by Lynne Stevie
“Jerry would love to help, and he’d love to work with someone who can make up her mind for a change. If I have to hear about one more client who takes two months to pick out a toothbrush holder, I think I’ll go crazy.”
“Okay, I’ll be in touch. Hey, back to the reason I called.”
“Shoot.”
“I think our security’s been breached. I need you to do some research. See what the latest security devices are and what we can add to our system.”
“Alex, I assure you I haven’t seen anything to make me think that anyone has been tampering with our system, and I’ve been extra diligent since you lost your phone. I’m sorry I couldn’t trace it. It’s really weird that it would just disappear, what with the GPS tracker that’s in all our phones.”
“I don’t doubt your abilities. But I do think these individuals are funded beyond our level. Truthfully, all I ever cared about was the confidentiality of our clients. Now I’m more worried about our personnel files. So I want to see what systems are available and for what price. Take a look and then let me know when I can expect to see a proposal.”
“I’ll get right on it.”
“Have fun shopping, but before you do that, I need you to change all of our passwords—even the password for the password file. Create some of your weird number-letter combo stuff that I hate. I can never remember it, but I know it works. That should hold till we get the more serious stuff put on the files and computers.”
“Got it. Anything else?”
“Nope. Email me when you have an idea about the proposal. But only give me or Ottie the new password lists. We’ll distribute them from there.”
“No problem. I’ll email you soon.”
I could tell he was excited about his new project. I’m glad someone was going to have fun.
Since I didn’t have a murder investigation to start, it was slow office day. I opened my mail, signed checks, and returned a few calls. Zeke lay on the floor and yawned every once in a while. There were a few new clients and I assigned them to Riley. He was young, but competent, and I felt bad that his memories had been tampered with. When I took the files into his office and asked him about the Janeck case, he acted just like Kim had. He couldn’t recall the case. With every subtle reminder I made, he just shook his head and changed the subject. I gave up when he started rubbing his temple as if he were getting a headache.
I checked out our computer files next, and Ottie was right. We had no records of anyone calling in or meetings scheduled. My personal calendar had been wiped clean of the meetings and the trap we tried to set for Philip. Someone or a group of someones had raided my personal space. I felt violated. Phones and computers are more than just tools; they’re diaries, journals, and scrapbooks of our lives. Everything about me was on those pages: to-do list, birthdays, anniversaries, pictures.
“Hey Zeke, you want to get lunch?” Before I get too depressed, I thought. “We could take a walk in the park.” He was on his feet in seconds and at the door. We went out front to tell Kim I was leaving and see if she had anything else for me to do before we left for the day.
“Nope, you signed the checks so I’m good,” she said. “I’d say take some time to feel better, but you look great. Just go have fun and forget about the bad stuff for a while. We’ve got you covered.” She gave me a wink as I turned away from her desk.
“Oh, hey, Kim,” I said as we were almost out of the area. “Can you look on the internet for some big doggie beds for Zeke? Maybe get…I don’t know, three or four of them and one for the office, because I think he’ll be with me a lot.” I knew he would be.
“What fun! I’ll take care of everything. I’ll find you some great stuff, Zeke, don’t you worry.” She smiled at me. “We’ve needed a mascot for a while now. Plus, he could earn his keep if we need to scare anyone a little. Just don’t tell anyone how sweet he is.”
“Thanks, Kim, I owe you one. I’ve got my cell if you need me. Devon is changing the passwords so call me if you have any trouble today.” I waved and headed toward the back exit. As I passed Dad’s office, I had to stop and look in. Man, I missed him. Zeke pushed past me and jumped up on the couch. That dog really knew how to make himself at home.
“Zeke, come on, buddy, let’s get lunch.” He whimpered, so I stepped past the threshold and turned on the lights. Ottie was sitting at the other end of the couch. His dark eyes startled me.
“Shit, you scared me! Why are you sitting in the dark?”
“Just remembering your dad and thinking about my days in the service.” He reached out rubbed Zeke’s back, and Zeke stretched out on the leather sofa.
