Shot in the Dark
Page 5
“Be careful with him!” she shouted to the handlers attempting to unload the six-ton bull from the trailer.
The men and women surrounding the eighteen-wheeler practically turned in unison to glare at Josslyn. Once again, she’d spoken out of turn. From the looks of it, they were being careful.
Dax, however, was having a temper tantrum. The elephant kicked at the travel crate with his back foot while dragging his tusk against the metal bars like a prison convict. The tension in the yard didn’t improve when a trio of Secret Service agents and Uniformed Division officers came storming up behind her. Making matters worse, Agent Lockett, of course, had his gun drawn.
“Must you?” Josslyn spoke softly so as not to rile up Dax further. She gestured to the gun in frustration. “He’s in a cage, for crying out loud. He isn’t going to hurt anyone. Except for maybe you. He’s not especially fond of men who wave guns in his face.”
Agent Lockett studied the crowd before replacing his gun in its holster. “I told you to stay put.”
Josslyn appreciated how he kept his voice low and even. His eyes, however, were a different story. Gone were the sexy laugh lines. They’d been replaced by a stern look that clearly said he didn’t appreciate her not following his orders. He looked a lot like her father did when Josslyn acted impulsively. Judging from his expression, he didn’t like it any more than Daddy had. Too bad she couldn’t placate Agent Lockett with a kiss on the cheek and hug. She opted for humility instead.
“I wasn’t thinking,” she apologized—mostly sincere. “I heard him in distress and I just wanted to get to him.”
She took a step toward the animal hauler before his hand on her arm stopped her.
“Hold still for one minute,” he commanded before motioning to Agent Groesch with his chin. The agent walked along one side of the perimeter while the officer from the Uniformed Division surveyed the other side. Dax let out another cry of frustration, rattling the crate with his tusk.
“Show’s over,” the zookeeper in charge of the elephants announced to the assembled crowd. “Dr. Benoit and I will handle it from here.”
He walked over to Josslyn and Agent Lockett with his hand extended. “Glad to have you here, Dr. Benoit.” He gestured toward Dax. “Your boy enjoyed his quarantine in our Front Royal facility a little bit too much. He didn’t want to leave.”
Josslyn shook his hand. “Just wait until he picks up the scent of the female elephants in the barn. He’ll be singing a different tune.”
“Let’s hope so,” he said. “We’d like to add to the herd as quickly as possible.”
She glanced down at Agent Lockett’s fingers still wrapped around her. “May I do my job now?”
“That depends,” he responded. “You’re not getting in there with that thing.”
“That thing is a big spoiled baby. And, no, only a crazy person would get in a crate with a distraught elephant.”
He arched an eyebrow at her as if to say she might fit in the crazy person category. “Let’s hurry this up, then. I don’t like you being exposed in such an open area.” He slowly released her arm.
She proceeded toward the crate.
“Hey there, big guy,” she cooed. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
At the sound of her voice, Dax trumpeted wildly, stomping his foot like an angry two-year-old. She stopped short of the crate and picked up a long-handled broom used to scrub the elephants during their bath.
“Shh, Dax,” she continued in a soothing tone. “This is your new home. I promise you’re gonna like it here.”
The elephant let out a sorrowful wail of protest before leaning into the bristles of the broom Josslyn had inserted between the bars of the crate to scratch behind his ears.
“That’s my boy,” she said. “Relax and we can let you out to explore. There’s an old friend of yours here. I’m sure you’re going to want to say hello.”
Dax sighed and flapped his ears indicating his contentment. Josslyn relaxed too. She brushed him a little more vigorously while speaking softly to the zookeeper.
“Is the barn ready for him?”
“Yes. He’ll have the run of the bull area since he’s our only male right now. We’ll keep the cows out on the trails for the rest of the day so he has a chance to settle in.”
“Okay, have the driver back the crate up to the entrance and we can let him out,” Josslyn instructed.
