by Mia Dymond
Although Kat’s suit was one piece, the sides were cut to showcase her curvy figure, accenting the bare skin of her sides, just beneath her breasts. And, the neckline gave him ample opportunity to appreciate those breasts. He smirked. He was definitely a breast man and not afraid to admit it. Yet, as appreciative as he was of Kat’s physical attributes, his feelings ran deeper.
Fiercely independent and extremely intelligent, Kat managed to wiggle her way into his heart and as badly as he tried to fight it she was rapidly becoming much more than a mark. Even though she kept him on his toes with her sexy, smart mouth and desire to stay strong and in control, he found himself severely respectful. She was made of stern stuff, determined and driven in every single task she accepted. Something told him that spending more time with her after he eliminated the sick bastard who hunted her would definitely be a painfully pleasurable experience. But, he couldn’t allow himself to find out.
Now duly frustrated, he snapped his attention away from the monitors when the shrill chime of the bell over the door signaled an arrival. He stood and crossed his arms over his chest as a man he recognized as James Foster approached the partition and extended a hand.
“You must be Mr. Taylor. I’m James Foster.”
Chaos returned the gesture while he took several brief seconds to size up the other man. Dressed in what appeared to be an expensive three–piece suit complete with a silk tie, Foster exuded an air of professionalism. And the briefcase he carried only proved the point further. Unlike at the charity fundraiser, he appeared much more in his element.
“Judge Abbott speaks highly of you,” he said finally.
“The judge is a good man. I’m prepared to do whatever I can to help both him and Kat during this difficult time.”
He nodded, giving silent permission for the other man to elaborate about his presence. Foster took the bait.
“I came by to get a copy of Kat’s itinerary for the week.”
“Her itinerary is classified.”
“I’m following directions.” Foster slapped his briefcase on the top of the counter and opened it. “The judge has assigned me to take care of her personal affairs, as I’m sure you are aware. In order for me to properly do so, I will need to know her schedule.”
“Her schedule changes frequently.”
“Well then, perhaps you can give me a few particulars.”
“No can do.”
Foster released a hard sigh but still managed to keep his composure. A predictable attribute of a suit. The other man handed him a piece of paper.
“Ask her to fill in the blanks and fax this to me.”
Chaos folded up the paper and stuck it in his back pocket. “I’ll tell you what. You just stand by and we’ll contact you if we need you. I’ll brief the judge.”
“Do you need my card?”
“I’m sure Kat knows where to reach you.”
“Yes, she does.” Foster closed his briefcase and then slid it from the counter. “I understand your hesitance Mr. Taylor, but I can assure you that Kat’s comfort is my first priority.”
Chaos shifted his weight from one hip to the other, prepared to end the stand–off, if need be. The other man had absolutely no idea how many ways he could do that.
“I have assured Judge Abbott that the matter will remain highly confidential,” Foster continued.
“Good to know.”
Foster’s shoulders sagged as he released a long sigh, a motion Chaos interpreted as an acknowledgment of defeat. “Mr. Taylor, Kat isn’t just Judge Abbott’s daughter. She’s a friend to me and I am concerned about her wellbeing. I would appreciate it if you would call if I can help.”
“That, I can do.”
“I look forward to your call.”
Foster left the counter and reached for the doorknob just as the door opened and the remaining men of Alpha Four entered. Foster moved to the side to let them through and then quickly exited.
Thunder braced an elbow on the counter. “Problem?”
“No. The judge sent Foster to get Kat’s itinerary – which he left without.”
Ace rounded the partition and grinned at the monitors. “You can see every single thing in this spa now, can’t you?”
Chaos nodded.
Thunder cleared his throat. “Anything new to report?”
“Things have been pretty quiet around here.”
“What are you doing out here at the front desk?”
“Watching the cameras. Believe me, it’s safer out here.”
“Should we talk out here?”
“Probably. Unless we lock the front door, we can’t stop anyone who enters.”
Rebel joined him and Ace behind the barrier and took an opposite chair. “I did a background and financial on the staff at the Abbott estate.”
“Any red flags?”
“The judge’s two housekeepers are squeaky clean. Maria Gonzales has been employed for twenty four years and Marquita Simpson, for three years. The maintenance guy, however, has a prior record. Jim Nelson was convicted of breaking and entering and drug possession and arrested three times before his twenty second birthday. Judge Abbott presided over his last hearing and sentenced him to work it off at his estate plus three years’ probation. He’s been clean and working there for the past twelve years. He even lives in an apartment above the garage.”
“Are those the only employees?”
“No. Additionally, there are two part–time gardeners and a chauffeur. Nothing on them except the chauffeur is a former gambler who is faithfully attending Gamblers’ Anonymous. No large deposits or withdrawals from his account recently. Or anyone else’s who works for the judge.”
“What about Foster?”
“I know you want to hear a bunch of dirt, but there’s not any. He’s an upstanding citizen, fifty three years old with a steady girlfriend. The judge pays him extremely well and he’s been successfully investing it for years. He could easily retire.”
