by Claire Adams
“I’m positive. Your friend is always welcome. I’d like you to take her on a tour of the winery and make sure she leaves with some of our best.”
“She’ll love that. She’s an impossible wino.”
“Then I’m sure I’ll love her.” He stared at the screen and spoke in a monotone voice as he focused hard on the images. “What time did you leave?”
I sat up beside him and laid my head on his shoulder to see. “That morning after my shower. I’d say around eleven.”
“Then it should be here.” He flipped through some of the camera angles.
“There, that’s the hallway. It would have showed up on that camera. I remember that table with the plant. He steadied himself against it.”
Gabriel forwarded through the first hour of video and suddenly, there it was. “There I am.” I watched as Harbor came into the angle and then just as I had said, he bumped into me. For the most part, his back had been to the camera, but as he recovered from the contact – which seemed deliberate, seeing it play out – he’d turned to look behind him. I didn’t say anything as Gabriel rewound it and stilled the frame.
“Son of a bitch.” He played it a few times and stilled it again. “Why does it seem deliberate? Why would he do that? He must know you, too.”
That made my skin crawl. “I’d never met him before.”
“I know, which is why this worries me.” He scratched his head. “Let’s assume he didn’t know who you were…maybe this is his way of getting a woman’s attention. It’s juvenile, but he’s young. If you had stopped to respond, it would have been the perfect way to open a conversation.”
“But he didn’t stop, either.” I shrugged it off, though I wanted to scream. Gabriel could make excuses for the kid all day if he wanted, but this wasn’t his pick-up game. The guy clearly knew who I was.
“Maybe he saw us together that night and avoided us.” He growled in frustration. “I don’t want to have to call Mason and rat out my nephew. It won’t end well.”
I didn’t want to get back into another argument with him, but I wasn’t going to let him forget his word. “You promised you would.”
His shoulders slumped and he reached over and patted my hand. “I promised, so I will. But I won’t like it. Neither will his mother. The police will want to talk to him.” I nodded and kissed his shoulder. “I feel like I should talk to him first.”
“Don’t. He could run – that would make it worse.” I wondered if it would be best to let him run. Then at least Gabriel would know. I remembered Harbor’s eyes and the way they had lingered on me, and I pulled the covers up a bit higher.
“Are you cold?” Gabriel adjusted the blankets to give me more.
I yawned. “Thanks.”
“Go back to sleep. It’s still early.” I glanced at the time on his computer, and as if my brain was screaming out another protest, I yawned again.
“I’ll do that.” But as much as I tried, I couldn’t drift off. After a long time pretending, I got up.
I’d waited until Gabriel was out of the bathroom and then I slipped inside to get ready for the day. By the time I came out, my hair was tamed, my face was made up, and I had nothing to wear. The clothes I’d packed had been laundered several times by the hotel staff, but I was growing tired of the same old things.
There was only one person who could help me, so I dialed her number.
“I know you love me, but I’m not due for another two hours.” Kim’s music was much quieter in the background than usual.
“Could you do me a huge favor?” I hated to ask her, and even though I figured she wouldn’t mind, I hated to put her out.
“Well, since you’re like my best friend and all… I guess so.”
“Before you leave the city, could you please go by my place and grab me some clothes? We were supposed to go by, but I don’t think these men have any concept of wardrobe variety.”
“Men, huh?” I wondered where Gabriel had gone. He hadn’t been in the room when I came out.
“You remember Joe, the hot bodyguard, and Gabriel of course. There is a man named Carl, but he’s a bit old for you.
“Is he rich? Cause if so, I might make an exception.” We shared a laugh, and I imagined her with the old gardener. “Before I get too distracted, do you want to tell me now what to grab or would you prefer I video call you?”
Thank God for technology. “Video call. That way I can tell you where my other suitcase is and have you fill it with the good stuff like yoga pants and tank tops.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t pack them, but I guess it’s best to let Gabriel see the real you. I’ll pack those disgusting, neon-orange cheese puffs you like, too, if you want.” My mouth popped open.
