Ramon laughed hardily, the sound deep and husky. "Such a diplomatic reply. But I would expect no less from a politician's daughter."
"You know who my father is?"
"Senator Denton Wellington of Georgia."
"But how—"
"I give to charity, my dear little Cyn, for two reasons. As a tax write-off, first and foremost. And, I am an old man, reared in the Catholic faith. In case there is a hereafter, it would not hurt for me to make some small recompense before I die." He looked down into his almost empty wineglass as if it were a pool reflecting his past.
"Do you know my father?" She couldn't shake the notion that perhaps Ramon Carranza was generous to Tomorrow House in particular because he was one of her father's acquaintances. But surely her father wasn't foolish enough to accept campaign contributions from a reputed crime boss.
"Do not worry yourself." He tilted the glass to his lips and swallowed the last drops of wine, then set the goblet on the table. "Your father and I have never met. He is not indebted to me in any way."
Cyn hoped the relief she felt wasn't visible on her face. As debonairly charming as Ramon Carranza was, there was something about the man that disturbed her. There had to be a reason why he'd gathered so much information about her personal life, why he seemed so interested in the fact that she was living alone in Sweet Haven. "I enjoyed brunch very much, Señor Carranza—" When he widened his eyes as a reminder, she quickly corrected herself, "Ramon. I'm very grateful for your offer to help us. I simply can't let the church close down Tomorrow House. You are aware of how much money it will take?"
"The check is already written." He reached inside the breast pocket of his coat and pulled out a long white envelope, then handed it to Cyn. "Please make sure it is the correct amount."
With trembling fingers, Cyn opened the envelope and peeped inside. She sucked in her breath. The amount was thousands of dollars over the desperately needed amount. "Señor Car... Ramon, how can I ever thank you?"
When she looked across the table at the elderly Cuban gentleman, she saw that he was watching her intently, the fierceness of his scrutiny frightening. Then suddenly his expression softened, and he smiled again. "There is no need for thanks. My motives are selfish."
Cyn scooted back her chair, dropped her napkin on the table and stood. "Thank you again...for everything. I should be going. There's never enough hours in the day at Tomorrow House."
Ramon stood, regally commanding with the wide breadth of his shoulders and his towering height. He took her hand, kissed it, but did not immediately release it. "I ask a favor, my dear little Cyn. One that should be no problem for you."
Her heart accelerated. She knew she had nothing to fear from this man, and yet he frightened her. She tried to smile. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly. She tried again, opening her mouth for a more friendly appearance. "Certainly, Ramon."
"Your only neighbor... a Señor Hodges I believe you said. Please give him a message from me."
When she tried to pull her hand away, he tightened his hold briefly, then released her. "You want me to give... a message to Nate?" Cyn could feel the heat rising from her chest, covering her throat, suffusing her face.
"Tell this Señor Nate Hodges that he should keep close watch on such a beautiful neighbor. Anything could happen to a lovely woman living all alone. Perhaps I am just an old-fashioned man, but I believe a woman should have a protector."
Cyn laughed, the sound halfway between a cry and giggle. Why was he so interested in her safety? "It's so kind of you to be concerned about me, Ramon, but I can assure you that women today are quite capable of taking care of themselves."
"Ah, yes. The modern woman." Ramon made a circular motion with his hand, a gesture of acceptance. "But you will pass along my message to your neighbor all the same, will you not?"
"The next time I see him," Cyn said, knowing that she had no intention of seeing Nate Hodges anytime in the near future.
Chapter 10
Mimi met her at the door the minute Cyn entered Tomorrow House. The place was a riot of confusion, with kids lining up in the hallway for lunch, a crew of workmen banging away on the roof, while two dirty, bearded men worked inside to repair the ceiling. From the game room, the noise of a loud advertisement for a foreign car competed with the screeching of a hot new hard-rock group blaring from the radio.
Rushing out of his office, Reverend Bruce Tomlinson, his eyes wide, his forehead dotted with perspiration, came barreling toward Cyn.
"Things are pretty wild around here," Mimi said, placing a motherly arm around Cyn's shoulder, guiding her toward her office and away from Bruce's inevitable approach.
