Warrior Reborn

by KH LeMoyne

  Briet’s lips moved beneath his fingers. He leaned in close to her ear to whisper. “We give them ten minutes to get started and then we head through this doorway.” He nodded to the last door he’d locked. “There’s a stairway at this end, somewhere. We’ll head upstairs that way.”

  She nodded and reached for his wrist, checked for the time, and then crossed her arms.

  He was still close enough to feel her hair on his cheek. “I don’t think you should go home tonight.” He said nothing more, not sure where he’d been going with this comment because he hadn’t intended an invitation. Lack of evidence aside, Annie’s death and the break-in at Briet’s apartment seemed a little too close in time for comfort.

  He started to move away when she held on to him and whispered back. “I have plans.”

  He raised a brow and tilted his head in question. Not what he had intended. At all.

  She rolled her eyes and whispered again. “I’m going with my brother. He’s picking me up, wants me to stay at home with him for a few days.”

  Jason considered for a moment, then gave her a nod. Ansgar might not be his favorite person, but he would keep his sister away from the hospital and her isolated apartment, ensuring her safety. The man acted like her personal Rottweiler, and she needed a good guard dog to watch over her.

  They waited, side by side, and listened to the murmur of voices from the next room. He could differentiate the tone of Max’s voice and the clipped intonation of Sanyu’s. The man doing the autopsy was too soft spoken to make out more than extended pockets of silence.

  Briet pointed to the watch and raised her eyebrows in question—almost eight minutes had passed. He held up two fingers. They heard someone walk by the door they’d planned to use. The footsteps moved away down the hall and Briet turned back to him again, leaning in to speak.

  He couldn’t resist the opening. Framing her head in his hands, he pressed close for a deep, long kiss, coaxing her lips with his tongue until she moved closer and returned his touch. Pulling back, he looked pointedly at his watch and smiled.

  It was the best two minutes of his day. If his doctor planned to leave with her brother, it would be the last two minutes of enjoyment he had for several days.

  CHAPTER 20

  Jason shook his head at the champagne waiter and glanced around the two-tiered ballroom. The lavish bar, extravagant menu and attentive staff touted Hauer Gault’s effectiveness in rolling out the money and goodwill when it suited his interests. The guest list numbered one hundred and fifty of Boston’s elite and influential. Each offered up five thousand dollars a plate for the opportunity to be photographed, interviewed, and considered in the running to have a hospital wing or department named after them. The doctors on the test trial team attended gratis, but they were the entertainment, the sideshow of work well done and success achieved.

  Hauer’s intense conversation with Max on the balcony level of the hotel’s ballroom might be private, but his hand gestures and Max’s frown indicated Jason would have to head over there and smooth over expectations.

  According to Max, the table assignments for the three donors for the next Welson project were on the opposite end of the room. He would need to go massage their egos, as well.

  He released a long breath and contemplated how much he was truly beginning to dislike this job. Not only did his little doctor torment his waking and sleeping hours, now she’d soured him on the job that was his bread and butter.

  No. Not fair. He’d soured on the job all on his own. She had added a little spark to his life and gently started breaking down the walls he'd taken years to carefully build. Given her influence on him, it wasn’t surprising he’d suffered terrible withdrawal over the last four days without her.

  He’d kept busy. Some parts of his job still held reward. He met with Marco Sanchez’s father downtown at a store now selling Manuel Sanchez’s work on consignment. The man also had several offers for handcrafted work based on the human-interest video clip Jason released to the local news station. Enough offers to keep Manny busy and employed for the next year.

  Jason had also spent more time than he cared to remember with the manager of Briet’s apartment building, scrutinizing the blank security tapes and pushing for answers on why no one reviewed the tapes on a consistent basis. In reward for his diligence, his car had been keyed down the side, his tires punctured and parts of the engine removed. The abused hunk of metal was serving a three-week sentence at a pricey repair shop.

