by Mia Dymond
“I’m glad to see you’re following Sergeant Taylor’s instructions.”
“I am.”
“He’s one of the best. Where are you?”
“At his home. He’s packing a bag and then we’re headed to mine.”
“I see.”
She heard the judge’s hidden skepticism and braced herself for an argument. “I won’t let a threat keep me from my home, Dad.”
He released a long breath and she knew from experience he was gathering patience. Even when Judge Abbott disagreed, he managed to keep a cool head. Lucky for her.
“You’re a strong woman, daughter, but you mustn’t let your independence cloud good judgment.”
“I won’t, I promise. Have you received another call?”
“No. Alpha Four tapped the lines earlier but nothing has come across yet.”
“And you’re safe?”
Her anxiety eased as her father’s hearty chuckle crossed the line. “Captain Raines has assigned a security detail to both the house and my office.”
“Captain Raines?”
“His men call him Thunder.” Another chuckle. “I forget to use the codenames.”
She grinned. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard him called by name.”
“You probably won’t. He tells me the codenames provide a high level of security.” He released a long breath. “What about going to a safe house?”
“Dad–“
“Listen to reason, Kat.” He barreled right on over her and she knew it wouldn’t do any good to speak until he was finished. “You could take a nice, long vacation and let Sergeant Taylor whisk you away to a secluded island.”
“Chaos.”
“What?”
“Chaos. Sergeant Taylor’s name is Chaos, Dad.”
“Chaos, then. Thunder tells me they have houses in a variety of locations. Chaos wouldn’t hesitate to secure one.”
“You trust him alone with me?”
“Without hesitation.”
She smirked, restraining herself from asking the question on the tip of her tongue. Do you trust me alone with him?
“I understand your concern,” she told her father instead, “but I’d rather stay here. Besides, you’ve only received one threat.”
Her father’s silence during the following few seconds made sixteen–year–old Kat tremble and experience told her to prepare for the ear–splitting sound of the gavel. Judge Abbott was a fair and honest man when it came to a lawful decision, but when it was rendered, it was rendered finally. She took a breath and held it, mentally counting until he spoke.
One one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand, four one thousand.
“There have been several threats, Kat.”
She sat forward on the sofa, not entirely sure she’d heard him correctly. “Several?”
“Yes. I received two written ones before the phone call.”
“I see. Does Chaos know about them?”
“Not yet. I only discovered them myself about three hours ago. I’m lost without Delores.”
Her disbelief wavered. Delores had worked for her father since she could remember. Of course, he was lost without her.
“They came in the mail?”
“Yes. Now you can understand why I’m insistent on keeping you safe.”
“I do understand.” She released a sigh. “I would still like to stay close to home.”
She heard the squeak of her father’s chair as he answered. “You are your father’s daughter. Just promise me you’ll let Chaos call the shots.”
“As long as you promise not to work too late. Deal?”
“Deal.”
“Good. I’ll call you in the morning.”
She disconnected and tossed the phone to the sofa beside her, wondering what to do with the new information. No doubt, Chaos would be furious if she didn’t enlighten him. Besides, if she didn’t, Thunder or one of his other teammates would. For all she knew, he had some sort of secret agent device hidden in his boot and they’d already called him.
“Comfortable?”
Her heart turned a somersault at the soft, deep voice that invaded her thoughts and sent a spark of electricity through her nerves.
“Extremely,” she answered without changing position.
“I have a spare bedroom.”
His comment caused both of her eyebrows to raise of their own accord. “You’re willing to let me invade your space?”
“Yes.”
She turned to face him and gave him a genuine smile. “Then why are we going to my house?”
He shrugged and his broad shoulders begged for her to drape her arms across. “I figured you’d put up a fight.”
“You’re right. I refuse to let this maniac run me out of my own home.”
“Even if it kills you?”
Despite her best effort to remain unbothered by his question, she felt the blood leave her cheeks. Leave it to Chaos to state the obvious.
She swallowed hard. “Hopefully you can prevent that unfortunate event.”
“I can.”
“Okay, then.” She stood and rounded the sofa, offering him the cell phone. “I’m ready to go.”
***
Confidence enveloped his body as he sat at his oak conference table and thumbed through pictures of the past. Pictures of those who refused to follow protocol and made his life a living hell. He released a long sigh as he paused, allowing a mental stroll down memory lane.
Once he had been very successful in life, enjoying the finer things, rubbing elbows with men who appreciated his talent and rewarded him for a job well done. He was royalty in his organization, untouchable to anyone outside.
And then it all changed in the blink of an eye when everything literally went up in smoke.
He wadded the photograph he held in his fist. Revenge was first and foremost on his mind. He would make those responsible for his fall pay dearly.
Just as rage climbed his spine, his cell phone buzzed beside him. He took a deep breath and lifted it to his ear.
“Report.”
“They’re on the move.”
