Capture Tomorrow

by Ann Heathman

She scoffed at him and watched as he got out of the SUV and came around to her door which she had locked.

  “Open the door,” he demanded.

  She turned her head and tried to ignore him. She wanted him to get back in the car and drive on. God, she loved this man, but sometimes his control freak disposition made her crazy. She could fight with him about the phone, the job, the not calling, but it was a fight she knew she wasn’t going to win. But the one thing she could do was to let him know how unhappy she was about everything, so she was.

  He pressed the key fob and opened the door. “Come here,” he said, inviting her to step out of the car.

  “What?” She turned away from him. “I hate you. Let’s just go home.”

  He reached in, unfastened her seat belt, and slid her out of the SUV. Putting his arm around her waist, he pulled her to him and said, “Arianna, just listen to me a moment.” He leaned back against the car, his arms circling her waist. He paused, searching for the right words. “I had a rough trip this last time away. Not going to go into it, but I had some time to sit and think about things.” He tried to fight it, but his voice had a slight quiver in it.

  He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and turned her head so she’d have to look at him. Clearing his throat, he continued. “I missed you more than you know. I thought about you… a lot. I love you, babe, and it would kill me if anything ever happened to you. So know this. I don’t get finicky about the job security and the phone thing just to be a pain in the ass or a jerk. It’s a dangerous world out there… dangerous where you’re going, and I’m scared to death for you.”

  She studied his face. Felt the emotion behind the words.

  “I know you find it irritating, me questioning the job security and giving you hell about your phone, but I told you this was how it was going to be when we first got together. I thought you agreed you could handle it.”

  She started to speak, but he stopped her. He had to get this all out.

  “It’s been tough for me to bring anyone into my world. That’s why it’s never happened up until now. Maybe it’s unrealistic to think this can work. I sure don’t lead a normal life. I struggle every day trying to reconcile my two loves, you and my work. Maybe I’m kidding myself to think I can have both. From your reaction to the discussion today, I think I might just be.”

  She pounded on his chest with her fist.

  He frowned, wondering what that was supposed to mean.

  She thumped him again. “I get it, Zach. I do, but it’s frustrating. I have my own struggles. It’s not easy for my independent nature to cede control to your dominate nature.” She paused a moment before continuing. “I love that you care so much about me, and yes, you are an annoying pain in the ass, but I have to admit, you make me feel safe and secure and loved.” She let out a ragged sigh. “So just give me a minute, and I’ll get over this. We can make this work. I promise you that.”

  He leaned down, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her passionately. Finally, breaking off the kiss, he asked again, “So are we good here, then?”

  She smiled and nodded. “All better. Let’s go home.”

  May I just say, I’ve seen your work, Arianna, and it’s outstanding.” Steve Shine, executive producer in charge of network hiring struggled to hide his infatuation with his new employee. “You’ve got the looks and the talent to go far in this industry. I look forward to working with you.”

  “Thank you, sir. And thank you for arranging this meeting.”

  “No problem. We’re like a family here. Anything you need, you just come see me, and I’ll be happy to help you out. Oh, and by the way, we have a little promo planned to introduce you to our audience in a couple of weeks. Sound good?”

  Arianna smiled and nodded her approval.

  It didn’t sound good to Zach who sat patiently by her side as Shine practically salivated over the prospect of her being their new correspondent. They had offered her the job, and now, at Zach’s request, a meeting had been arranged to meet with the head of network security.

  “Mr. Acevedo,” Shine began, finally acknowledging his presence. “I understand you have some concerns about how safe Arianna will be when she’s on assignment. I can assure you, we have a world class security team.”

  “That’s interesting,” Zach responded. “I seem to recall an incident with one of your female reporters in Tahrir Square. You know…the one who was repeatedly raped. You had two Egyptians who were doubling as drivers and bodyguards and another security person, supposedly ex-Special Forces. According to reports I read, the Egyptians ran off and the Special Force guy did nothing to protect your reporter when trouble started. And the fact her security team allowed her to be in the middle of that protest to begin with tells me they had no idea what they were doing. You’re not planning on putting Arianna in a situation like that, are you? ”

  Shine blinked in surprise at Zach’s candid remarks. “I see you’ve done your homework, Mr. Acevedo. I agree. That was indeed an epic failure. We would never put Arianna in a situation like that. We’ve upgraded our procedures significantly since then. Also, in some of the hot zones we travel to, we go in under the protection of a UN peacekeeping force.”

  Zach was totally dismayed. That was even worse. In his opinion, those guys were worthless. His deep-seated fear about the network’s lack of ability to protect Arianna was slowly being verified. Rather than embarrass her by asking any more questions or walking out, he sat quietly while Dan Miller, the director in charge of security, joined them to explain their safety protocols.

  “Arianna,” Miller said, greeting her with a hug, then stepping back and looking her up and down. “It’s so nice to have you on the team. You’re quite photogenic. I was just reviewing some footage of you before I came in. Very nice.” He had a broad smile on his face and made no attempt to hide how enamored he was with her. “I may even accompany you on a few assignments. Help you get oriented.”