“Hum, Okay. Come on, Zeke, let’s go.” I motioned for him to come. He didn’t move.
“Do you know why your father hired me? Why he recruited me from Special Forces?”
“No, not really. I just assumed he wanted a strong ex-military man for bodyguard duty. The fact that you were a sharp shooter and Special Forces was icing on the cake.” I patted my leg for Zeke. “Come on Zeke!”
Zeke ignored me again. I huffed and leaned on the door.
“Your father didn’t just put an ad in the paper, Lex. He had some serious friends in DC pick several men and then he interviewed us in an interrogation room at the base. Someone else was on the other side of the glass. I still haven’t found out who. And I’m good at finding answers. Any ideas?”
“Whoosh.” I exhaled some of my frustrations before I answered. “How should I know? I didn’t even realize he was connected with anyone in DC. Come on, Zeke, I’m hungry. Let’s go.” I clapped my hands. He stretched out more.
Ottie put his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. “Lexie, I’m the perfect killer. I have an IQ of 180 and I can shoot through a hole in the wall from a mile away and hit a moving target.” He looked up to see my expression, but I couldn’t figure out why he was telling me this now.
“You ever see those 007 movies, where Bond has a license to kill and he doesn’t worry or regret using that license?”
I nodded.
“That’s make-believe. I’ve done worse things to people in more God-awful places than Daniel Craig’s torturers did to him in those movies.” He stood up.
“I always wondered why your father wanted me. I didn’t care at first—the assignment was cushy and the pay was great. Not as great as I could get on the black market, but I got to keep my sanity. His job was a good offer after years of military service. I think I understand now that he was setting me up, because he knew that someday you’d need my help.” He walked over to where I was standing in the doorway and got in my face.
“Now tell me what’s going on so I can help! Your grandmother’s involved, I can follow that much, but I can’t figure the Janecks. How the hell did you get involved with someone big and bad enough to wipe out memories?”
His breath was hot on my face. I’d never seen him like this. He was terrifying. I took a step back and he caught my arm. At that, Zeke finally got involved, padding over to us and growling.
“You know I don’t want to hurt her, but she has to see reason,” Ottie said to the dog. “Lexie, you need backup. You cannot go it alone.”
I forced a laugh. “Funny. You’re the second person this week to lecture me about that very thing.” I looked down at his hand and my body tingled with just a hint of the strength I could call on if I wanted to. I didn’t want to do this with Ottie. “Let go of me, Ottie.”
He released my arm, and Zeke relaxed at my side. His proximity helped calm me.
“Look, I know you’re trying to help, and I appreciate it, really. But the fewer people involved in this shit, the better. And if you ever grab me again, I’ll take your arm off.” I turned and left the room with Zeke on my heels. Ottie’s booming laugh followed me as I walked to the back exit.
Once in the car I shook off the last of my anger.
“What is it about you that relaxes me?” I asked the dog. He just nudged me and hopped into the back seat.
&n
bsp; I needed to hear a friendly voice, so I dialed Alan’s number. The phone rang several times and then his voice mail picked up. I just hit end. I wished he’d answered his phone. B said they’d leave him alone, and I’m going to believe her for now. But I’d feel a whole lot better if I knew he was okay.
I looked down and I swear I could see my stomach rolling with hunger. “Hey, Zeke, how do you feel about drive-through food?”
“Woof.” That sounded like a yes to me, so I drove to the nearest McDonalds. A Big Mac for me, four cheeseburgers for Zeke, and we were on our way to Sera Haven. I’d decided to see B sooner rather than later. I wondered if she’d know why I looked younger and, more importantly, if Zeke would like her.
Chapter 19
Do You Know Him?
When we got to the gate, Zeke jumped up to the front seat. Guess he wanted to see everyone better. Ben wasn’t behind the guard window. I didn’t recognize his replacement, but he knew who I was and immediately opened the gate.
