“Don’t laugh, A.J. She’s working on all of us.” Keith chuckled when Aaron nearly choked on the beer he was drinking. Of course, his statement was probably not far from the truth.
Once Ian and Sandy were gone, Keith could finally head home. It wouldn’t have looked really great for the best man to leave before the bride and groom. He was ready for a glass of wine and some soft mellow music. Nobody would ever believe by the gruff persona he portrayed that he ended his night like that. Especially, when he pulled out his Harley in the Spring. Pair that with his leather jacket and biker boots and most people expected beer and heavy metal to be his entertainment.
Keith was glad Ian and Sandy decided to get married at the Hopedale country club. He could have a few drinks and walk home. It was a beautiful night, considering it was mid-April. A little brisk, but nice for a walk. He loved Hopedale, and living in the small town he grew up in gave him peace. Even with all the shit that had gone down over the last few years with his brother’s wives, there was nowhere else he’d rather be.
He marched up to the security gate of his property or as his brothers called it, the compound. Keith bought the property when he was still living in Yellowknife. When he returned home, he had his construction company build his house. He’d also put up bunk houses for his employees to stay when they were in Newfoundland. Although, most of them seemed to be relocating to the quaint town.
He unlocked the gate and was headed inside when his phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his jacket and saw a number he didn’t recognize. It was after midnight which meant it was probably a job, and an urgent one. As much as he would’ve liked to send the call to voicemail, he couldn’t neglect someone that probably needed help.
“Keith O’Connor.” He closed the gate.
“Keith, I need your help. Someone is threatening my family. I need you to protect my daughter.”
Keith froze on the front step of his house. The man sounded completely panicked.
“Give me a minute to get into my house, and you can explain more to me. Can I get your name?” Keith pushed in the code to open his door and quickly ducked inside. After shutting off the alarm, he hurried to his office and dropped into his chair.
“Nelson Bradshaw. Your Aunt Cora told me to call you. You see, my wife’s been missing for the last two weeks. I went to school with Kurt as well, and Cora was a classmate of my wife.” Nelson rambled, and Keith shook his head as he tried to retain all the information he’d just received in less than a minute.
“I’m very sorry about your wife, Mr. Bradshaw. My company has been lending out resources to the Hopedale P.D. in the investigation.” His business had worked with the police for a few years and helped in a lot of investigations. Kurt didn’t hesitate to ask for help when Mrs. Bradshaw went missing.
Newfoundland Security Services had two of the best computer analysts in the province. Probably in the country. His new sister-in-law was probably the best one he had hired, but Gage Hodder, otherwise known as Smash, was a very close second.
Like almost all of the employees at N.S.S, everyone was referred to by their nicknames. He didn’t like his own but didn’t make a big deal about it. After all, he did have red hair, so Rusty worked.
“Thank you for that, but right now I’m scared for my children. Well, more for my oldest daughter. She refuses to stay here at the house where we have security, and she’s living over her salon by herself. You may know her.” Nelson said.
“I don’t think so.” Keith tried to remember being introduced to any of the Bradshaws. They lived in SummerBrook, and it was one of the places he didn’t go ‘fishing’ since it was too close to Hopedale and he knew that his cousins had friends there.
“She owns the salon there in Hopedale.” Nelson sighed.
“I knew Kim had a partner, but I’ve never met her. Kim is my sister-in-law’s sister.”
“Yes, Kim Newman,” Nelson said Kim’s name with what seemed like destain.
“Mr. Bradshaw it’s late right now, but I can set up a time to meet with you and your daughter on Monday.” Keith pulled up his schedule on the laptop.
“No!” Nelson shouted. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell. I need you on this immediately.”
Keith began to get a little annoyed. The Bradshaws were one of the wealthiest families in SummerBrook, but he didn’t care how much money the man had. Keith was tired, and a little drunk. Trying to work out the details after having such a long day wasn’t going to work for him.