  Swirling around in the back of his mind were potential motives for Annie’s death. None made sense. None he could link to Briet’s blood samples. The autopsy Welson had commissioned indicated heart failure. The actual report hadn’t been released, even for his viewing. It hadn’t stopped him from questioning his lab contacts at Welson, who’d told him the autopsy results were processed outside of their facility. On loan from a sister company, the professional responsible had left just as inconspicuously as he’d arrived.

  But eight-year-olds having heart attacks didn’t fly and the marks on her ankle bothered him. Without proof, all he had left was unease and a gut suspicion. Viable circumstances might just explain Annie’s death and the strange blood samples, though he had yet to find any. He refused to add Dr. Arnault’s death and Briet’s break-in into the viable category. Nothing would justify the murder of a healthy woman and violent intent to harm his doctor.

  Thoughts coming full-on, he gazed over the patrons in tuxedos and formal gowns, searching for blonde hair.

  Jason had seen Briet on the pediatric floor throughout the week, if only a quick glance here and there. He kept tabs on her, as Ansgar had accused. Yet without a touch or a breath of her, he felt like an addict, strung tight and desperate for a fix. Each day proved harder, not easier. A problem he planned to remedy. He tapped his pants pocket absently, canvassing the entry doorways, and froze.

  Ah.

  Just inside the double doors, the object of his lust settled her creamy bare shoulders as if preparing for battle, riveting her attention to the balcony and her target, his CEO. For just a second he let himself drink in the picture of her in the sleeveless, floor length, Mediterranean blue silk dress. No lines broke the contours of the dress. It was all Briet. Silk hugged every curve, clung to every inch of skin from her rounded breasts, to the slit showing her delicate knee, ending where her feet sloped into silver high-heeled pumps.

  Stunning. A man would have to be an idiot to walk away from that. He would like to think even he wasn’t so stupid. He grabbed a champagne glass, taking a swallow to force moisture back into his mouth and rational thought into his brain.

  With a deep breath, he left the glass on a table and moved to head her off. Unfortunately, the feisty doctor was too fast on those silver heels.

  She was already pulling back her hand from introduction with Max and Hauer Gault when Jason approached her from behind.

  “I don’t understand why I can’t at least speak with the medical examiner on the case?”

  “Dr Hyden, I can understand your distress at the death of your patient. Even your concern on how it might reflect on your care. But I hardly think this is the appropriate venue to pursue this concern.”

  “I’ve tried calling your office.” She looked pointedly at Gault. “And was told no one was available to discuss my concerns.”

  “Dr. Hyden, I’d be happy to meet with you in the morning—” Max didn’t get any further.

  “I don’t require a meeting with you, Mr. Harris. I would like to speak directly with the medical examiner about the inconsistencies in Annie Bremar’s case.”

  Oh, shit. Jason pushed in front of Briet. “I suspect what Dr. Hyden is getting at is the desire for the team to fully review the findings in order to eliminate concerns related to the other patients.”

  She scowled at him and turned back to Gault. “I can speak for myself. And no, I’m not concerned about a poor reflection on my practice. My sole interest, and only purpose, is the well-being of my patien
ts. I want to know why Annie’s body was cremated, against the explicit wishes of her parents. I want to know why the autopsy report would indicate a heart attack, given her heart was perfectly healthy.”

  “Dr. Hyden, when would you have had access to an autopsy report we haven’t yet released?” Gault's voice was cold and clipped.

  This conversation had gone to hell faster than the speed of light. Jason forced himself not to look in Briet’s direction with reassurance or reprimand.

  He started slowly, working to ratchet down the hostility level. “I imagine she is conjecturing based on the level of resuscitation Annie required. Heart attack is not the general hypothesis among the teams.” Jason looked to Briet; his eyes fixed on her face as he prayed she would stop so he could help dig her out.

