Hot Lawyers: The Lee Christine Collection

by Lee Christine

  Tom, again.

  She watched as Luke checked his watch.

  “Meet me at the Bligh Street address. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

  He hung up and jabbed at the phone again. “I have to make this call.”

  He looked at her as he waited for the person to pick up. “Tom’s picked up three IP addresses from your blog. The computers are located in three separate Internet Cafes in the vicinity of the Basement nightclub where our guy flagged down the courier.”

  He looked away suddenly and spoke into the phone. “Nat?”

  He paced the room and mouthed another swear word. “I’ve got her voicemail.”

  Allegra watched as he began gathering up his jeans, jacket, car keys and wallet. “Nat, I need you to come over to Allegra’s ASAP. I have to get into town.”

  Her heart fractured as he disconnected the call. “You’re leaving?” Despite her misgivings about his methods, she wanted him with her.

  He nodded. “Tom and I have to get in there.”

  He moved closer, worry clouding his eyes. “Once he realises his plans have been foiled, that the emails have been intercepted, there’s a chance he’ll go all out and put a photograph on the net.”

  Allegra stared at him in horror, the ramifications too dreadful for her to contemplate. And she trusted his intuition, knew he’d profiled similar people in the past. He was preparing her for a new reality.

  Suddenly their argument wasn’t important. Not when he had to leave.

  “If I get another description and we merge it with McGregor’s, there’s a chance you’ll recognise him from the mock up,” he was saying. “It’s the best lead we’ve had. This could be our chance to flush him out.”

  She nodded. He was one hundred percent focussed now, the professional hunter. And after all, this was the reason she’d retained him. Still, it took every bit of nerve she possessed to encourage him to leave.

  “Go. I’ll be fine.”

  He surprised her, stepping close and taking both her hands in his. “Lock yourself in until Nat gets here, and keep Astro with you.”

  “Okay.” She drew in a shaky breath. “I can go next door as well.”

  He gave her a wry smile. “She’s eighty.”

  Allegra fought off her vulnerability and did her best to smile back. “Just go, Luke.”

  He let go of her hands. “If you get scared, or Nat’s longer than expected, promise me you’ll go next door.”

  She nodded and called for Astro, scooping the little dog into her arms and watching as he opened the front door. “Be careful.”

  He turned, pewter eyes meshing with hers. “Lock the door behind me, Allegra. And don’t worry. The curse ends here.”

  Chapter Nine

  Late the following morning Allegra composed an email to Luke on her office computer, conscious of Tom watching her every move from Neilson’s Security.

  The partners would blow a gasket if they knew their system had been hacked. As yet, there’d been no outcry, and she was beginning to believe Luke’s assertion that they would never know.

  The risk she was taking weighed heavily on her conscience.

  Dear Luke,

  Please find attached the list of cases you requested. I’ve looked them over and nothing jumps out at me.

  Hope everything is moving along well.

  Allegra

  She attached the file and hit Send.

  The moment the email disappeared she pressed Delete. There was no way she’d risk it catching Josie’s attention.

  She glanced at her diary. Three hours until the inauguration, and then the dinner this evening. Would Luke be able to make it?

  It shocked her to admit how much she missed him, and in more ways than the security he afforded her. She missed the way they butted heads, and his sense of fun. More than anything, she missed the way he made her feel, and for the umpteenth time she relived that incredible kiss. If Tom hadn’t interrupted, they would have ended up in bed.

  But it was more than physical for her.

  She liked him. She liked him a lot.

  Her mobile buzzed, breaking into her daydream. Bolting from the chair, she ran to close the door, her heart soaring like a teenager as his name lit up the screen. Good news or bad, she longed to hear his voice.

  “Luke?”

  He got straight down to business. “Thanks for getting the file to me so quickly.”

  “It wasn’t a problem.” She held her breath. “What’s happening?”

  She heard him sigh. “McGregor and another guy are in with the sketch artist. They hope to have an image for you to look at by the weekend.”