She walked alongside the hauler, continuing to soothe Dax with the stroke of the brush and her voice. As soon as the trainers lifted the gate, Dax ambled out of the crate into the large indoor enclosure, its floor covered in sand. The skylights in the high ceiling and the wire rails made the space seem open and airy. A moat flowed between the sand and the fence adjacent to the public viewing area. Throughout the pen, there were special showers Dax could operate with his foot allowing him to rinse off whenever he wanted. Outside was a yard filled with logs to occupy his time, a grassy knoll and deep pond for him to bathe in. The staff had constructed a huge cake made up of vegetables to welcome Dax to his new home. A large crayon banner, presumably made by school children, hung above the steel door to the enclosure.
The zookeeper explained that, even though he’d been quarantined at the zoo’s other facility, Dax would be kept indoors for twenty-four hours more just to be sure he was free of any pathogens that could have come from his previous zoo.
“That will give him time to settle in before we introduce him to the rest of the herd,” Josslyn agreed.
The elephant trumpeted loudly again, letting everyone within the zoo know he had arrived. An answering call came from the vicinity of the Elephant Trails exhibit where the females were spending the day. Dax halted in his exploration, his ears perked as he lifted his trunk into the air.
“Nothing like the scent of a woman to alter your mood, huh, buddy?” Josslyn teased from outside the enclosure.
Dax turned at the sound of her voice. The ground trembled as he lumbered over to the steel wire fence.
“One of those ladies will be very happy to see you,” Josslyn said to the elephant. “You two have a history together.”
His ears flapped when he reached the balusters separating them.
Josslyn couldn’t help but grin at the elephant she’d known for nearly ten years. “I’ve missed you, big guy.”
She reached out a hand toward him. Dax weaved his trunk between the bars and let it hover over her outstretched fingers. A gentle puff of air tickled her palm as he seemed to reassure himself it was really Josslyn. Slowly, his trunk moved up her arm to the side of her face where he gently brushed against her skin. Josslyn closed her eyes waiting for his signature slap on the head, but it never came.
“Shit,” Agent Lockett breathed from beside her.
Josslyn’s lids snapped open. She hadn’t realized the Secret Service agent had followed her into the staff enclosure. She nearly laughed at the sight of Dax’s trunk dislodging the agent’s sunglasses from their perch on top of his head.
“It’s not funny,” he said. “Tell him to cut it out.”
“He’s just curious.”
Dax’s trunk made a beeline south trailing down along Agent Lockett’s body. Josslyn did laugh at the agent’s giant step back when Dax broke the plane of his belt buckle. Undeterred, the elephant stretched his trunk out farther, bringing it into contact with the gun holstered on the agent’s thigh. Agent Lockett moved faster than a cobra, striking the elephant on the trunk before Dax could explore more. Dax responded with a meaty snort, spraying the man in the chest with mucus before stomping away from the fence.
The Tower of Testosterone went still. Josslyn wisely swallowed another laugh. Agent Groesch wasn’t as circumspect.
“I wish I’d videoed that,” the other agent chuckled.
“Can we take this reunion inside?” he managed to grind out through his tight jaw.
They entered the barn through the staff door allowing them access to the catwalk above the indoor portion of the exhibit. Multiple indiv
idual stalls lined the perimeter, some of the stalls more closed off than others, allowing for the difference in personality of the elephants housed there. Josslyn replaced the broom in the cavernous elephant bathing room when they passed through it.
“Now what?” Agent Lockett asked.
“Now I go to the desk they’ve assigned me to fill out paperwork.” And check in with Hugh and Trevor.
“Lead the way.”
“Surely you’re not going to watch me work all day?” Josslyn protested. She couldn’t make those phone calls with him listening in.
“It will be the highlight of my career.”
Josslyn locked eyes with his, willing him to back down. But it was no use. She’d just have to find another way to shake him. She turned on her heel and headed to the cubicle she was given.
