THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series

by Stoni Alexander

  “Please confirm the name of the prisoner is Vincent Ray.”

  “Uh-huh. Can you hold again?”

  “No. Thanks for calling me back.” Brigit hung up, rubbed the knot in her stomach and continued pacing.

  If Ray wasn’t responsible for the devastation in her home, had his accomplice moved on? Was she free of Ray’s wrathful revenge or was someone watching her every move? As the chilly November breeze rustled the crisp leaves that clung to the giant oaks, she trembled. Dusk blanketed the remaining rays of light in early evening shadows and the tree-lined property looked ominous.

  She hurried inside to find Colton’s cousin, Tucker Henninger, sitting on her love seat, sporting jeans, work boots, and a red and black plaid flannel shirt.

  Oh, crap.

  “Do you usually take your calls outside, darlin’?”

  Just the secret ones. She forced a friendly smile. “I like your lumberjack look, Tucker. Headed into the forest to chop down trees?”

  He chuckled. “If I wasn’t up to my eyeballs in work, I would play hooky. But I’m more of a nature lover. I’m here to update you on the break-in.”

  The hairs on her arm stiffened. “Great.” She sat in the chair across from him and clutched her bracelet.

  “Good news first. We put your home back together the best we could.”

  “Much appreciated.” She swallowed. “There’s bad news?”

  “We couldn’t lift any prints. Not a damn one, which surprised me since there was so much destruction.” His cell phone rang and he silenced it.

  Her thundering heartbeat calmed. I’ve bought myself a little more time. “Thanks for everything, Tucker.” She popped up.

  Leaning back, he crossed his legs. “Now sugar, burglars don’t stop to scribble messages in soap or drape intimate apparel on a bed. They grab what they can and they’re outta there. Since nothing was taken, and no other homes in your neighborhood were hit, I’m lookin’ to you to help me, darlin’.”

  “Nope, sorry, Tucker. Wish I could.”

  He pushed off the cushion. “Slow down there. You went out of your way to eliminate evidence. Sometimes we anger someone without realizin’ it. Old boyfriend with a grudge?”

  A chill careened down her spine. “No one comes to mind.”

  He rested a hand on his hip. “What about a client who lost money on an investment that went belly-up, and blamed you?”

  Or a killer who got prison time for a crime he didn’t commit. “I’ll give it some thought and let you know.” With his eyes pinned on hers, he remained quiet. “Thanks, Tucker. Really, I’ll let you know.” Taking sideways steps, she meandered toward her door.

  Rubbing the back of his neck, he followed. “How are things goin’ here?”

  “You ask a lot of questions.” Out of the corner of her eye, Colton appeared in her doorway.

  “Yeah, second nature, but my last question was me makin’ small talk, darlin’.”

  “Uh-huh. Your cousin keeps me busy.”

  “I do.” Colton strolled in and stood so close their arms touched. “You two make any headway?”

  Even more than his arm pressed against hers, Colton’s inner strength and confidence bolstered her spirits. When she looked into his eyes, she calmed down a little. Maybe things would be okay if she stayed near him.

  “Brigit’s going to holler if she thinks of anyone she coulda ticked off,” Tucker said. “Angry client, ex-boyfriend, that kinda thing.”

  Chad came charging into Brigit’s office. “Hey, Tucker, sorry I couldn’t talk when I buzzed you in. Stay for happy hour and catch me up on the latest in surveillance.”

  “Sure thing,” Tucker said.

  Chad turned toward Colton. “I’ve got the information you’ve been waiting for.”

  Tucker’s phone rang and he glanced at the screen. “Gotta take this. Somethin’ smells damn good. I’m followin’ my nose.” Moseying out, he answered. “Hey, Mac, whad’ya find out?”

  “I have confirmation Bob Dobb is Francesco’s snitch,” Chad said. “He and Montgomery worked together at MobiCom. Shortly after you took Francesco public, Dobb jumped ship. He went from an underperforming sales manager at MobiCom to a superstar at Francesco. Dobb won several key accounts away from MobiCom. It would appear MobiCom handed over the business to make Dobb look good.”

