Derek (Hunter PI & Security #1)

by Sharon Cummin

  Then they were gone, and it was just Bridget and me again. I watched her reaction as each person walked in. When she tensed, it wasn't huge. Most people wouldn't notice, but I did. She even tensed when John walked up, and he'd worked with Gabe from the day the company started. The only person she didn't go tense around was Doug, but he'd never said anything about her or the two of them. I also noticed that she didn't tense when she asked if I needed anything.

  Bridget picked up the phone and called someone. I could hear her laughing and couldn't help but wonder if it was her man. She'd said she was pregnant, and I'd heard her say the words business and ultrasound. Then I wondered if he knew about whatever it was that made her react the way she did to men? Maybe he was the cause. She was trying to talk so I wouldn't hear her. Then she let out a loud laugh and quickly looked over her shoulder at me before hanging up the phone.

  The door opened, and she instantly turned to me with fear in her eyes. It was the asshole from the day before. I lifted my glasses slightly so she could see me and nodded my head. Then I grabbed my phone quickly and called Doug.

  “Hello,” Doug answered.

  “He's here,” was all I said before hanging up.

  He walked up to the desk Bridget was standing behind, and she backed up until she was just in front of me. The only thing separating us was a tiny cubicle type wall.

  “It's okay,” I whispered, as I stepped around her desk area so I was much closer to him.

  “Where is she?” he snapped toward Bridget.

  “She doesn't want to see you,” she answered with a shaky voice.

  “Get that bitch down here right now,” he snapped out even louder. “That one asshole can stay away. I knew she still had a thing for him.”

  The fucker was drunk.

  “I can't believe she came here. She said she didn't want anything to do with him. Who gets with their brother's best friend? That slut does.”

  “Enough,” I growled out, as I stepped closer. “You need to leave.”

  “Who the fuck do you think you are?” he growled back at me.

  The asshole had balls, I'd give him that. I couldn't help but wonder if he was talking shit just because he was drunk though.

  “I'm the one standing here telling you to leave,” I said, as I stepped even closer.

  I heard the elevator ding behind me and knew from the reaction of the guy in front of me that Doug had just walked out.

  “I said he needed to stay away,” the asshole yelled. “I don't know what you have going with my wife.”

  “Ex wife,” Doug snapped, as he got closer. “She is your ex wife. I don't know what you did to her to make her react the way she did yesterday, but if I find out you ever touched her, I will crush you with my bare hands.”

  I saw a sad look cross Bridget's face from the corner of my eye but knew I needed to keep my attention on the little punk in front of me. Did he honestly think he was going to take on a SEAL? He didn't know, but that didn't matter.

  “Your the reason we aren't together,” the drunk guy yelled. “It was you. You were always in the way. If it weren't for you, she'd be right where she needs to be. I know that bitch has money, and I'm going to get it, just like I got everything else.”

  “You need to stop talking now,” I said, cutting him off before he called her anything else.

  “Oh yeah,” he said. “What are you going to do about it? I'll sue your ass if you touch me.”

  I took that final step forward. There was not an inch between us. That was it. He lifted his arm and punched up. I caught his hand before he even came close to my face and squeezed it with mine. He cried out and lifted his other hand, but before he could get me, my free hand connected with the side of his face, and he hit the floor. I looked over at Bridget whose eyes were open wide. I bent down to make sure he was breathing. Then I took out my phone and called the police. Doug stayed behind me with a look of confusion on his face.

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” I asked.

  “What did he mean?” he asked. “How could I have been between them?”

  I looked over at Bridget who raised her eyebrows and shook her head. Then I looked back at him and shook my own head.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I can't imagine,” I said. “It's clear that you two can't stand each other.”

  “Exactly,” he said. “This fucker isn't giving up. He came all the way here for a pile of cash.”

  I stood above the guy making sure he stayed where he belonged. Bridget walked up beside me with a wet cloth. That was when I noticed my hand bleeding.

  “Thank you,” I said, and she nodded before going back to her desk.

  The police walked in just as the guy was waking up. They looked at me and then down at him.

  “I'm security for the building,” I said, and one cop nodded. “He'll be okay in a bit. He was in here yesterday causing trouble for his ex wife. Then he showed up today, drunk and very verbal, and took two swings at me. He just needs to sleep it off.”

  I looked back at Doug.

  “You need to file some papers so he can't come in here again. We also need to get his ass on a plane out of here.”

  “What about when he gets there?” Doug asked. “I need him watched. I don't want him messing with her stuff, and I want to know exactly what he's up to.”

  “Because you can't stand her?” I asked.

  “Don't be an asshole,” he said.

  “I've met a few people in the business, and one is from Michigan. I'll get you his number,” I said.

  Bridget was taking it all in but she hadn't said a word. By the time the police took the asshole away, he was up and walking. I think he was too drunk to feel the pain. When they took him out of the building, Doug turned to Bridget.

  “After your appointment, take her to lunch and then back to the house,” he said, and she nodded. Then he looked over at me. “Thank you.”

  “It's my job,” I answered, not wanting him to make a big deal out of it. “Once she leaves, I'll get one of my guys down here, and we can go take care of everything.”