“And Kat’s employees?”
“She has an extremely low turnover rate. Annie Lawson has worked the reception desk since Kat opened. And, her mother is Delores Manning, Judge Abbott’s secretary for the last 30 years. Beth Fairland is Kat’s main massage therapist and she, too, has been here just as long. Sarah Anderson is the newest employee; she’s the cosmologist on staff and has been employed two years. Finally, Gary Dunlap is the facial technician. No arrests, just a couple of unpaid parking tickets and a child custody battle with his ex–boyfriend.”
Chaos threw his head back and looked up at the ceiling. What were they missing?
Thunder must have read his mind. “So who does that leave? It has to be someone who knows her and her habits pretty well.”
“Foster knows her almost as well as her father.” Chaos lifted his head and glanced at Rebel, still not ready to discount anyone’s involvement.
“I agree.” Rebel shrugged. “But, there’s nothing on the surface to connect him to the threat. I’ve also gone through the list of names that Kat gave me. Business associates, people with some of the other organizations she works with, even vendors. Hell, I’ve even checked out the old couple that owns the drycleaner she frequents. Nothing.”
“What about Hawthorne?”
“The accountant for the charity?”
Chaos nodded. “He seems to be the new kid on the block.”
“Is he around much?”
“No. Kat’s only known him a couple of years. I’m just going with my gut on this one.”
“He’s next on my list.”
“Pull a history on the other board members, as well.” Thunder drummed his thumbs against the counter.
Rebel sat forward and rested his elbows on his thighs. “Does she run in the same circles with any of them?”
“I don’t know,” he confessed. “I’ll talk to her more tonight.”
Thunder stopped drumming. “How many people are we talking about?”
“Four board members,” Rebel answered. “Kat is the presi
dent and has been since the inception. Hawthorne serves at treasurer, as we’ve established. Records I found indicate he’s served for two years, just as Kat told us. Roy Bordan is the secretary – again, since the charity was created. The vice president, Patrice Thompson, is newly–elected this year. She replaced a former member that passed away.”
Ace seemed to be focused on the monitors but didn’t miss a beat. “Her friends don’t serve?”
“No,” Rebel continued. “They help behind the scenes. Carley usually plans the functions; Sophie and Liv participate however Kat needs them.”
The captain moved his hands to grip the edge of the counter. “Shouldn’t take long to get a read on the rest of the team.”
Ace suddenly frowned and gestured at the monitors. “There are two empty wine bottles on that table.”
“Oh, hell,” Rebel mumbled.
Thunder raised an eyebrow. “It’s not even eleven o’clock.”
“Kat doesn’t have a client until after noon.” Chaos ran a hand over the top of his head. “Obviously, they’re blowing off steam.”
Rebel smirked. “If they keep going, I don’t think she’s going to be able to stand on her feet this afternoon.”
Chaos fully agreed. Yet, maybe the downtime would do her some good. And, she’d be a lot easier to keep an eye on if she were crashed on the sofa in her office.
He glanced back at Rebel. “What do you want me to do with the rest of them?”
“Call me.” His friend stood. “I’m usually the designated driver.”
***
He flipped through several pages of the land survey he managed to dig up without complication, confident contact would now be possible. Taylor may think he had her protected but there was always a way around him. This he knew with one hundred percent certainty.
He had learned many things about the bodyguard over the course of time. The man was methodical to a fault and although that attribute made getting around him rather difficult, it also made him easier to read. It appeared thus far Taylor followed a distinct plan and if it could be interpreted and his every move anticipated, there would be no choice but a surrender.
His associate had every reason to fear confrontation with the protector; his explosive reputation preceded him. He was actually impressed by Taylor. His ruthless dedication to his objectives, his lethal skill, and his never–ending ability to succeed ironically made the guardian just the type of man he desired in his organization. Yet, every man had an Achilles heel and he would find Taylor’s.
He paused, focused on the page in front of him, hopeful the drawing in front of him would assist in Taylor’s demise. The green and blue lines represented both boundaries and points of entry, both necessary to his plan. Yes, the page would assist as long as everyone cooperated. Miss Abbott included.
Manipulation was the key in dealing with people, he had found, even if it involved those who were completely innocent. If it was one thing he knew for sure, most people were unconsciously open to it. Kat was a fiery little sprite but even she had faults. Faults of which he could take advantage. Now extremely sure of himself, he reached for the phone beside him and connected a call.
“I’ve located a possibility,” he said into the mouthpiece. “Are you willing to participate?”
“Yes. Can I go in undetected?”
“According to my research, you should be hidden by a thick clump of oak trees on the north side of the home. If you arrive before dawn, your presence will be camouflaged.”
“How long should I watch?”
“As long as it takes.”
His associate released a long breath. “If he finds me, it won’t be pretty.”
“Then make sure he doesn’t.”
“As easy as that sounds, I can’t guarantee anything.”
