Traces of Grey: Book Four of The Alexis Stanton Chronicles

by Phelps, J. C.

  Who did White think he was?

  He acted as if he were the boss of me. Well, he was my boss, but not the boss of my private life. Well, he kind of was the boss of my private life, too. But, I didn’t think I’d led Helix on.

  The memory of White and I on the yacht spilled over into my mind. My face flushed and I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth. My heart quickened and I held my breath. The sudden recollection made me feel guilty and I sat quietly.

  White’s voice jolted me back. “You should be sure of your intentions before you go around kissing random men.”

  White’s vehemence was like a slap to the face.

  “Whatever. I’ll kiss whomever I feel like kissing.” I crossed my arms in front of myself and pushed back into the seat.

  Whatever. I didn’t set up this stupid date in the first place.

  I was out of the car as soon as it came to a stop in the parking garage and started walking toward the lobby.

  “Ms. Grey. Wait up.”

  I did as I was instructed and watched as he made his way across the garage toward me. Then he stuck out his hand, “The card, please.”

  I’d entirely forgotten about it but handed it to him without hesitation. White snatched the card and immediately left me standing alone. I considered trying to catch up to him, but he seemed to be purposefully walking away from me. I waited the few seconds it took him to enter the lobby before I followed.

  White had been grouchy with me before, but never angry. Come to think of it, he was always in charge of his emotions. I’d seen him simulate anger to keep the troops in line or even one of our partners, but I’d never seen him sulk or stomp like a child, until now.

  Shift change had occurred because Phil was no longer at his station. Instead, a younger recruit for White and Associates stood in his place. I watched as he tried to greet White but White stormed past. The recruit looked at me with a puzzled look so I gave him a smile and just shrugged. Between the short distance of the garage and lobby I let go of most of my anger with White and embraced my triumphant grin.

  I waited for White to enter the elevator by himself and took the next car to my apartment. I considered following him to talk this through, but if he was going to act like a child he could go to his room by himself.

  By the time I reached my floor the guilt for kissing Helix ate at me. Even if the kiss had only been on the cheek I hadn’t wanted to do anything but thank him for a nice evening. Maybe Black had been right about flaunting my womanhood. However, I reminded myself, even if I had flaunted it, I was told to dress for a date. But, how did I fix this now? I did have a great time with Helix and wouldn’t mind getting together with him again. But, I knew I didn’t have any feelings for him, other than friendly feelings. I suppose White was right. What if Helix did call for another date? Was a little peck like that really leading him on? I certainly didn’t lead White on. As far as I was concerned, I belonged to him. I hoped he realized that.

  It never failed. Whenever I thought I knew where I stood with him something changed.

  I tossed and turned all night with these thoughts rolling around the bed with me.

  Chapter Eight

  I was up before the sun and started coffee brewing before Black made his appearance. I knew what I had to do, especially if what White said was true. The last thing I needed was a monstrous man chasing me around town.

  Black arrived shortly after the coffee was done and we sat in silence for two cups apiece before he finally asked me if I were ready.

  The drive to the gym didn’t take long enough. I didn’t know what to expect from Helix or exactly what to say to him so I hesitated when Black held the door open for me.

  “Let’s go,” he hiked his head toward the door.

  Black got his point across with as few words as possible and I was compelled to walk inside.

  Helix came out of his office as we walked in. He and Black greeted each other in their usual manner of grabbing the other’s forearm in a shake that would tear anyone else’s arm off.

  “Long time,” Helix said as he eyeballed me in the expected manner I was uncomfortable with.

  “Lookin’ good,” he added with a wag of his eyebrows. The toothy grin dropped away and his tone became more civilized. “Can we talk a moment?”

  Being met, in this environment, with the man I’d gone out on a date with last night, jolted me.

  “Of course.” I looked at Black for encouragement and was rewarded with a slight smile that seemed to suggest he knew exactly what was going on and he enjoyed every second of it.

  I stepped into Helix’s office and he shut the door.

  I’m trapped.

  I didn’t know if he’d try anything or not, but I hoped he didn’t push it too far. I wasn’t sure I could fight him off if I had to.

  “I’m glad you showed up today,” he said.

  My unease lessened as he looked at his feet. I expected him to kick the dirt across the floor instead of try to kiss me.

  After a short pause he continued, “I don’t think you and I are right for each other.” He immediately added, “I didn’t feel any… there was no… well, it was obvious you didn’t have sex on your mind.”

  “I did have a great time,” I didn’t know what else to say. I’d really thought White was right and I’d have to fight Helix off.

  “Me too.” He squared his shoulder and regained a wolfish grin. “Next time I have info I’ll request to deliver it to you. We’ll go out and paint the town red or whatever other color we feel like paintin’ it. It’s nice to have a sexy bi… chick on your arm.” With this last statement he put out his arm for me to take and led me back to the waiting Black.

  The two men nodded some sort of understanding between them when Helix and I exited his office.

  While Black and I sparred my mind wandered. Black hadn’t said a thing about the date with Helix but it was obvious he knew about it. When we finally took a break I asked him how he knew I’d gone out on a date with Helix.