  Doug nodded and turned to Bridget.

  “You okay?” he asked, and she nodded. “We're going to keep someone down here for a bit. I want to make sure he doesn't hop on another plane and come back.”

  I made sure to stand right behind her so she knew everything was okay. It could have been a lot worse. I was just glad I didn't have to pull my gun on the piece of shit. If he came back again, I wouldn't be nearly as nice. I was pretty sure when the drunk factor wore off, he was going to feel it in his face and his hand, but that wasn't my problem. He deserved what he got and a whole lot more.

  The elevator doors opened at noon and Gabby came out with a huge smile on her face and pep in her step.

  “What's that about?” Bridget asked as soon as Gabby looked over at me. “Don't you dare mess with him.”

  Gabby smiled wider just as she reached Bridget.

  “I'm serious,” Bridget said, as she looked up at me, silently begging me not to speak. “He's had a busy morning. Leave the poor guy alone.”

  “Busy morning?” Gabby asked, as she looked me up and down.

  Gabe was always a jokester, and I was beginning to think his twin was just like him.

  “Come on,” Bridget said, as she pulled Gabby's arm.

  The elevator doors opened, and an older woman walked out and over to Bridget's desk to take her place in the lobby.

  “Make sure you take care of the big man,” Gabby said. “He's been standing like that since I got here.”

  “Would you move,” Bridget snapped. “I don't want to be late.”

  She pulled Gabby out the door as quickly as she could. One of my guys came out of the elevator with Doug just seconds after they left. It would take us a couple of hours to take care of everything, and then we'd be rid of the asshole, as least for a little while.

  When we stepped out onto the sidewalk, the girls were pulling out. Gabby looked at Doug and
stuck out her tongue, and Bridget reached over and smacked her on the arm as she laughed.

  “Those two are something else,” I said.

  “You have no idea,” Doug said.

  Chapter 7

  Derek

  Doug hired the investigator I'd given him the number for to watch the asshole after we sent him off on a plane. He didn't give a shit about Gabby, but he was paying a huge chunk of change for her ex to be tracked. He wanted to see what kind of life the guy lived and if he thought the punk would come back.

  For two weeks, I stood behind Bridget all day long. The only time I stepped away was to eat lunch, and my brother was the one who took my place. I knew the guy wasn't coming because my brother was tracking him to make sure he didn't hop on another plane. The only way we wouldn't know he was coming was if he drove, and I was hoping the guy Doug hired would catch that. So, I pretty much knew there was no threat. Yet I stood behind her wondering what her life was like, where she lived, and what kind of man she would have for her baby's father. It was none of my business, but what else was I going to do standing there? She needed to feel safe, and so did everyone else in the building. What really fucked with my head was when she popped into my mind while I was trying to fall asleep at night. That shit was not okay, and it never would be. Work and Jenny, I told myself every single time Bridget came into my thoughts. Think about work and your little girl.

  I needed to get back to normal. Standing in the lobby wasn't cutting it. Before you even think it, I knew I could have sent one of my guys down, but I didn't. Gabe had given me a chance to start over and do good for my daughter and our future. There was no way I was letting anything happen to or at the place he'd spent every minute building. Two long weeks was how long it took for Doug to feel safe about me not being right there. Gabby's ex led a pretty boring life, and we were pretty sure we'd know if he was coming. I made sure Doug knew I was only a quick call away, but I couldn't wait to jump back into a case, even if it was only a cheating spouse, and you know how much I loved those. I was done watching the front door, and I was done thinking about Bridget. Her man could be the one to do that. I was no good at that shit. It was time for me to get my life back to normal, what normal had become for me anyway.

  Some things returned to the way they were. I spent my time at work and with my girl. We even went out to meet up with other kids when I was home. When I was in my office, I buried myself in my work.

  Some things didn't return to normal. Each morning, I wanted to walk right through the lobby like I had for so long, but I couldn't do it. At first, I found myself saying a quick hi as I walked through. Then I began to walk a bit slower for a whole hello. As the days went on, I saw a small grin on her face as her quiet hi turned into a louder hello as well. Then her tiny grin began turning into a whole smile. I began stopping just for a minute to ask how she was. She'd look away from her work just long enough to answer. Then I found myself making sure she was gone before me at night. It was just a safety thing. That was all. I never let her know, and I'm pretty sure she never noticed either. I stayed longer than I wanted at times, that woman could work. I did get a lot done, so I guess maybe I should have thanked her.

  Bridget's belly grew little by little, and the smile on her face grew brighter and bigger. Before long, I found myself wondering what she'd look like when she was closer to having the baby? She was so tiny, so it was definitely going to be a sight. I couldn't help but think about how happy her and her man must have been. I thought back to the planning and waiting for Jenny to arrive. It truly was the happiest time in my life.

