Cisco sure qualified as “anyone.” He may not have been as lethal as our secret agents, but he had a black belt in one of those martial arts. (I could never keep them all straight.) Just looking at his six and a half feet of muscle—well maybe Darla would appreciate that after all.
“Cisco can bring his briefcase. If he has money with him, she’ll forgive you for not following directions,” Cat said.
Nah. Too risky.
I broke free of his arm and dashed through the double doors of the suite into the hall to the elevator. There stood Klaus, Paulo’s bodyguard, apparently on loan to Cisco. The guy’s neck was twice as thick as my waist. I wasn’t going anywhere unless Cisco approved. I guess it was kind of nice that they worried about me.
“Okay. Okay, you win.” I turned on my heel to face Cisco, and motioned him to the elevator.
“I’ll get my briefcase.”
I sure hoped Cat had a good vision of how this was going to go down. My phone rang. I was late for my appearance at a local wellness center. Yeah, wellness was getting to be an issue these days.
***
I took off through the lobby at breakneck speed, barely slowing down to allow for the doors. Yeah, the paparazzi got some good shots that day. Cisco followed me into the limo and we were off for a two minute ride down the street and around the corner. Unfortunately, it took ten minutes.
Cisco commented on my remarkable ability to sprint in “high heels.” All I could do was gawk from window to window, lamenting our slow progress. Yeah, that’s one thing about the traffic at home. A whole lot less traffic jams. (Did I just say “home”?)
We finally bolted through the doors of Elliot’s Deli. I noticed Darla immediately, getting up to leave through the back door, because Cisco was right behind me. I snatched the briefcase, waved it and yelled, “We brought money.”
So now everyone in the deli was aware we had money for Darla. Curiously, instead of rushing to escape, she went to a table, looking a bit confused. Amazed, I strode toward her and plunked the case on the table. Some people watched us, but most went back to their breakfasts.
“You can see I’m real anxious to resolve this, Darla.”
I introduced Cisco as he helped us both to a seat, a gesture that obviously impressed her. She smiled up at him. Yeah, those handsome blue eyes were good for something.
“What’s in the briefcase? I didn’t expect you’d have the money today.”
I patted the case. “It’s just part of the money. But I’ll have the rest for you on time. When I told Cisco about your charity, he was so impressed he was dying to meet you.” I hoped she’d believe that I’d lied to him.
“Really?” She was going for it.
“Of course.” Cisco had a great smile, and he used it on her. I don’t know why it had an effect, if she claimed not to like men. “I told Glori I have a meeting with my banker at 1:00 today. I’ll have the rest for you then.”
“That’s perfect.” She drew the case toward her.
“As a matter of fact,” Cisco patted her hand. “Glori has been spending hours on the phone soliciting donations, she believes so strongly in your cause.”
“Really?” She gave him a bigger smile.
“We discussed it a bit. You know Glori Cosmetics is one of our charitable partners?”
“Oh?” She batted her eyes, now done in my signature colors.
“Yes, perhaps you would be interested in partnering with us? It would be quite beneficial for your endeavor.”
“Oh, yes, could be…” She trilled a confused little laugh.
Cool. Nita had told me that Cisco had dated half the women in England before he finally got up the nerve to pursue Cat. Now I saw firsthand how he’d accomplished that.
***
I was beginning to wonder why Cisco was spending so much time seducing this woman. I looked at my watch and was about to recommend they get a room. Then I noticed Alain walk through the back door. I must have had such shock on my face, Darla spun around and sprang from her seat with the briefcase in one quick movement.
Eduardo intercepted her at the front door and handcuffed her. A police cruiser pulled up, and he deposited her in the back. He waved to us with his usual Eduardo smirk, and left.
Now, not only was I panicked about the consequences of arresting Darla Wilde, I was standing beside Agent Alain Dusseault, and my heart was in my throat.
“Are you all right, Glori?” That seemed to be his standard line, but it worked for me. I could listen to that voice forever. Cisco slipped out of the deli without me even noticing.
Unfortunately, by that point I was pretty much undone. I started to cry, and he held me to his chest. Great, I thought I’d at least be able to act cool. This wasn’t any tougher than attacking an assassin with a shoe.
Maybe it was just the emotion of it. I couldn’t imagine anyone killing a mother and her babies. Maybe some maniac could justify killing David, but not his pregnant wife and seven-month-old boys.
I found a tissue in my bag and wiped the tears as Alain escorted me out the rear door and to his car.
“It’s not over, is it?”
“Probably not,” he said.
Then I wondered if he meant our relationship. No. He meant what I meant. As long as someone had an axe to grind with these secret agents-turned-celebrities, we were all targets. Cat was right.
So what should I do? Give up my newfound family in Salzburg, Austria? I’d fought living there for so long. Now that it didn’t matter, I missed it. I even missed the cows and horses. Mostly I missed having people that loved me for me and being a part of something.
I probably wouldn’t be any safer. I sure wouldn’t be any happier. No, I’d cling to this family. Let Alain do what he had to do. I’d keep my new family, thank you very much.
