TYCOON_His Money. His Harley. His Control.

by Maggie Carpenter

  "I do appreciate all your worry, but you need to calm down."

  "I will. I'll try."

  "And no more talk about this stuffy businessman. I'm not interested!"

  "Okay!"

  "Thanks, Jeanine, and I really do feel much better."

  "I know you do. I can hear it. Have a good day. I'll call you later."

  Dropping her phone on the bedside table, Mary yawned and stretched her arms above her head.

  "What are you doing right now, Mr. Biker Man? Taking a shower? Having breakfast? Jeanine's right about one thing, I would like to know what you do for a living."

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  When Mason opened his eyes and glanced at the time, he couldn't believe it was almost eight o'clock, and picking up his phone he discovered he'd slept through a call from his security chief.

  "Damn," he muttered, immediately returning the call. "I must have been more tired than I thought. Hey, Tom, sorry I missed you."

  "Morning, Mason."

  "How did it go last night?"

  "We found two bugs in your office and one in the conference room."

  "Where were they hidden?"

  "In the conference room it was under the table. In your office there was one behind the painting above the fireplace, and a second under the shade of your desk lamp."

  "Makes sense. The painting is just above the conversation pit, and my desk is a no-brainer. I wish there was a way to know how long they've been there."

  "I'd assume since he started working for you."

  "It's a good thing Edward insisted we meet at his house for this project. Huh, that's odd."

  "Why?"

  "He wanted to go through the counter-offer in my conference room yesterday," Mason said thoughtfully. "I was surprised at the time."

  "Unless…"

  "Unless?"

  "Unless he was planning to expose George."

  "Tom! I just had a thought. If Meeks is behind Edward's heart attack, do you think that's why he did it? Because he knew Ed was about to nail George at my office?"

  "It's hard to believe, but it makes sense, and the bugs were real. Do you have any idea why Meeks wants that property so much?"

  "There's no question about its upside, but to go to such lengths? It's pretty bizarre. Can you do some digging on the history of the building? Maybe that will shed some light on all this. Is there anything else?"

  "My detective friend is happy to do an informal investigation. He's going to check out the restaurant where Edward was having lunch, though I can't imagine they'll find anything, but it's a starting point. He's also contacting the hospital to ask for blood tests."

  "I'll be going to see Ed shortly. If you need me send a text. I'll leave my phone on vibrate."

  "One more thing. The spy cams are set up in your office and George's workspace. He'll be under constant surveillance."

  "I was just about to ask about that. And his cell phone?"

  "It's a matter of getting it away from him. We only need access for a few minutes."

  "Make it happen, Tom."

  "You know I will. I hope everything goes well at the hospital."

  "Thanks, I'm optimistic. Bye."

  "Bye."

  Rubbing his hand over his face, Mason sat for a minute. George, or Meeks, or some stranger he'd never met, had been listening to his private conversations and business meetings. The thought was unnerving. Then it hit him.

  "Damn! They would have heard me talking to Mary. They would have heard me telling her she should be spanked. You're going to be sorry you ever crossed me, George Morris. At least you don't know who Mary is. Thank God for that. I wonder how she's feeling this morning. Is it too early to call? I'll take a shower first. I feel grimy just thinking about that snake and what he's been up to."

  Slipping from the sheets, he looked across at Pete lying just a few feet away in the middle of his bed.

  "Good morning, Pete," he mumbled, moving his hand over the dog's soft fur. "You'll be by yourself until lunchtime. I can't take you where I'm going. Sorry."

  Pete yawned, sat up, then abruptly jumped off and barked.

  "Shower first buddy, then I'll let you out."

  With Mary still in the forefront of his mind, he padded into his bathroom and stepped into the shower stall. The hot steamy water splashed over him, and as he closed his eyes a salacious image began to materialize.

  He had Mary pinned against the slick marble wall, and was tonguing her nipples before slowly drawing them into his mouth.