  “Uh, yes, well thank you, but uh…” She turned toward Zach. “I’d like for you to meet my friend, Zach Acevedo. He’s interested in the details of your security operation.”

  The smile faded from Miller’s face as he turned to greet Zach. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Acevedo. Let’s see. I believe Steve here told me you’re a businessman who travels a lot internationally, so perhaps you have a need for security from time to time. Just between you and me, be careful who you hire. Most of these private firms use rank amateurs. As a personal courtesy, I have some people I could recommend if you’re interested.”

  “Good to know,” Zach said, glaring at him, on the verge of decking him if he didn’t stop ogling Arianna. “I’ll keep that in mind the next time I travel abroad.”

  “No problem. Regarding your concern about our security team, you don’t need to worry about this. I know this isn’t your forte, so sit back, relax, and leave everything to the professionals. Our people are selected from elite police units, usually SWAT team qualified, and sometimes we even hire former special operators. Personally I think they’re a little overrated, not to mention overpaid, but we still hire them. I’m retired military police and think I received all the training one needs to do protective work. We also have the UN forces backing us up. Put it altogether, and I can assure you, we go above and beyond to keep our correspondents safe.”

  Zach stared at him, all the time thinking, what a pompous ass this man was and how much he didn’t want him anywhere near Arianna. If he was worried about her safety before he met this guy and heard of their security plan, he was totally scared shitless now that he had.

  “I hope I’ve allayed your fears here, Mr. Acevedo.” Miller put his arm around Arianna’s shoulder. “I assure you, Arianna will be in good hands. And here’s my card. If you call me, I’ll get you the names of some security people who will do a good job for you when you travel.”

  It took all the patience Zach could muster to keep him from demonstrating how an overrated Navy SEAL could flatten a military policeman in less than two
seconds with their bare hands, but for Arianna’s sake, he took the card and nodded a thank you while holding himself in check.

  “Very good, then,” Shine said, joining in the conversation and turning towards Arianna. “We’d like to feature you in an upcoming broadcast. We’re thinking maybe a two minute segment, introducing you as our new foreign correspondent. Will you have time to shoot that before you leave the city?”

  “I’ll be sure to make time. Human resources has my contact information. Have them call or text me with the time and place, and I’ll arrange to be available.”

  SHE’D ASPIRED to this job ever since she’d graduated with a journalism degree, and now she had achieved it. Working for a major network and traveling to exciting places to cover important stories of the day was exactly what she wanted to do. And she’d gotten everything she asked for. The salary offer was outstanding, and they’d even agreed to hire Kevin as her cameraman. She couldn’t wait to get started. Only one last hurdle remained.

  Being able to read what Zach thought was always tricky even though she knew him quite well. Zach was quiet as they rode down in the elevator after the meeting, so she was left to guess what his overall impression was concerning the quality of security the network offered. She got the sense that he didn’t care for Dan Miller, but regarding security, she wasn’t sure what he thought. He hadn’t said a word since they’d left the office, and she couldn’t decide if that meant he did or did not approve of the plan to protect their correspondents.

  She was impressed at how he’d done his homework. She vaguely recalled the incident with the journalist in Tahrir Square, but hadn’t realized that reporter worked for this network. Recalling this now gave her a new-found appreciation for his concerns regarding her safety.

  They walked across the street and stopped in a restaurant for lunch. Once they were seated and had ordered, she asked the question that was looming between them. “Well, you heard what the man said. Their security plan. Does it meet with your approval?”

  Zach turned his full attention to her. “They’re ecstatic about the prospect of you being their new correspondent.”

  “Will you stop? I can already tell, there’s a but coming. They love me and the job is great, but…”

  Zach grimaced. “I wasn’t impressed at all with their security arrangements or personnel. I’m scared to death for you, Arianna.”

  She struggled to hide her disappointment. “Well, I’m not the US president. I don’t need that level of security. I doubt I’ll be the target of any assassination attempt.”

  The waiter brought their food and refilled their drinks.

  “Doesn’t matter who you are,” Zach said. “Americans, especially journalist are targets. If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time with inadequate protection around you, you’re done for.”

  “So why didn’t you say something to the director?”

  Zach put his fork down and looked up at her. “Oh, I wanted to say something all right. Those men were practically drooling over you, especially that Miller guy. If I caught him checking you out one more time, I was going to show him what real protection looks like.”

  Arianna stifled a grin. “Oh, do I detect a hint of jealousy?”

  “Hardly jealous of that incompetent hack, but I protect my own from all threats, no matter the source.”

  She flashed an appreciative smile. “I’m flattered, but not to worry. I can handle myself. He’s not going to be a problem.”

  “Trust me. He’ll need all the protection he can find if I see him put his hands on you one more time.”

  “I love you,” Arianna said, trying to hide her amusement. “But don’t worry. I’ll make sure he gets the message that I’m not interested, and now back to the main subject… my safety. I’ll take my gun with me,” she said, trying to add some levity to the conversation.

  Instead of finding her comment amusing, he agreed. “Good idea, and I think we need to hit the practice range when we get home.”

