Killer Career

by Mandel, Morgan

  Julie McGuire, you are my greatest challenge. You are clever and beautiful, but are you my match?

  His heart thumped in a jungle rhythm. He relished the quest almost as much as the anticipated victory. No one would stand in his way, especially not that partner of hers, who should have been out of the picture by now. Too bad he’d survived the car crash.

  Tyler’s neck muscles tightened.

  “Second place is for losers,” he said, glancing with satisfaction at the perfect symmetry of his masculine features. He separated a lock of hair and let it dangle over his forehead as bait. He knew it made him look boyish and would throw her off guard, another weapon in his arsenal, but not the deadliest.

  No, that was his mind. He was the master of manipulation, a worthy match for such a discerning woman.

  He’d planned his moves, leaving no room for error. He, the master weaver of plots, would not be outdone by Donovan, her unimaginative partner. Could he bend her into a sex toy, like the others, such as the once haughty Simone, who’d cried inconsolably when he’d chosen to discard her last week? Or, being strong willed, would the lovely Julie stand her ground and prove his equal? It was too much to hope for, but could she be the one he’d been waiting for to make him complete?

  A trickle of uneasiness slithered through him at the thought. Surrender would mean losing identity. Could he relinquish his inhibitions? Could he let himself depend on anyone?

  It may already be too late. His defenses were already penetrated. What he didn’t know was how far.

  * * *

  Blonde hair flying, Julie strode into the hospital parking lot.

  “I’m right here,” Tyler called from a few steps away.

  She turned and his breath caught. She was more exquisite than he remembered.

  “You look lovely,” he said, staring deep into her bright emerald eyes.

  Those eyes flashed with excitement and a sliver of fear. He’d read her right. Like a child following an ice cream truck, she couldn’t resist a challenge.

  “It’s nice of you to say so, but I don’t feel lovely. It’s been a horrid day, with a three-hour trial and a boring, dragged out real estate closing. Then, when I got here, the room number was changed.”

  “You’re like me. You crave excitement. You have to keep busy.”

  “There are limits. The last few weeks have been far too extreme. There ought to be a middle ground somewhere.”

  “All work and no play, etc. Let’s fix that. Borrowing from a popular song, ‘let me entertain you.’”

  They came up to a midnight blue Audi. She clicked open the doors and climbed in. He motioned for her to pull down the window.

  “By the way, how’s your partner mending?”

  She gave him a brief rundown of the accident then said, “Physically, Dade’s better, but mentally, he’s devastated. It’s not his fault the brakes gave out and he hit the other car, but he still won’t believe it. As long as I’ve known him, he’s carried an enormous sense of responsibility. As soon as he’s released, he’s visiting the widow. I’m afraid it’ll make him feel worse, but it’s something he has to do. I feel so bad for him. It’s a rotten thing to go through.”

  Why hadn’t the bastard died? The accident was supposed to have eliminated the partner, not ensconced him more firmly in Julie’s good graces.

  Donovan had the edge, since Julie felt sorry for him, along with whatever else she already felt. Tyler ground his teeth then caught himself. He had to appear sympathetic and not let on the situation grated on his nerves. He knew how to play the game. He’d done it often enough in his books. “You’ve got too much going on and need to relax. Do you know the way to Edison’s?”

  She nodded.

  “Stay close behind me just in case, all right?”

  Her fingers trembled, as she fastened the seat belt. Good. He had the power to make her nervous.

  He pulled his Jaguar in front of her, stepped on the accelerator and pealed out of the parking lot. When he’d merged with the outgoing traffic, he checked for her car in the rear view mirror. She was behind him now, but for how long would she be content to follow?

  * * *

  Julie sat across from Tyler in the dimly lit steakhouse. The waiter placed the menus before them.

  “I know exactly what I want,” Tyler said, his intense hazel eyes fastened on her.

  Her heart raced at the double entendre. She could barely breathe, but, looking down at the menu, she pretended everything was normal. “I’m not sure yet. There are so many delectable choices.”

  “Let’s share a Steak Diane. That is, unless you have an aversion to red meat.”

  “Steak Diane is just fine.” She hadn’t read the menu anyway and couldn’t describe its contents. How could she, when she was sitting across from such a sexy, stimulating man?

  Slowly he drew her out, asking questions about herself, making her feel flattered. As he spoke, his eyes lit on her appreciatively. His index finger rubbed gently against his unused knife. How would those fingers feel caressing her instead? Her blood pulsed at the thought. A sizzling sound distracted her, marking the approach of the main course. Though she and Tyler each had separate plates, for some reason sharing the same platter seemed intimate. Maybe it was her imagination.

  Over dinner, he proved to be an excellent conversationalist, with broad areas of expertise. He flirted, turned serious. He entertained, regaling her with funny and touching stories. They spoke of anything and everything: foreign policy, the stock market, taxes. Matching wits with him, Julie had to keep on her toes. They carried on a lively debate on gun control: he viewing guns as a means of protection, she seeing them as dangerous in the wrong hands.

  Listening to Tyler, Julie had never felt so alive. His hazel eyes glinted, challenging her to follow their mysteries and enter the unknown.