“You wouldn’t dare. Besides, I haven’t touched one in weeks.”
“Vegas probably banned them.”
I thought about the hotel’s horrible pesto sauce. “You’d be surprised the vile things you get there.”
“Let’s not go there.” Knowing her gutter mind, I’d take the warning.
“Thanks for doing this for me. I can’t wait to see you.” She’d been like my sister for so long; this was the longest I’d gone without seeing her in years.
“That’s because I’m packing your yoga pants.” Her laughter always warmed my heart, and as we said our goodbyes, I wondered where my other heart warmer was.
I slipped on the only comfortable pair of jeans I’d packed and a cotton t-shirt I was sick of seeing. Since I’d left my sandals by the pool, and the only other pair I had packed was heels, I went downstairs barefoot with all intentions of going out to get my shoes.
But first, I wanted to find Gabriel and get an update on his nephew. The last thing I needed was to get cornered at the pool again.
I found him in his office alone, but he was on the phone. I stopped in the doorway, and he motioned me in. I took a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk as he laid out his findings, which made me think it had to be Mason on the other end.
“I hate having to do this.” He raked his hand through his hair and let Mason speak. Across the distance, I heard the faint garbled sound of his voice as he convinced Gabriel he was doing the right thing.
“Keep me posted.” Gabriel hung up the phone and stared across the desk smiling. “Are you barefoot?”
My cheeks warmed. “Yes. I left my sandals by the pool and before I go out to get them, I wanted to know if Harbor was still around.” I folded my arms across my stomach.
“Are you sure he didn’t touch you, Luna?” I shook my head. “If he did-”
“He didn’t. He was being an ass, but he didn’t touch me.” I wasn’t about to tell him how close Harbor had gotten before I pushed past him.
“I don’t like that you’re worried because of him. He’s still around, and if we see him, don’t let him intimidate you. He gets a kick out of that kind of thing.”
“Tell me about it. He mentioned the victims and said at least this time you’d picked a fighter. It sent chills right through me, and I saw a flash in his face, as if his eyes had lit with pleasure. He gets off on it, all right.”
“You should have told me that last-”
Judy’s voice sounded from the hall and she poked her head around the door. She held my sandals in her hand. “Breakfast is ready, and I’ll serve you on the patio this morning. I woke Sandra.” She extended her arm toward me. “I believe these must be yours. Sandra said she’d never seen them before.”
“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry I left them lying around.” She smiled as if nothing bothered her, and I scolded myself for causing her to clean up after me like someone with no better manners than to leave my things strewn about the house.
“No worries. I’ve made a special breakfast this morning. We’re having my special pancakes, at Harbor’s request.” She smiled wide, like the very sound of his name on her lips made her proud. As she turned and walked away, I realized he must hold a special place in her heart.
The th
ought of having to eat with him made me queasy, but I slapped on a smile and made my way out of the office and down the main hall to the back patio.
Harbor sipped coffee as his mother nagged; as soon as she saw me and Gabriel, she straightened in her seat and shut her mouth. Harbor’s sly grin spread his lips as he saw me, but he quickly lowered his eyes to the paper before him.
“Good morning, family.” Gabriel’s tone was stiffer than usual, but I had a feeling it was routine, especially when they offered him the same tone in return.
“Good morning, Luna.” Harbor turned his coffee up, and Gabriel shifted his eyes toward his nephew.
“Good morning.” I nodded my head and spread a napkin in my lap as Judy approached with a tray. She placed a platter of pancakes in the center of the table where three kinds of syrup were already waiting with our settings. I reached across for the large pitcher of orange juice and filled my glass.
I met Judy’s eyes. “Everything looks amazing, thank you.”
