Feel the Heat

by Desiree Holt

  “Come into my house. Please. I’ll explain everything.”

  She took a step back. “I have no intention of going inside with you. I want you to send me home right now.”

  He reached out and gripped her elbow with his fingers, digging into the soft flesh and exerting just enough pressure to make her wince.

  “We’ll get along much better and things will move much faster if you just do as I ask.” He squeezed just a little harder. “Do we understand each other?”

  Lauren wanted to tell him she didn’t understand anything, but he didn’t wait for her answer. He moved toward the house, his grip tight, literally forcing her along with him.

  They entered through the open door, the tall man nodding to the two sentries with Fred and Reid right behind them. Lauren found herself in an enormous living room with hardwood flooring and pristine white walls. She looked around, trying to take in as many details as she could. Beyond the massive living room was a dining room just as large. A hallway led into the living room, and that was where Olberman hustled her now until they reached a built-in elevator.

  He pressed a button, his grip on her still firm.

  “Only a few more moments,” he assured her in a voice that could have been cut from steel. “Then I’ll explain everything.”

  Lauren tried to swallow but her throat was too dry. Her heart was beating so ferociously, she was sure Olberman could hear it. Whatever he was about to tell her, she was sure it wasn’t good. For her anyway.

  The elevator rose smoothly, its doors sliding open noiselessly to a suite of offices. He marched her past the reception area and through another office where a woman sat behind a large desk working at a computer. She looked up when Olberman and Lauren passed by her, then returned to her work. Was this a normal occurrence? Lauren wondered. Did he often kidnap people and bring them here? What else did he do?

  Then they were in what was obviously the man’s private office. His inner sanctum. Two walls were paneled with polished wood, while a third was floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over his estate. Surveying his kingdom, Lauren thought. The floor in here was also hardwood, with an Aubusson rug centered on it exactly. What kind of man was this? One who obviously never took no for an answer.

  He urged her to sit on a long plush leather couch against one wall. Lifting a file folder from his desk, he dropped into one of the armchairs, resting an ankle on the opposite knee and balancing the file on his leg.

  “You have quite an interesting history, Lauren Cahill.”

  She gave an involuntary gasp and he smiled in satisfaction.

  “Oh yes. I’ve been tracking you for a long time. You have a rare and special gift that interests me very much.”

  Her healing. Was that what this was about? But why go to such extreme lengths?

  She cleared her throat. “Could I please have a drink of water?”

  His smile was more a twisting of facial muscles than an expression of emotion. “Of course. Where are my manners?”

  He rose, opened a door built into the paneling to reveal a small refrigerator and handed her a bottle of chilled liquid. Lauren took her time twisting off the cap and taking small sips. She just wished she could figure out a way to handle the fear that continued to build inside her. Slowly, she replaced the cap and curled her fingers around the bottle.

  “Mr. Olberman, if someone close to you is ill and you need my particular gift, all you had to do was pick up the phone and call me. That’s what normal people do. Why wasn’t that an option for you?”

  His laugh held no humor. The sound of it sent a chill skating along Lauren’s spine.

  “You think that’s what I want? For you to heal someone in my family? Someone close to me?”

  She frowned, her fingers tightening on the water bottle. “Then what? I don’t understand any of this. And why did you have to kidnap me?”

  He re-crossed his legs. “Because, my dear, if I had told you what I have in mind, you’d never have agreed to it.”

  The sliver of fear was turning into a large blade and slicing right through her.

  Lauren folder her hands in her lap and said in as normal a voice as she could manage, “And exactly what is it you want?”

  He stared at her with those pale-green eyes. “Why, to sell your services for phenomenal amounts of money, of course.”

  Lauren’s jaw dropped. “You want to hire me out to people?”

  He shifted position and leaned forward slightly, his eyes glittering with greed. “Do you have any idea what people will pay for what you do? There are kings and sheikhs and private billionaires who have dying relatives whom you can cure. The opportunities are endless.”

  She forced a calm she was far from feeling. “Mr. Olberman, I don’t ever charge for my services. And I choose the people I use my gift for. It’s not something that goes to the highest bidder.”

  “But all that is about to change. And I’ll be happy to share with you as long as you get with the program.”

  Lauren wished she could make her brain work better. She realized she was in the company of a madman, and she had to proceed carefully.

  “Why didn’t you just come to my home to discuss this with me?” she asked.

  “Two reasons.” He leaned back in his chair, tapping the file against his thigh. “First, I knew you wouldn’t agree to my plan, and second, to make this work you must stay here. All the time.”

  If what she’d felt before was fear, now she was gripped with real terror.

  “Stay here? You mean as in never leave?”

  He nodded. “That’s the only way it can work. Oh let me assure you, I have the finest suite of rooms prepared for you. And whatever you need, I can provide. Anything. You just have to name it.”

  “What I need is to go home and back to my life. This is an impossible situation.” She pushed herself up from the couch but Olberman moved into her space, blocking her.

  “Sit down.” He snapped the words out, a command. “And don’t move until I say you can.”