“Please go on in, Ms. Alexandria, they’re expecting you.” How had he known me? Maybe B had given everyone a picture of me. She was thorough, I thought shaking my head.
The place was still crawling with armed guards, but they didn’t seem to be as frantic as yesterday. We pulled through the gate and up the long drive. Zeke twitched in his seat, and wagged his tail in excitement. William was waiting to open our door and greet us.
“Ms. Alexandria, it is so good to see you looking well.” He smiled at me and helped me out of the car. Then he called to Zeke.
“Ezekiel,” he said, bowing to the dog just like he’d bowed to B the other day.
“Hey, William, do you know Zeke? Is his name really Ezekiel? His collar just says Zeke.” Zeke jumped out of the jeep on my side, just barely making it past the steering wheel. I’d have to remember to move the seat back if his exit strategy was going to become a habit.
I swear I saw Zeke dip his head in acknowledgment to William. “Hey, what was that?” I asked William.
“Miss?”
“How do you know Zeke, and why did you two bow to each other?” They both just looked at me as if I were an idiot.
“I’ve heard all about your new companion, and I just assumed that his full name was Ezekiel.”
He was so lying.
“Whatever. Come on, Zeke.” I headed toward the front door but stopped mid-stride, not sure where B would be today. “Which way, William?”
“Ms. Beatrix is in her office this afternoon. I am afraid she wasn’t expecting you until this evening. She’s in a meeting at the moment. Would you like to wait in the garden?”
Zeke wagged his tail.
“I’d say that’s a yes. Thanks.”
William held the front door open for us. “In that case, please follow me.”
As we walked through the long hall to the solarium, I thought he was enjoying something about my presence.
“What gives, William? You seem positively giddy today.”
“I’m just very happy to see that you have a competent guardian, Ms. Alexandria.” Then he showed us through to the garden.
Zeke took off as soon as we hit the stone path. I guess I’d have to remember to walk him more frequently. I forget he can’t just use the restroom.
“Ms. Alexandria, I’ll tell Ms. Beatrix that you are here. Is there anything I can get for you or Zeke?”
“I’m fine, but can you bring a bowl of water for Zeke? I’m not used to taking care of him yet.”
“Of course, Miss. I’ll have someone bring out a fresh bowl in one moment.”
“Thanks.” I looked at the beautiful English garden. Even in the fall B had lots of color. The ginkgo trees were weighted down with golden-yellow blooms, and her camellias already had huge buds. The pathways wound around like a maze to a large fountain in the middle.
The craziest thing in Beatrix’s whole compound—probably the craziest purchase she’s ever made—is that fountain. It’s just like the one in the movie Scar Face. Picture a physically imposing man holding the world, and you’ve got it. Inscribed in the base is the same quote that Al Pacino had on his: The world is yours. The fountain is so out of character for B that I almost laughed. At least it wasn’t in the middle of her foyer.
Zeke bounded up to me then, and I had to ask, “Did you poop where she might step in it?” He nudged me so hard I almost fell over. “Come on, you know it’d be funny.”
He trotted ahead and we just wandered and meandered through the plants and foliage. By the time we made a full circle, a beautiful crystal bowl of water sat outside the solarium door. Zeke made a beeline for the water, and I felt guilty that I hadn’t thought of it before.
“Sorry, buddy, I’ll start taking better care of you, I promise. I’ve never had a four-legged friend before.” I rubbed his head as he gulped. Zeke was finishing his drink when William came through the door to fetch us.
“Ms. Beatrix is through with her meeting, and she is eagerly waiting to see the two of you. Right this way Miss Alexandria, Zeke.”
B was behind a huge mahogany desk. Unlike any desk of mine, hers was clutter-free. I wondered if she ever really did any work here, or if that spotless desk was just for show. She stood as we entered and examined Zeke and me.
“You are looking extremely well, Alexandria, and he is an excellent specimen of a Napoleon mastiff.” She circled Zeke and me, I guess to take in the full view, but it made me uncomfortable and I got the feeling that Zeke wasn’t too happy with it, either. He moved around to keep her in sight.
