While it had taken her best efforts to switch gears in her mind, she had done so. She’d had no choice. Upon learning Tanner was there, the staff had instantly gone on high alert, waiting with anticipation his take on the latest displays.
He’d been more than pleased and had complimented them with sincere words of gratitude. Kasey hadn’t realized how uptight she’d been until she’d seen the look on his face followed by his words. Relief had made her giddy. And careless.
“We should celebrate,” he’d said for her ears alone.
Heat stung her cheeks which she tried to hide by turning her head. “I thought that was what we were doing.”
“We are, but I want to take you out to dinner.”
She swung back around, her heart beating too fast. “That’s not necessary.”
“Of course, it is,” he argued. “Besides, we need to discuss the next phase of ads, and I’m for doing it over a steak.”
If he had made his invitation personal in the least, she would have said no and wouldn’t have budged. But he hadn’t. He looked and acted as though he’d never touched her the other night, much less kissed her.
Hence, she’d given in and said yes.
Now, as they sipped on wine following a delicious dinner, she perused him from under lashes, looking for evidence that his mood was about to change from impersonal to personal. So far, she had no complaint with his behavior. Still, she couldn’t relax for fear that he’d sense that every nerve in her body was aware of him.
As usual, he looked wonderful and smelled even better, though he appeared tired. But who wouldn’t be, she thought, trying to operate a business and run a campaign at the same time.
“What are you thinking about?”
His question took her aback, probably because her thoughts were on him. However, she answered him honestly. “You.”
He lifted a brow. “I hope it was good.”
She heard the teasing note in his voice and tried not to respond. But it was hard. He was too darn good-looking and exciting to remain passive. And if she let herself think about how her lips still tingled from his hungry kiss, she would be lost.
“It was how tired you looked.”
He looked startled at her bluntness, then he chuckled. “You don’t mince words, do you?”
“Not usually.”
“Do I look that bad?” His gaze probed.
Actually you look edible. “No, of course not,” she hedged, wishing she’d kept her mouth shut since she hadn’t wanted to personalize the conversation.
“Are you sure?”
“Now you’re fishing for a compliment.” She kept her tone light on purpose.
“Maybe I am,” he responded, staring at her over the rim of his wineglass.
She shifted her eyes for fear of what she’d see there. But he wasn’t about to let her off the hook. His next words proved that.
“I could say the same for you, that you look fatigued.” When she remained silent, he continued. “Though I’m not sure if I’m to blame or Shirley’s murder. I know that’s still very much on your mind.”
“And I’m still very much looking over my shoulder, too.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to you.” Tanner’s tone was firm but rough. “Count on it.”
“At the moment, it’s neither your job or the murder,” she admitted.
“Care to clarify that?”
Kasey expelled a breath, then met his gaze. “I received an unexpected visitor earlier.”
He took advantage of her slight hesitation. “I’m guessing it wasn’t someone you wanted to see.”
“Hardly.” She didn’t bother to hide her sarcasm.
“What did she want?”
“It was a he. Burt Parker. One of Shirley’s cousins. He wasn’t at the funeral so I didn’t know he existed.”
“What did he want?”
“The agency.” Her voice quivered.
Tanner’s jaw dropped. “No way.”
“I’m afraid so.”
“So what’s his angle?”
“Her will stipulates that he inherits the agency. But it was written before we signed the partnership papers. My attorney told me about it, then said not to worry.”
“Then take him at his word.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Sure it is.”
“He’s threatening to sue.”
“Hogwash.”
“He’s serious, Tanner.” She heard the strident note in her voice and tried to temper it.
“Look, that’s what you have an attorney for. Let him earn his money.”
“I just don’t think Burt Parker’s going to simply walk away.”
What he didn’t know and she couldn’t tell him was that it would take money to fight a lawsuit, money she didn’t have. But she couldn’t lose the agency, either, not to some greedy, money hungry relative who was up to no good and out for his own good.
“When he finds out he’s fighting an uphill battle, that you have an ironclad contract—” Tanner paused. “Your contract is ironclad, right?”
“According to Horace.”
“Then Parker will have to back off. You wait and see. You’re worrying needlessly.”
“Meanwhile—” Kasey broke off, realizing she’d told him far more than she should have. God, no telling what was really going through his mind. He’d known the agency was already in trouble when he’d come on-board. This latest development had to have him questioning his judgment and her ability.
If he pulled out…
“Kasey.”
“What?”
“I’m not going to desert you.”
“How did you know?”
His gaze softened. “Your eyes.”
Kasey opened her mouth to respond, only her cell phone chose that moment to ring. Without bothering to check caller ID, she answered it.
“Oh, hi, darling. Of course, you didn’t disturb me. What’s up?”
She listened, then finally told Brock, “Let’s talk about this later, okay? Call me tonight.”
After shutting off her cell, she tried to fight off a bout of nausea.
“Kasey, what’s wrong?”
“That was Brock.”
“Is he okay?”
She laughed with no warmth. “He’s fine. According to him, he’s never been better.”