Harbor reached his fork toward the platter and stabbed a pancake. “Judy makes the best pancakes anywhere. You should try the syrups. She makes them from scratch.”
Gabriel reached across the table and chose one of the syrups. “This one is from our grapes, but there is also peach and maple.”
Judy’s cheeks reddened and she lowered her chin and shrugged. “The maple is store-bought, but I did make the peach, too. I hope you enjoy them as much as Harbor does.”
I looked up in time to see Harbor stuffing his face with his first bite. Any other day, I might have regarded the display like it was any normal family. But I feared in my heart that I was eating with a killer.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Gabriel
I had to hand it to Luna. She’d been a sport through breakfast, considering Harbor had joined us, and she’d even bitten her tongue when Sandra had piped up about what a wonderful boy he is. The woman had been in a fog for so long she hasn’t realized the young man was no longer a boy.
Harbor didn’t have much to say once he’d started shoveling Judy’s pancakes in his pie hole, and considering my aggravation with him, that was probably for the best.
I went over and peeked out the blinds of my office window to where Luna and her friend Kim had retreated for the past hour. Kim had shown up after breakfast with a suitcase full of Luna’s clothes, and when Luna’s face lit up, I’d felt a pang of guilt for neglecting her needs.
I’d promised her we’d go to her apartment, but so far I hadn’t made arrangements and she’d not mentioned it, either. It was further proof that she deserved much better than me and a reminder that soon enough, she’d have it. The annulment would be in motion at some point and she’d be free to do as she pleased with anyone she pleased.
Out the window, her smile radiated and she and her friend exchanged laughter. It was good to see Luna had managed to relax, considering everything going on around us.
She looked amazing, too, and seemed more relaxed with her body. Her posture was loose and confident. I couldn’t look at her and not smile. The memory of being inside her made my blood flow and it had been too long since we’d made love.
Love? No, it wasn’t that. Couldn’t be… But, man, did I want her. I wanted her beneath me writhing in pleasure and above me milking me until I’d come. I’d have to remedy the longing and soon.
“I had no idea you were a Peeping Tom,” Harbor’s voice came from behind me.
“I enjoy watching her laugh. Luna’s a good soul.” I wanted to knuckle his head for mentioning her to me, but I’d play cool so he wouldn’t be suspicious.
“I can imagine she’s good, but I’m not here to talk about your bride. I need to borrow the jet. I’d like to go on a trip with some of my college buddies.”
“You dropped out of college.” I walked from the window to my bar and poured a drink before returning to my desk.
He leaned against the chair in front of me, if only to posture over me while I sat. “It doesn’t mean I didn’t make friends while I was there.”
“Where do you want to go?” I wasn’t letting him go anywhere, but if I refused him too quickly, he’d storm out, and that would be that.
“I thought I’d let the guys decide if I was able to get your permission.”
I sipped my drink and eased back in my chair. “Fuel is not cheap, Harbor.”
“Think of all that money I’m saving on tuition, though.” He flashed a million-dollar smile that any twenty-dollar whore could pull off with better luck.
“I’m not sure it’s a good time to leave the country. I’m under investigation and if the police find out one of my jets has taken off, they’ll be swarming this place. I’ve finally gotten things settled down, and I intend on keeping them that way.”
He rolled his eyes and stood firmly on his feet. “I didn’t kill anyone; why should I be punished?”
I thought it was the perfect opening and knew I’d better take the opportunity while I could. “What have you been up to lately? Your mother claims she hadn’t talked to you for weeks.”
He raked his fingers through his hair and grinned. “I’ve been busy with the ladies; you know me – can’t keep them off of me.” He shrugged before brushing his shoulder.
The words gave me chills, but I kept my reaction to a minimum. “I hope you’re staying out of trouble. The media is watching us like a hawk.”
He laughed and went to the bar where he poured himself a shot. “You afraid I’ll take all the attention off of you? I’d say if anyone needed a lecture on the subject of staying out of trouble, it would be you, Uncle Gabe.”