  “That sounds promising.” She grimaced at their awkward conversation. The issue of the kiss hung between them.

  Kiss? Who are you kidding – it was foreplay.

  “Tom’s looked over the computers, but it’s a dead end, and we’ve had no luck with fingerprints.”

  Who the hell was this guy? “Well, hopefully the sketch will give us the break we need.”

  “I’ll get him. I’m only worried he’ll upload a photograph first.”

  A chill crawled across her skin. The thought was enough to give her nightmares. “I’m aware of the measures you’re taking to find him, Luke.”

  There was a long silence, and she pressed her lips together, determined not to fill the void with chatter before he had a chance to speak. He knew her feelings about Tom hacking into Grace and Poole’s computer system.

  “Look, you mightn’t agree with some of our methods, but I trust my people. Tom keeps his eyes open. He gets in and he gets out.”

  “You can’t use those emails in Court.”

  “That isn’t my concern. Finding him is. The police can worry about admissible evidence.”

  She glanced at the framed Practising Certificate hanging on the wall. Years of focussed study and dedicated work. Years of sacrifice. Would it all amount to nothing?

  “I just wish I didn’t know about it.”

  His irritated voice came down the line. “Look Ally, we work at opposite ends of the law. I don’t necessarily agree with some of the things you do either.”

  She frowned. “Like what?”

  “Defending groups widely known to manufacture illegal drugs, for one.”

  Exasperated, she shook her head though she knew he couldn’t see her. “What is the point of even discussing this?”

  She heard his frustrated sigh. “I’m sorry. I understand you’re under a lot of strain.”

  “I think we both are.” She reclined in her chair and closed her eyes. Their squabbling wasn’t about the law or their individual methods of operation. It was about the foreplay.

  She decided to extend an olive branch. “Despite everything, Luke, I know I’m in safe hands.”

  “Thanks, I think.”

  There was another lengthy silence before he went on.

  “I’m trawling through the CCTV footage, then I’ll search your former clients, see who’s in the slammer, who’s out, how many are residing in Sydney. I’ll be looking for a connection to Noble. To print these photographs individually, our stalker has to be in possession of his storage device. Or at the very least have copied it.”

  “Are you sure you have the manpower?”

  “It’s surprising how much we can accomplish. And try not to worry. Nat’s stationed outside your office in case the guy’s hanging around waiting for your expulsion.”

  Allegra’s stomach lurched. Fear made her sick and dizzy.

  Then Luke’s voice softened, and suddenly he sounded a lot more personal. “And don’t work too hard. Remember, I’m only a phone call away.”

  Allegra’s throat closed over, her emotions perilously close to the surface. She had to get off the phone, had to refocus on her work and allow him to do his job.

  She drew in a painful breath and pushed the words past the contracted muscles of her throat. “Thanks, Luke. I’ll see you later.”

  “You will. Cheers.”

&
nbsp; And then the line went dead.

  Luke sat at his desk and rubbed a hand across his eyes, Allegra’s words stuck in his mind like a catchy guitar riff.

  ‘I know I’m in safe hands.’

  Well that was debatable.

  How safe had she been last night, when he’d been ready to rip every piece of clothing off her body and haul her into the bedroom? She hadn’t been safe from the likes of him, and he’d been hired to protect her, not seduce her. Getting up close and personal with Allegra was begging for trouble. He’d known that, and yet he’d gone ahead and suggested self-defence training anyway.

  Clicking on the Taskbar, he maximised the image of the third photograph, shaking his head at the sheer beauty of it. A secluded beach, she was coming out of the surf wearing only the bottom half of a bikini. Her blonde hair was slicked back from her face and droplets of water clung to her lashes. Wet sand stuck to her body in all the right places.

  It was enough to send any red blooded guy crazy.

  And it wasn’t just her beauty.

