obligated to share the truth. That was odd, coming from a man who could lie without conscience. But only Mia knew that; the parents around the table appeared interested to hear where they’d erred in judgment.

  It was a marvel to watch James perform. His skill at manipulation was unrivaled. Mia had experienced it firsthand too many times. The way he garnered trust, how he looked like the epitome of honesty, and the clever way he spoke.

  Mia cringed inside. The longer James went on, the more she felt her chances of gaining support slip away. He was good at what he did; she’d give him that. When he was finally finished, Sarah adjourned the meeting, stating that the committee would review all the information then make a recommendation to the board.

  Once outside, Mia turned to Ryker, and he put his arm around her. “You were great in there. It’s going to be fine…you’ll see.” She leaned against his strong chest, wishing that James would disappear into a black hole and she wouldn’t have to see him anymore.

  Griffen and Iris walked out to the parking lot with them. There wasn’t much else to say. It was a matter of waiting to see what the advisory committee decided. “We’ll see you at the office,” Iris said, then left with Griffen.

  Mia was about to walk the other way when Ryker stepped in front of her. Looking up, she understood why. James was headed their way. The nerve of that asshole. After undermining her efforts, he thought he could talk to her. She’d give him a piece of her mind, that was for sure.

  James came within a foot of her, then smirked. “You won’t give up on this delusion that you can help remedial students…will you, Mia?”

  The way he said it made her tremble with anger. He spoke to her as if she was a child. While she’d been with him, he’d persisted in making her question her own reality. She’d become anxious, yet he’d put it all on her—until she wondered if she was being too sensitive.

  She’d felt like everything she did was wrong, not seeing that he was gradually convincing her of that. It was always her fault when things went wrong, and she’d found herself apologizing. That was before she’d come to her senses and caught on to his tactics.

  Mia saw through him; he couldn’t do that to her—ever again.

  “You heartless bastard,” Mia said, stepping closer. “You’d trash a program that could help your own nephew. You’d sacrifice Eddie’s future for your own self-centered reasons.”

  James stiffened. “That boy is not my blood; he can’t be. He’s my sister’s problem. She chose the father, so she has to live with it. It’s not my fault he has his father’s genes.”

  James couldn’t embrace the idea that he had any faults. He pointed the finger at another, unwilling to see any deficiency on his part. It was remarkable, really. Mia was speechless.

  Ryker took Mia’s arm. “She has nothing more to say to you. And I suggest you leave her alone, or you’ll be dealing with me. Your days of abuse are over.” With his arm around Mia, he turned toward the car and walked away, leaving James standing on the asphalt.

  “That son of a bitch is on borrowed time,” Ryker said. “He’d better back off while he has the opportunity.”

  *****

  For the next few days, it was fairly quiet. Mia wondered if James would finally stop harassing her. She wasn’t a woman alone, one he thought he could force into submission. It felt good to have Ryker with her, better than she could have anticipated.

  She remembered Ryker putting James in his place. It had been satisfying to watch. But it was too soon for optimism. James might have done too much damage already. It remained to be seen what the advisory board would decide.

  If the educational system wouldn’t implement her learning tool, Mia could take it to the corporate world. Its use wasn’t limited to the young. She planned to expand into other areas once she’d helped students who needed it. It would be valuable in training employees or providing a way to efficiently learn a new technology.

  Its uses were only limited by the imagination. Yet Mia couldn’t get excited about any of that until she’d achieved what she set out to do. The thought of being blocked from helping children saddened her. She couldn’t allow that to happen, and prayed that the parents had seen through James’s charade.

  It was the end of the week, and Mia sat at her desk, disappointed that she’d had no feedback from the advisory committee yet. It was likely that she’d receive some notice as a courtesy, even though the group’s obligation was to the board.

  Waiting was difficult, so she tried to immerse herself in work, but with the board’s decision hanging in the balance, she found it hard to focus. She welcomed the weekend, hoping that Ryker would be around. She’d like to do something enjoyable, anything to take her mind off worrying about the outcome of the meeting.

  Her phone vibrated and she grabbed it, thinking it might be Ryker arranging a time to pick her up. But it was James.

  “Unbelievable.” Mia shouldn’t have answered, but she was furious. “What else could you possibly have to say?”

  James chuckled, an irritating sound. “Oh, Mia. Will you never learn? You can’t beat me at this game, and you’d be better off cooperating.”

  “Cooperating?”

  “Yes, if you want me to back you up, you’ll need to cancel the divorce,” James said. “That requires filing a motion to dismiss it. And you only have a couple of weeks left, so all these delays are working against you.”

  “You’ve lost your mind.”

  “No, I don’t think so,” James said, shifting into a tone of intimidation. “It’s in your best interest to come back to me, even though I don’t know why I’d even consider taking you back after all you’ve done.”

  Mia was too stunned to hang up.

  “I’ll assist you in running your company, since clearly you’re struggling with that,” James said. “We can pretend that none of this ever happened. I have a generous spirit, and that’s fortunate for you.” He paused. “We belong together. No one will love you
like I do.”

  “Fuck off,” Mia said, surprising herself.

  “Now, now,” James said. “I see that you need persuading. I have more photos of you that I am sure your boyfriend won’t appreciate. I’ll expose them publicly, with text messages, emails, private letters…all of it.”

  Mia floundered to understand. What could he possibly have?

  “I’m giving you until Monday to agree to my terms,” James said. “Or I’ll take what I want my way. And I guarantee that you won’t like it.”

  The call ended, and Mia stared at the phone as if it was a snake. She couldn’t think of what to do, how to purge James from her life. If she didn’t do it soon, her life would be destroyed. He’d just issued the ultimate threat: do what I say, or else. She hadn’t forgotten the brutality he’d used before to enforce his wishes. She had no doubt that James intended to take over her company—right after he manipulated himself back into her life.

  Chapter 10

  Ryker sat at his desk, fuming over the ultimatum. Whatever James had planned, he had to be stopped. He assumed he’d get away with bullying, but he’d have to get through Ryker first. The backstabbing way James had of getting what he wanted was infuriating.

  If Ryker had his way, he’d beat the crap out of James to teach him a lesson. But that was only wishful thinking. The deadline loomed, making Mia frantic to know what was going to happen. Yet Ryker had other concerns about James.

  The asshole was a stalker. The executive protection business was about keeping a client in the public eye safe, which included handling unwanted pursuit behavior. Amanda was an expert in the area, having made it her business to understand such threats.

  Ryker headed for her desk to discuss Mia’s case. He noticed Jake leaning on Amanda’s desk, looking annoyed. Sometimes the two were like siblings, arguing and bickering. “I didn’t tell you that,” Jake said.