He met my eyes and downed his shot. After wincing at the burn, he placed the glass down on the tray and leaned back against the cabinet. “The media headline said you were a lady killer.”
“You remember Cindy and Stacey. Do you think I’d be able to do such a thing?”
He narrowed his eyes. “I don’t know, what’s your recent death toll?” I didn’t flinch. Any time Harbor wanted something, he’d try and make me feel guilty for his father’s death. But I wasn’t having any of it this time.
“You can’t use the jet.”
I waited for his temper to explode. Instead, he strolled to the window and lifted the blinds to take a peek out toward Luna and Kim. “That friend of hers is not bad.”
“She’s here to see Luna, so I suggest you steer clear of her and let them have a nice visit.” With any luck, he’d be picked up within the afternoon.
“Right. I’ll make sure I do that.” He breathed out a quiet chuckle and left me alone with my drink.
After a moment, I got up and crossed the room to make sure he hadn’t gone out to bother the two. Luckily, he wasn’t in sight as Luna showed her friend the view of the vineyard from the house. I wasn’t sure when they’d go for their tour, but I’d send Joe along just in case.
When Mason called not ten minutes later, I got up and crossed the room to close my door. “Have you talked to the detective?”
“I’m fine, Gabe, thanks,” he said. I could imagine his pouty ass rolling his eyes and wondered if Luna’s impression had been correct. “And, yes, I’ve talked to the investigator. They are reviewing the footage I sent now. Hatcher was surprised you’d throw your own nephew under the bus, but I have to say, even I’m impressed.”
“I’m not happy about it, but what could I do?” I paced the room as I continued. “He’s been acting shady toward Luna and saying shit to her that’s got her shaken. I was going to write it off at first, but I believe her. Then he came in here not a half hour ago and asked to use the jet.”
Mason chuffed out a laugh. “It must be nice to have good old Uncle Gabe at your disposal, but I hope you told him no for once.”
“I told him no way.”
“Good man.”
“And, what do you mean, for once? I tell that little shit no all the time.” Mason knew Harbor was spoiled, but for him to pass that blame to me was ridiculous. “I can’t believe he asked for the jet,
of all things. I’ve never let him take it.”
“Sounds like a desperate kid. I wouldn’t let him leave the house, which is why I called. They’ll be down to get him within the next few hours. It would be a lot easier if they didn’t have to hunt him down.”
I had to agree. I didn’t need anything getting ugly, especially with Kim here. With any luck, they’d come and take him away during her vineyard tour.
“If I’m lucky, his mother will be passed out before they show. She’s liable to attack them and get arrested.”
Mason’s laughter sounded like static through the phone. “Yeah, might give you a bit of peace and quiet.”
“I’m not even sure what that feels like anymore.” I glanced back out the window to find the ladies gone from the patio.
“That’s the word of a married man,” he said. His tone was dulled but the humor was still in his voice. “Let me know when you want that annulment. I’ve got the papers drawn up already. All you two have to do is sign them.”
“Jesus, Mason.” I hadn’t expected that from him until I gave the okay, but I should have known he’d be on the matter.
“I know how you feel about the money issue, but to save time, I went ahead and drew up an agreement which offers a settlement of your choosing. You can fill it in at the time of signing, and we’ll be good to go.” I didn’t want to get into that argument with the guy again, and I was sure that Luna didn’t want to go there, either, but I wasn’t about to dispute it with him.
I kept my response short and sweet. “Thanks.”
“Anytime, my friend.” I didn’t know how to tell him that I didn’t want the damned thing, and worse, I didn’t know how to tell Luna. “I’m on my way now; I want to be handy when they show up.”
“I’ll see you soon.” I left the office to go find Luna and warn her about the police.
I went to the patio and was surprised that Luna and her friend had Carl cornered along the fence behind the pool. He was peeking into the bushes and carried his garden hoe.