  Since the time her father had taken the training wheels off her tricycle and taught her to experience life, she’d never been able to resist a dare. It wasn’t easy, but she’d followed Dade into the law profession to prove she could be independent. She’d done that. Now another goal beckoned, that of being a full time writer.

  She sensed that this man, a challenge in himself, could push her over the edge into something marvelous and wild.

  All she needed was a glimpse at the inner self he hid beneath that cloak of mystery. If her premonitions were correct, anything might develop.

  With the main course over and the after dinner drinks enjoyed, Julie knew her time with Tyler was drawing to a close. She hated the thought. She couldn’t remember when she’d enjoyed herself so much. The evening had spun along like a marvelous escape from reality. It would be hell to come down to earth again.

  Tyler placed his hand on her palm. “Let’s call it a night.” His eyes held a question as he slipped her a knowing smile. “Of course, if you’d like, we could prolong the evening. My place isn’t far.”

  She pictured herself following Tyler up to his penthouse at the top of the world. With a panorama of stars blinking across a myriad of windows, they’d share the marvelous night in every sense of the word.

  At the thought, her heart quickened. Tyler was experienced. He could play her like an instrument. The thought, like a rich dessert, enticed her to take him up on his offer. But what about later? She loved challenges, but wasn’t a fool.

  Julie swallowed hard and looked straight into Tyler’s eyes. Barely getting the words out, she said, “That’s a temptation I’ll have to resist. We don’t know each other that well.” She quickly added, “Besides, I’ve got a heavy schedule tomorrow.”

  He frowned and stood up. With a loud scrape, he pulled back his chair and slipped across to pull hers back.

  Julie stood tall, her shoulders straight. It had taken enormous willpower to turn down Tyler’s offer, but she knew she’d done the right thing. The time wasn’t right.

  As she accompanied him to the door, she wondered if she’d be as proud of herself tomorrow, when she thought of what sh
e’d given up. By being so circumspect, she may have turned down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

  So be it. Respect might be old-fashioned to a lot of people, but to her it was important. She had to live with herself.

  “Some other time, then?” His eyebrows lifted, a challenge in his eyes.

  “Maybe,” she said, with a slight smile.

  As they exited the restaurant, he placed a possessive arm on her shoulder. Where he touched felt warm. He shot her a knowing glance.

  They stood beside her Audi. He gently tilted back her head. What would his kiss feel like? Her heart hammered. She held her breath.

  Then, with an almost cruel look, he removed his fingers. “Those lips look delicious, but I’ll not taste them until I can enjoy all of you. Good night.”

  Without a backward glance, he strode to his Jaguar, revved the engine and peeled away.

  Disappointment, then anger flared through her, as she stood alone on the sidewalk. Not for a moment did she believe she was so irresistible he couldn’t handle one little kiss.

  Frowning, Julie climbed into the car. Maybe she should be happy. He hadn’t pressed her for more. For the time being, she’d won. Or had she?

  Chapter Sixteen

  The next day, as she juggled paperwork, Julie’s thoughts flashed back to the night before. Too bad Tyler hadn’t kissed her. She’d like to know what it would have felt like, since she doubted he’d call again.

  Something else niggled at her mind, something Tyler had said. At the time she hadn’t placed significance on it, but now it seemed strange. He’d asked her how Dade was doing, yet she hadn’t told him whom she’d visited. It could have been anybody. Why would he have assumed it was Dade? She shrugged. There had been a small article in the paper. Maybe he’d read that. She was too busy to ponder insignificant details.

  If only she could throw all this paperwork out the window and fly to a peaceful place where she could write to her heart’s content. Only in her dreams.

  Now more than ever she was chained to the firm. The prognosis was great for Dade’s recovery, but it would take time. That meant her time-line would be set back.

  She was trapped. Her neck throbbed as the frustration welled up. Absently she fielded a question from a client with a back injury. He wanted to know if he should mow the lawn and carry in the groceries for his wife. The answers were obvious. Groaning inwardly, she answered in a cold voice, “Follow your doctor’s restrictions. Don’t do anything else.”

  Couldn’t he think for himself? Retaining a lawyer didn’t mean a person lost his brains and couldn’t reason. She almost slammed down the phone.

  Julie smoothed her temples with her fingers, fighting a dull headache. She’d been extra grouchy lately. Too much work, bad eating, not enough sleep, it was all getting to her. Now she wasn’t even treating the clients right. If she weren’t careful, by the time Dade returned, the practice would be history.

  The office staff trickled out. With the phones off, serenity set in. Now she could apply herself to Diplitz’s proposed decision. She prided herself on being organized at work, though God knows the trait didn’t extend to her home. She had no time for trivialities and she wouldn’t hire a cleaning lady who’d invade her privacy. No one visited her mess anyway.

  She hated last minute projects and this one loomed too close to deadline, but, try as she might, she hadn’t had time until now to fit it into her schedule.

  Thank God for Dee, who’d not only trained Dade’s new secretary, Pat, but had also competently handled all the pressure jobs which kept cropping up lately. Dee was a saint. It was time to give her a well deserved raise.