  Allegra was a heady combination; witty, yet seriously impressive as a litigator. Past tragedy had given her a tough outer shell, but he’d glimpsed softness and vulnerability in the last few days. She might have rejected him ten months ago, but she’d been feverishly passionate in his arms last night, and he was having a devil of a time putting it out of his mind.

  He shook his head. He prided himself on his ability to shut out the white noise and internal monologue. But last night he’d been conflicted between staying and going. And he’d been sick with worry since leaving her.

  He’d never had a problem leaving a client with Nat before.

  Sighing, he ran an impatient hand through his hair. It was impossible to deny how much he wanted Ally, which was amazing, considering they argued over just about everything.

  He shut down the image on screen. It was dangerous to be distracted by their personal relationship. Allegra’s life could be at risk. He dare not slip up on this assignment. He could never live with the guilt of something happening to the other Greenwood sibling.

  He slid the CCTV tape into the machine and began scanning one frame at a time. It was time consuming and tedious, but it had to be done. So far, no-one had even come close to McGregor’s descriptions.

  He stared at the screen. It was useless. He couldn’t put it off any longer.

  He re-read the draft email he’d composed earlier. Allegra wanted information about her brother’s death and he was determined to come through for her, one way or another.

  He inhaled briefly and hit Send before doubts assailed him again.

  Would she ever forgive him if she found out the truth?

  ***

  That evening, just after six thirty, Allegra closed the door to her mother’s room at Groves Hill and hurried to where Nat was cooling her heels in the waiting room.

  “Everything all right?” Luke’s assistant put down the magazine she was reading and stood up.

  “She’s well, and in good spirits.” Allegra smoothed her hands over the long evening dress she was wearing. “And despite my embarrassment, very excited to see me in this.”

  She glanced at the other woman as they waited for the elevator to arrive, doing her best to conceal her disappointment that Luke was still caught up with the case and Nat was accompanying her to the dinner.

  “Thanks for letting me call by on the way.”

  “Hey,” the other woman shot her a quick glance. “I’m a single mum with two kids. They better come visit me when I’m in one of these places.”

  Allegra smiled as they stepped into the elevator. “I’m sure they will.”

  The other woman pressed the button for the Ground Floor. “It’s nice, looks expensive though.”

  Allegra sighed. “It’s not cheap, but it’s my first priority. More than anything I could want for myself.”

  They rode the rest of the way in silence, and when the doors opened a bunch of brightly coloured balloons greeted them. Holding them was a man Allegra recognised as Brian Morag.

  “Oh my! What’s the occasion ladies?” He gave them a friendly smile and stepped aside so they could pass.

  “Just a work function.” Allegra smiled at the balloons. “Someone’s in for a happy surprise.”

  “Everyone.” He held his finger on the button so he could continue talking to them. “Balloon tennis after dinner. They love it.”

  Allegra and Nat traded smiles.

  “You look very nice,” Brian said, struggling to get the balloons inside the lift.

  Allegra laughed and gave him a friendly wave. “Have fun. And thanks for all your help with Mum.”

  “No worries, Allegra.” He nodded to Nat. “Drive safely.”

  “Now why can’t I meet a guy like that?” complained Nat as they emerged into the cool night air, but Allegra didn’t miss the way she scanned the parking lot and kept her hand inside her jacket as they moved quickly to the car.

  Only when they were leaving the grounds of Groves Hill did Allegra give in to the feeling of disappointment that washed over her. Luke was out there, trying to save her life and her reputation. She should be happy. It was utterly ridiculous for her to be feeling this way.

  Even so, the night seemed to stretch in front of her as interminably as the black ribbon of road she watched through the windscreen, and for the first time ever she contemplated ringing Simon Poole and making her excuses. Surely the bump on her forehead would be reason enough.

  Conscious of Nat’s glances, she flipped down the sun visor and peered into the mirror. The makeup and fringe had concealed the bump so well even her mother hadn’t noticed.