  Energy was flowing through his loins, but as he placed his hand around his cock and started to stroke, the vision changed.

  She was kneeling in front of him, her slick lips were sliding up and down his shaft. Her mouth felt divine, she was tickling his balls, and his fingers were wrapped in her wet hair guiding her movements.

  He paused. A morning erection was not uncommon, but rarely did he have such lucid fantasies, and never did he reach an orgasm so quickly. Taking a breath, he resumed his urgent stroking and let his mind wander.

  She was on all fours, and he was exploding over her very red, well-spanked bottom.

  Abruptly his cock jerked. He grunted through the spasms, and as they began to pass, he sank back against the wall and let out a long, satisfied sigh.

  "Mary, Mary," he murmured. "Less than two minutes in your presence and a couple of phone calls, and look at me. What's going to happen when we start spending time together?"

  Finishing his shower, he stepped from the stall, toweled off and dressed. She stayed at the forefront of his mind as he shaved, and leaving the bathroom, eager to speak with her, he moved directly to his nightstand and picked up his phone.

  "This is ridiculous. Anyone would think I was seventeen and coping with my first crush."

  But as he placed the call, he realized it was exactly how he was feeling. Julie Harris! High School. She was a senior, he was a junior. Blue eyes and blonde hair down to her butt. He'd been a nervous wreck whenever he was within thirty-feet of her.

  "Hello?"

  "Mary, I just wanted to check in and see how you are," he said quickly, her voice snapping him back from the youthful memory. "Did you sleep well?"

  "Good morning, Mason. I did, but I had to. I was under orders."

  "Ah, so you are able to do as you're told."

  "When I'm in the mood."

  "I see. I think we might have a chat about that."

  "Why? Do you give orders a lot?"

  "When I'm in the mood," he quipped, "and it just so happens I'm in that mood now."

  "Is that so?"

  "Yes, it is."

  "Am I going to be ordered to do something?"

  "You are. I'm ordering you to be completely better by Sunday. That gives you two days. If you do anything foolish to prevent—"

  "I won't, I swear."

  "I hadn't finished speaking."

  "Sorry."

  "Didn't anyone ever tell you that interrupting is impolite?"

  "Uh, yes."

  Her voice had dropped, and he could imagine the soft submissive blush crossing her face.

  "As I was saying, if you do anything foolish to prevent my order being carried out, I won't bring Pete to visit you for at least five days. If that happens he'll be very disappointed, and you don't want to disappoint Pete, do you?"

  There was a pause. It wasn't what she'd expected. He grinned.

  "I will be one-hundred percent by Sunday, but what if I'm one-hundred percent tomorrow?"

  It was a great comeback. His grin grew wider.

  "I hope you are. Pete keeps asking about you. I'll call you later today to check on your progress."

  "It was that amazing dinner. It totally cured me."

  "All those carbs!"

  "Probably. Have you heard any more about your friend?"

  "Not this morning, and thanks for asking. I'm assuming no news is good news. I'm heading over there now. That's why I called this early. I can't talk when I'm there, and I don't know
how long I'll be."

  "That's so sweet, thank you. And thanks again for dinner last night."

  "My pleasure. I'll speak to you soon."

  "Goodbye, Mason."

  "Bye, Mary."

  Dropping the phone on the bed, he wandered across to the sliding glass door that led out to an expansive terrace. Pulling open the drapes, he saw the wind was whipping up the lake. It was a dramatic, but beautiful scene.

  "Am I getting involved with a woman just by talking to her on the phone? I am! That's exactly what I'm doing."

  Pete barked, sat up, then barked again.

  "Sorry, buddy, you need to go out. Come on. You know this is all your fault! If you hadn't been so determined to catch that squirrel this wouldn't be happening."

  But Pete was already sprinting ahead of him, running through the hall and down the stairs.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Edward was still in ICU, and as Mason strode down the hospital corridor, he was relieved to see a uniformed guard seated near the door. Nodding hello to the burly man, he walked in the room and moved quietly to the bed. As he stared down at the once strong, dynamic man, he felt a hot lump in the back of his throat.