“B… Beatrix, did you have any luck finding someone to shadow Dennis and Alan?” I was worried about Alan. It wasn’t like him to be out of cell range or not answer when I called. B took a full minute before she spoke.
“I have taken care of Dennis, and you still have Ben as your shadow.” She waved her hand and Ben came out of a second door that was camouflaged as a book case.
“Nice.” I nodded my head at Ben. “So what about someone for Alan?” I could feel my dander rising. What is her problem with Alan?
“Do you know where your husband is today, Alexandria?” She asked as if she already knew the answer.
“I don’t like your tone, B. He’s researching one of his writing assignments and doing errands. I trust my husband.” I was pissed now, but also afraid. What if something had happened to him because of me? But I didn’t want B to see that fear. “I don’t have to know where he is every moment. If you have something to say, just say it.”
“I’m sure you’re right. He’s probably just out making inquiries about his latest project and marking things off his to-do lists.” Her tone was mocking. I wasn’t sure what she was up to, but I didn’t like it. She changed the subject.
“So, how are you and Zeke getting along?”
“Fine, but what’s with you today? You look like the cat that just ate the canary, and William is almost giddy. What’s gives?” I had to ask even though I doubted that she’d give me a real answer.
“Just taking care of business, Alexandria.” She sat back behind the desk. William and Ben flanked her, and suddenly I felt alone except for Zeke. I reached out and scratched his head, but he didn’t take his eyes off B.
“Beatrix, you wanted to meet Zeke, and now you have. Can you tell me anymore about him, like who sent him? Or why William called him Ezekiel?” I looked from William to B. Neither changed their expressions from the happy stares that were plastered on their faces.
“No, dear, I cannot. I’m just grateful he was there yesterday when you needed him.” She nodded to Zeke and he returned her nod.
“Okay, great, thanks for clearing that up.”
“There’s no need to be snippy, Alexandria. You asked a question and I gave you an answer.”
“Here’s another question. How come I look like this?” I pointed to my face. “I’ve always looked young for my age, but this is ridiculous.”
“Do you not think you look good?” she asked, smiling. “Millions of woman would pay any pri
ce to look years younger in just a few days’ time.”
“I’m tired of your evasions. Can you just answer my question?”
“Dear, when you embraced your true self, everything changed. That part of you that was dormant came alive and started working on a cellular level, it seems. Those—” she stopped to search for the right words, “molecules are working to bring you into the person you’re meant to be. You’ll age at a much slower pace than normal, and your strength will be even greater when these changes are complete.”
“So I’ll be more like you are now.” I finally understood something.
“Yes…and no.” She sort of cringed when she said it.
“What? Just spit it out.” Suddenly worn out from all the drama she was creating with her half answers, I dragged myself to the chair in front of her desk and flopped down.
“Yes, you’ll be more like me, and you have an even stronger resemblance to your great-grandfather than I. Plus, as much as I hate to remind you, your biological grandfather is an immortal. This means you have some of their attributes, as well.”
I sat forward and she waived her hand at me.
“Don’t even ask. Other than their ability to rejuvenate themselves, I don’t know much about their powers or what they’re capable of.”
“Beatrix, how could you have been with an immortal and still know nothing about what they are and what they can do? I hate to be indelicate, but—” I looked at the men who surrounded her.
“Gentlemen, would you mind?”
William bent to kiss B’s hand and then followed Ben out the bookcase door. Before the door closed, Zeke looked up at me.
“Woof.” The men turned at the sound of his bark, and he trotted off to join them. The door closed and B put her hands together.
“Alexandria, when I was very young, younger than you are now, I was not very wise to the ways of the world. Times were different. Women were taught to be housewives and mothers. Evangeline died when I was a child, and Seraiah kept me very sheltered. When I married Harold, I felt even more isolated. Harold was a good man, but I was increasingly unsatisfied with my life and the limitations I faced.”