  “Introduce me as a friend who’s staying with you for a while,” said Nat.

  Allegra sighed and flipped up the sun visor. “Won’t that seem strange?”

  Nat had attended the Inauguration Ceremony during the afternoon and had managed to blend into the crowd unnoticed. It hadn’t been difficult. The place had been overflowing with family members, friends, lawyers and Court personnel. But the formal dinner tonight would be more challenging.

  “Pass me off as an old friend whose staying with you. I’m going through some marital strife, and you thought it would be good for me to get out. Best not to leave me alone in your apartment.”

  “What happens if you run into someone you know?”

  “Then we have another function to attend, and we’re simply making an appearance. We leave early.”

  Simon Poole would think that strange, but what could she do? She’d promised the senior partner she’d be there, even dropping him an email telling him she was now bringing a guest. Luckily she hadn’t given him a name.

  Allegra stared out the window, and before she knew it they were passing the Opera House, its gleaming white sails ghostly pale against the darkened waters of the harbour.

  A few minutes later Nat pulled under the portico of the Four Seasons Hotel, joining the queue of luxury European cars waiting to be valet parked.

  Fiddling with the fringe of her shawl, Allegra wished she could stay in the car. Was her tormentor out there, milling with the other guests, covertly watching and waiting? Worse, might he already be in the room, a person known to her?

  Heart battering in her chest, she pulled long gloves over her shaking hands. Then it was their turn.

  Nat brought the car to a stop and the concierge opened the passenger door with a flourish. Noise, and a cold, southerly wind engulfed Allegra as she swung her legs to the ground and stood, one hand clutching her evening bag, the other holding the skirt of her full length gown.

  She stepped onto the curb and waited for Nat to join her.

  And then someone shouted “Ms. Greenwood” and she turned.

  White light exploded in her face.

  Frozen with terror, she blinked blindly, praying Nat would come to her aid. A surge of adrenaline urged her to run, and she stumbled, her heart squeezing painfully in her chest. Just as she opened her mouth to cry out, a stro
ng arm encircled her waist and warm lips pressed against her cheek. He didn’t need to utter a word. Even blind she knew his touch, recognised his clean, fresh aroma and the way her heart responded of its own will.

  “Come on, deep breaths,” he murmured. “You’re okay. The idiot photographer got you smack in the face with his flash.”

  She nodded her understanding, his voice calming her, though she heard the underlying anger in his tone.

  When she didn’t say anything, he squeezed her waist. “So much for the life of a celebrity lawyer, huh?”

  He was trying to make her feel better, but she didn’t trust herself to speak.

  “Hold on baby and I’ll get you inside.” His voice was gentle and caring. “It’ll take a minute or two for your retinas to recover.”

  As he steered her towards the entrance, shapes and outlines began appearing as if on an X-ray and finally Allegra found her voice. “Where’s Nat?”

  “I sent her home to her boys for the weekend.”

  Despite her stinging eyes, Allegra smiled. The former SAS man had a soft underbelly.

  When she still didn’t say anything, he squeezed her waist again. “That all right?”

  She nodded, her heart soaring despite the disastrous start to the evening.

  It was more than all right.

  Chapter Ten

  She was falling in love with him.

  Allegra knew it the instant her vision returned and he materialised beside her, drop-dead gorgeous in a white dress shirt and immaculately cut dinner suit, sporting a good three inches in height and shoulder width on every other man in the room.

  And now, an hour and a half later, she sipped her wine and watched Luke converse with Simon Poole, testament to her growing addiction to the man. Never a people watcher, she couldn’t think of one single thing she’d rather be doing than watching Luke Neilson.

  Well, maybe one.

  She listened to the conversation, deliriously happy, even with his attention riveted on her boss rather than her.

  “Why don’t you tender for our security work?” she heard Simon ask.

  Allegra stiffened, holding her breath at the sudden turn in conversation. She’d been so preoccupied with her case, she’d forgotten all about the contract.