Caleb

by Trent, Emily Jane

  Brendon hadn’t talked about any of that, since his missions had been secret. She had been aware of the stresses he endured overseas, but he hadn’t shared the details, because he couldn’t.

  The idea that Brendon had passed top-secret information to her was ludicrous. He wouldn’t have endangered her in that way. And such an act would have violated his promise as a SEAL.

  That was something Brendon wouldn’t have considered. He had been a loyal, honorable member of his team, and Livi knew him well enough to be sure that he would have upheld his commitment on penalty of death.

  The terrorist group connected with Brendon’s mission had made an error in judgment. Dedication like her husband’s was probably beyond their understanding. If that group thought that he’d passed secret information to a civilian—even his wife—then they were wrong.

  But that didn’t help matters. It wasn’t like Livi was going to speak to a terrorist or one of his minions to explain. She wouldn’t have that chance. Caleb assured her that Black Swan would spare no effort in tracking down her enemy.

  That was a relief, because Livi was in over her head. She prayed that Caleb’s team would come up with something fast, because the fear in her gut told her that she was nearly out of time. Circumstances had spiraled out of control, and Livi felt as though she had stepped into a nightmare.

  Yet Livi couldn’t afford to cower in a dark corner, waiting for the danger to pass. There was much at stake at the academy, so the next morning she met with Elena. The situation was reaching the crisis point with Alex, and she intended to push through to success—no matter how overwhelmed she felt.

  Elena was at her desk drinking coffee. “I prepared the material you asked for.”

  Livi didn’t see the point of telling her friend about the new developments, as it would only frighten her. It was better to focus on the task at hand. “I noticed that Alex isn’t around, which gives us an opportunity to finish this without him looking over our shoulder.”

  “Alex is attending a business breakfast,” Elena said, frowning.

  “Something I should know about?”

  “As you would expect, he is wining and dining the donors,” Elena said. “Or any that will meet with him. He had me arrange the breakfast meeting and handle the invitations. It seems that you’ve won over some important supporters, because the list of attendees at the meeting this morning was less than Alex hoped for.”

  “That does my heart good,” Livi said. “I hope they all pull the rug out from under him, but I’m sure he still had some pretty solid contacts. I must wrap this up with the board before Alex comes up with a way to undermine my efforts.”

  “That package you already sent had an effect,” Elena said. “From the response, it’s clear that they are listening. And the additional information they asked for shows that they are getting the right idea.”

  “Yes, that is good to see,” Livi said. “When Alex gets wind of it, he will counter my proposal to the board. Yet he won’t have an easy time of it. It took a lot of effort, but putting together evidence of his negligence might pay off.”

  “I don’t see how the board can look the other way,” Elena said. “Under Alex’s management, we are teetering on the brink of financial collapse.”

  “With my accountant’s assistance, I’ve put together a convincing argument for his removal.”

  “And on top of that, there are the abuses,” Elena said. “You substantiated those with interviews of parents aware of the situation, plus dance therapists’ reports obtained with signed releases from the parents, also. The board can’t ignore solid testimony.”

  “That’s what I’m counting on,” Livi said. “If I have my way, my reports will nail him to the wall. Then I’ll become the best replacement.”

  “You already are.”

  “But not in their eyes,” Livi said. “I’m a woman, and it’s fine for me to instruct the dancers but not to hold a management position. Alex has held the job for years and is accepted among his peers. Only a severe blow to his reputation will knock him out of the role.”

  Elena lifted a packet of reports. “If anything can do it, this will.”

  Livi sure hoped so, because she was out of ideas. Yet she refused to let a chance to reach her goal slip through her fingers. She had spent many hours amassing the evidence to build a case against Alex. The legal system may have failed her, but the board had public relations to consider. If only a portion of what she’d alerted them to got into the hands of the media, the board would have more to deal with than Alex.