  The flush on her face and fury in her eyes turned on him for a split second, then changed to confusion and frustration. “Fine. I’ve chosen a poor time. Although, it seems my request won’t be considered in person any more than it was by the appropriate channels. I’m sorry to have interrupted your evening, gentlemen.”

  Head high and hands fisted, she walked away.

  Jason would have followed her if Max hadn’t blocked his exit. “Let me introduce one of our sponsors for the Welson project to launch in Vancouver. Mr. Toré Valas, this is Jason Ballard, our project lead with the highest test-to-market success rate in the company. He’s done excellent work on the delivery of the newest Welson Corp. product.”

  “I would like to think that’s the highest quality test-to-market success rate.” Jason quelled the impulse to follow Briet and extended his hand to the tall, slender man who had appeared at Gault’s side. The short brown hair and brown eyes seemed out of place against the pale color of the man’s skin, but Jason couldn’t place what made him take such note. Some people just didn’t look right in their own skin.

  “Mr. Valas. What brings you to the benefit tonight? We’re a long way from Vancouver.” He gave a quick glance over the balcony to confirm Briet hadn’t managed to leave the ballroom. The crowd, now moving to take their seats, and the wave of waiters serving the salad course were slowing her down.

  The man looked oddly amused when Jason glanced back. “Given travel, I’m rarely in Vancouver. I’ve come here to tie up some loose ends on another project.” He paused with a glance over Jason’s shoulder. “As well as to assess the probability of further ventures. I am, however, very pleased with what I’ve found so far. I apologize, Mr. Ballard, would you excuse me?” Without waiting for his reply, Valas passed by him and headed toward a group of men at an entrance to the balcony level.

  He had no chance to assess Valas’ new companions. Most of the men were faced away from him and he needed to get to Briet. Unfortunately, he now had Hauer Gault’s undivided attention.

  “You’ve done a good job keeping us abreast of problems, Jason. We aim to reward successful achievement.”

  “I appreciate your support. With the exception of Annie Bremar’s death, I think we are progressing well.”

  “An unfortunate circumstance, but unpredictable occurrences do happen. Welson wasn’t responsible for the Bremar child’s cremation. As I understand the situation, the funeral home made an error.”

  Yeah, right. Like the funeral home would create a mess, resulting in favor of a less expensive and politically disastrous option. “Granted. However, Annie Bremar was a child and her loss has strongly affected members of the team. I’m sure we can understand why her doctor might still be dealing with her death,” said Jason.

  “Absolutely. I’ve been assured Dr. Hyden will be taken care of.”

  Jason’s face must have reflected how odd he found the comment because Gault continued quickly, as if he’d intended more.

  “Dr. Hyden’s concerns, I mean. All the doctors’ concerns are in our best interests, after all."

  Jason worked to keep an even look. Poker was a skill and he gauged Gault to be on par with the masters. He wasn’t half-bad himself, and managing executives was a job he excelled at. “Good point. Hyden, Braden, Makai, and the rest, are all excellent doctors. Given I have to deal with her tomorrow, I’d like to take a stab at calming Dr. Hyden down now. Her acceptance of the situation will make the process easier for the rest of the team.”

  Gault looked unimpressed but bowed his head in dismissal. “By all means, see what you can do to calm the woman down.”

  ***

  Jason caught up to her and missed a grab for her arm as she entered the revolving door at the rear exit of the hotel.

  He’d run down two flights of stairs, only to see the kickback of the bottom of her blue dress and a silver heel disappear around a corner when he shouted her name. She didn’t slow down, but at least he’d been able to catch up.

  Two steps out of the revolving door he spun her around to look at him. “Just stop a minute and talk to me.”

  “Why, so you can convince me to give up my claims? So you can sweet talk me into walking away?”

  He frowned at her and dropped his hands from her body. “Have I ever tried to manipulate you? This is always about you. You’re the avenging angel out to save all the little innocents. Did it occur to you that everyone else isn’t a villain? Some people are just doing their jobs. They think they’re right, too, Briet. You can’t beat them over the head with their failings and expect them to knuckle under to your way of thinking and be pleased about it.”