"Noisy, too, huh?" Cyn laughed, allowing Mimi to herd her into her office.
"I gotta talk fast because Brucie's going to be in here any minute. Look, you got a tall, dark, good-looking visitor and Brucie ain't liking it a bit."
"Nate's here?" What was he doing here at Tomorrow House? After the way they had parted this morning, she'd been certain that he wouldn't seek her out again. After all, he'd made it perfectly clear that he didn't want her in his life.
"Did you know he was coming?" Mimi asked, leaning against the door when she heard Bruce take hold of the doorknob. "Bobby has told Bruce all about the Brazen Hussy, and Bruce thinks our Nate is a bad influence on the kids. You know what a jerk Brucie can be. Besides, I think he's a mite jealous. He's been sweet on you for a long time.''
"I set him straight about that over a year ago, Mimi."
"Well, I know you did, but the fact is he's being downright unfriendly to Nate. You won't let Bruce run our man off, will you?"
Cyn dropped her purse and briefcase on top of her desk, then straightened the pleats in her navy skirt. "Move out of the way and let Bruce in before he wears himself out shoving on the door."
Mimi stepped aside and Reverend Tomlinson came bounding into the room, practically falling over his own feet. "You need to see about that door, Cyn," he said. "It's sticking again. I thought I'd never get it open."
"Oh, I think Mimi can take care of the problem," Cyn said, trying not to smile. "Come on in, Bruce. Did you want to see me about something important?"
"That man is here." Bruce puffed out his basset hound jaws, took a monogrammed handkerchief from his coat pocket and wiped the perspiration from his upper lip.
"If you're referring to Mr. Hodges, then I think you should know that he's here as my guest. We have some business to discuss." Cyn removed her white cashmere sweater and hung it on the back of her chair. She had no idea why Nate had come to Tomorrow House, but whatever the reason, it was certainly none of Bruce's business.
"Bobby told me all about the Brazen Hussy, how Mr. Hodges carries a knife, how he single-handedly subdued that boy," Bruce said. "What sort of business could you possibly have to discuss with a man like that?"
"Personal business, you ninny." Mimi stood in the doorway. "I'll be in the lunchroom if you need me," she said to Cyn before leaving.
"That woman's behavior is outrageous!" Bruce stuffed his handkerchief back into his pocket.
"Mimi is the heart of Tomorrow House. The kids love her." It was on the tip of Cyn's tongue to tell him that Mimi's contributions to the shelter far outweighed his. "And my business with Mr. Hodges is none of your concern. Like Mimi said, it's personal."
"I see."
"Look, Bruce, we have something more important to discuss than your misgivings about Mimi and Na—Mr. Hodges." Picking up her purse, Cyn unsnapped the catch, pulled out a white envelope and waved it around in the air. "I have here a check that will more than cover the expense of running Tomorrow House for the next six months. Call Reverend Lockwood and tell him that we have a patron saint."
"My word, Cyn, is this true?" Bruce shuffled nervously like a child trying to postpone a trip to the bathroom.
"Quite true."
"Who?" he asked, then gave Cyn a puzzled look.
"Ramon Carranza."
Cyn smiled as she remembered her unusual brunch with the elderly Cuban gentleman.
"The name sounds familiar."
"He's a retired businessman. No family. A charming and generous man." Cyn asked God to forgive her for the little-white lie she'd just told Bruce. After all, it was for a good reason and for a good cause. Although she had some misgivings about taking money from a man with Ramon Carranza's reputation, she knew Bruce would absolutely refuse. Where she was able to see life in various shades of gray, Bruce saw it only in black and white. Considering the fact that Tomorrow House would close without Señor Carran-za's generosity, Cyn figured that what Bruce didn't know wouldn't hurt any of them.
"I'll call Reverend Lockwood immediately." Bruce turned to go, then stopped short. "Cyn, I don't think Mr. Hodges is the kind of role model the boys need. Bobby seems in awe of the man."
