“What do you mean?” Devon asked.
“My father was a man who organized everything. It was almost pathological. He organized his underwear drawer by color and style. So, when I arrived at the house after the funeral and found his office a mess, I was shocked. Notes everywhere and Devon’s name was all over the place.”
“Well, that’s where it gets sticky,” Conner said. “I have a couple of questions.”
“Okay.”
“First, with his advanced age, do you think he might have had a slip mentally?”
Devon expected Ali to get mad, but she surprised him. She pursed her lips, a sure sign she was thinking about it.
“No. There was something weighing on him, something that might have affected me too.”
“Why do you say that?” Conner asked.
“With me still being fully active with MI-6 at the time, he wouldn’t want to compromise me. But there is something more.”
“The other option is the one that I really hate to broach, but we have to look at it just in case,” Conner said.
Ali frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Your father was reviewing old cases. Maybe he either stumbled upon information that he could have, let’s say, used against someone. There is also a chance that he realized something he did as an agent was about to be revealed.”
For a moment, he knew she didn’t understand. Then, comprehension moved over her features. Her eyes narrowed.
“My father was a lot of things. He was a bit OCD, and he wasn’t always the best father and husband. But there is one thing he was not—and that was a traitor.”
Conner sighed and looked genuinely apologetic. “We don’t always know what our family will do in certain situations.”
“I am not saying that my father didn’t cut a few corners, especially when they investigated my mother’s death, but he would never betray his country.”
“I never said that. But the cases he was researching were all the ones he oversaw. In fact, he went back fifteen years.”
She sat back. “If he was looking back that means he wasn’t looking for something on himself. Why would he have to? Sean can tell you. My father had a mind like a steel trap. He could remember everything he saw.”
“I have to agree with Alicia here. Hughes wasn’t slipping, even in his old age. If anything, he was probably getting sharper. I do know that one thing he liked to do was go over old cases that went wrong.”
She gave Kaheaku a grateful smile. Devon tried his best not to get pissed at the man for knowing her, but it was damned hard. He might not have anything to do with the lifestyle at Rough ‘n Ready, but he handled a lot of the computer issues and he knew the clientele. Kaheaku had a reputation there as being a very sought after Dom. He had his pick of women and men.
“Yes, my father believed that we would always learn from our mistakes. I do know someone had given him files, so whatever he was doing was somewhat official.”
“And maybe he was looking for one of his own. Perhaps Devon stumbled across it.”
She glanced at him and he shrugged. “I doubt it. The only thing I check on is my name—to make sure they aren’t still looking for me.”
“When you were with the CIA, what did you do?” Kaheaku asked.
He still didn’t like the bastard. In fact, he really hated him. Every time he and Ali shared a secret glance, he wanted to bash the bastard’s face in.
“I was in a trainee program.”
“I remember hearing about that. It was scrapped not too long after you disappeared. I think they thought that car wreck was a result of your computer hacking.”
“Eli says you’re pretty good.”
“I’m one of the best. But, I don’t think I found anything when I was there. I can start to do some snooping.”
“That would be good,” Conner said. Then he turned to Ali. “I know what you and Sean say, but I want you to be prepared that your father might have done something that caused his death.”
“You want me to accept that my father was a traitor and then tried to cover it up? That is never going to happen.”
Conner opened his mouth but she stopped him. “Conner, I respect you, but you didn’t know my father, did you?”
“No. I knew the name but that was it.”
“He stood for honor. He believed in what he was doing, but he didn’t do anything outside the bounds of his duty to the crown. He might have ticked off those above him in the chain, but he did not compromise. Nothing you can say will ever make me think that the man I knew was a traitor. Excuse me.”
She shoved away from the table and walked out the door to the lanai.
Kaheaku shook his head. “Without any kind of proof, she’ll never believe you.”
“Was he a man who would do something for money?”
“No. The truth is, they were loaded, and probably still are. There’s a reason she could hide so well. Hughes’ father held patents on some kind of gadget they used during World War II, and I know Ali’s mom came from an old money background. He’s the one who taught me where to keep my money so I would be safe from anyone tracking me. Alicia probably has access to it.”
“But if he were a traitor, the crown could freeze his assets,” Conner said.
Kaheaku smiled. “If they could find them, but I am pretty sure they won’t be able to even now. So, money wouldn’t be the object. Truth is, the only reason Hughes would turn traitor was to protect what he saw as his most valuable asset.”
“And that would be?” Conner asked.
“Alicia. He adored her. Without a doubt, her father would kill anyone if he thought they were a danger to her.”
* * * *
Ali stood on the dock and listened as the waves lapped gently against the wooden planks. Her anger had finally faded, but she was still irritated. She had spoken the truth. There was nothing in this world that would ever convince her that her father had sold out. Even if they had a picture of him handing off a classified file, she knew it would be doctored. Her father cut a lot of corners, but one thing he would never do was turn his back on his country.