  She waved a hand to the hotel lobby. “Those men are never going to change their way of thinking. They’re going to race that drug to the market and bulldoze anyone who stands in their way. Children like Annie will be crushed under their feet.”

  “You’re letting your emotions get in the way.” Jason exhaled in frustration. “There are other ways to work the problems you’ve mentioned. What you’re doing isn’t going to solve any of them. You blow so hot even people who want to help you can’t get close enough without getting burned.”

  She looked offended and then narrowed her eyes. “Like you?”

  “What does that mean?” He moved closer, staring down at her face. “I thought we’d established some trust. I thought you were going to come to me with issues. When did we end up on different sides? And when did you get hold of the autopsy report?”

  A quick twinge of guilt flickered across her face at the last question, but she rebounded. “I only saw it today and I tried to get in touch with you,” she said, her tone filled with confusion.

  He pulled out his cell phone and quickly clicked through the calls. “Nope, not one from you.”

  Crossing her arms, she gave a little sound of exasperation. “I left my phone at home. So I left you messages on your desk.”

  “Phone’s not going to do you any good somewhere else.”

  She lifted her tiny silver purse. With a terse movement, she snapped open the clip and extracted the phone with two fingers. “Happy?” Not waiting for an answer, she dropped it back into her purse and snapped it shut again. “I figured you didn’t want to deal with this,” she said, a little bit calmer.

  Now he was pissed. “You’re kidding, right? You know very well that I’ve done everything I can to make your work with this team go smoothly. I’ve answered every question. Worked every issue you’ve brought to me. Several you didn’t. Not to mention that you know full well how I feel about you.”

  She tilted her head a little higher, but he wasn’t about to let her discount his words.

  He moved closer, his fists on his hips. “Don’t you dare pretend that you think I was sleeping with you out of convenience.”

  She blinked back at him, actually surprised. “I don’t. I’ve never thought that. But you didn’t come find me.”

  “I never got any of your notes. I’ve been in my office twice today. No notes.” As she started to open her mouth, he cut her off. “I’m not saying you didn’t leave them. I’m saying you need to trust me. I didn’t get your notes, or I would have found you. You don’t need to fight this battle by yourself. You aren�
�t alone.”

  She tightened her lips and crossed her arms but still looked unconvinced. “I tried to talk to someone who would give me information, anyone. They shut me down. Those men,” she waved a hand toward the revolving door. “They’ve covered their tracks so fast I may never find evidence of what they did to Annie, or what’s going on with the DNA splicing in all the patients.”

  Jason stilled at her comment. “What are you talking about?”

  “You know very well what I’m talking about. The blood samples I let you see. The samples show DNA splicing for every patient on the trial. I need to know if whoever tampered with the DNA used it to kill Annie. If the other kids are at risk.”

  “How—”

  The sound of feet striking the pavement made Jason glance over his shoulder seconds before a man with a ski mask over his face launched for him and made a grab for a fistful of his jacket.

  Jason pushed Briet behind him and struck out with his right fist, following under and up with his left.

  The man avoided the first punch, caught the second to his midsection, but still managed to plant a fist into Jason’s jaw. The punch wasn’t hard, but the spin and the impact sent him backwards into the brick wall.

  Pure adrenaline had him rebounding off the wall, ready to pursue the man as a large SUV drove into the hotel’s pull-through. The rear window lowered, revealing a dark interior. Gut instinct sent Jason toward the ground, grabbing Briet. He landed with her body splayed on top of him.

  The sharp ricochet of brick and cement splintered above as Jason flipped, covering Briet’s body with his.

  A minute later, everything was silent.

  He looked around. The SUV was gone. The mugger was gone. Briet’s body was still beneath him on the concrete sidewalk.