  "They say you kicked butt in surgery. Keep it up. We need you back."

  Edward's bright blue eyes stared up at him, and Mason saw the unspoken question.

  "Marion passed on your message," Mason assured him, leaning forward and speaking quietly. "Everything is under control. I'm looking forward to hearing how you figured it out."

  "That's enough for now."

  The firm female voice came from behind, and turning around he saw Jeanine Austen. Now that he knew she was Mary's sister it was easy to see the likeness.

  "You heard the boss, but I'll be back later," he continued, shifting his gaze back to Edward. "Rest and heal, that's all you have to do."

  Jeanine smiled at him as he stepped away, and as he moved to the door he saw her walk across to one of the machines. It was odd to think the crisp, efficient physician was so closely related to the bubbly, naughty novelist, but as he pushed open the door he was immediately distracted. Marion was speaking with another doctor, and she waved him over.

  "Doctor Baker, this is Edward's business partner and dear friend, Mason Abbott. Would you please tell him what you just told me?"

  "Certainly. Nice to meet you, Mr. Abbott. I'm sorry to tell you this, but the heart attack was not caused by heart disease."

  "Are you saying it was purposeful?"

  "It was drug induced. We're running tests to find out what was used, and the police have been notified."

  "I suspected something like this," Mason said gravely. "That's why I arranged the security at his door."

  "Wise given the circumstances, though this wing is very secure. The good news is, we see no reason why Mr. Cochrin won't make a full recovery, and from all indications a speedy one."

  "Thank you, doctor," Mason said, shaking his hand. "Here's my card. Please call me the moment you have any news."

  "I'd be happy to. If it weren't for Mr. Cochrin we wouldn't even have this wing. We want to find out what caused this as much as you do, and I'm glad we got to him in time. Good to meet you, Mr. Abbott."

  "Please, call me Mason."

  "Thank you, Mason. See you soon. Speak to you soon, Mrs. Cochrin."

  "Goodbye, doctor. Thank you."

  "You can take a breath," Mason said, putting his arm around Marion's shoulders. "You heard the man. Ed's going to be just fine."

  "Thank heavens, but it's so upsetting that someone wanted to hurt him. What if they try again?"

  "We've got that covered, and I'm also confident the people behind this will be caught. All you need to do is hold Ed's hand. You and the girls mean more to him than anything else."

  "He never tires of telling us. I do adore him. He can be infuriating at times, but I wouldn't change a single thing about him."

  "I hope someone says that about me one of these days."

  "You have to find your special someone, Mason. I know you're busy empire-building, but a family—that's true gold. There's always a pretty girl on your arm, but it's never the same one twice. You need to be with someone for more than five minutes."

  "When I find someone interesting enough to spend that five minutes with, I promise you'll be the first to know, but you should get back to that husband of yours."

  "Bye, Mason, thanks for everything. Will I see you later?"

  "Of course," he promised, pecking her on the cheek. "I'll take you into that dining room down the hall and we'll have a cup of tea."

  "Perfect."

  Standing nearby, Jeanine had overheard the conversation. Mason Abbott was single! In spite of Mary's insistence she stay out of her love life, Jeanine couldn't help but see him as the ultimate catch.

  "Hello, Mr. Abbott," she said cheerily. "Nice to see you."

  "Please, call me Mason. How's my friend doing in there?"

  "Couldn't be much better. Will you be here tomorrow afternoon?"

  "I'm not sure yet. Should I be?"

  "It's possible Mr. Cochrin will be able to talk by then."

  "Ah, good to know. Thanks."

  "You're welcome. I must be off. Maybe I'll see you then."

  "Thanks, Dr. Austen. Maybe you will."

  "Jeanine," she said with a warm smile. "First names go both ways!"