  His words hit her body with the impact of bullets as his large body loomed over her. Sitting down was probably a good thing, because her legs were trembling so badly she wasn’t sure they could hold her. She eased herself back down onto the butter-soft leather, trying to hold herself together. Olberman resumed his seat in the chair.

  “Some facts for you to understand and accept.” He ticked them off on his fingers one by one. “You will not be allowed to leave here except on my plane, with my bodyguards, to transport you to wherever your services are required. You will not try to leave here. My security, both human and electronic, is second to none. And you will use your gift when and how I order it. And for as long as I wish. Do you understand what I just said?”

  “I understand, but—”

  “But nothing.”

  “You plan to just keep me prisoner here?” She could hardly breathe. “Not let me leave? But I have a life. People and things to get back to.”

  “That part of your life is over. Accept it. This is your life, from now and forward.”

  “There are people who will be looking for me,” she said defiantly. “They’ll find me.”

  “I think not.” He leaned forward slightly. “I know all about your previous Phoenix Agency friends. Believe me, my men are far superior to them. They’ll never find you or be able to help you. I promise you that.”

  Lauren struggled with the panic surging through her.

  “I can’t simply use my gift at will,” she protested. “That’s one of the reasons I choose my patients so carefully. With some people, the situation is such that psychic healing does no good.”

  “Then you’d better figure out how to get past that.”

  “And if I refuse?”

  He shook his head. “That’s just not an option.”

  “But—”

  “No more buts. This is your new reality. Deal with it.” He stood up and went to the door to the outer office. “Vivian. Would you ask Reid to come up here and es
cort our guest to her suite?”

  “Right away, Mr. Olberman.”

  “I am not your guest,” she protested, heart beating wildly. “And I want to go home. There are people who will find me. They’re probably looking for me right now.”

  “The Phoenix Agency?” He laughed. “I can buy and sell them.” He gripped her elbow again. “If I were you, I’d figure out how to make this work. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to your family, would you?”

  “My—my family?”

  Oh god. Would he go after Greg and his wife? Their children? Her parents?

  What would Troy do if he were in this situation?

  As if he really was there, she heard his voice in her head.

  Play along until you can figure out a way out of it. Use your brain. And have faith in me.

  If only she had the same telepathic powers Mark and Faith did. But no matter. Despite what Olberman said, she knew the men of Phoenix wouldn’t stop until they found her and rescued her from this dreadful place and this malevolent man.

  “I’ve had a suite prepared for you with all the amenities,” Olberman was saying. “Since you came here with nothing, there are many things you’ll need. Your wardrobe has been taken care of, but I’m sure there are personal items you require. Vivian will be along to see you shortly and assist you with your ordering.”

  “My ordering.” Lauren could hardly breathe, the feeling of being trapped suffocating her.

  “I’d like you to dine with me tonight,” Olberman said, as he was leading her from the room. “Reid will fetch you at seven. And I wouldn’t think it wise to refuse. Perhaps if you know more about me, you’ll see that I’m right about this.”

  Never.

  But she’d play along until she saw an opportunity. A chance of any kind.

  Oh Troy. Hurry and find me. Please.

  * * * * *

  Troy used every iota of self-discipline he had to compose himself on the way to the hospital. He’d been in situations most men would consider terrifying. Life-threatening, even. But he had never been as scared as he was right now. He and Lauren had just discovered each other and were getting ready to build something solid, like his partners had found. Now someone had snatched it all away from them, and he had trouble keeping a lid on the rising panic.

  “We have a one hundred percent success record,” Rick reminded him as they navigated the streets to the hospital. “We don’t intend to break it now.”

  “If we just had even the faintest inkling of what this is all about.” Troy ground his teeth in frustration. “I don’t even know where to start. And any minute now, her brother’s going to wonder why he hasn’t heard from her. Maybe even show up at the house.”

  “We’ll get it done.” Rick’s voice was calm and assured. “And this is a good place to start.”

  Troy managed to find a space in the hospital’s side lot, locked the car and strode toward the entrance, Rick beside him. He swallowed his impatience while he waited for the elevator, then during the slow rise to the floor where Clark Hauser was. As he approached the room, he stopped and pulled in a deep breath, trying to center himself.

  “Ready?” Rick asked.

  Troy nodded and pushed open the door.

  Gayle Hauser was sitting beside her husband’s bed, talking animatedly. Clark Hauser looked so much better than the last time Troy had seen him that he almost didn’t recognize him. The man’s face had good color, all but one of the machines had been removed and he was sitting up in bed talking to his wife while he indulged in a pastry she’d obviously brought for him.

  “I’m sorry to just barge in like this,” he began.

  Gayle Hauser frowned, then, as recognition dawned, gave him a smile. “You’re the man who came here with Lauren, right?”

  He nodded. “I’m glad you remember me.”

  “How could I forget? Without you, Clark might not even be with us today.”

  “I assure you it was all her. I was just along for the ride.”

  “And to take care of her. Afterward.”

  Troy nodded at Clark. “Good to see you looking so good.”

  “It’s a miracle,” the older man said. “Gayle has had to explain what happened to me several times and I still have a hard time believing it. That woman is worth her weight in gold.”