“What have you discovered?”
“We left the business and headed east. Several left turns later, I parked down the street from a house where they spent approximately 30 minutes. I’m enroute now, headed what is west from her business.”
“Did you get a visual on the guard?”
“No. Traffic prevented me from getting too close. From my current position, I only have a rearview.”
“Follow them,” he demanded as anxiety knotted his nerves. If the muscle was who he thought, finding her would be impossible if they lost sight of her.
“I’m several cars back now.”
He nodded to reassure himself as he mentally followed his associate’s route. “West would be toward her home. Once he pulls into the driveway, verify the house number.”
“Turning left on Ocean Drive.”
“Hers is the last house on the left before the road curves to the right. The beach is her backyard.”
“I’m stopped at the mouth of the street. They’re exiting the vehicle now.”
“Can you identify the driver?”
“Not without binoculars. All I can tell you is that he’s tall and ripped with muscle.”
“Give them some time and then drive past. Call me with confirmation.”
He disconnected the call and leaned forward to brace his elbows on the table. The wheels were now in motion. Nothing would stop him now.
CHAPTER THREE
With another dose of respect for Kat’s unyielding trust, Chaos walked to the front door, disarmed the security system, turned the knob, and then reached to grasp her hand with his free one.
“No further than the porch,” he told her.
Once they both stood outside, he reached into his pocket for his cell and then punched the set of numbers necessary to protect the house while he gazed back into the night and allowed his sixth sense to scan the area f
or trouble. Palm trees swayed from a slight wind while lights from the neighboring houses twinkled in a slight effort to illuminate the path. Traffic noise from the next street over confirmed that they were not alone. For the first time in forever, it bothered him that there were no street lights present. Still, nothing seemed out of place and Kat had been cooperative – for that, he was insanely grateful.
He took a deep breath and buckled his cell phone into the holder on his hip with his free hand. “Double time.”
In mere seconds, they sat once again in his truck and the tightness in his chest lessened. He glanced first into the rearview mirror and then into the side view, convinced no one had parked to wait on them.
“You’re quiet,” he told her as he started then engine, shifted into reverse, and then backed down the driveway.
“I have something to tell you, but I may need to borrow your weapon first.”
He grinned as he pushed the brakes, re–shifted and then drove out of the neighborhood. “That bad, huh?”
“In my defense, I didn’t even have this information until I spoke to my father.”
He nodded, checked the rearview again and then changed lanes, giving her ample time to spill her confession. He had to admit, he was insanely curious to hear what information she had that he didn’t.
“Judge Abbott received two written threats before he received the phone call.”
He moved his gaze from the road as she blurted the information all in one breath and then grasped the door handle as if she could make a quick getaway if need be. He bit his lip to keep from smiling. As least she knew better than to keep anything from him.
He moved his attention back to driving and gently steered back into the original lane. “He did, did he?”
“Yes.”
He let the threatened smile split his lips. “You can release the handle, Kat.” He shrugged. “It’s not unusual for a perp to turn up the heat.”
“Judge Abbott’s secretary is on vacation. He just now opened the mail.”
“I’m sure Thunder confiscated the evidence.”
“You’re not angry?”
“Nah.” He turned the final corner that lead to her street. “I’m sure there will be plenty of other things during this mission to make me angry.”
“Do you anger easily?”
“Only when my instructions aren’t followed.”
“I’ll try to remember that,” she mumbled.
He made another turn and then began the short drive to the end of the street to her driveway. He was dead serious in his confession; by the time this mission was complete, he’d probably be red with anger.
Or lust.
“We’re practically neighbors,” she said as he parked in the driveway. “I had no idea you lived so close.”
He unbuckled his seatbelt with his senses on high alert. It wasn’t a surprise to him that they lived near one another, he’d just made an attempt to forget it. As much as he wanted a little one–on–one time with Kat outside of protecting her, he knew from experience, it just wouldn’t be a good idea. In fact, it would be a very bad idea.
He took a quick moment to analyze the surroundings and formulate a game plan should things go badly. Although the mission had been relatively benign until this point, experience told him it wouldn’t take much to take a turn.
In his truck, they sat on the right side of the driveway in front of a two–car garage, prime targets for a determined perp. The area around them was void of light; first order of business, installing motion–activated spotlights above both corners of the garage.
He kept his eyes trained on the closed garage doors. “How do you enter the house?”
“Usually through the garage but since you wouldn’t let me drive home, I don’t have the opener.”
“Is there a side door?”
“Not to the outside. There’s a door inside that leads into the house.”
Even though darkness swallowed the area, he could see that the home sat on a large, double lot with a grassy yard in the front and surrounded by a black, iron fence he gauged to be four feet high. The entrance to the yard was accessed through the gate, secured only by the manufactured mechanism’s lock. Beyond the gate, a wrap–around porch surrounded the house, complete with a variety of furniture scattered along the length, and a bright light hung from the roof over the front door. An oversized wicker sofa rested in a nook carved nearby. Against his better judgment, they’d have to enter through the front door.