  With the proposed decision done, Julie breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at her watch. A quarter past seven and she hadn’t been to the hospital yet to see Dade.

  Another busy day without lunch. The past few weeks had been unbearable.

  She shouldn’t complain. It was a miracle in itself that Dade had pulled through. That’s all that mattered. She’d survive.

  Julie stood up. The room spun and faded.

  “What?”

  She groped for the desk. She must not pass out. She was alone. No one could hear her.

  Stay calm. Concentrate on standing still. Stare at the clock, the cabinet, anything. She’d make it through.

  It seemed like an eternity before the room righted itself and returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.

  In actuality, the aberration had only lasted a moment or so. The spell was broken, but left her badly shaken. A cold chill raced through her. This episode had been much worse than the others. She’d put off seeing the doctor, but couldn’t any longer. With shaky fingers she searched for Dr. Crane’s business card in her wallet. When the call went through, a robotic voice answered, saying to call the hospital if it was an emergency.

  She let out a short laugh. She was going there anyway. If anything happened, she’d certainly be in the right place. The trouble was, she had to get there and she was afraid to drive.

  This was very inconvenient. Dade being in the accident was bad enough. She felt okay now, but to be on the safe side, she dialed a cab.

  * * *

  Dade smiled in anticipation. For over two weeks he’d been stuck in this blasted boring place where all the nights and days blended together. Soon he’d blow this joint. He’d already broken the good news to Mom and Avery. His heart raced as he heard Julie’s footsteps approach.

  When she entered the room, the happy words died on Dade’s lips. Julie’s face was pale. Her hands shook. A worry line creased her brow. Something was wrong.

  “Julie, are you all right?”

  Of course not. How could she be? Julie never did things halfway. In his absence, she’d obviously gone overboard.

  Not answering him, she evaded his eyes and made a show of seating herself and pulling up the metal chair.

  “Come on, Julie, give. Whatever it is, I won’t die from shock. As you may recall, I did survive a gruesome accident.”

  Once seated, she flashed him a tentative smile. “You really know me, don’t you?”

  “By now, I better. Well?”

  She hesitated then began. “I’ve been getting these, uh, dizzy spells.”

  His heart pounded fast. Alarm shot through him, but he must sound calm. She looked nervous enough. “Tell me about them.”

  She swallowed hard. “There’s no warning beforehand. The first happened when the computers broke down, then not for a while. Right before I came here, I had another horrible one in the office.”

  He helplessly watched a shudder run through her. If only he could fling back the covers, fly out of the hospital bed and hold her in his arms. Instead, he lay imprisoned.

  “This was a lot worse than the others. I almost passed out.”

  She couldn’t be. Had she and Jensen - -? Blind rage shook him. He had to know. “It’s none of my business. Hit me if you want to, but you’re not pregnant, are you, Julie?”

  “How could I be?” She gave him a strange look, then said, “I almost wish I were. At least I’d have an explanation. No, there’s not the slightest chance.”

  Relief, then alarm, flooded through him. What was it then? If anything happened to Julie, he’d go insane. Sweat broke out on his brow.

  She was scared. He had to get her through this. His role was to reach out, make her feel better and make sure she saw a doctor. “It might be nothing, maybe vertigo, or something like that, but you’ve got to get it checked out right away. Promise you’ll make an appointment.”

  She nodded. “I plan to call when the doctor’s office opens on Monday.”

  “Is that soon enough?”

  “I’m fine at the moment. I’ve waited this long.”

  Damn, she’d put it off because of his accident. He’d never forgive himself if anything happened to her.

  “Okay, now that we’ve discussed my current crisis, Dade, how are you doing?”

  “Lucky for us, my recovery couldn’t have com
e at a more opportune time. If all goes well, by the end of the week I’ll be released. My hand’s sore, but better. It’ll take a few months for my leg to heal, but I’ve ordered a motorized chair to tool me around. I can’t wait to get out of this prison. These bed bars are getting to me.”

  “I’ve got dibs on the bed.” A smile barely touched her quivering lips.

  “You won’t need it, Julie.”

  He hoped to God he was right.

  * * *

  After she’d left, Dade couldn’t sleep. He stared at the shadows and sweated, remembering every line of print he’d ever read in every medical journal listing a million grim possibilities he wished he’d never heard about. She could have a blocked carotid artery, a brain tumor, out-of-control blood pressure, a bad heart.

  Julie mustn’t die. Without her he’d miss everything. They’d never make love and have a child. They’d never grow old together.

  Whoa, where had that come from? Is that how he really felt? Did he love Julie that way?

  All he knew was that it might be too late. A plan was out there, irreversible for a mere mortal like him to change. If only he knew what it was. Would she be all right?

  Please, God, don’t take her away, he prayed.

  * * *

  The next morning Dade couldn’t get his mind off Julie. He grabbed the remote and changed the channels on the television set, then switched it off again. He hated soaps and exhibitionist talk shows. He reached on the side of the bed for the folder on the Elton case. No use. He couldn’t keep his mind on the proposed decision.

  The phone, which the nurse had placed on the bed beside him, rang. Maybe it was Julie asking about a file. He almost dreaded hearing from her.