Sins of the Father

by Melissa Barker-Simpson

  Stuart had other ideas. As they brought him up to speed, Alicia battled with his desire to lock her up in an ivory tower, or more specifically Burton House – his own version of the fairy tale castle.

  “I’m not going to be manipulated. I refuse to buy into his sick games. You hired additional security so let Morgan and Fairchild do their job.” Her eyes met Brad’s. “It doesn’t matter where they do it. Nobody will get near me when they’re around.”

  Brad felt a burst of pride that she had so much faith in him. She’d said the team, but her eyes made it clear that she was speaking directly to him.

  Stuart, however, was letting his fear do the talking. “But he did get close to you, Al. He got into your trailer, the place where you sleep – he could have left anything for you to find.”

  “He needed a clear site to do it.” She threw up her arms. “He took advantage of a situation he created in the first place. Surely you can see that he doesn’t have the balls to approach me when...”

  Brad cleared his throat, sensing they would continue to circle the issue until one of them won. He didn’t have time to wait. “If I may point out that Alicia’s trailer was searched with specialised equipment before she was given the all clear. It was an… unpleasant experience, but she was never in danger. Perhaps we can compromise on the living arrangements.”

  “Compromise?” Stuart asked wearily.

  Brad turned to Alicia. “You could move into the main building. I can make sure nobody goes in or out without my say so.”

  “I suppose it could work,” she said, looking across at Stuart.

  “Fine, if that’s all I’m going to get.”

  “There you go,” Sarah said, patting Stuart on the shoulder. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” When she saw his lips twitch, she knew they were home free. “Are you up for a group hug?”

  “That sounds like a fine idea.” They all turned to find JJ smiling back at them.

  Alicia motioned for him to enter. “It’s good to see you again, JJ.”

  “Glad to be here. There’s never a dull day, that’s for sure.”

  She laughed. “Well I, for one, am tired of the drama.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll catch him.” JJ looked towards Brad. “Right, big man?”

  “These guys couldn’t catch a cold!” Abe Donovan replied for him as he stepped into the room.

  Brad slapped him on the shoulder. “We’d better shut the door - we’re letting in all the trash.”

  “Yeah, well, Detective Potts is right behind me.” He turned to Alicia. “You give him hell?”

  “Not this time. I’m afraid I went a little Hollywood and my phone paid the price.”

  Abe laughed. “You can tell us about it when Potts gets here. Why don’t we all take a seat?”

  They walked over to a small conference table and crowded around it like a family at a motorway services café. All except for Brad, who was giving instructions to JJ. They were stood by the exit so Alicia couldn’t tell what they were saying. JJ slipped out before any of the others even noticed.

  “Who has the note?” Abe asked, looking at the faces around the table.

  “That would be me.” Sarah pulled the paper out of her pocket. “His messages aren’t very imaginative.”

  They turned as the last member joined their party - Detective Potts. “Miss Gladstone, I wish we were meeting again under better circumstances,” he said, rather formerly.

  It’s not a funeral, detective. “Thank you for coming.”

  He smiled and turned to Abe, who was waving the note in his direction. He gave it a cursory glance. “Where did you find it?”

  Alicia went through the series of events for the third time, ending with the call. Detective Potts considered the details in the quiet way she remembered. “Where’s the phone now?”

  “In my trailer, in about seven or eight pieces,” Alicia said, a flush spreading when she remembered the outburst. “It kind of dropped out of my hand.”

  “If you call hurling it at the wall dropping,” Brad said, making Sarah giggle. The narrow-eyed stare from Alicia was worth her annoyance – it tickled him.

  “Let me guess - the Evian water wasn’t the right temperature.” The glare turned into a surprised cackle at the detective’s friendly jibe.

  “Wow, Potts, you made a funny!” Abe grinned with barely contained mischief.

  “Did you think you’re the only one with a sense of humour?”

  “Sometimes I wonder, buddy.” He raised his hand for a high-five but Potts ignored him to turn back to Alicia.

  “I’d like to take a look around, get a feel for things if that’s all right?”

  “That’s fine. I’ll take you,” Sarah said, pushing to her feet. “I’ll organise the move across to your new digs,” she added in Alicia’s direction.

  Abe was right behind her. “I’ll assist our good detective here. Keep me informed, big man.”

  Stuart remained seated as they filed out. “I’ve changed the schedule for today.” He glanced at Brad. “You should have a copy. I emailed it to you about twenty minutes ago.”

  Alicia reached for his hand. “This must be hard on you. I’m sorry for not cooperating. I know you’re worried.”

  “Al, you never cooperate. I just don’t want to see you get hurt for the sake of a project.”

  “I don’t think it has anything to do with the project. But I promise not to take any unnecessary risks. You know you prefer it when you can keep an eye on me anyway.”

  He sighed, the sound as weary as he looked. “Okay, that’s good enough for now. But if he escalates...”

  “Then we’ll talk again. Let’s go out. There are a lot of people waiting for your reassurance. We need to get moving.”

  Brad’s attention was split between listening to their conversation and tuning into progress reports from various points around the studios. Some of it wasn’t relevant to him specifically, but he liked to have the full picture in his head - to extend his area of focus.