  A low growl rumbled from Colton’s throat, the air electric with his anger. “That son of a bitch has been feeding Montgomery information about the innovation from the get-go.” He pulled his cell phone from his pants pocket and dialed. “Marjorie needs to be warned.” Phone to ear, he waited. “No, I didn’t hear the news. I’m calling you with information.”

  As he listened, Brigit studied his chiseled features. Even with his jaw set in a hard line, and his eyes jet black with anger, he remained in command and in complete control.

  “Brigit and Chad are with me.” He pressed his speaker button. “Tell them.”

  “Francesco’s board voted against the merger!” Marjorie cleared her raspy throat.

  “Great news,” Brigit said.

  “Enjoy the moment because it’s going to be short-lived,” Colton said. “In light of what Chad confirmed, we’ve not heard the last of Montgomery.”

  “What did Sherlock Holmes dig up?” Marjorie asked.

  Colton debriefed her.

  “Hmm. Three years ago you took Francesco public,” Marjorie said. “Same time Montgomery sent over a mole. Since no one knew what Crockett had been working on, he couldn’t have planted Dobb for that reason. Was Montgomery interested in the competition or in you, Colton?”

  “Sherlock Holmes, here,” Chad said. “I’ll keep digging.”

  “Did our crack wealth manager whip your finances into shape?” Marjorie asked.

  When Colton looked at Brigit, his gaze turned smoldering hot. “Yeah, I’ve been whipped and then some. Dez contacted your legal team to solidify the loan details. Losing Francesco is not an option.”

  Marjorie huffed. “No, it’s damn not.”

  Colton hung up.

  “Sorry for the bad news,” Chad said, then barreled out.

  “Crockett’s innovation must be a big deal,” Brigit pivoted toward Colton. Maybe with the heightened stakes, he’d tell her.

  “Everything we’ve been working on has been compromised.” Colton raked his hand through his hair. “I’m so furious I could—”

  “Head to your club?” She sauntered close. “Toss on a mask?”

  His heated gaze floated down her body, then slowly back up until their eyes met. “Take me with you,” she whispered.

  “Colton? Where are you?” called a woman from his office. A statuesque beauty sashayed through Brigit’s doorway. Her side-swept carob brown hair was pulled into a ponytail. The young woman had a movie star smile sitting behind dark lipstick on full lips. Her finely tailored cream suit screamed couture.

  Colton looked surprised. “What are you doing here?”

  The woman glided into the room. “What kind of a greeting is that?”

  “Brigit Farnay, Alexandra Reed,” said Colton.

  “Colton speaks highly of you.” Alexandra’s voice was lyrical, the words rolling from her supple lips.

  “Alexandra and I have known each other—”

  “Forever,” Alexandra said, and the two smiled at each other.

  They’re finishing each other’s sentences.

  “Colt, I need you. It’s important.” Alexandra looked at Brigit. “Sorry.” Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Colton’s arm and tugged him out of her office.

  Good thing I don’t care about him because I don’t stand a chance against that woman. Brigit plunked into her desk chair, closed her eyes and rubbed her throbbing temples. Tucker saw right through my bullshit and this Montgomery guy is getting on my nerves.

  Unable to distract herself with an online investment article, she left her office. I need a drink. Before she’d realized what she’d done, she’d barged into a very private conversati
on. Colton and Alexandra sat huddled on the sofa. He caressed her back while she gazed at him with teary eyes. His whisper-quiet voice and tender touch confirmed the intimacy of their relationship.

  Her chest tightened as she walked toward the kitchen. Clearly, Alexandra Reed was special. Girlfriend? Kink partner? Rounding the corner, she bumped into Vanessa waiting for the elevator. “Hey, you’ll mow someone over if you’re not careful,” Vanessa blurted. “What’s the rush?”

  “I didn’t see you,” Brigit mumbled.

  “Oh, I know.” A sly smile spread over Vanessa’s face. “You’ve met the apple of Colton’s eye. Those two have a longstanding and cozy relationship.” Vanessa stepped into the elevator and spun toward Brigit. “Seeing Alexandra is proof positive, isn’t it? Can’t say I didn’t warn you, honey.” The elevator doors closed and Vanessa descended to the basement.

  “Down to hell you go,” Brigit mumbled under her breath. But Vanessa’s words stung.