"I thought Bobby might be a little bit afraid of—"
"Well, if he was, he no longer is," Bruce said. "The two of them have been playing pool for the last hour. I still don't wholly approve of you putting that pool table in the game room."
Cyn slumped down on the edge of her desk, crossing her arm over her waist and resting her chin on the knuckles of her other hand. Watching Bruce walk out of her office, she sighed and shook her head. How could two men as different as Evan Porter and Bruce Tomlinson both have been ordained by the same church and placed in the same position as director of Tomorrow House?
After locking Ramon Carranza's check in the small safety box in her desk, Cyn went in search of Nate Hodges. As much as she wanted to see him, she dreaded facing him. Somehow, she knew he hadn't come to profess his undying love for her.
She found him in the game room, standing back and watching Bobby as the boy studied the pool table, contemplating his next shot.
Nate saw her the minute she walked in. Sunshine. That's what he thought of every time he saw her. Pure, clean, bright light. No dark places, no hidden shadows. A woman as honest and good and loving as this old world could create.
He had talked to Romero after Cyn had left this morning, asking if there was any way to get protection for her. Romero had said it was doubtful, but he'd see what he could do. Nate knew that Cynthia Porter's best protection was staying away from him. But just in case it was already too late, just in case Carranza was Ryker's comrade, then Nate had to make sure she was kept safe. He'd placed a call to Sam Dundee right after his conversation with Romero. Dundee was the best bodyguard in the business, and as long as Romero couldn't come up with federal protection, then a hired gun would have to suffice. Of course, he wasn't sure how Cyn would feel about having a bodyguard. That's why he'd come to Tomorrow House—to tell her about his decision to hire Sam Dundee. He just hoped he could persuade her to agree.
"Lunchtime, guys," Cyn said as she walked into the game room.
Bobby laid his pool cue on the table. Smiling, he pointed to Nate. "He's winning, anyway. Man, Cyn, he's good at everything. You should see him playing Nintendo."
"Won't you join us for lunch?" she asked, her eyes filled with questions as she looked at Nate. "Bobby, you go ahead and save us a couple of seats."
"Thanks, I'd like to join you." Nate hung the cue sticks on the wall holder and restacked the fifteen balls.
The lunchroom was crowded and noisy, but the food was hot and delicious. Nate sat beside Cyn, aware that she was doing her level best to avoid any eye contact with him. She had every reason to be angry about this morning. After all, he'd spent hours making love to her and then had sent her packing. He had tried to explain, but she hadn't bought his explanation.
"Did you make your ten-thirty appointment?" Nate asked.
"Yes." Cyn picked up her glass of iced tea and sipped slowly.
"Mimi said you had a brunch date with some millionaire you were hoping would make a large donation to Tomorrow House." Nate cut into the slice of chocolate cake with his fork.
"That's right."
"Did you get the money?"
"As a matter of fact, Señor Carranza gave me a check to cover all the expenses for the next six months." Hearing Nate choke, then cough, she turned quickly to him. He glared at her. "Are you all right?" she asked.
Nate's stomach knotted tightly. He could hear the roar of his heartbeat in his ears. She had lunch with Ramon Carranza? Damnation! How the hell had Carranza gotten to Cyn so quickly?
"How did you meet Ramon Carranza?" Nate asked.
"Do you know Ramon?"
"I've heard of him." Just who the hell was this Carranza? Nate had been turning the question over in his mind for days now and had asked Romero to dig a little deeper into the mysterious Cuban's background. Regardless of what Romero found out, Nate knew one thing for certain. Ramon Carranza meant trouble for him.
"I suppose everyone in Florida knows about his reputation," Cyn admitted, trying not to allow her conscience to bother her about taking money from such a man. Possibly dirty money—even blood money.
"Then if you know about his criminal past, why did you agree to meet with him?"
"He's been contributing ten thousand dollars a year to Tomorrow House for the past several years. He was the logical person to contact when I needed more money." She didn't like the tone of Nate's voice or the accusation she heard in his words. How dare he, of all people, condemn her. "Besides, I found him to be a very charming man."
"Did you indeed?"
"Will you kindly lower your voice. Everyone is staring at us."