“Where are we going?” We’d been sitting in traffic in silence.
“I have orders to make sure you are safe. I thought you’d want to go back to the hotel and get ready for your day. Do you have appointments?”
I thought my heart was going to break in two. Orders? I remembered back to the joke I made with Aubrey, and the General needing to order Jimmy to see her.
I couldn’t make a sound come out of my mouth. That had to have been a blizzard in hell. The day Glori Coulson was speechless.
The hotel loomed ahead, a three minute walk and who-knows-how-long-drive in bumper to bumper traffic. I got out of the car, careful not to slam the door, and ran as fast as I could.
***
Glori was full of surprises and this was another. How she could run so fast in those shoes was awe-inspiring. How he could have been so cruel was appalling.
He felt that void inside of him, that void that was so apparent and painful, whenever she was in his mind. Which was most every minute. She haunted him. But his cruelty would not change that.
He watched her run through the slits of his eyes. He was supposed to protect her. How could he protect himself?
He got on the phone.
***
Cat pounded on my door until I let her in. I obviously looked like hell, and I didn’t care. I didn’t bother to stop sobbing. If she wanted to be there that badly, she’d have to face the music. And it wasn’t pretty.
She led me to the couch and held me while I cried.
It was almost dark in the room by the time I noticed, but Cat was still there with me. I blew my nose again. “Thanks, hon, but you don’t need to stay with me. I’ll be fine.”
She fussed with my crazy hair. “I’m staying right here. You don’t need to talk to me if you don’t feel like it. We can just sit and keep each other company.”
I tried to laugh. “Cat, don’t tell me you don’t have anything better to do.”
“Nothing in the world.”
“Okay.” I let her hold me. I know it sounds weird, but I did feel better. Maybe she was praying over me. Cat spent a lot of time in prayer.
Finally, I started to talk. “I’m just tryin’ to do the best I can.
I’m just tryin’ to make some kind of difference somehow.”
“You must know that you have already. You’ve made a huge difference in Debbie’s life. Her art will be recognized and admired around the world. The money that she makes from this will help her children, and give her the knowledge that she is an extremely talented human being. That’s something her parents will not acknowledge to this day.”
I picked my head up from her shoulder. “You mean the babies are gonna live?”
“Of course the babies will live.”
I sniffed. “Well then, I guess all this shit was worth it.”
She smiled. “I also want you to know, you have made a difference in Auntie’s life. She has worked for years without receiving the recognition she deserves for her formulations. These are products that help people and help the environment. The fact that we are able to market them in such a way as to generate funding for charity is an added blessing.”
“Cool.” I managed to choke out a word.
Cat kept going. “You don’t need me to tell you that you are having a great impact on this world. You will show women that they can be successful in business, that they can take action and make their dreams come true. And do it with the enthusiasm that you radiate.”
“Cool.” Yeah, I couldn’t think of any other words at the time.
“Glori, I know you are curious about George and Marion. I don’t think you should worry. This winter will be exceptionally snowy in Salzburg. They won’t be able to stay much past Christmas.”
“Cool.” I was so flabbergasted it took a minute for me to realize Cat was being funny.
She let out a little laugh. “I thought you’d be happy to hear that.”
“Yay, too cold for old George and Marion.”
“You really mustn’t worry about Debbie. She has learned so many more skills for coping with her parents. They can’t hurt her like they used to.”
“Yeah, I noticed she was actually turning normal. I am really proud of her.”
“Yes. And she and David are completely in love. She has made huge strides in her recovery, and she has transformed him in so many ways. Their life together is happy, and thanks to the money she is making with her art, one of these days, he’s going to realize he can stop working so hard. Their children will be well provided for.”
That was such a relief to hear from Cat. At least Debbie and her kids would be okay. I wondered about Christina, but I didn’t want to hear about her from Cat now. I wasn’t sure if her predictions could change, but I didn’t want to chance it. I clung to my vision of that imaginary baby.
“Let me order you some dinner. You haven’t eaten all day.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“You’ve got to keep up your strength to walk in those shoes of yours.”
***
Alain observed through the window as David walked through the door of the interrogation room. Darla Wilde sat at the table in tears.
“Darla.” He took a seat across from her.
“You’re a fool. Now we’re all dead. Your wife and your kids. All dead. There’s nothing you can do about it. It’s done.”
“Santoro isn’t the god you think he is, Darla.”
“Santoro isn’t the little shit garden variety punk you think he is.”
“Anyone could hire William Shaw with the right amount of money.”
“He’s got an army of William Shaws. You can’t get them all. They’ll keep coming until your wife is dead, and the baby she’s carrying, and the three you already have. And then they’ll get you. Not that you’ll care by then. You’ll beg them to do it. Put you out of your damn misery.”
“Who is Santoro working for?”
She laughed. “You don’t get it, do you? He’s calling the shots here.”
“I don’t believe you. And if you want to stay alive, you’ll tell me the truth.”
“David.” She grasped his hands and sobbed.
***
The next morning I was more myself. I was adapting to that hole in my heart. I’d rescheduled my day to include the wellness center I’d missed the day before, and the spa I had on my appointment book.
