She was spared further when a posse of rangers returned to the office and swarmed Trevor. They told them the tail of the fisherman who’d stumbled upon the charred yacht remains before dawn that morning. Once they’d ID’d him as the owner, they’d dispatched dive teams to search for his body, but issued a vague statement to the press on purpose so they wouldn’t run with a Trevor Cole is dead headline.
Trevor thanked them for their thoughtfulness. He recounted their adventure on the yacht before they’d jumped when it became evident that it was going to crash. Erica saw some evidence that he was thawing toward her when he’d included her in the statement several times. Almost immediately, he seemed to remember his anger and things would chill between the two of them again.
Erica gave a grateful smile to the rangers who draped a blanket around her shoulders. She watched Trevor watch her when she pulled her knees up under her chin and huddle beneath the blanket. He stood and paced while he continued recounting what happened to them. Erica bit back a sigh when Trevor’s pacing placed him between her and the door. The last thing she wanted to do was move, but she was still assigned to protect him. Leaving him unattended near an open doorway, even surrounded by Forest Rangers wasn’t an option.
Trying to be casual, Erica stood and took a new post between Trevor and the doorway. Almost without conscious thought, he moved away from both her and the door. Erica took a moment to mourn the fact that their friendship had strained so fast.
Trevor kept recounting the events, but she could tell something else was going on in his head by the slight considering frown that flitted over his features. It became apparent when he tested her by moving, with casual motion to the outside observer, back between her and the door. Erica stared him down. He stared back. She planted herself squarely in the doorway and dared him with her expression to challenge her.
A mocking smile danced on his lips before he retreated back to his original seated position. The triumphant look Trevor gave her had Erica holding her ground even though she was bone weary and her legs were about to collapse at any moment. Still, she wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of leaving the doorway so he could take that spot. Judging by the expression on his face, she knew that’s just what he planned to do.
Jonny looked between the two of them. Erica could sense that he saw the power struggle between her and Trevor, but did not understand the cause. “Mr. Cole. The boat is here. Whenever you’re ready it’ll return you both to the mainland.”
Erica shot Trevor a surprised look. Boat? He wanted to get back on a boat after the last one had almost killed him? And what about the choppers she’d heard overhead? Oh no. The ranger had to be mistaken.
Erica touched Trevor’s shoulder. The icy look he shot her way made her drop the offending hand. Still, she pressed on with her quest. “Wouldn’t the chopper be faster?”
Trevor leveled a cold stare at her for a moment then flashed his rock star smile around the tiny station. “Nothing like getting right back in the saddle. Eh?” He rose again from his seat. Erica caught the stiffening of his joints, and he addressed her at last. “Ready?”
At least he wasn’t planning to leave her behind. Not eager to antagonize this thin show of good will, she exchanged her ready retort that she goes where he goes for a quiet, “Yes,” and followed him to the shore. She had to figure out a way to rebuild some figment of a relationship between them. Even if the friendship that once budded between them was now out of the question. Given the attraction between them, it had to be for the best that it’d been nipped in the bud. Still, she had a job to do. She couldn’t do it if he kicked her out of his life.
Her steps slowed while a germ of an idea began to take shape. Putting it into action, Erica stumbled against Jonny. He righted her like she’d expected and never even noticed when she swiped his cell phone from his belt. Although, Trevor studied her like he knew she was up to something.
The closer he got to the tiny speedboat, the more he was beginning to feel that maybe the chopper was a better idea. No sooner had the idea formed than he’d clamped down on it. If he didn’t want to fear boats the rest of his life he had to get back on one. Immediately. He suspected Erica needed the same. Even though he didn’t want to care if she were able to conquer her fear, he did. But he’d be darned if he let her know that.
He glanced at her behind him. She followed like she had nothing more urgent on her mind than putting one foot in front of the other. Maybe the crash hadn’t scared her like it had him. Then he reminded himself. This is what she does. The crash had to be all in a day’s work for her. He snorted. How had he managed to be saddled with a bodyguard that he didn’t want?