  “He brought it up to me first.”

  “You told him I’d be interested?” I was shocked.

  “No, I told him you’d probably go, as a job.”

  I was okay with that. Black was right. I probably would have gone, even if I had known it was Helix I was meeting.

  “You’re right.” I dodged his fist. “Why didn’t he just ask me?”

  Black barked a single, “Ha.”

  He lunged at me and again I dodged.

  “What’s funny?”

  “It was his way of testing the waters at the office.”

  “What?” It was my turn to attack unsuccessfully.

  “You weren’t the resistance he was the most worried about.” Black smirked as if he had a secret.

  I stopped sparring.

  “You’re saying he did this to find out if I was dating anyone inside the company?”

  Black hadn’t dropped his fighting stance and moved toward me. His smirk grew and his eyebrows went up for emphasis.

  “So?” I side-stepped his charge at the last second and didn’t take the opportunity to give his kidneys a quick jab.

  “So, what?” He must have realized I was taking a break because he stopped his next advance.

  “Did I pass the test?”

  “Did he ask you out again?”

  I shook my head.

  “Then I’d say, no.”

  I didn’t know if this was a good thing or not. Of course I didn’t want Helix to be pining for me, but I didn’t want him to think I was involved with anyone inside the company. There was nothing I could do about it now so I squared off with Black again.

  “Why didn’t White tell me who I was meeting with before I got there?”

  “You know White. He likes the covert ops so he tries to make everything covert. Besides, Helix asked that you not be told. He figured his chances were better if you didn’t know who you were meeting.” He shrugged. “Got everything worked out?” He indicated Helix with a jerk of his head.


  “Yeah.” I sighed.

  Black raised his eyebrows.

  “I didn’t know Helix was so—”

  “Different?” Black supplied.

  “Yeah, I wish I was attracted to him. We could have some fun.” I stepped back from Black. “Do you have a deal with Red? He always tries to get me to talk about this kind of thing.”

  “Nope, no deal with Red. You offered,” he smiled his rare smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a little business of my own.”

  He left me standing alone beside the mat as he walked into Helix’s office. I looked around for somewhere to go to get out of the way. Gray and orange plastic chairs lined the wall near the front door that looked like they’d held more than their fair share of weight. It was the only place to sit, so I gathered our stuff and made myself as comfortable as I could.

  I watched the men and the women spar and beat up on the other available punching bags without faces. I silently critiqued them and thought I might make a good instructor for self-defense classes. Though I knew I would never do it, I found myself day dreaming about owning my own gym. Helix intruded into my dream. My mind had made him my partner, in more than just the gym. He called me Honey, but in White’s voice. This made me sit straight up in my seat and look around guiltily.

  I changed my thoughts to what Black might be talking about with Helix. What kind of informant or operative was Helix and was his name Helix or Johnson or Helix Johnson?

  The two mountainous men walked out of Helix’s office before I could wipe the smile from my face.

  “Ready?” was all that Black said as he reached down for his pack.

  “See ya soon, baby.” Helix goodbye boomed across the gym as we walked out. I wasn’t at all uncomfortable with him anymore.

  “So?” I asked as soon as Black was in the driver’s seat of his SUV.

  “So?” he repeated.

  “So, what was your business?” I spelled it out, though we both knew what I was talking about.

  “The same old.”

  “Just tell me. It’s not like I’m going to tell anyone else.” The secrecy in the company was something I was getting tired of. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll just find out on my own anyway,”

  “Probably not. But, if you find out on your own, I’m not to blame for telling you.”

  I rolled my eyes and let out a groan.

  This brought a reciprocal sigh from Black and he gave me some more information. He told me Helix didn’t just own a gym. He dealt in black market weapons.

  “He’s your friend.” My mouth hung open mirroring my wide eyes.

  A recent job for White and Associates, and Penumbra, had been to deal with black market weapons dealers. Penumbra had shot and killed at least six men in less than two minutes because of a deal like that.

  “Helix is a bit of a gray hat. He works for the government but actually lives the life. He’s allowed to make some money under the table as long as the proper authorities are informed as to where the weapons are and who has them. It’s part of his job to inform about the big-ticket items like RPG’s and large shipments of automatic rifles and such. This is priceless information. He’s actively watching specific individuals and companies as well.”

  I understood everything Black had said but, “Gray hat?” This term had me confused.

  “You know. White hats and black hats?”

  When I didn’t respond, Black continued to explain. “White hats, good guys? Black hats, bad guys?”

  “Oh.” Helix was living between good and bad.

  Black talked a little more about Helix’s role. He was the middleman. He was the man with the connections. The information about Johns’ and Grigori’s meeting in Alaska, the little party that Penumbra killed, could easily have come from him. He reported directly to the government but sometimes worked with our company.

  We sat in silence the remainder of the ride to the office. Me, thinking about Helix and his gray hat association and Black thinking about absolutely nothing as far as I could tell.

  When we reached the 7th floor I wanted to follow Black into the office to hear what intelligence he’d gleaned from Helix but I knew I wasn’t invited so I remained on the elevator. I needed a shower anyway.