My eyes were still a bit red, so I put my shades on and headed out the door. I almost got Eduardo’s cup of coffee down the front of my suit.
“Whoa, this is for you to drink.” He tried to hand me the mug.
“Hon, thanks, but I’m on my way out. I don’t have time.” I brushed past him, only to have him grab me by the arm.
“Here.” He handed me the coffee. “It’s good, I promise. I didn’t make it. And I’m driving. The car’s waiting.”
He guided me by the elbow through the door to the elevator, and to the car. As we walked, he explained he would be my new “tour guide.”
“Whose idea was that? Wait, I don’t want to know.”
He gave me his trademark smirk, took the mug while I got in the car, handed it to me, and shut the door. My brain whirled with all kinds of crazy thoughts as I watched him get in the car and drive out of the garage.
I figured Alain put him up to this. Just as well, it would’ve been one hell of a day driving around with him “ordered” to be my chauffeur. I felt like I’d cried every tear I’d had the day before, but no use pushing it.
“Do you know where you’re going, Eduardo?”
“That’s why I have you.” He winked at me.
I couldn’t help but giggle. He was too cute, and he knew it.
The spa was packed with customers, and the staff was turning away more as we drove up. Apparently that little episode with Darla created even more media attention. I was suddenly grateful to have Eduardo at my side. He guided me safely through a throng of fans and paparazzi.
The staff was great, and I thanked them all for their help and obvious devotion to Glori Cosmetics. They told me about some of the charities they wanted to contribute to. They raved about their experience with the products, and the benefits they’d found, and gave me some excellent new product ideas.
They brought me into a large room packed with clients. As I launched into a speech about the benefits of shea butter, I noticed Eduardo at the back of the room dipping his fingers into the Neroli Body Balm. What’s this with Neroli?
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Half the women crowded around him to share the sample jar. And don’t you know—that was my top selling product of the day. He was quite a salesman.
It was the same story at the wellness center. Women flocked around Eduardo, flirting and asking his opinion on each and every product. Then they’d discuss the charities they were promoting. Not only did he eat up all that attention, he turned into a selling machine, without even realizing it. Or maybe he did. Even though he was Mr. Sociable, he was still a secret agent. Nothing got by him.
By the end of the day, I felt re-energized. Nothing like cosmetics, fans, and a dose of Eduardo’s comedy to lift the spirits. I decided to do my signature eye workshop. I’ve got to say, he was so funny assisting the women with the eye makeup, I almost lost it.
***
Alain had to laugh when he got a look at Albert Santoro. Practically as wide as he was high, he bounced from his seat when David came through the door. “Stay right there, you bastard. Don’t come near me.”
David stopped in the entry way and shut the door behind him. “Sorry, Bert, does your neck still hurt?”
Santoro backed up against the wall. “Listen you Nazi, I have rights, and I don’t give a fuck who you work for, this is the United States of America. Got it? You fuck.”
“You don’t need to be afraid of me, Bert.”
“Afraid? Afraid? Nah. You’re the one that needs to be afraid. You’re gonna get yours, asshole. You’re gonna regret the day you were born. Your family’s gonna regret the day you were born.”
“Tell me about that, Bert.”
“I don’t need to tell you nothing, you fuckin’ Nazi. Your pretty little wife’s gonna have a bullet through her head. Yeah, after t
hey fuck her. They’re gonna have a good time with her.”
David lunged and grabbed Santoro, smashing him onto the table. “I’m done listening to your foul-mouth shit. I’m going to need some names.”
***
David returned with a shrug. “No help. The names he gave me were useless. None of them would have the resources to hire Shaw. Do you have the list of people who’ve had contact with him?”
Alain handed him a clipboard. “Just a list of little shit garden variety punks.”
***
When we got back to the Ross Hotel that evening, the butler directed us right to the dinner table. Cat and Cisco were about to be seated. And who to my wondering eyes should appear, but David.
“Wow,” I said, “This place is crawling with secret agents.”
He came over to give me a hug and kiss on the cheek. And then he gave me another actual smile. Wow, this guy was really softening up.
“Glori, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”
“Don’t mention it, hon.” I gave him a smile and took my seat at the table, hoping Alain wouldn’t show up. I wasn’t ready for that. Didn’t know if I ever would be.
Eduardo entertained us with his version of the day’s events. I thought Cat was going to fall off her chair laughing when he made her feel how soft his hands were. Yeah, he was a convert to Maria’s Bay Rum salt scrub for men with callused hands. Cisco just shook his head, and David gave him that sarcastic lip curl.
I couldn’t help but wonder what became of Darla. With David there, I guessed she’d be in some deep doo doo. He couldn’t have been too pleased to hear his entire family was at risk of being slaughtered.
I swallowed the last of my water. Even though the food looked delicious, I didn’t have much of an appetite. Just as well—I hadn’t had any time for working out lately. But I knew it was important to stay hydrated. Not that I planned on making any more tears for Alain.
In the Name of Glori (The Redemption Series: Book 3) Page 16