“I don’t get it.”
“He just told me he’s in love and wants to bring her home to meet me.”
Tanner grinned. “At his age, I’m betting it’s lust.”
Kasey’s voice was wooden. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Seventeen
Daisy Greer had just been summoned. Normally she wouldn’t mind facing Stan Carmichael, chief operating officer of the biggest newspaper in Rushmore. This morning, however, she was trying to meet a deadline, and she simply didn’t have time to be bothered.
But when the big boss summoned, you had no choice. Was she in trouble? Again? Probably. With her immediate boss, she stayed in that state. She despised Drew Winthrop, and he returned the favor. But he hadn’t tried to fire her. He didn’t have the balls. He was afraid of her, and he should be.
If she got the chance to hang him out to dry, she wouldn’t hesitate. Better him than her.
Before getting up from her desk, Daisy smoothed her silk skirt over her narrow hips and grabbed her mug of coffee. Moments later, she stood in front of Stan’s massive desk. He was a big man with a balding head and well-manicured beard. She wondered why bald-headed men often wore a beard. Surely they didn’t think it made up for the lack of hair on their head.
Dismissing that inane thought, Daisy forced a smile. Again, she didn’t have time for this. Was she about to be grilled about the mega assignment she’d just completed? She’d been back only two days, and this was the first time she’d seen him.
“Have a seat,” Stan said in his low, whiskey-tone voice.
“Thanks, but—”
Stan made an impatient hand gesture. “I
know you’re working on a deadline, but sit down anyway.”
Daisy felt heat rush into her face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—”
He cut her off again. “Yes, you did, but that’s all right. It’s your aggressive impatience that’s made you one of the best news reporters in the state. I wouldn’t change a thing about that.”
“Why, thank you, sir.” Daisy reeled with surprise. For much of her tenure at the paper, she’d had little to do with the head honcho. Instead she dealt with Drew who was too dense to know his ass from a hole in the ground. But Stan was different. He was sharp, with an ear for news. She had the utmost admiration for him.
Still, his compliment had rocked her. As a rule, she wasn’t well-liked around the paper. Respected maybe, but liked, no.
“I’m aware of your work, Greer, especially your unconventional approach to news stories.”
Since her legs were now a bit unsteady, Daisy welcomed the chance to sit. “Thanks again. I really don’t know what to say.”
He looked amused. “Since when? You’ve never had trouble expressing yourself before.”
“Okay, I’m flattered and suspicious.”
He pitched back his head and laughed. “So you think I have an ulterior motive.”
She didn’t so much as flinch. “Do you?”
“Absolutely not. You’re made for this particular story. I need a bloodhound and, since you fall under that category, you’re the chosen one.”
Daisy had no idea what had brought on these praises from on high. Granted, she had just gotten back from a long assignment on a documentary concerning toxic waste, which was scheduled to run soon. The work had been grueling and challenging, but she had reveled in it, dogging the hell out of the company who was responsible for poisoning people.
Maybe word had gotten back to Stan or maybe he’d seen the piece himself. It didn’t matter. She would do whatever it took to work her way up the corporate ladder, even if it was on her back. So far, she’d managed just fine in an upright position, though it hadn’t been easy.
Her aggressiveness had cost her a husband, a home and a family. But she had made peace with her choices long ago and was ripe for the pickings, whatever they were.
“I’ve never seen you at a loss for words this long, Greer.” Humor remained in Stan’s eyes and voice.
“I’m just waiting for you to drop the dangling carrot in my lap.”
“It’s a political assignment.”
Daisy moved to the edge of the seat, feeling energized. “If I have a field of expertise, it’s that.”
“That’s another reason why you’re being tagged.”
Daisy felt her excitement mount. “So where and what?”
“The Texas Senate. That’s the race I want you to target. It has the potential to explode.”
“Suppose you bring me up to speed.”
Stan ran a hand over his sleek scalp. “Buck Butler’s the incumbent. I think you’ve covered him before.”
“I have. And all his skeletons are out of the closet.”
Stan chuckled again. “Maybe there’s more.”
“If there are, I’ll find them.”
“That would certainly thicken the gravy, no doubt. While Butler is not to be ignored, it’s his opponent I want at the top of your hit list. Tanner Hart.”
“I know that name, but I don’t know anything about him.”
“Neither does anyone else, apparently. When he first announced his candidacy, no one took him seriously, though he’s stinking rich and has a great reputation as a businessman.”
“As a rule, those assets don’t make good political candidates. They usually end up making a fool out of themselves.”
“Exactly. But Hart’s proved the exception. He’s run a smart campaign, hasn’t made the mistakes he should have. The latest polls show him right up there with Butler. At one point Hart was even ahead. As a result, the ante has been raised and Butler’s coming out fighting.”
“A nasty, mud-slinging campaign.” Daisy’s excitement grew even further. “Just what I like.”
“Hart’s too smooth, too much a charmer. Underneath, there has to be some dirty laundry. Find it and air it.”