  ***

  The remainder of the day went without a hitch. Brad admired Alicia’s calm and methodical approach to the altered schedule. She didn’t seem at all nervous to be surrounded by people, most of them strangers on a personal level. He remained close to her side, as close as he could without disrupting the scene.

  When JJ returned to relieve him he was almost disappointed – he liked being close to her.

  “I’ve set up surveillance at each entry point to the building, in addition to makeup; wardrobe and other production offices,” JJ told him.

  “Thanks, JJ. Is Ellen all set for tomorrow?”

  “Yes, it’s covered. One of Abe’s guys will be doing the cross over.”

  They both turned when Alicia’s door opened. Sarah emerged first, with Alicia’s laughter following her out. “Just the man we wanted to see,” she said to Brad, winking at JJ. “Al would like to go over the schedule for tomorrow.”

  “Oh, that’s not really necessary,” Alicia started to protest. The frown made it clear she’d suggested no such thing.

  “I think it would be useful. Don’t you, Brad?” The look Sarah gave him held enough force to remind him of their arrangement; she was giving him a chance to come clean.

  “Yes, that’s a good idea.” He turned to JJ with a rueful expression. “I’ll catch up with you soon.”

  He hadn’t realised it before, but Alicia was nervous being alone with him. She fluttered about the large living area, clearly fighting with nerves. The fact that he’d replayed their kiss a hundred times, even when he didn’t want to, made it seem like longer than twenty-four hours. A lot had happened, enough for him to feel surprised by her reaction.

  “Why don’t you sit down, Alicia. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  She turned to him with interest now, detecting the apprehension in his own voice perhaps. “The schedule thing was a ruse wasn’t it?”

  As she wasn’t going to sit, he perched on one of the stools in fro
nt of a mini bar, suddenly longing for a drink. “Yes. It’s about something, well, something I should have told you from the start, as soon as I realised you didn’t know.”

  “That sounds ominous. I’m guessing it’s something I won’t like.”

  “Helen Fairfax was my step-mother.” He’d intended to work it into the conversation - build up to it. But now that the cat was out of the bag, he realised it was as good a way as any.

  “Oh my God.” Alicia dropped into a chair, taking a moment to digest. “I remember reading...but if Sarah knew why... why didn’t you?” She turned accusing eyes on him.

  He felt his stomach fall as he desperately searched his brain for a way to explain; anything to stop her from looking at him like she would never trust him again. It wasn’t only the assignment at stake now – he couldn’t walk away from her.

  “Because she made my life hell and I closed that chapter a long time ago.”

  He caught the flicker of sympathy before she pushed it aside. “You could have mentioned the connection without rehashing old hurts. But to keep it from me...”

  Something else flickered across her face then, something he didn’t like. He deserved it, but he didn’t want to see it.

  “You thought I was like her, didn’t you? Did you think you could knock me down a peg or two? You probably believed you were being a hero, burying all your personal feelings for the sake of the job.”

  Her comment hurt more than he thought it would. “You have a right to be angry, Alicia, but you’re wrong about my reasons for agreeing to protect you. Was I afraid I couldn’t remain impartial? Of course I was. But that was my only fear. Whether I think you’re like her or not, I have a job to do and I intend to do it.”

  She didn’t say anything for so long the suspense started to drive him crazy.

  “You should have told me. Sarah should have told me. I’m going to find out exactly what kind of game she’s playing.”

  He didn’t envy Sarah one bit. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s not easy to find the right rhythm when you have doubts about your ability to do the job. So you’re right about me trying to be the hero. I felt drawn to protect you despite the obvious conflicts. Like I said, it was something I intended to discuss with you, something I’d hoped you already knew.” He ran a hand through his hair, struggling to find the words. “I’m good at what I do, Alicia, don’t ever doubt that.”

  “I don’t.” She sighed again, a tired sound that pulled at his heart. “Which is why I’m going to try to understand your reasons for keeping this from me.” She held up a hand when he started to speak. “I’m not sure what to do about any of it. Things were complicated enough already. You can’t deny the attraction between us, and I can’t help but wonder if that had something to do with your decision. One thing I know for sure is that I trust you to do your job, and right now I need you.”

  Brad felt all the tension drain away. He hadn’t lost her trust, and that was all that mattered to him. “Thank you. I appreciate your honesty. It’s important that we work well together.”

  “I think we both know there’s a connection that has nothing to do with the job or our shared history.”

  “About that.” There was so much he wanted to say, but every bit of it was against the rules.

  “I think we’ve dealt with enough for one day, don’t you?”

  He could see she was feeling the effects of a gruelling day. “Okay, I should let you get some rest.”

  “Thanks.” She reached out to touch his arm. “Goodnight, then.”

  He stared down at her, torn because he wanted to kiss her again, even though he knew it was wrong. “Goodnight, Alicia.”

  He walked towards the door, feeling stronger with a little distance between them. He didn’t look back or hesitate on his way out. He didn’t even stop to chat with JJ because, as much as he respected the kid, he needed his best friend; his own brand of reason.

  It didn’t take him long to power up the laptop and patch through. He didn’t question whether Kelvin would answer - the man was always on red alert.