Trevor chose a seat inside the tiny boat cabin. It was one thing to get back on the boat. It was another to see them racing over the waves in actuality. Like he’d expected, Erica followed him inside. Unwanted compassion filled him when he saw her look around and choose to stand for the ride back because there were no seats between the one he’d selected and the doorway. There was no way she wasn’t exhausted. He was shaky with fatigue himself, and he hadn’t spent near the amount of energy she had. Without trying to make a big deal about it, he moved to another seat. He saw the grateful surprise in her eyes when she sat in his vacated seat. For a moment, Trevor forgot to be angry with her. He liked her. That was genuine. He wanted their budding friendship back. Except what kind of friendship could be built on lies?
“All set? We’ll have you home in no time,” Jonny announced in a cheerful voice. The man hadn’t strayed far from Trevor’s side since they’d reached the ranger station. More often than not, he had the humor for these things, but he was too exhausted to think, much less make small talk with the guy.
“You mind if she and I have some time to chat?” Trevor asked when Jonny settled into his own seat inside the cabin. Erica raised a wary eyebrow. Jonny looked between the two of them and hopped up. He swayed a bit when the captain put them underway, but headed for the door. He shot Trevor a wolfish grin.
“Chat. Of course.” He pounded Trevor’s fist with his own then left them by themselves in the cabin.
Trevor saw the hope in Erica’s eyes. He hardened his. “I couldn’t take anymore.” He could’ve been the biggest cad on the planet the way light faded from her eyes at his explanation.
“I understand.” She turned away to stare out the portholes at the water speeding by them.
Trevor wanted to say something else but he didn’t know what so he left things alone.
Chapter Seven
The ride back to the mainland took not even twenty minutes. With things strained between them like they were, the ride could’ve been a week. Hidden in the blanket’s folds, Erica texted her plan to Jason. Since she was using someone else’s cell phone, she knew he wouldn’t respond. She could just hope he’d gotten her message and set things up for her.
At long last, Jonny opened the door to announce their arrival at the shore. Erica glanced out the window when lights began to flash. Trevor groaned when he noticed the paparazzi swarming the dock they would use to disembark.
Trevor looked at his torn, sweat stained clothes. “My mom is going to love these photos.”
Hoping a common enemy would repair their bond a bit, Erica offered, “You want some of the blanket?”
Trevor considered her for a long moment then shook his head. “Ready?”
Erica stood on shaky limbs and dropped Jonny’s phone in the chair he’d vacated and wrapped herself tighter in the blanket. Satisfied Trevor never noticed her action, she headed for the door.
Erica noticed that Trevor didn’t complain when she stuck close to him on the dock. In fact, he snaked an arm about her waist and guided her through the throng of crazed reporters and photographers. Jonny followed the best he could, but got pushed back in the wild shuffle. He settled for yelling, “Call me!” The boat captain just shook his head and continued working in his logbook.
Together, Trevor and Erica made their way up the dock to the pa
rking lot. Trevor froze in surprise. Erica looked at him. His rock star smile looked more brittle than usual.
“What’s wrong?” Erica pretended not to know.
Trevor turned to smile down at her like that had been his intent all along. Hyperaware of all the cameras still snapping away, he whispered, “My car is gone.”
“What?” Erica looked around the parking lot pretending to ascertain the veracity of his statement. “How is that possible? Don’t you have assigned spots or something?”
Smile still in place, “Yes. And mine is empty.”
“Hmmm.” She looked back at him. “Well, if you can suspend your hate of me for a bit, I can give you a ride.”
Trevor stared at her for a long time. “How’d you pull this off?”
Erica feigned a hurt innocence. “I’m a one woman operation. How could I possibly manage something like this?” She laid down the beginnings of her new cover story. “Besides, I’ve been with you the whole time. Think how good I must be to arrange this without you knowing.”
Erica held his gaze. Trevor never blinked while he studied her. At last he relented. “I accept your offer.”