  Her weight in gold? Was that it? Did someone take Lauren to try to use her for profit? Who the hell would do that?

  But Troy knew just how many unscrupulous people there were in the world. He and his partners had dealt with far too many of them.

  Gayle gestured at him. “Come in. Please. How nice of you to visit. Did Lauren ask you to come by?”

  Troy shook his head. “Not exactly. My partner, Rick Latrobe, and I were wondering if we could ask you some questions.”

  “Partner?” Her forehead creased with a frown. “Questions? About what?” She pushed her chair back and stood up. “Is something wrong with Lauren?”

  Rick stepped into the background, leaning against the wall and letting Troy take the lead on this.

  “No. Not exactly.” He pulled another visitor’s chair over and sat down. He didn’t want to stand and loom over Gayle Hauser like some menace. Questioning her would be a delicate process, and he didn’t want to frighten her. “Can you tell me how you first heard about Lauren and her gift?”

  The woman’s body immediately tensed and she clasped her hands together in her lap. “Someone gave me her name. A lot of people knew how desperate Clark’s situation was, and friends were always helping me try to find answers.”

  “So you don’t remember specifically who pointed you in her direction? Lauren would really like to contact that person and let them know she was able to be of help.”

  “Oh they know.” The woman’s voice was shaky. “Everyone knows by now.” She filled the plastic cup on the bed table with water and handed it to Clark.

  She’s trying to figure out what to say.

  Troy had seen people do this more times than he could count. What was it she didn’t want him to know? It took every bit of self-control not to grab her by the shoulders and shake the information out of her.

  “Tell him, honey,” her husband said. “What’s the big deal?”

  The look she sent him had keep quiet written all over it.

  “Is there a problem?” Troy asked the question as quietly as possible. The woman sitting near him looked ready to jump out of her skin. The same itchy feeling of danger he’d been unable to scratch was swarming over him.

  “No.” She shook her head vehemently. “I’m just not sure I even remember, at this point. As I said, so many people were trying to help us. Why does it matter?”

  There was definitely something wrong here. The more Troy pressed, the more agitated Gayle Hauser became. He’d have to choose his words carefully.

  “I know you’re aware of the craziness that occurred following her last patient,” he said.

  She nodded.

  “Because of that, we’re trying to keep track of the people who refer Lauren, how they knew about her and if the referral came from a previous client.” He leaned forward, trying to create an atmosphere of confidentiality. “I’m sure you can understand how important that is.”

  “I do.” Her glance shifted away from his, darting back to her husband. “I just don’t see how I can help you.”

  Rick, who had been silent up until now, pushed away from the wall.

  “Mrs. Hauser, is there some reason you don’t want to tell us where Lauren’s name came from? I mean, it’s not as if she advertises her services. She’s actually a very private person.”

  “No. There’s no reason.” She focused on her husband, not meeting either Troy’s or Rick’s gazes. “I’d like to ask you to leave now. Clark needs his rest and I don’t like to have him upset.”

  “Gayle.” Clark frowned at her. “Is there a problem here?”

  “No. No problem. These people are going to leave, and you’re going to take a nice long nap.”r />
  Rick nudged Troy and gestured toward the door with his head. Troy stood up reluctantly, wishing he could shake the truth out of the woman.

  “Thank you,” Rick said for both of them. “We appreciate you giving us some time. Mr. Hauser, enjoy your recovery.” He placed a card on the bedside table. “I know you’re grateful for the help Lauren Cahill gave you. If there is something you remember, this is my cell number. We’d appreciate a call.”

  He opened the door and motioned for Troy to walk out with him.

  “She’s lying, damn it.” Troy balled his hands into fists. “I can smell it. And did you see how nervous she was? She was exactly the same way when Lauren and I were here. That woman is hiding something.”

  He started toward the door again, but Rick put a hand on his arm.

  “Take a breath here, Troy. If you push her, you won’t get anything.”

  “I know, I know.” He scrubbed his hands over his face. “I need to find the right button to push.”

  “Let’s get out of here first. I have some ideas.”

  When they were back in the car, Rick pulled out his cell and speed-dialed a number.

  “Andy? Yeah, yeah. I know you’re already juggling a hundred things for us. I’m going to add one more to your pile. If you can handle it.” He paused, then chuckled. “Not questioning your ability in the least. So show me just how good you are.” He spelled out the names of Gayle and Clark Hauser. “I want everything you can get on them, including financial information. And I need it yesterday.” He listened for a long minute. “Yes, good. But start with this one.”

  He pushed End.

  ”He’s on it?” Troy asked.

  “As always.” Rick glanced at him. “You holding up okay? Never mind. That’s a stupid question. If it were me, I’d want to wring someone’s neck too.”

  “What else did Andy have to say?”

  “Dan sent him a list of the ten patients Lauren saw just prior to Clark Hauser. He’s running all of them, but he’ll start with the Hausers first.”

  Troy blew out a breath and started the car. “I don’t know what the fuck I’ll do if we don’t get her back. Kill somebody maybe. Probably.”

  “Like I said, we’ll get her back. I refuse to accept anything less.” He speed-dialed a phone number again. “Let’s see what they’ve found out at the house.”