She heard a creak of wood behind her and knew who was there.
“You were never good at stealth mode,” Alicia said.
Sean stepped up beside her. “I wasn’t trying.”
She smiled and looked at her father’s protégé. “Sure. So what have you been up to?”
“I’m doing some private security work here and there. Especially with Lassiter.”
The name sent a little shock of alarm racing along her flesh. She didn’t like the man, never had. He was former CIA and always thought the interrogation techniques they used on accused terrorists didn’t go far enough.
Also, her father had hated the man. That was enough for her. Her father’s instincts were never wrong.
“Sean, Lassiter’s dirty.
He shrugged. “Not on the jobs I work.
She sighed. “You always did know how to get into trouble. Are you working alone?”
He shook his head. “No. Got some friends I work with from time to time.”
“Don’t tell me you and Randy Young are working together?”
“You were always jealous of him.”
“First, there would have to be a reason for me to be jealous of him and there is not. I’m not any more attracted to you than you are to me.” She snorted. “And with my current troubles, do you really think I need another bloody American in my life?”
Sean smiled.
“Randy. Ugh. Was that his name or a reference to his inability to control his libido?”
“His name. And I work with him from time to time along with Jaime Alexander.”
She looked at him. “You’re working with two of your old lovers? Sean, that’s just odd.”
“You were always too much of a prude. We’re just working together.” He looked out over the water. “Besides, the two of them are together now.”
She sensed something else in his expression.
“Oh, Sean, why do you do that to yourself? You always let people hurt you.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets and sighed. “Let’s not go over old news, Alicia.”
“I just wish you would settle down and be happy.”
“I don’t think you have any room to judge me, Alicia.”
She shrugged. “I’ve been a bit busy.”
“So, you and Stryker?”
“He was the job. I was looking for my father and Devon was the only clue I found.”
She sensed his glance.
“Is that a fact?”
“Yes.”
“And, how did he get away?”
Because she’d fallen asleep in his arms and didn’t want to end the fantasy. And leave it to Sean“He ran off before I could question him.”
“Alicia Hughes, you are lying.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You used a honey trap on him. Then, you just let him get away?”
“Yes.”
He gave her a look that said he didn’t believe her. “How did you hook back up?”
“He saw us.”
“Us?”
Dammit. She had lost her edge over the last few years. “Us. Me and Bridget.”
“Bridget.”
She finally turned to face him. “Okay. See, I used the honey trap, and we used protection and I was on the pill, but somehow I ended up pregnant. Father died right after that night and I was on the run. I was pretty far along before I realized what was happening.”
“Wait, slow down. You’re a mother? You can’t be a mother.”
That caused her to stop trying to explain. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Because…well, just because. You are too young to have a baby.”
“I turned thirty this year.”
Horror moved over his features. “I don’t care. In my mind, you’re still a virgin.”
She rolled her eyes. “Well, I was on the run. I couldn’t trust anyone in England, so I went to South Africa to that estate my mother’s family owns.”
He shook his head. “Oh, Ali, why didn’t you come looking for me? You didn’t have to do it alone.”
“But I did, Sean. I couldn’t risk it. I was afraid I would lead whoever killed father to you. I knew it had something to do with his investigation, and I was worried you would be in danger.”
“So, you leave yourself exposed? Alicia.”
She heard the reprimand in his voice. “I couldn’t have you get hurt.”
Before he could respond, the sound of little feet reached her and she found her daughter rushing toward her. “Mummy!”
And much like she had that morning, Bridget launched herself at Alicia. “Poppet, what are you doing down here?”
“Miss Dee said she could take us out for lunch and then she said I had to ask you.”
Bridget looked at Sean and smiled.
“Lord.” It was the only word that escaped as he looked at her and Bridget.
“Sean,” Dee said. He finally broke away and looked at Dee.
“Hey there lovely lady. When are you going to leave that boring husband of yours?”
She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t let Micah hear that. Last time you said something like that, he threatened to kick you out of Rough ‘n Ready.”
She was smiling at him and then he looked at Bridget. “That is freaking uncanny.”
Suddenly what Dee said hit her full force. “Wait. You mean Sean is a member of your BDSM club?”
Dee nodded and opened her mouth.
“No. Don’t. I don’t want to know. It would be like knowing what my brother was doing in his sex life. Too much information.”
Dee laughed. “Okay. I wanted to know what you thought about having…” she leaned forward and put her hands over Bridget’s ears. “I thought maybe we could have Bridget stay over.”
Alarm moved through her. “I’m not sure that would be a good idea.”
“I just thought it would give you and Dev a couple days to get the security up to grade. We have a good system but then, they probably wouldn’t make that connection.”
“Actually, it’s a good idea,” Sean said.
Alicia crossed her arms. “I don’t like it.