  “You’re up late.” He heard Kelvin’s voice a few seconds before his face appeared on the screen.

  “What are you, my mother? How are things your end?”

  “Fine, but that’s not why you called. What’s up?”

  Brad pulled a face, which Kelvin mirrored. They could keep it up for some time so he pressed on. “I told her.”

  “And?”

  “And it’s complicated…I kissed her.”

  “What! Brad, what the hell are you doing?”

  “I know, I know, you can save the lecture. I’ve berated myself enough. It happened yesterday – nearly happened again today.”

  “So what’re you going to do?”

  “Try not to let it happen again.”

  Kelvin laughed, shaking his head. “Man, you’ve got it bad. I feel for you, buddy. With the morals you hang around your neck it must be pulling you under.”

  “We can’t get involved on the job. Period.”

  “But life’s not as simple as that, is it?”

  “No, it’s not.” Brad sighed and settled further down into his seat. The laptop jiggled precariously on his lap.

  “Just say the word and I’m there. You know I’ve got your back.”

  “Thanks, man. I need to hear that right now.”

  “Get some sleep. But before you go, remember, you can do the job no matter what’s going on in that thick head of yours. It’s part of who you are – there isn’t a complacent bone in your body.”

  “I needed to hear that too.”

  “I’m not saying that acting on this attraction between you is a good idea, and I’m not judging either way. You don’t need me to quote the book. I’m speaking as your friend, and I know that she won’t come to any harm whatever you decide.”

  “Understood. I’ll speak to you at 06.00. Night.”

  “Go take a cold shower.” Kelvin logged out and broke the link before Brad could retaliate.

  His laughter echoed around the room as he tapped keys to connect to Susannah. One more stop and he’d hit the hay. He had a feeling there would be a few interesting dreams waiting for him.

  Chapter 13

  Alicia awoke with a headache so vile she thought her eyes might bleed. If she’d consumed copious amounts of alcohol it would make sense, but she hadn’t touched a drop. It was worse than any hangover she’d experienced, so it hardly seemed fair that she should suffer without the benefits.

  She blinked slowly, getting used to her new surroundings. It was akin to staying in a luxury apartment; in fact, it could have been her luxury apartment. It was a home from home, and one of the only things she didn’t like about it.

  When she worked, she preferred an air of illusion, to feel that she was out of her normal environment. She wasn’t opposed to the comfort; it was a huge selling point that the kitchen housed a state of the art coffee maker.

  Alicia stumbled out of bed and made her way towards her salvation. When she’d had her fill, she reached for her second lifeline, swallowing the painkillers in one gulp as she wandered to the bedroom.

  By the time she was under the shower, she was feeling moderately better. That was until thoughts of Brad invaded the quietness in her head. She’d thought of nothing else all night – the second night in a row she’d lost precious sleep. But she couldn’t pin the headache on him no matter how much she wanted to.

  She wasn’t angry anymore. Holding a grudge seemed hypocritical when she wasn’t rational either – not when it came to her mother. It was the disappointment that she could still taste – the fact that he had an agenda.

  The attraction between them was undeniable, yet the connection compelled her more. Since Eric, she’d found it hard to trust. Most people wanted something from her, or worse they expected it. The men she dated, and there hadn’t been many, were more interested in Alicia the film star than the woman. For some reason Brad saw beyond the superficial to the girl benea
th.

  She was still working it out in her head as she dressed for the day. She wasn’t on the call sheet until mid-afternoon. She’d been granted permission to promote another production for a radio broadcast. If she timed it right, a visit to see Jack was also on the agenda.

  With the headache receding into oblivion she went to face the music, that and poke around for some decent breakfast.

  Brad was already on duty. He was standing to attention outside her room, looking serious and devastatingly handsome in a suit. She took in the tailored jacket and polished shoes – formal wear was definitely working for him.

  “Your public attire I take it?” She enjoyed watching him squirm under her scrutiny.

  “I thought I’d play the part.”

  She moved her hand so it looked like she was holding a video camera. “Well, you certainly look the part.” His subtle facial movement showing disapproval had her cackling with laughter. “Come on. You have to allow me to make fun of the situation a little. I did interview several candidates until I found the most attractive bodyguard, after all,” she added, tongue in cheek.

  This time he grinned. “I’m not sure what that does for my professional ego.”

  “It’s not all bad. There are women out there who wouldn’t mind getting up close and personal.”

  “I think you’re missing the point of close personal protection!”

  They started along the corridor. “I suppose what I’m trying to tell you is be prepared for this morning. The radio host has a habit of airing the juiciest gossip and there’s a lot of talk. It’s all in the name of fun, but he cuts a little close to the bone.”

  “Thanks for the heads up.” He signalled to his two colleagues as they stopped outside. “But despite any impression I’ve given to the contrary, I’ve worked in media before. I’m used to the jibes, whether it’s about my size, my appearance, or my tendency towards a more formal approach.”

  “Good to know. I won’t feel guilty about teasing you now and then. Let’s go grab breakfast before I have to get my game face on.”

  “I’m sure they have a fresh pot of coffee waiting.”