  33

  The Gala

  Even though Brigit had been wrangled into attending the Mitus Conglomerate benefit, she couldn’t help but admire her dashing client as he drove through heavy afternoon traffic into D.C. Looking damn sexy in his fancy tuxedo duds, Colton’s dark facial stubble and styled hair confirmed her undeniable attraction. My God, he cleans up well.

  Hoping to sound nonchalant, she asked, “Why didn’t you bring someone from your security team?”

  He shot her a quick glance. “The hotel arranged amped up security for the event. You want to tell me why you’re worried?”

  Nice try. “I’m fine.”

  He hitched a brow but said nothing.

  Though she’d taken a risk leaving the compound, the chance Ray’s accomplice would attack her in a crowded ballroom, surrounded by security, seemed unlikely. Telling herself that didn’t mitigate her fear. Anxiety hounded her all the way into the district.

  When Colton pulled up to the D.C. Marriott Hotel entrance, one of two valets whisked open Brigit’s door and she stepped out. “Welcome, ma’am.”

  “Welcome to Wardman Park, Mr. Mitus,” said the second valet. “Your bags will be taken to the Presidential Suite, tenth floor. Registration has your room keys.”

  Colton handed his car key and a folded twenty to the valet, then offered Brigit his arm. “You look gorgeous.”

  Her heart fluttered. Holding his gaze, she slid her hand through the crook of his elbow and whispered, “I’m glad you like.”

  His confident smile was both breathtaking and empowering. “Showtime, Mitus style. Ready?”

  With a confident nod, she set her sights on the entryway and they breezed into the building.

  In the center of the hotel’s spacious and pristine lobby stood a lighted obelisk surrounded by a squared bench with maroon cushions. The dusk-colored dome-shaped ceiling resembled a planetarium. As a child, she and her dad would visit the museum every Father’s Day. Staring up at the magical light show, they’d pretend to be astronauts journeying through space. Severing the bittersweet father-daughter memories, she set her sights toward registration.

  “Good afternoon,” said the clerk. “Checking in?”

  “Yes. Colton Mitus.”

  The clerk clicked the keyboard. “Yes, sir, we have you in two Presidential Suites, located in Center Tower. Elevators are through the lobby, down the hallway, on your left. The Grand Ballroom is right around that corner.” Like a flight attendant, he pointed with both hands, then placed their keycards on the counter. “Enjoy your stay.”

  Colton’s phone buzzed and he lifted it from his tuxedo breast pocket. “Crockett’s here.”

  Excusing herself, she scooped the train of the Dior gown, and headed toward the restroom as her Jimmy Choos tip-tapped on the shiny marble floor. On the ride down, she’d wondered why Colton hadn’t brought Alexandra Reed. Was their relationship clandestine? Was she unavailable? Maybe she was Crockett’s date. As Mitus Conglomerate’s wealth manager, Brigit wouldn’t draw suspicion on Colton’s arm. Perhaps Alexandra would. And so what if Alexandra was special? The Mitus compound was a safe place to live, Colton was a good time, and she was more connected to Francesco than she’d been in years. But the nagging thought wouldn’t go away.

  The restroom was empty. After reapplying lip gloss, she checked her beehive updo, ensuring the ten thousand bobby pins were still doing their ten thousand jobs.

  Earlier that afternoon, Taylor had fussed over Brigit like a mother hen and had driven Red insane while Red pinned Brigit’s hair into an elegant beehive updo. Brigit had selected the couture eggplant purple halter gown, and while this was no ball and she no princess, she’d never attended such a grand event on the arm of a cohost.

  Tugging open the door, she startled. A man wearing a baseball cap, baggy jeans and a blue T-shirt loitered in the alcove. As he turned, he lifted something from his pocket. In a moment of panic, she started to bolt, but tripped on the dress and banged into the wall.

  “Ouch, that’s gotta hurt. You okay?” the man asked.

  Brigit tasted the panic. Trembling, she pushed off the wall and faced him. To her relief, the stranger gripped his cell phone, not a gun.

  “No coordination.” Brigit tucked her evening bag under her arm, lifted her dress and walked with care toward the lobby. I’m going to lose my mind. Relax. Ray is behind bars and his accomplice long gone.