“Mr. Bradshaw, I understand you’re worried, but I really can’t do anything about it at this moment. My brother got married tonight, and I’m just getting home from that. Also, most of my employees are on other jobs or off. I’m sure….”
“I don’t want anyone but you, Keith. Cora said you were the best and I want the best.” Nelson was starting to get on his last nerve. Keith had enough on his plate with the security company and his construction company. Not to mention he’d promised to help with Ian and Sandy’s daughters while the couple was on their honeymoon.
“My guys are the best, I assure you.” Keith clenched his teeth when Nelson refused again.
Keith knew what the girls from SummerBrook were like. He’d gone to school with some of them. Most were snobby bitches who thought their own shit didn’t stink. The last thing he wanted was to be dealing with some spoiled rich girl who was slumming it by opening her own salon. Although, Kim had never had a bad word to say about her business partner.
“I’ll pay double your fee, but only if you’re the one that does this.” Nelson blurted out, and it only pissed Keith off more.
He wasn’t going to be bought, and he didn’t care how much the man was willing to pay. Nothing was worth the hassle of working with people like Nelson Bradshaw.
“Mr. Bradshaw, the money isn’t the issue. As I told you, I’m not prepared to set this up at the moment, but if we can set up a meeting for Monday, we can discuss the terms.” Hopefully, the man would fuck off, and Keith could relax.
“I apologize for being an ass, but I received a letter today….” Nelson’s voice was just above a whisper.
“A letter about what?” That got Keith’s attention.
“It said Emily was next.” Nelson’s voice cracked. “I think it’s the same person that took my wife.”
“Mr. Bradshaw you need to let my uncle know this.” Kurt would be pissed if Keith overstepped.
“I just got off the phone with him. He told me to call you right away.” Nelson said.
Keith clenched his jaw. Kurt and Cora really needed to give him a heads up about things. Particularly as he was about ready to tell the man to fly to fuck.
“I’ll meet with you in the morning, but I do suggest you speak to your daughter about this as well.”
“I’ve told her, but you’ve got to understand. Emily’s very stubborn and independent. She doesn't like being told what to do, or that she can’t take care of herself.” Nelson sighed.
“I’ve dealt with people like that in the past. I’m sure I can handle her.” Keith chuckled.
“I hope so, but you’d probably be the first.” Nelson sounded a little more relaxed.
“Text me your address, and I’ll be there by seven in the morning,” Keith said. “And Mr. Nelson, for your piece of mind I’ll send someone to watch your daughter's salon as soon as I hang up from you.” Keith was beginning to feel like a jerk for thinking the worst of the man on the phone. Nelson just wanted to make sure his daughter was safe, and from what Keith could tell she wasn’t going to make it easy.
Just fucking great.
Chapter 3
The man had to be out of his freaking mind. There was no way she was going to have someone following her around twenty-four hours a day. Emily rolled her eyes when her father practically begged her to be civil to the security guy he was sending to her salon, and of course, this would be the week that Kim had taken time off to babysit her sister’s daughter and step-daughters so Sandy could go on a honeymoon.
“Dad, my salon is practically across the street from the police station. I’ll be okay. I don’t need security.” Emily tried once more to convince her father to call off the guard dog.
“Emily, please don’t fight me on this anymore. You refuse to come here so I can make sure you’re safe. I wouldn’t be able to handle anything happening to you.” Great, now he was pulling at her heartstrings. Her mother’s disappearance was slowly aging her dad. He’d turned all his responsibilities in his company over to two of the vice-presidents and made finding her mom his life.
“Fine, Dad, but this guy better be able to be inconspicuous. The last thing I need is my clients feeling like they’re in danger.” Emily unlocked the door to her salon and turned off the alarm.
“Keith has been doing this a long time, and he knows how to blend in. Trust me and please do everything he tells you. For once in your life listen to what you’re being told.” She could hear the warning in his voice. She also knew he was clenching his fists because he was aware that Emily didn’t like being ordered around.