“We’ll take turns down here,” Agent Groesch said.
“I’ll take you on a tour later if you’d like,” Josslyn said to her.
“That would certainly help with this assignment.” The agent clearly wished to remain professional, but Josslyn could tell by the light in her eyes she was delighted to be at the zoo.
The same couldn’t be said for the agent who followed her to the warren of cubicles on the second floor. Josslyn swiped a few paper towels from the break area and tried to hand them to Agent Lockett. He arched an eyebrow at her in question.
“For your shirt,” she said.
“I’ve been doused with worse.”
The man really was insufferable. Or a machine. Or a jerk. Or all three.
“Of course you have. You’re a big bad special agent. There’s no telling what you’ve immersed yourself in to do your job.” She ducked behind the cubicle wall, hoping he’d stay on the other side of it.
He didn’t.
“I’ve immersed myself in many things,” he said, positioning his hard body so close to hers she could feel a flush beginning to rise beneath her clothing. The icy words coming out of his mouth quickly cooled it, though.
“Including two hours in the Pacific Ocean to save your smart little ass,” he continued. “I’d do it again because it’s my job. But I’m not going to spend the next few weeks taking sass from you about my profession.”
The last word came out with a groan before he swayed into her. Josslyn braced her palms against his chest in order to keep him upright.
Because it’s my job.
Just as she suspected, she’d merely been a job to him. Their hot and steamy hanky-panky just a perk of the assignment he’d been given. Her chest ached a little at the confirmation, but she would die before letting him know how he affected her.
“Agent Lockett,” she murmured. “Are you okay?”
His heart was beating steadily beneath her fingertips but his breathing was heavy against her neck.
“Yeah,” he said. “I just need a minute.”
Placing his hands on the desk behind her he leaned his forehead on her shoulder. Josslyn couldn’t resist inhaling the woodsy scent that had captivated her earlier.
“Sure,” she said softly. “As you just so kindly pointed out, I owe you a hundred and twenty of them.”
She felt him smile through the cotton of her sweater. “I don’t bring it up because I’m keeping score.”
“Well then, your comment about my ass being little earns you something.”
“Women.” He groaned. “You’re all alike.”
Josslyn didn’t realize she’d begun kneading his shoulders until he stood up abruptly and her fingers were left dangling in midair. She quickly shoved her hands behind her back as he widened the space between their bodies.
“Concussion aftershocks,” he said by way of an explanation. “I’m still sensitive to light, it seems.”
He pointed at the fluorescent lights overhead.
“Maybe you should sit down,” she suggested.
“I’m fine.”
Josslyn studied his face, taking in the tightness around his mouth and the dark smudges beneath his eyes.
“You’re not fine.”
“I. Am. Fine,” he repeated.
She mimicked his earlier words. “You men are all alike.” She pulled the desk chair out. “Sit or I’ll yell for Agent Groesch.”
He looked like he might argue until Josslyn opened her mouth to shout for his partner. With a huff he dropped into the chair.
“That’s more like it,” she said, resting a hip against the desk as she scanned an urgent text from Trevor. “I can’t have you passing out on me.”
“I would think you’d be happy to be rid of me.”
“Actually, I’ve had a change of heart. I’ve just been invited to a party tonight and I need a date. I’ve decided that you’ll do just fine.”
*
Hours later, Adam paced the residence floor in the White House waiting for the She-Devil to emerge. Fortunately, he’d been able to grab a few hours of rest during the afternoon. His head no longer felt like it housed a disco, but he was still embarrassed at the way he’d nearly collapsed in her cubicle. He was also angry. Because, of course, she’d found a way to use the incident against him.
“There’s no way in hell we are going out on a date, sister.” He’d argued when she brought up her silly proposition.
“Well, of course, if you’re not up to it,” she’d challenged. “I can let the director know you’re lying about the status of your recovery. I’m sure he can find someone else to escort me. But either way, I’m going out tonight.”