  Leaning forward, he took her hand in his. “Look, babe, I know this is your dream, and I’m excited for you. I really am, but honestly, I’ll worry about you every minute you’re away. They’re not planning to send you to cover the queen’s coronation or a royal wedding.”

  “I know, but this is what I want to do. I need to be where the action is.”

  Need to be where the action is. Oh, how he related to that. “I understand so I’ve decided to send my own security team with you. I hope Miller’s people know enough to stay out of the way and let my guys handle things if a situation develops.”

  Arianna sat there, shaking her head, a look of amazement on her face.

  “What?” Zach asked, shifting in his seat.

  “You’re going to be spending more on people to protect me than I’ll be making as a salary. It’s… it’s…”

  “It’s what I want to do. It’s going to give me peace of mind. I can afford to do it, so I am.”

  She lifted her hand, about to say something, then let it drop and sat there momentarily speechless. Finally, she said, “What about Miller? I wonder what he’ll think of you doing that.”

  Zach shook his head. “Trust me. He’s not going to be a problem.” He wasn’t worried about Miller. If they wanted to keep Arianna as his correspondent, he would have to go along with this or she’d be gone, or maybe he’d use his influence to get rid of him instead. He was tempted to get the prick fired anyway, just for good measure.

  He picked up the check and signaled the waiter they were ready to leave. “I have to go home and take care of some business. Raul is flying in to stay with you since you need to hang around and tape that promo piece. If it weren’t such a long flight, I’d suggest you fly home, then fly back for the taping. You can do that if you like.”

  “No, you’re right. It’s too long a flight. I just wish you didn’t have to go. Are you going to be home for a while?”

  “I am, so hurry home. I still owe you that getaway vacation you planned. I think we can sneak that in before you have to go to work.”

  “You promise?”

  “Of course. Why would I say that, then not come through with it? I—”

  “No, I’m not talking about our little getaway,” she said interrupting him. “I’m talking about you promising me you’ll be home for a while.”

  “Oh, I see.” He smiled and kissed her hand. “I promise, babe. I’m not going anywhere.”

  He signed the receipt and put his gold Express card back into his wallet. “In the meantime, since this is my last night here, I made dinner reservations at the Four Seasons, and I have tickets to the Broadway musical, Finding Neverland.”

  “Wow! How did you score those tickets? That show’s been sold out for weeks.”

  “I have my sources,” he said, giving her a quick kiss as they left the restaurant. “Let’s make a night of it and celebrate your new job.”

  They taxied to the private jet port, and Arianna’s heart soared when she looked out and saw Zach waiting. Leaning nonchalantly against his Porsche, sporting aviator sunglasses, his hair mussed, and wearing a t-shirt that highlighted his toned physique, he exuded nothing but pure sex appeal.

  When she exited the plane, she leaped into his arms and covered him with hugs and kisses, which he eagerly received.

  “I’m so happy to be home,” she said, walking hand in hand with him to the car. “The last few days have been really hectic. I’m looking forward to spending time alone with you and doing absolutely nothing for a few days.”

  “Nothing?” he said, arching an eyebrow.

  She gave him a sly smile. “Well, not nothing nothing if you know what I mean.”

  He pulled her close to him, and planted a deep, hungry kiss on her lips. Releasing her, he said, “I believe I do, but I’m better at showing you than telling you.”

  She laughed and slugged him in the arm. “Then home, James. Show and tell time.”

  “So, did you get all the details of your job worked out?” Zach a
sked, as they drove down the highway.

  “I think so. The network did a good job of putting together an introductory piece which highlights my credentials as a reporter. They featured some excerpts from my documentary and added a bit of my background as a journalist. The segment will air in two weeks.”

  Zach glanced over at her and took her hand in his. “I’m anxious to see it but hope they didn’t put too much of your background into the piece. It’s best to keep your personal life private.”

  “I agree, but think that might be hard. Seems to me, once you’re a known entity on TV, not much about your personal life is private anymore.”

  Zach slowly nodded. This was true, and this was what bothered him about the profession she was in.

  “The last time they interviewed me and scheduled a feature piece, it got scrubbed for some reason, so we’ll see if this one actually makes it on air. I don’t want to get my hopes up only to have them dashed again.”

  Zach looked straight ahead and continued to drive. “So when do you actually start work, and where’s your first assignment?”

  “Christina Carson, the current correspondent, retires at the end of the month, so I’ll have about three weeks before I fly to New York for a week of orientation. After that, I believe we’re off to Germany to cover the current refugee crisis.”

  Zach looked straight ahead, not commenting. Once again she was left to guess what he thought about the way her new job was shaping up. She wanted to talk further but not any more today. All she wanted to do now was enjoy being back home with him, and by the way his hand kept slipping up her thigh under the hem of her dress, she sensed he wasn’t too interested in talking either.

  “LOOKS LIKE we’re both going to be working women,” Lisa said to Arianna, as the group sat around the veranda, reconnecting from their time away. “You’ll be off on some international assignment, and I’ll be here, managing my own design studio.”

  “I know,” Arianna replied. “That’s so exciting. Tomorrow you have to take me on a tour of your shop.”