  Through the morning, Livi finalized the information package. With Elena’s help, it was bundled and ready for the courier to deliver. A personal delivery would have more impact, plus Livi didn’t want to send such documents through the mail.

  At lunch, Yvette picked up Livi and they went to their favorite spot. The one thing that gave Livi peace of mind was that the men who were after her wanted information they thought she had. Caleb had assured her that made her life valuable.

  Sitting on the patio at the restaurant, Livi didn’t fear that she’d be gunned down. And it wasn’t likely that she’d be assaulted on the street. It was better for them to stay in the shadows and avoid discovery until they had what they were after.

  Caleb had informed her of all of that, yet it only made Livi feel marginally better. The unpredictability was enough to drive her crazy. She was grateful to have someone to talk to.

  Yvette had been a good friend for a long time, and didn’t miss much. “When you called and asked me to lunch, I figured you had something you needed to talk about.”

  The glasses of wine were served and Livi took a couple of sips before replying. “A lot has happened since the last time I saw you.”

  “So I gather.” Yvette furrowed her brow. “What is it? You look worried.”

  “I hardly know where to start.”

  “Is it Alex?”

  “He’s only the tip of the iceberg,” Livi said. “My condo was broken into, Caleb has installed a security system, and the list goes on.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I don’t either,” Livi said. “One day I’m a former ballerina trying to do the right thing for her academy, and the next I’m a terrorist target.”

  Yvette nearly dropped her glass. “What?”

  “When I tell you, I’m sure you’ll think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not.”

  “I know you too well. You have a good sense about things.”

  “I thought so,” Livi said. “But I don’t recognize my life at the moment. Caleb and I finally had some time together. It was so wonderful.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “But there’s no opportunity to enjoy being in love,” Livi said. “I’m fending off danger at every turn.”

  “What do you have to do with terrorists?”

  Livi took a gulp of wine before launching into the sordid tale. She told Yvette every detail that she could remember and relayed all that Caleb had told her about what to expect. “I’m at a loss. If Brendon had delivered information to me, then I could turn it over and get government protection.”

  “You need that,” Yvette said. “Why are they waiting?”

  “Because I don’t have information,” Livi said. “That’s what makes this situation impossible. I can’t just waltz into the FBI and claim that I’m the focus of a terrorist cell. My husband was killed nearly a year ago. A government agency isn’t going to believe that I’m connected.”

  “I see your point,” Yvette said. “It would sound like a crazy story, because there is no evidence that you have anything.”

  “At least you’re one person who understands,” Livi said. “There is not much I can do. I have to wait, which is nerve-racking…wondering every minute if something is going to happen.”

  “Do you want to stay with us?” Yvette said. “My husband wouldn’t mind, under the circumstances. If you’d feel better…”

  “That’s good of you,” Livi said. “But Caleb h
as moved in. I’d like to think that it was solely because he wants to make a commitment to our relationship. But I know it was prompted by the threats to my safety.”

  “He can protect you,” Yvette said. “That’s what matters now. From what you tell me, Caleb is serious about the relationship. This is a difficult period for you, but your life will settle down.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  *****

  After lunch, Yvette took Livi back to the academy, making her swear to call if she needed anything. When Livi stepped inside, her phone dinged. It was a text from Julie. She offered to come home and be with Livi, because of the recent break-in.

  Livi panicked, because she didn’t want Julie anywhere near all the trouble. She assured her daughter that the condo was back in order and she had protection, including a new security system. It wasn’t the time to share that Caleb was more than just a friend.

  Julie was relieved but promised to come home if anything changed. Livi had to make sure that didn’t happen until it was safe, but she didn’t tell her daughter, as that would alarm her. After the conversation, Livi was upset about missing Julie and not being able to see her. But her daughter’s safety came first.

  Livi walked through the academy, noticing that Alex was handling the afternoon dance class. The troupe had worked with the choreographer that morning, so Alex was guiding them through a rehearsal of the new dance arrangements.