No way was Adam giving the director any more reasons to sit his ass down. Which was how he found himself wearing out the carpet in the Center Hall dressed in slacks and a stupid sports jacket when he’d rather be watching the World Series in a pair of sweats while holding a cold beer in his hand.
“It’s not a date,” he mumbled under his breath.
“Are you talking to yourself, Adam?”
He looked up into the inquisitive eyes of Marin Chevalier, Griffin’s fiancée. She was carrying a paper plate with some sort of baked good on it. Adam’s stomach growled at the delicious scent.
“Don’t you look handsome tonight,” she said with a saucy grin. “Big plans?”
“I’m working,” he said with a little more force than was necessary. “Tell me that’s for me?”
“Not if you’re working,” she mimicked his tone. “Imagine what would happen if I started feeding all the agents in the White House?”
Adam snatched the plate from her outstretched hand. The fact was, Marin had been baking goodies for the Secret Service agents long before Griffin saved her from a murderous art thief. It was one of the reasons many of the agents were despondent she was stepping down as executive pastry chef to instead fill the role of the late White House curator.
“Mmm.” The flaky pastry practically melted in Adam’s mouth.
“Hey!” Ben shouted through the earpiece. “What are you eating? Is Marin there? Damn it. That better not be my beignet!”
“Too late, sucker,” Adam said as he licked the powdered sugar off his fingertips.
Marin’s eyes widened. “Is that Ben in your ear? You really are working. I love when you boys play secret agent. Tell him I sent his home with Griff.”
Adam chuckled. “Which means it never made it out of the Crown.”
Ben swore in Adam’s ear.
Marin stepped in closer to brush a speck of sugar off Adam’s lapel. “Are you sure you’re well enough to return to duty?”
“I’m fine,” he repeated for what felt like the millionth time. “Besides, this isn’t real duty. A rookie could handle this detail.”
Ben tsked. “You’re forgetting about the two goons who chased you down this morning.”
“I thought we decided that was a coincidence?”
Marin looked at him quizzically. Adam gestured to his ear.
“You know me. I like to be thorough. I’m still checking out some leads before we put that incident to bed,” Ben responded.
The back of his neck tingled. Adam
didn’t believe for one second that the She-Devil wasn’t up to something. When was she not? He was glad Ben would have his six tonight, keeping an eye on Josslyn electronically if they somehow were to get separated. Not that he had any intention of letting that happen.
“Fine or not,” Marin was saying, “you take care, you hear me?”
A throat cleared just as Marin leaned in to press a kiss to Adam’s cheek.
“Ready for our date?”
Marin’s eyes were wide again when she stepped away. A mischievous grin tugged at the corners of her mouth.
“Not a date,” he clarified before either woman said another word.
“Thank you, Marin, for making beignets for Daddy. I admit to enjoying more than my fair share.” Josslyn patted her stomach which was wrapped in a soft-looking violet sweater that tied at the waist. A short suede skirt and thick-heeled booties—both black—left a generous section of her sleek legs exposed to the elements. Not to mention the eyes of every male they came in contact with. A vivid memory of those long legs wrapped around his waist made his jaw clench.
“With Arabelle and her parents living in San Francisco now, I have no one to bake treats for. I’m happy to spoil your father,” Marin said. “You two have fun tonight.”
Adam pierced her with a glare that should have had the chef retreating to the kitchen. She stood at the top of the stairs and winked at him instead.
“Coming?” Josslyn called from the landing of the center staircase.
Adam trailed her down the steps. “Do I get to know where we are going?”
“The deal was that I agree to a Secret Service escort everywhere I go,” she said. “But no advance teams to turn my social life into a tabloid story.”
Adam pulled open the door of the SUV waiting for them at the bottom of the North Portico steps. “And here I thought I’d make an appearance on TMZ.”
“So you did dress to impress.”
“Yeah, just not for you,” he said before slamming the door and rounding the rear to the other side.