  As soon as I was clean I took a stormy trip back down to the office. My infatuation with White had clouded my vision of the bigger picture. I’d been too busy thinking about White’s reaction to the innocent kiss I’d given Helix. The fact that I’d actually been pimped out hadn’t even dawned on me until now.

  All the important information was being discussed without me, yet I was being prostituted. I was angry that White would do that and then have the audacity to act possessive. My company and my affections were not for sale. I planned to tell him so.

  Gabriella smiled as I walked in but quickly dropped the smile when I didn’t return the happy sentiment. She cocked her head toward the intercom and I shook my head no in response. I was going to fulfill her need for entertainment. She always loved it when I barged in.

  I strode across the room and right into White’s office.

  “So, how’d it go with Helix this morning?” White asked before I started in on him.

  “Great. He interpreted the kiss on the cheek exactly how it was meant. I guess some men can tell the difference,” I jabbed back.

  “Lucky for you. Helix isn’t the kind you want to get involved with. Not with the job you have now. The life he lives, it’s highly possible you two would clash.” He meant Penumbra.

  “Well, if I were more informed—”

  “I had no idea you’d ever consider kissing Helix.” His voice went up an octave and his chair rolled away as he stood.

  “It was spur of the moment. He was such a gentleman and we actually have a lot in common.” I didn’t let my voice gain any volume but I had no objections to the venom that dropped from my words.

  I wanted to slap White for being such a jerk and then I wanted to slap myself for caring enough to get mad.

  “Yeah, Alex. He’s a player. He knows how to turn on the charm for whatever type it is he’s going for next. The man’s been undercover for years and knows how to play the part. He certainly didn’t miss his mark this time.” White took his seat again with a heavy sigh.

  “Spoken by another player. Not like any of his secrets are secrets to you. Well, excuse me for enjoying myself on a job. And I’m sorry I’m so naïve. Maybe I’ll just whore out and get some experience.”

  I couldn’t believe I’d just said that. I felt my face heat up and White’s expression was one of pure glee. This succeeded in fueling the flames.

  “It’s not funny!”

  “Whore out? I haven’t ever heard it put that way before. That’s hilarious.” He stood from his desk and his expression changed again.

  “Don’t you dare!” I backed away. “I’m not pleased with you at the moment and I haven’t been for a few days now. I don’t appreciate being forced into a dark room and told not to try to get out.”

  White opened his mouth to speak, but I held up my finger in warning.

  “And, having the man I’ve just trusted with everything, and I mean everything, pimp me out to another man, is more than insulting.”

  White didn’t say a word and his look was not undecipherable for once. He actually looked ashamed of himself. There was some surprise evident on his face as well, as if he’d never considered he’d been pandering for another man.

  “I promised I wouldn’t pry, so I won’t.” I continued. “But, if you don’t find something for me to do I’m going to go straight to my dad or even Colin for Penumbra jobs or anything else I can get.”

  “I’m your handler,” he argued.

  “I’m not kidding, Rick. I understand that there are things that go along with this job that I might not always like. I’m even willing to deal with the need-to-know crap, for the most part. But, I’m done playing the part of escort and I’m done sitting on my ass. With the exception of our latest yachti
ng adventure, it’s been months since I’ve done anything outside of this building. If you don’t have anything for me, fine. Just know that I will find something to do.”

  “I’ll get something set up, I promise. And, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for the Helix thing.” His face was somber.

  “Whatever.”

  I knew I’d forgive him, I was already more than half way there, but I wasn’t ready to admit it. He could worry for a while.

  His shoulders were slack and his step was hesitant, but I knew what he was doing. He was on his way over to make up with me.

  “Not going to happen.” I shook my head and turned to leave.

  “I really am sorry, Alex.” His voice was miserable. For some reason, this made me hold my chin up with more conviction.

  I didn’t respond and shut his office door with a little extra force.

  “What’s going on?” Gabriella asked as soon as the sound of the door slamming shut faded.

  “Nothing important. I’ve about had all I can stand of this office building.”

  “Well, call me if you need anything, Hon,” she said as I turned to walk out of the office.

  “Thanks, Gabriella.

  Chapter Nine

  I hadn’t been back to my apartment for fifteen minutes before a knock came on my door.

  “Lets go,” Black said as soon as I opened the door.

  I didn’t hesitate and stepped from my apartment and followed him onto the elevator and down to his SUV. I didn’t question him until we reached the airport.

  “Where are we going?” I had nothing but the clothes on my back and we were about to hop on a plane.

  “Survival training.”

  “Haven’t I already done that?”

  “Not quite.” We didn’t talk again for the entire flight.

  We landed at the Wyoming compound later that day. Situated in a green clearing and surrounded by trees and mountains, the compound was impressive. From the air I could see groups of men scattered across the compound involved in various activities. I remembered the lax feel of the Alaskan compound and that vibe was definitely missing here. As soon as we landed a recruit pulled along side the plane in a Jeep and waited for us. A cursory glimpse into one of the hangers, as I stepped into the Jeep, showed me that the hanger bays were also full of men in greasy coveralls attending different aircraft and vehicles.