  The office was empty, so Elena was probably still at lunch. When Livi sat down, her phone rang. Her accountant’s name flashed on the screen. “Hey, Erik, what’s up?”

  There was a lag before Livi heard his voice, and she wondered if she had a good connection.

  “Come over immediately. I must see you.”

  Erik was normally calm and collected. But something seemed to have disturbed him. It must be regarding the accounting records that he’d helped compile. If he had more to add, it might be too late. That package had already gone to the board of directors.

  “What is it about?” Livi said.

  “I must tell you in person, and it can’t wait.” The call abruptly ended.

  Livi scribbled a note to let Elena know she’d be back in an hour or so. She grabbed her purse and left. On the way to the trolley stop, she considered grabbing coffee to take to the meeting. It was a routine that she’d fallen into. Erik enjoyed iced lattes, and on the way over she would pick one up for each of them.

  She rode the trolley and, at the stop, walked to Starbucks. Surely a few minutes wouldn’t matter. In her experience, accounting was important but not urgent. Inside the shop, Livi sent a text, since she hadn’t asked what size Erik wanted.

  But the reply didn’t make sense.

  No just come now.

  Livi sat and looked at the message. Something was wrong. That didn’t sound like Erik. His voice over the phone had been uncharacteristically nervous. She had brushed that aside, figuring that she would find out when she saw him.

  But Erik didn’t refuse a latte. He drank two or three a day. And the text was odd. That wasn’t how he talked. Livi hated to admit it, but recent events had made her wiser to the darker side of life. She was a fast learner, and the signs were there.

  Livi’s pulse raced at the thought—but what if she was right? She wasn’t safe anywhere she went. Could the enemy have tracked down her accountant? And if that text wasn’t from Erik, then who had sent it?

  With shaking hands, Livi called Caleb.

  “Stay there,” Caleb said. “I’m coming right now. Where are you?”

  Until Caleb arrived, Livi sat facing the door like he’d instructed her to. She didn’t make a call or reply to the text. She held the phone tightly, her hand sweaty.

  When Caleb came through the door, Livi breathed a sigh of relief. She flew into his arms. “I’m so glad to see you.” If this was a false alarm, she was going to feel foolish. But she was no longer as naïve and felt better playing it safe.

  “You did the right thing in calling me,” Caleb said. “We’ll go check on your accountant. I’ll take the lead to make sure it’s clear before you go in.”

  The office was two blocks away, and for the short distance Caleb took charge. Livi could tell that he observed all the people around him, pedestrians, drivers, and shopkeepers. His hypervigilance was reassuring, because Livi wouldn’t have known what to look for.

  At the building, they went up in the elevator. Caleb stayed in front of her. He wore a blazer, and she assumed that he was armed. She cringed to think of a shootout in an office. This nightmare was only getting worse.

  Etched in the glass door was Erik Williams, Certified Public Accountant. He had a small firm, so there was no receptionist. Caleb stepped in and looked around. He motioned for Livi to follow.

  Around the corner, the door to Erik’s office was open, but there was no noise—not even the clicking of his keyboard as he typed. Caleb squatted then peered inside, and Livi held her breath.

  Caleb stood and took Livi’s hand. “It’s okay.”

  Erik’s office had a huge window overlooking the city, but there were no other doors. He sat in a chair that he reserved for clients, his eyes glazed. His tie was loose, and he appeared to have collapsed onto the seat.

  “Erik?” When Livi walked over, he looked up but didn’t reply.

  Caleb poured a glass of water from a pitcher on the desk then handed it to Erik. “Drink this, sir. Then we’ll talk about what happened. We’re here to help; you’re safe now.”

  Erik gulped the water then wiped his mouth on his sleeve and sat up. “Livi, I…couldn’t warn you.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Livi said. “I’m fine. Tell us what happened.”