"Then let's finish this conversation in private." Dropping the paper napkin he held in his hand, Nate stood up abruptly, grabbing Cyn by the arm and jerking her up beside him.
"Good idea," she said. "I happen to have a few questions I want to ask you."
It took them fifteen minutes to finally get away from the kids, from Bruce's reappearance to tell her that he'd spoken to Reverend Lockwood, and to settle a squabble between the inside and outside repairmen.
The minute the door of Cyn's office closed behind them, Cyn placed her hands on her hips and swirled around to face Nate. "Why are you here?"
"Your questions will have to wait a few minutes. We're not through discussing Ramon Carranza and why the hell you took money from a damned crime boss."
"Reputed crime boss. Señor Carranza has never been convicted of a crime," Cyn said, her breath huffy. "I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt, don't you?"
"No, I don't. Reputed crime boss, my rear end. He was a top dog in Cuba back in the forties and fifties and moved his operations to Miami when Castro took over."
"You seem to know an awful lot about Señor Carranza. Why is that?"
Hell! He'd opened his big mouth and said more than he should have. "Word gets around." Nate reached out, grabbing her shoulders. When she tried to pull away, he tightened his hold. "The point is this—stay away from Carranza. He's bad news."
"I won't have you dictating whom I should and should not see. I don't need a protector despite what you and Ramon Carranza might think." Cyn struggled to free herself from Nate's tenacious grip.
"Be still." His words were low and deep and commanding. "What did you mean when you said that Carranza thinks you need a protector?"
"Will you let go of me?"
"What did Carranza say to you?"
"It was no big deal." Nate was frightening her, more than Ramon had. Was there some connection between the two men? No, please, Lord. No.
"Tell me, anyway."
"I just happened to mention to Señor Carranza that I was staying in Sweet Haven and you were my nearest neighbor."
Nate's curse word stung Cyn's ears.
"What's the matter with you?" Cyn tried to push some bothersome, half-formed doubts out of her mind. Now was not the time to let her imagination run wild. "It was no big deal. Señor Carranza simply asked if you were someone I could count on if I needed help."
Nate squeezed her shoulders so forcefully that she let out a yelp of pain. He released her imm
ediately. "Is that all?"
"Well, he said I should give you a message."
Hot coals filled Nate's stomach, burning through his in-sides. Carranza had sent him a message—a warning? And he had used Cyn as his messenger. "What was the message?"
"Aren't you taking this a little too seriously?" Cyn asked, puzzled by Nate's attitude, and yet bothered by the shadowy suspicions she couldn't escape.
"He said to tell you to keep a close eye on me, because anything could happen to a woman living all alone."
Nate turned from her, afraid she would see the fear in his eyes and discern for herself the danger their relationship had put her in. Under his breath, he let out a string of rather crude curses. Carranza was sending him a warning, all right. There was no doubt in Nate's mind that the old Cuban knew Ryker and was working with him.
"You've got to move back to Jacksonville, to your apartment." He wasn't going to tell her that Nick Romero was working on getting her some government protection. It would be hard enough to explain why he wanted to hire a private bodyguard for her. That news alone would probably scare her to death. But what choice did he have, especially since Carranza had issued his warning?
"I don't want to leave Sweet Haven, not yet. Don't you think you're overreacting?"
"You're going back to Jacksonville," Nate said. "And I'm hiring someone to protect you."
"You're what?"
"Ryker could show up in a few days. Maybe even tomorrow. I don't want you anywhere around me when he does show."
"I...I'll go back to Jacksonville tomorrow if that's what you want, but I will not have some...some guy watching my every move."
"Not just some guy. A private bodyguard. Romero recommended him. He used to be a DEA agent."
"No."
"Yes. I've already put a call in. He can be in Sweet Haven today, and he'll help you move your things back to Jacksonville and keep you—"
"I can't leave yet," Cyn said.
"Yes, you can and you will."
"We're having a picnic at the beach this evening. Mimi is already making preparations for the food. Bruce has borrowed a bus from the church. The kids are expecting to spend May Day at my beach house."
This Side of Heaven tp-1 Page 15