Anger pushed him to stand and grip the edge of the desk with his free hand. “You must be successful! I am done listening to your excuses and my patience is growing thin. Either you can do it or you can’t; it’s that simple.”
“With all due respect, Sir, it is not that simple. Taylor will rip me apart and snap every bone in my body without blinking an eye. I just need assurance that he won’t find me.”
“That will depend on you. Stay hidden and alert. This is only an attempt to gather more information and as long as you follow directions, we’ll have all the ammunition we need to strike.”
A long pause followed and he allowed the several seconds to tick by, giving the other man ample opportunity to make a decision. He cared not if his associate agreed to participate, he just needed a commitment one way or the other.
“I’ll be in position by five o’clock a.m. tomorrow.”
“Good. I’ll await your call.”
***
By the time he followed her all the way from the driveway into the house, Chaos knew he was in trouble. No matter how hard he tried, keeping his gaze off her ass was impossible and his body was strung so tight he was dangerous. Gee–zus, the woman had an amazing hypnotizing sway to those hips.
He watched her flit around the spa all day, catering first to her friends and then to her customers, learning a lot about her from just watching. She definitely had a way with people, focused on making them feel comforted and pampered. In his observation, she treated every single woman who came through the door like royalty and each left with a hug and a smile. He had to admit that it would be hard to believe any of them would bring harm to her yet, he wouldn’t rest until he knew for sure.
“How about a movie?” She tossed her bag into the recliner and then it tumbled to the floor.
He resisted the urge to retrieve it, instead answering her question with one of his own. “You asking me out?”
“Maybe.”
“Under the circumstances, I don’t think an isolated, dark movie theatre is where we need to be.”
She folded her arms beneath her breasts. The same breasts that had taunted him for the last few days. “Scared?”
Scared? Hell yeah, he was scared. Give him a private, quiet, dark room and a couple hours alone with her and he’d be all over her.
The exaggerated roll of her eyes saved him from further explanation. “I meant a movie here, in the safety of my living room.”
“A chick flick?”
“Not necessarily. I have several options in my collection or we can order one from pay–per–view.”
“I’m in.” He glanced at the sofa. “Think there’s room for us?”
Another eyeroll. “You’re obsessed.”
She scooped the items from the sofa and then headed out of the room, he assumed to stash the pile in the extra bedroom. He sat on the middle cushion, still not convinced it was safe for him to be alone with her in the dark.
He took the opportunity to discuss business; nothing like murder to put a damper on lust.
“Do you socialize with any of the board members for Hope for the Hungry?”
“No.” She pressed buttons on the remote. “I spend most of my free time with Sophie, Carley and Liv.”
“Do you know one of the board members better than the others?”
“I guess I know Ray Bordan best. He and I have worked together since the charity began.”
Although that information was not new to him, he mulled it over in his head. The charity was very successful, which proved the members worked hard to meet goals. Common sense told him the members would have to spend a significant amount of time together.
“What do you know about Bordan?”
She laid the remote in her lap and turned her gaze to him. “Like the rest of the members, he’s dedicated to our cause. He’s a licensed social worker so he participates more personally than others.”
“Do you know him socially?”
“He reminds me of Santa Claus.” She grinned. “He’s a short, round man who always wears a smile.”
“He’s older?”
She nodded. “Sixty–five. He brags that he and his wife use the same grey hair color.”
“Is he acquainted with the judge?”
“They graduated high school together.”
That information somewhat assured him that he could take Bordan off the list of suspects. Besides, if he and the judge were truly that close, it wouldn’t be hard to dig something up on him.
“What about the others?”
“Purely business. Other than the charity, I don’t have much to do with them.”
He gave several slow nods while he processed the information she’d given. Although she’d provided quite a bit of insight, he still didn’t have anything concrete to go on. Hopefully, Rebel’s search would prove successful.
“Can I start the movie now?”
Her question stopped him in his tracks and caused screeching tires to sound in his brain. He still wasn’t sure they should be alone. In the dark. And his point hit home when she finally started the movie, turned down the lamps, and relaxed beside him.
In the flickering light of the television, her perfectly–shaped silhouette taunted him. His gaze moved over the smooth curves of her breasts down over her slim hips and then finally, the length of her legs. Still dressed in her buttoned–up blouse and short, black skirt, access to her body would be relatively easy. He already had strategy – time alone, admiring her behind his façade of non–interest had allowed him to plan. Orchestrate a perfect, hands–on seduction with body on body and without complications. Yeah, in theory his plan was infallible.
She picked that exact moment to turn her head toward him and time seemed to stand still. Her eyes flashed in the dim light and suddenly he couldn’t pull his gaze from hers if his life depended on it.
For a split second, he considered breaking the silence with some sort of half–assed excuse to explain why he studied her so intently. To give them both a reason to back out of what would inevitably happen in the next several moments.
But, words wouldn’t come.
Very slowly, he raised a hand and moved his knuckles down the left side of her face. A slight hesitation, just to give her fair warning to run far away from the heartache he would most likely cause.