“Yes, Dad. I’ll listen. Don’t worry, and please get some rest. Elaine said you’ve been up all hours of the night.” Her sister called several times to say she was worried about his health.
“I’ll try. I love you. If you need anything, please call, and be good.” There was that warning again.
“I love you, too, Dad. I’ll talk to you soon, and I’ll try to come to see you over the weekend.” Emily dropped her phone on her desk as she flopped down in the chair.
She was no sooner sat in the chair when she heard the chime of the front door opening. Usually, she’d be there by herself for the first hour.
“Great, must be the watchdog.” She muttered as she made her way to the front of the salon.
Before stepping out into the front, she took a deep breath. She could be civil to this man. After all, it wasn’t his fault her father was pushing this on her. She walked through the curtain and looked around. The place was empty. Goosebumps popped up on her arms, and a chill ran up her spine as she scanned the length of the room.
She slowly walked towards the front door hoping that the wind possibly pulled the door open. It sometimes happened during the winter. Emily stepped in front of the reception desk to get a better look at the front door. As she crept slowly towards the door, a pink head popped up from behind the reception desk.
“Jesus, Aurora.” Emily slapped her hand against her chest as if it would slow her now pounding heart.
“Sorry, Em. I was turning on my computer.” It was hard to be mad at the young girl. She was so full of energy and always had a bright smile.
Aurora Hanlon was the daughter of one of the stylists that worked for Emily and Kim. Ada was in her mid-forties and a single mother, so when her only daughter needed a job, she asked Emily and Kim about hiring a receptionist.
“It’s okay, but for heaven’s sake call out to let me know you’re here.” Emily chuckled.
“I thought that’s what that annoying chime was for.” Aurora placed her elbows on the desk and rested her chin on her fists.
“Smart ass.” Emily gave her a little push.
“I do actually have a smart ass. At least that’s what the guy at the club said last night.” Aurora wiggled her eyebrows sending Emily into a fit of laughter.
“Should I tell your mother about this guy?” Emily teased.
“Have I told you I’ve started taking Karate lessons with Jess O’Connor?” Aurora raised a perfectly arched eyebrow.
“Duly noted.” Emily headed towards her office to get some accounts entered before her first appointment. “By the way, there’s supposed to be a guy coming here sometime this morning. Nothing to worry about, but my dad wants me to have some security for a few days.”
“Woohoo, is it one of those hot guys from Jess’s cousin's company?”
“Behave yourself. I have no idea. I just know someone will be by today.” She didn’t really care at this point. The whole thing was going to make it hard to get her mind off of her mother.
Emily was doing her best to be strong for everyone. Her father was ready to fall apart, her brother was doing his best to keep himself from going over the edge, and Elaine spent most of her time in her room crying. Every day it got harder to believe her mother would be found, and if she was, it probably wasn’t going to be alive.
The thought of never seeing her mom again caused a huge lump to form in her throat, and her vision blurred. She lowered herself into the desk chair and covered her face with her hands. The tears were hard to contain, but like every day for the last two weeks, Emily swallowed the lump and took several deep breaths.
A few minutes after she’d managed to make herself presentable, she heard the voice of Penny Alyward. Emily loved the woman because she was like the comic relief in an otherwise dark drama. Penny was one of those people that always had a funny story or joke. She was loud but sweet.
“I swear to Jesus it’s enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey out there today. Isn’t it supposed to be spring?” Penny walked into the back and shook off her bright orange coat. That was another thing about Penny. She had a fashion that was one of a kind.
“It’s supposed to warm up tomorrow.” Emily sat back in the chair and glanced at Penny.
“So this is how it is? You with that face and we’re gonna chat about the weather.” Penny rested her fists on her slim hips and met Emily’s gaze.
“What else is there to talk about?” Emily turned towards the computer as if she was about to check something, but the truth was she was just avoiding any conversation about her mother.