  After four and a half months, I was still looking forward to seeing her smiling face in the lobby each morning. Her belly was huge, and she waddled when she walked. She looked happier than she had when I'd first stood behind her in that lobby. As soon as I'd open the door, she'd look up and beat me to saying hello. It wasn't like when John or anyone else walked in. With me, she seemed relaxed. I couldn't help but wonder if she noticed too. It made me feel good knowing that she felt comfortable and safe. I guess it made my day a little brighter. Before you start thinking, it was nothing more than that. She had a man, and I was more than happy being alone. I wanted no part of a relationship, and I never would again.

  Gabby's time was up, she was free to go. It was obvious in the way Doug acted. He was a total ass and had been for a couple of weeks. I was just saying good morning to Bridget when Doug walked in with a pissed look on his face.

  “What's wrong with you?” I asked.

  “Not a thing,” he said, trying to fake a smile. “She'll be gone before you know it. I'm so damn happy.”

  Without another word, he walked by me, and I could hear him smack his finger against the elevator button.

  “You sure?” I asked him, as I looked at Bridget.

  “Couldn't be happier,” he said. “The quicker she's gone the better.”

  As soon as the doors closed with him safely inside, I let out a laugh, and Bridget's eyes shot up to mine. I had my shades on like always, so she couldn't really see them.

  “What is wrong with those two?” she asked. “I still don't know their story.”

  “Really?” I asked. “You and her seem pretty damn close.”

  “She stands by hating him,” she said. “Can't you do some of that hooey of yours and figure it out?”

  “Hooey?” I asked with a smile, and she nodded. “I'm not sure I really want to know what they're hiding.”

  “They're totally into each other. I just hope they realize it before it's too late,” she said, as the smile left her face.

  “You okay?” I asked.

  She nodded but looked back down at her work without another word. I took that as my time to exit. Sometimes I wondered if I could do my hooey, as she called it, and figure out her story, but that was none of my business. Why was I even thinking about it?

  “Can't wait for him to pull that stick out of his ass,” I mumbled, as I waited for the elevator. “Everything just needs to get back to normal around here.”

  Chapter 8

  Derek

  Gabby went back to Michigan and everything around the building was calm. I could tell Bridget was bummed her friend was gone, and even though Doug acted like he was thrilled, the dude was moping around. My job was done. There was no way her ex was coming back, I knew that for sure. I thought about what it would be like for her back home, but I had the biggest feeling that Doug would be watching.

  I sat back in my chair and looked out the window thinking about how busy things had been and how messed up I'd let my head get. It was time for a break. If I took some time off but stayed close to home, it would give me a chance to see how my brother would do handling things without me. It would also give me time with my little girl. Then it came to me. I got on my computer and spent the next two hours making arrangements. I called the guys into the conference room and let them know Drake would be in charge for the next week. They seemed a bit surprised but were totally cool with it. Drake, on the other hand, shook his head and stood up.

  “I don't think so,” he said. “I'm not sure about this.”

  “Sit,” I snapped, and was surprised when he actually did it. “I'll be around if you need anything. You can do this. You run this office all the damn time. I believe in you. It's time for you to believe in you too. I'll only be a call away, but I want you to try your best not to call me.”

  “You'll be fine,” Walker spoke up. “We'll be here for you. You've got this. Not a problem.”

  “Of course,” the rest added.

  “You're sure?” Drake asked.

  “Positive,” I said. “I need some time with Jenny all to myself. We need some daddy-daughter time.”

  “What about Jean and Joe?” he asked.

  “I've got it covered,” I said, as I stood up with a smile on my face. “I'll see you fuckers later.”

  Then I was gone. I walked by Bridget before stopping and turning back to her.

  “You work too much,” I
said. “Get your ass home and relax before that baby comes and keeps you up all night.”

  “Is that a smile?” she asked.

  “It is,” I said. “I'm about to have an awesome time with the most beautiful girl in the world.”

  For a second, the smile had slipped from her face. Then it was back. I turned back to the door and started toward it, knowing I needed the time away from the office more than I ever thought.

  “You two have an amazing weekend,” she said, just as I reached for the door.

  “You too,” I said.

  My little girl was turning four and growing faster than I could take. The week ahead would be just what I needed. It would give me time with her and also time to clear my head and focus on what was important. Again, that was her.

  I was up early the next morning and was in the middle of making breakfast when my little girl came out rubbing her eyes.

  “Daddy,” she said, as she looked up to see me cooking. “What are you doing?”

  “I'm making you breakfast,” I answered. “You want to come help?”

  She nodded her head and a smile filled her precious face.

  “Come on,” I said, as I grabbed a chair, pulled it across the floor, and hoisted her up and onto it. “We better hurry. Grandma will be up any minute.”

  “Are you going to work today?” she asked.

  “Not today,” I said. “I'm going to spend the whole day at home.”

  “Really?” she asked, with her smile even brighter. “Can we play barbies?”

  “We can do anything you want,” I said.

  Seeing that look on her face told me cutting back my hours and being at home more was a must. We also needed to get together more often with her friends. She needed more than just grandma and grandpa. They were great, but I was the one that needed to be there. I'd been so concerned with building a company for our future that I was letting time slip right by. That needed to stop.

  “What's all the noise in here?” I heard Jean ask as she walked into the kitchen.

  “What's that smell?” Joe asked from right behind her.