Erica nodded and led the way to her lavender VW bug. She expected him to comment on her extremely girly vehicle, but he held his tongue. It served to remind her how far they had to go to repair their friendship. The fact that he’d stopped at the navy BMW next to it and raised his eyebrows when he realized he was wrong told her she’d surprised him. Once they were settled inside, she lost no time putting some distance between them and the paparazzi. After she’d lost the last of their relentless pursuers, Erica spared a look at Trevor. She was encouraged when she saw the impressed expression on his face. She seized her opportunity.
“I’m really sorry I misled you. But you have to admit, someone is after you. You need protection.”
“The police are already on the case.”
Erica pulled over so she could turn to face him. “It’s commendable that you have this deep rooted humility. In fact, I’m sure it’s part of the reason you’re so successful. But I don’t want to see it get you killed.”
“It’s not going to get me killed.”
“No? Your yacht exploded and someone detonated a bomb they sent to you.”
Trevor stared stubbornly through the windshield, not giving her any clue to what he was thinking. She waited for him to look at her. Erica reached over to squeeze his hand. “When are you going to admit that you need protection?”
Trevor studied their hands. After a moment, he pulled away from her. “I’d like to get home, now.”
He turned to look out the passenger side window, shutting her out. Erica sighed and eased the car back into traffic while Trevor mulled over the last few days. She and Cam were right. He did need protection. It killed him to admit it and he was sure the pygmies would be arriving at any moment, but he also had to be honest with himself. He would not be alive right now if he hadn’t had help. He liked Erica, but that was also a problem. She’d be more distraction than woodwork. And as a one woman operation, she couldn’t have the resources that Trecam had. He needed this thing resolved fast as possible. He would call Caitlyn first thing in the morning. That settled, Trevor realized they were turning into his driveway. Erica parked at his front door.
Trevor had every intention of bidding her farewell in the car. Of course, Erica had other ideas. She bounded around and to the door while he got his keys out. He was strangely torn when he located the correct key on his ring. She had saved his life. But she’d also deceived him. A general rule he lived by, don’t keep anyone around he can’t trust. That was one of the reasons that he’d been able to remain grounded even among the nonsense his chosen career generated. Except, deep down, he knew he could trust her—with his life.
“Thanks, Erica. It was … an adventure … meeting you.”
“If you change your mind …”
“I won’t.” Trevor gave her his rock star smile, but it had an obvious tinge of sadness to it. He pushed open the door, but Erica held him back.
“At least let me sweep it, first.”
Trevor sighed, but stepped back allowing her to enter. Trevor waited about thirty seconds before he started feeling silly. This was his house. His sanctuary. It was safe. The first thing he noticed was the chill. Without giving it a second thought, he turned the thermostat up to its limit. He wanted the place heated fast.
He wanted to go check on Erica. He was curious to see her reaction to his home. No sooner had the notion formed than he shook it away. He was going to say good-bye to Erica for good in just a few moments. He wanted the break to be a clean one. He needed it to be clean.
Erica’s steps faltered when she saw him in the foyer flipping through his mail. He sensed her annoyance before she even opened her mouth. He was surprised when the rebuke he expected didn’t come.
“You have a great place. A little cold, but nice.”
“Thanks. And I just turned up the thermostat. It’ll be back to normal in here soon.”
Erica frowned. “You mean it’s not always like this? Did you turn the air on before you left?”
Trevor shrugged, not understanding her interest in his home’s temperature. He was getting to the point where he could not even think beyond a bath, his bed and a meal, not necessarily in that order.
Erica took a look around again. “We have to get out of here.”
“What? No way. I’m beat.”
“Head for the door. Now!”
He heard the urgency in her whisper just before he heard the rattle. Lots and lots of rattles. And hisses.
Trevor sucked in a surprised breath when snakes of every size and color slithered out from under his furniture. Erica clutched at Trevor’s arm while she stared at the reptiles heading for them. At last, she gathered her wits and reached for the door. Trevor snatched her arm back just as a cobra snapped at it.