  Slowly, Erik began to relay the events of the last hour. “There were two men. I thought they were prospective clients, but they asked about you, Livi.”

  “What did they want to know?” Caleb said.

  “It was frightening,” Erik said. “The big one, called Taylor, implied that you have a sizeable amount of money that doesn’t belong to you. His partner, a beanpole of a guy called Harold, got aggressive when I told them that you didn’t.”

  “Those aren’t their real names, of course,” Caleb said.

  “I figured that,” Erik said. “They had weapons. I had no choice. I was forced to show them your personal accounting records.”

  “Were they satisfied?” Livi said.

  “Not at all.” Erik looked at Caleb. “You’re sure they’re gone?”

  Caleb assured him that the intruders hadn’t stuck around.

  “After scouring your records, the big one got frustrated,” Erik said. “He grabbed my collar and told me to call you, to tell you to come here immediately.”

  Livi’s heart pounded—if she hadn’t heeded her instinct, she would have walked into a trap.

  “When you texted, the other guy grabbed my phone and replied,” Erik said.

  “Well, that was a mistake,” Livi said. “I knew that text wasn’t from you.”

  “Thank God you didn’t come sooner.” Erik let out a long breath. “I thought they were going to kill me. When you didn’t answer and didn’t show up, they got nervous. They left before you arrived.”

  “How long ago?” Caleb said.

  “I, uh…I’m not sure,” Erik said. “I was pretty shaken up. But not long, maybe ten minutes.”

  “They won’t bother you again,” Caleb said. “It’s her they want, not you.”

  Erik raked a hand through his hair. “What are you involved in, Livi?”

  There was no way to explain it. “It’s complicated,” Livi said. “But I promise you that I didn’t do anything illegal. I’m being unfairly victimized, but Caleb works for a protection company and they are helping me handle the situation.”

  That seemed to satisfy Erik.

  Caleb called building security and informed them that Erik had been traumatized. He asked Erik to call a friend to drive him home, assuring him that he would be fine.

  In the e
levator, Livi said, “Should we call the police?”

  “It would be a useless exercise.” Caleb took Livi’s hand. “The police won’t find anything. Erik said the intruders wore gloves. They were smart using Erik’s phone, so there is no way to trace them. And I’m going to guess they came up the service elevator, not through the front door.”

  Once Livi was in the truck, she said, “I better call Elena. She expects me back by now.”

  Caleb waited while she made the call, frowning when Livi got angry.

  “What did she say?”

  “I don’t believe this,” Livi said. “Elena overheard Alex talking on the phone. He had returned from a luncheon and come to the office to give her a hard time about the low attendance. She distinctly heard Alex mention my name.”

  “And what then?”

  “Elena asked Alex who had called,” Livi said. “Apparently, it was someone who sounded official and claimed to have authority to look into my finances. Of course, Alex had no problem telling the caller the name of my accountant.”

  “He’s not only an asshole, he’s an idiot.”

  “Alex saw a way to usher trouble to my doorstep and he took it.” Livi sighed. “He doesn’t know what he’s messing around with.”

  “That visit was a warning,” Caleb said. “Until we figure out who is behind this, I’m stepping up security. And I’m going to put a guard on Julie at school.”

  “You think she’s in danger?”

  “I don’t have any indication that she is,” Caleb said. “But we can’t be too careful. Whoever wants that information from you might wonder if your daughter knows anything about it.”

  “I don’t want terrorists curious about my daughter.” A knot the size of a fist formed in Livi’s stomach. “She isn’t even aware that anything is going on.”

  “She needs to be,” Caleb said. “When we get to the condo, I want you to call her. Explain the situation and assure her that her bodyguard won’t be intrusive. He will be there to keep her safe.”

  “I’ll have to tell her everything, or it won’t make any sense,” Livi said. “She’s a sociology major and very intuitive. I won’t be able to simply tell her that she needs a bodyguard, but please don’t worry about it.”