  In a sea of black tuxes, Colton stood out like a beacon in his white jacket. Confidence, charisma, and a commanding presence followed wherever he went. Though engrossed in a conversation, he looked in her direction. With each step her skin warmed. She couldn’t wait to wrap her fingers around his bulging bicep. For support, of course.

  “Brigit, this is Crockett Wilde, my cohost,” said Colton. “Crockett, this is my Brigit.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. Did he call me his? “Good to meet you, Crockett. I’m Colton’s wealth manager, Brigit Farnay.”

  With short brown hair and piercing blue eyes, Crockett stood eye level with Colton and looked more like Colton’s cousin than his real one did. “Pleasure, Brigit.” Crockett shook her hand.

  “Nice lilt. Where are you from?”

  Crockett smiled. “The Lone Star State.”

  “We’ve got a menu snafu and need to find the event manager,” Colton said. “I’ll catch up with you in the ballroom.” Before waiting for her reply, the two men took off.

  The ballroom was comprised of three large salons, their partitions tucked away to accommodate the expected seven-hundred-plus attendees. Bartenders stood at the ready at each of the six bars positioned near the front of the room where two curved staircases met at the landing to the mezzanine level. Too many round tables to count were arranged in the middle of the spacious room, and a small stage had been set up at the far end with a podium and five chairs.

  Brigit stood in line for the bar. Though she and Colton had arrived early, the growing crowd indicated it was never too early to start hobnobbing at a D.C. shindig. This networking opportunity was a mecca for Washington’s elite, especially with the Mitus name behind it. Though the champagne would settle her nerves, she reluctantly chose sparkling water instead.

  With glass in hand, she turned in time to spot Senator George Internado break from his party and beeline toward her.

  Oh, great. Smile.

  “Brigit, you look lovely.” He pecked her cheek.

  She gave him a cordial smile. “Good to see you, George.”

  “This is some event, isn’t it?” As he twirled his drink, the ice cubes clanked against the glass. “Mitus sure knows how to get our attention, doesn’t he?”

  “How have you been?” I give him less than thirty seconds to bring it up.

  “You know, it must be kismet that we reconnected. We had a misunderstanding that I’d like to resolve.”

  Zero seconds. “How so?” She glanced around, looking for a getaway route.

  “You assumed I wanted us to spend the afternoon together. To be honest, I was offended.”

/>   Refusing to comment, she washed down the bullshit with a sip of sparkling water.

  “All I wanted was portfolio advice. That should come as no surprise.” He tossed back his drink and an ice cube smacked him in the nose. Brigit fought the snicker while George wiped his nose. “I thought it would be smart to discuss that in private. Hell, we were at a restaurant.”

  Oh, good grief. “How’s your new wealth manager working out?”

  “Let’s move past the hiccup, Brigit. We’ve worked together for years. What do you say? Kiss and make up?”

  Really? “I enjoyed working with you, George, but it’s best we leave things as they are.”

  He stepped so close his whiskey breath stung her eyes. “You know, I can ruin your fucking little career with this much effort.” He wiggled his pinky.

  “There you are.” Colton slipped his arm around Brigit’s waist. She greeted him with a relieved smile and he gave her a little squeeze. “George, great to see you.” Colton extended his hand.

  The senator shook it. “Colton, this event is all the buzz! Your efforts are quite impressive. I could sure use your talents when I run for governor.”

  A polite smile crossed Colton’s face, but his eyes went flat. “Thanks for your confidence, but I haven’t raised a penny yet.”

  George looked at Brigit. “You two look cozy. That explains a lot.”

  Let it go. “Enjoy your evening, George.” Moving away, she turned to Colton.

  “Thanks for attending, Senator,” Colton said. “Good seeing you.”

  With her hand wrapping Colton’s arm, Brigit found the shortest bar line. The sparkling water wasn’t cutting it and her mouth watered for a glass of bubbly. One glass.

  Colton stepped close. “You couldn’t get away fast enough. Not a fan of the good senator?”

  “Former client trying to bully me into taking him back.” She tilted her face toward his. “He’s a nincompoop.”

  Colton chuckled. “I’ve heard George called a lot of things, but never that.”

  She inhaled. Colton’s virile scent flooded her nostrils. Delicious. Before she could check herself, she tenderly brushed the hair from his eyes.