“Oh, let me see, the fact I got a call from your father at five this morning, and might I say he did here a few words that I’m sure he didn’t think were lady like. I mean who calls someone at that hour? Anyway, he told me what’s going on, and I told him not to worry because nobody’s gonna get near my girl.” Penny continued as she sat in the chair across from the desk. “So, between me and the security, you’ll be safer than the Prime Minister.”
Emily couldn’t help the fit of laughter. Penny was probably no more than one hundred pounds. Being that the woman was five feet seven inches, she was what her mother called the Olive Oil type. Although, she had a massive chest, and Emily wondered how the woman didn’t topple over sometimes.
“Don’t laugh, Em. Ask my ex how dangerous I can be.” Penny stood up and sauntered out of the room leaving Emily shaking her head.
Her phone rang as she was heading out to the front of the salon for her first client. She glanced at the screen and smiled.
“God, I can’t even get rid of you when you take a week off.” Emily laughed.
“Have you been told to fuck off today?” Kim said.
“Nope but I’m sure you’ll love to be the first.” Emily chuckled.
“Consider yourself told twice.” Kim laughed. “Listen, I got one of Ian’s brothers dropping by to grab my case. Me and the three girls are having a beauty weekend, and of course, the two older ones want their gorgeous curls straightened.”
“Those little girls are lucky to have such a great aunt,” Emily said.
“I know. Anyway, he should be dropping by sometime today.” Kim said.
“Okay, you have fun,” Emily said.
“You know this is great birth control. Looking after the two older girls is easy, but the little one makes me want to pull out my hair. She’s not even two yet, and she got a major attitude.” Kim sighed.
“And your sister is having another one any day. Good luck to her.” Emily laughed. “I still don’t know why they went away for a honeymoon when she is ready to pop any day.”
“I think she’s hoping the honeymoon h
elps pop it faster.” Kim giggled.
“Way too much information. I’ve got a client coming any minute. I’ll call you later to see how you’re doing.” Emily glanced at her watch.
“Talk to you later,” the last thing Emily heard was Kim telling Grace not to touch the garbage.
Emily entered the store front and froze. At the counter stood a man lazily leaning on the reception desk. He was what Penny would call, sweet meat. At that moment he seemed to be blatantly flirting with Aurora, but Emily was shocked to see the young girl didn’t seem the least bit charmed.
“Mr. O’Connor could you please get a freaking life.” Aurora rolled her eyes and laughed.
Holy shit this was the security guy her father was telling her about. How the hell was he going to fade into the background when he looked like a movie star and seemed to be a huge flirt.
“I’ve got a life, beautiful. You say yes to a date, and I’ll show you.” He leaned in over the counter and Emily didn’t miss Penny checking out his ass.
“I know what your dates consist of, buddy and I’m not gonna be another notch on your belt. Besides you’re too old.” Aurora laughed.
“What’s eight years?” He smiled, and Emily had to admit the guy was good, but there was no way she could have someone like this in her salon flirting with everyone.
“Oh, Em. Thank God. This ass is looking for you.” Aurora pointed her thumb to the guy.
“There must be something in the water in this salon. Lots of hot women around.” He winked at Emily, and she raised her eyebrow.
“For the love of God, A.J, do you ever stop.” That voice was Ada.
“Not when I see a beautiful woman.” He wrapped his arm around Ada’s shoulder. “Of course age doesn’t matter to me.”
“You’re so gross.” Aurora gagged.
“A.J, honey. You’d never be able to keep up with a woman like me, and as for my daughter, I suggest you look elsewhere if you don’t want to end up castrated at your age.” Ada glared, but Emily could see the faint grin.
“You ladies are a rough crowd. Besides I’m here to see Ms. Bradshaw and….” Emily held up her hand to stop him before someone did hurt him.
Dangerous Beauty (O'Connor Brothers Book 4) Page 2