As protocol noted, he glanced first into the rearview mirror and then the side view, satisfied when he found the route to the front door unobstructed.
He glanced back at Kat. “Do we have a key?”
She reached into the front pocket of her apron and then held out a key.
“Fist it and sit tight until I come around.”
Apprehension squeezed his spine as he slid from the seat, quickly rounded the vehicle, and then opened her door.
“Straight to the porch. I’m right behind you.”
With a hand to the small of her back, he urged her forward, relieved by her lack of resistance. He had to admit, for a woman who claimed she refused to be controlled, she’d been exceptionally agreeable. Luck was on his side – so far.
Once they stood on the porch, he gestured at the doorknob. “Go ahead and unlock it but I’ll enter first.”
As soon as she stuck the key into the lock and turned, he pushed opened the door, greeted by the warning beep of an alarm.
Another wave of relief rolled across his shoulders. “Code?”
“1,2,3,4.”
He raised an eyebrow while the alarm continued to sing.
“That’s the code.” She shrugged. “You’d better hurry and punch it in or we’ll both be sorry.”
Four numbers later, the alarm quieted and he closed the door behind them, ready to insist she change the code. Instead, he turned to face what appeared to be the living room and his blood ran cold.
He wasted no time in wrapping his hands around her biceps, picking her up, and then placing her behind him.
“Call the police.” He unclipped his cell phone from the holder on his hip and thrust it toward her.
“Why?”
“Just do it, Kat,” he hissed.
“Again, why?”
“Look at this place. Someone’s been here.”
“Really?” She folded her arms across her chest and gave her breasts a nice eye–catching bounce. “How can you be so sure?”
“You need an explanation?”
“Yes, please.”
He balled both fists in an effort to keep from throttling her and then issued his explanation with an air of calm he certainly did not feel.
“There is clothing strung all over the place.” He moved his gaze around the room and tried hard to ignore the lacy bra and panties draped over one arm of the sofa. “Your sofa cushions are out of place,” he continued,” and the pillows are in opposite corners of the room. It appears at least a week’s worth of the Everglade Springs News is scattered over the carpet with several pages blazing a trail out of here to somewhere and your laundry hamper threw up all over the carpet. Besides that, the two wine glasses on the table next to the recliner are half full.”
“You think the thief stayed for a drink?” Kat drawled.
He frowned and moved his gaze back onto her. “This is serious. Dial.”
“No.” She pursed those plump, pink lips and lifted an eyebrow, as if silently challenging him to argue. And, as angry as she made him, something told him it was fruitless to argue.
“Why?”
“Unlike you, I’m a slob.” She shrugged. “This room is exactly how I left it.”
Her confession nearly knocked him on his ass. He would’ve sworn this house had been robbed.
“Well, okay then.” He held out his hand, palm up and signaled with his index finger for her to put the phone there.
“Sorry,” she mumbled as she slapped the phone against his palm, stepped p
ast him, and then began gathering clothing, the aforementioned bra and panties on top of the pile.
“Kat.” He grabbed her shoulder. “Don’t apologize.”
He turned her to face him and reached to hook the bra with one finger and dangle it in the space between them.
“I like that you’re an open book.”
“I’m sure you do.” She rolled her eyes and snatched the lingerie back from him. “In my defense, it’s not usually this bad. I’ve been busy and my cleaning lady couldn’t come this week.”
“You have a cleaning lady?”
“Yes, don’t you?”
“No.”
“No?” She cocked her head to one side. “Yes you do.”
“No, I don’t.”
“You keep your house spotless without a professional?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Wow. I’m impressed.”
He shrugged. “I’m a man of many talents.”
“Housekeeping is a talent?”
He allowed his gaze to sweep the living room again. “Apparently.”
“Do you cook too?”
He nodded.
“Well, I don’t. How about pizza?”
“We’re not leaving the house again for the night.”
She rolled those beautiful green eyes like marbles on a flat surface, flecks of gold flickering with the circular movement. “We can have it delivered.”
He reached for his phone once again. “From what restaurant?”
“Relax. I doubt very seriously the pizza deliveryman is trying to murder me. I order from Giatonio’s. They’ve been in business in Everglade Springs forever.”
“They’ve delivered here before?”
“Many times. What’s your poison?”
“Whatever you order.”
She reached into her apron pocket and then pulled out her phone, punching only one button before she spoke. After a few minutes of small talk, their meat–lovers supreme pizza was ordered and she disconnected.
“You must know the business well.”
“Like I said, they’ve been here a long time.”
She reached behind her and then the apron strings fell freely beside her. He tried hard, without success, to pry his gaze from her tight breasts as she lifted the garment over her head and then tossed it over the arm of the sofa.