“Of course you don’t,” Dee said. “I wouldn’t either, but if Bridget’s okay with it, we can try it. If she gets upset, we can always run her back over.”
“And, they won’t connect you with her right now. This way, Micah and Dee can keep an eye on her. Neighbors will just know there is a friend visiting.”
She thought it over. From the day she was born, Bridget had never been away from her overnight. She looked at her daughter.
“Would you feel okay if you stayed overnight with Alana?”
Bridget clapped. “I would love it.”
“You have to listen to Dee and Micah. And if you get scared, make sure you have Dee call me.”
“I promise.” She gave her a kiss, turned and ran toward the house.
“I can get you a few things together for her.”
Dee shook her head. “I got that, if you don’t mind.”
“Okay.”
“Alana is going to have a blast. I’ll call and let you know how it’s going.”
She followed Bridget back up the dock and to the house. Alicia and Sean watched her go.
“You know your father didn’t do anything treasonous,” he said.
She nodded. “I know. But now I wonder just what the hell he was into. And just how it all ended up getting him killed.”
* * * *
“Hawaii?” the former agent asked. “What the bloody hell are they doing there?”
“I’m not sure and we aren’t sure exactly where they are at the moment.”
“What the bloody fucking hell does that mean?”
“Once they arrived, they disappeared. Devon Stryker has little to no presence on the islands, but his sister does. We could use her as bait.”
The former agent snorted. “That’s brilliant.” Sarcasm dripped from every word. “No, we keep this low key. We can find her and Stryker soon enough.”
The helper nodded.
“Get the arrangements made, but use one of our lesser known aliases.”
He nodded. “You and I?”
“Yes. I have an idea on how to draw her out, and it will take more than one of us to make it work.”
He nodded and left the room as the former agent sat back to plan the trip. Finally, this would end and life would be returned to the plans made so many years earlier.
Alicia Hughes just had to die…and then everything would be right again.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
About an hour later, they were done. Ali had returned for a few minutes while they discussed certain areas they should search. It was agreed that Maura would do most of the computer work. While they weren’t sure if Devon had been detected, it wasn’t a good idea to take a chance. Devon had no problems with that as long as he was kept in the loop.
He walked to the door with Conner.
“You will not go play on your computer.”
A statement not a question. “I promise.”
Conner gave him a look that told Devon he didn’t believe that comment.
“Just stay off any searches that would lead to Ali. Do anything that’s normal for you. If you are being monitored, we want them to think nothing has changed. The story has been filtered out through the club that Micah’s worried about the baby, so you came home early.”
“Some semblance of the truth is always the best.”
Conner chuckled. “True. Do not hesitate to call me. If there is someone behind this, he or she killed a man of great value to the security systems, not only in the UK but to ours also. I want to nail this bastard.”
He nodded and closed the door. When he turned, he found Kaheaku standing behind him. He stood there, his hands in his pockets, looking as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Devon wasn’t fooled. His cool green eyes too
k in everything. There was no doubt in Devon’s mind that Kaheaku could kill him if he made a wrong move.
“We need to talk,” Kaheaku said.
Devon inwardly stifled a groan. He wanted Kaheaku gone. Apparently that wasn’t going to happen until he had his say.
“Let’s go,” Devon said.
He didn’t look behind him as he walked down the hall to his study. Stepping in, he walked to his desk and sat down. He waited for Kaheaku to shut the door and take one of the two seats in front. When he didn’t say anything, Devon decided to get the ball rolling.
“Have your say.”
Kaheaku said nothing for a long moment. “Alicia has been on her own for a while now, but I feel that I should be watching out for her.”
“Why is that?”
“Her father is gone and, without any kind of family around, I think she needs someone to make sure she isn’t taken advantage of.”
“I don’t think she would appreciate you doing this.”
Sean’s lips twisted. “Probably not.”
It bothered him that Kaheaku knew Ali better than he did. He knew there was nothing sexual between the two of them. All you had to do was be in the same room with the two of them. There was no sexual chemistry. But, they had a history that had been irritating him…along with one question.
“Answer me this, why didn’t you worry about her before?”
“I did. I looked for her after Walter died. I heard about the explosion and for a while, they believed it was her.” He sighed. “I already had my own issues at the time, and when it actually happened, I was in deep undercover in…well, let’s not talk about that.”
“Once you did hear?”
Kaheaku shook his head. “I never believed it. Walter, yes, but Alicia? That woman was raised to be a Teflon cat. She lands on her feet without much damage. I actually think MI-6 knew it wasn’t her. Her DNA was on file.”
“Why would they let people believe it was her?”
“Two reasons. One would be they might assume someone was after her. Because of her family, Alicia was well known in the organization. If she were alive, she was finding out who was after her. Sending out feelers could end with her death, so why mess with her.”
A Little Harmless Secret Page 11