Shaken, Erica needed to take a moment. Trevor grabbed a nearby coat rack and cleared a path to the door. Erica got herself together long enough to yank the door open so they could both flee. Trevor pulled the door closed behind them.
Erica grabbed his arm and hustled them away from the house. She didn’t stop until they were halfway down the driveway. Freaked out, Erica tried to walk off her fear. She so didn’t do snakes. Trevor saw how upset she was and pulled her into his embrace. At first she tried to resist. She was supposed to be comforting him. Not the other way around. Some bodyguard she was turning out to be.
“We’re safe, Erica. Everything’s okay.”
She pulled away from him in anger. “How can you say that? Someone wants you dead. No. Everything’s not okay!”
“It couldn’t have been easy getting all those snakes. The police will track him.” He tried to pull her close again, but she danced out of his grasp.
“When they’re not busy tracking all the murderers who’ve already succeeded.” A bit calmer, she whirled on him. “What’s the big deal? Why won’t you let me protect you?”
“No, Erica.”
“It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Leave it alone.”
“But …” Erica’s retort was cut short when a pair of headlights swept over them and up the driveway. Wondering who could be stopping by this late, she took up a defensive posture between Trevor and the intruder.
Trevor brushed by her. “Give it a rest. It’s just Cam.” He headed for the sedan when it stopped short of the main house. Cam rolled down his window. Even in the darkening of nightfall, Erica could see the relief on the other man’s face when he saw for himself that Trevor was okay.
“Need a lift up to the house?” Cam called while Trevor approached. “What are you two doing out here anyway? After your little adventure, I’d think you’d both be pooped.”
Trevor leaned in the window. “We’ve got a little problem.”
“You lost your key? No worries.” He held up a set of keys. “I figured you might have. When I heard you’d been found, I rushed them rig
ht over.”
Erica leaned against the back door. She overheard the emotion brimming in the man’s voice and didn’t want to intrude. Somehow she knew without a doubt that he was the one who’d brought in Trecam. Though she couldn’t imagine him and Caitlyn being good friends like her boss implied. Though, something about the red stubble on his chin tickled her subconscious.
“Actually, we’ve been inside. Someone left me another present. Snakes. Lots and lots of snakes.”
After her crash course in all things Trevor, Erica was able to hear how hard he had to work to keep his tone flippant. For the first time, she was able to detect that the man was afraid. With good reason. Whoever was holding this grudge against him was without a doubt serious.
“Neither of us have a phone, so could you …” Trevor didn’t even get his sentence finished before Cam was on his police radio calling in backup. Relieved, Trevor squatted by his friend’s window and rested his forehead against the door. “And my car’s gone, too. It wasn’t at the dock where I left it.”
“It’s in the impound,” Cam informed Trevor who looked at him with a frown.
“What? Why?”
“Another bomb threat was phoned in. We swept it for obvious explosives, but we took it in to check it more in depth. So far, we’ve found nothing. You should get it back in a couple days. After everything … we’re not taking any chances.”
Trevor nodded and stared dumbly at his friend. Erica rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. Without thinking, he squeezed it with gratitude. The satisfied look that flitted over Cam’s face had Trevor’s heckles rising.
“Son of a … it was you, wasn’t it?” He saw Erica tense beside him. She moved to look at Cam closer not understanding Trevor’s accusation. “You hired her, didn’t you?” Trevor shrugged away from Erica and began to pace in his fury.
Cam locked eyes with Erica. He wasn’t surprised that he didn’t see any shock on her features at Trevor’s pronouncement. So he must have already figured out she was his bodyguard. Still, something didn’t jibe. Trevor hadn’t mentioned Trecam. Was it possible Erica had managed to salvage part of her cover? It wouldn’t surprise him. She had to be a smart cookie if Caitlyn chose her. Behind Trevor’s back, she gave him a slight shake of her head indicating he should bite back the defense that sprung to his lips. He let Trevor take the lead.
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