Daisy gave him a thumbs-up. “And our circulation will soar.”
“Absolutely. The public thrives on other’s pain and misery.”
Daisy stood. “I’ll get on it right away.”
Stan shuffled through papers on his desk. He chose one, then extended his hand. “Here, take this. It’s a list of political forums and rallies. Pick your poison and go for it.”
He couldn’t concentrate. He needed a fix badly, but he knew that was out of the question. So far, he’d managed to do without on the job. To take a snort at his desk or in the john was simply too risky. He couldn’t chance getting fired. Even though he didn’t get paid all that much, he got paid. His salary, with what he’d scraped together by other means, was what kept him supplied.
Today, however, he was having a more difficult time than usual. His insides were crawling and his head bonged, which made concentrating bloody impossible. As a result, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep body and soul together.
His latest bout with Flora partially contributed to his frantic mood. Last night when he’d raided her house again, she’d been furious. He suspected her mood swing was a result of not taking her medicine, which almost always changed her personality, and not for the good, either.
He’d thought for a moment she was going to call the police, and he’d panicked.
“Don’t even think about it,” he’d said.
“I’m tired of you using me.” Her voice shook with anger.
“I’ll pay you back,” he lied in a wheedling tone.
“You’re a bald-faced liar. You have no intention of paying me back.”
“Please, sis, I need some money. Just one more time, and I promise I won’t bother you again.”
“I wish I could believe that, but you’ve lied to me too many times.”
“Look—”
Her clouded-over eyes narrowed and she bared her yellow-stained teeth. “Get out of my house and stay out. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to turn you in. Enough is enough.”
She turned and rolled out of the room, her squeaking wheelchair grating further on his nerves. For a second, he considered the unthinkable. He almost grabbed her from behind and strangled the life out of her to put her out of her misery. The old hag didn’t have a life. In fact, she’d probably appreciate it. She was more miserable than he was.
Hell, he’d already knocked off someone. One more wouldn’t make any difference. If he got caught, whether he got the big needle for one or two murders didn’t make a difference.
But somehow he hadn’t been able to bring himself to commit that evil deed. Killing a lover was a lot different than killing one’s own flesh and blood.
Now, as he sat in his office, he fought the urge to claw his skin. Instead he lunged out of his chair and walked to his door and opened it. He saw Kasey in the hallway.
If anything changed, she would be next on his hit list. But so far, she’d remained in line, had given him no reason to kill for the sake of killing. Only time would tell her fate, which was another reason why he couldn’t lose this job.
He had to keep a close eye on her. He chortled to himself. He couldn’t believe his good fortune. He couldn’t have planned things any better if he’d tried. This situation just landed in his lap like a big juicy plum.
He gave a sudden start. She was heading his way. He took a deep, shuddering breath, straightened his tie then squared his shoulders. At best, he looked like hell; his mirror at home had told him that. Would she notice his disastrous appearance and wonder why? Didn’t matter. In the past, his sister had turned into a great alibi when he’d come to work looking like hammered shit. If he had to, he’d reuse the old hag.
He chortled again. They actually felt sorry for him, the caretaker for a poor, helpless sister. Man, his coworkers cut him all the
slack he needed. His new boss was no exception. From the get-go, she’d joined the bandwagon. In his eyes, they were a bunch of stupid sons of bitches. But then, hey, he wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He’d take his good fortune and run with it.
By the time she walked into his office, he actually managed a smile. She returned it, though she appeared distracted.
“Don, I want you in on the meeting this afternoon.”
“No problem.”
If she noticed his bedraggled appearance, she made no comment. Maybe they were so used to seeing him in this shape, they no longer thought anything about it.
“So that won’t interfere with any sales calls you have to make?”
“I’ll check my calendar, but I don’t think so.”
Her mouth turned downward. “I wish you would’ve responded with an emphatic yes, that you’re booked solid with appointments all afternoon.”
“With Hart as a client, I’m betting that’s going to happen.”
“Rather than betting, I’m hoping.”
“If he wins the election, word will get around. You know how this town is.”
She smiled. “This is one time I’m rooting for the gossipmongers.”
“Me, too,” he responded in as smooth a tone as he could muster.
She peered at her watch. “The meeting will start around two. Don’t be late.”
Don’t be late, he mimicked silently to her back as she walked away, his features twisted bitterly.
Just who the hell did Kasey Ellis think she was ordering him around? She owed him a favor and didn’t even know it. He laughed silently. Without him, she wouldn’t now be the head knocker in this agency.
Shirley Parker would still have that honor. But he’d taken care of her, and if the need arose, he’d take care of Kasey, too.
Meantime, he’d continue to watch and make sure she stuck to her story that she couldn’t identify him. If that ever changed, then he’d just have to silence her.
He laughed again. Wouldn’t Kasey shit a brick if she knew the killer worked for her and was watching every move she made? For a moment he was tempted to tell her for the sheer pleasure of seeing the look on her face.
Pulse Points Page 12