  "Thanks, Jeanine."

  As she turned and walked away, he texted Herman he'd be curbside shortly, and deciding not to wait for the elevator he started down the stairs. Entering the impressive lobby, he moved quickly to the glass doors and stepped outside. The wind howled around him, but the gusts weren't unusual for the early spring. As Herman jumped out and opened the back door, Pete began to bark, and the moment Mason slid into the seat, the cute terrier jumped on his lap.

  "I was only gone a short time!"

  "He sure loves you," Herman remarked as he settled behind the wheel. "How's the patient?"

  "I'm pleased to say he's doing well," Mason replied as he pulled out his phone to call Tom.

  "What a relief."

  "Sure is. Hey, Tom. I'm just leaving the hospital."

  "Mason, I was just about to call you."

  "Are you in your office?"

  "I am."

  "I'll be there shortly and we'll compare notes."

  "Okay. See you soon."

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  As the car rolled to a stop in the parking garage, Mason clipped on Pete's leash and climbed out. The private elevator whisked him to the executive offices on the top floor. Walking a short distance, he stopped at a nondescript door and punched a code into the combination lock. Entering the company's security hub, he was met by a powerfully muscled man behind a desk. The man didn't speak, but nodded his greeting. Mason returned the nod as he strode past, continued down a short passage, and entered Tom's office.

  "Hi, Mason," Tom said, rising from his desk. "Do you want to see the spy cams?"

  "Can't wait."

  "I've set up the monitors through here, and we got into George's cell phone. The data is being searched right now."

  "Excellent," Mason declared, following his security chief into a small adjacent room.

  Several monitors had been set up on a long table, offering views of his inner sanctum and George's workspace.

  "This is great, Tom. That weasel won't be able to pull anything without being seen."

  "We also managed to install spyware on his personal laptop. Felicity lured him away. That's also how we got into his cell."

  "Who's Felicity?"

  "An independent I use for jobs like this. She had him so distracted he left it sitting on his desk."

  "You know, Tom, sometimes you're scary."

  "That's why you pay me the big bucks."

  "Don't remind me. Let's talk about Edward. We were right. His heart attack was drug-induced."

  "Damn. I assume you think it's about the Melville property."

  "I can't think of anything el
se, especially given what we know about George. Did you dig up any information on the building's history?"

  "Guess who owned it when Melville bought it?"

  "I can't imagine."

  "Lou D'Agosta."

  "The mob guy?"

  "The mob guy! It gets even more interesting. It was in his wife's name. When he went off for twenty years, she found herself seriously hard-up. That's why she sold it."

  "What's your theory?"

  "She wasn't supposed to, and I have to believe the building has skeletons in the closet—literally."

  "So the rumors that Meeks is tied to the mob are true."

  "Seems like it," Tom said thoughtfully. "It appears he was on the periphery back then, more a wannabe gangster than a participating member. D'Agosta is still locked up and his crew is long gone, but I'll bet there's something at that site D'Agosta doesn't want uncovered, or maybe even Meeks himself. It's no secret you plan to tear it down. One more thing. George owns one of those new architectural condos in the trendy area downtown. Those aren't cheap."

  "We can guess where he got the money."

  "Yep. Meeks must have paid him a pretty penny to get into your office."

  "Marjorie!" Mason suddenly exclaimed. "I bet she didn't trip. I bet falling down those steps was no accident. I'll strangle that dirtbag."

  "But how did he manage it?"

  "Tom, you need to check out every inch of those stairs. It's been a few weeks, but you never know. It was the stairwell between levels B and C."

  "I'll get right on it."

  "Before I go, I need a file folder, and I have to use your computer. Your devious nature is rubbing off on me. I'm going to lay out some cheese to catch a rat. If he takes the bait I'll have a worry-free weekend. I'll need to borrow something else from you as well."

  "Sure. What's that?"

  "Your briefcase."

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  George was irritated. It had been a hectic day, and a frustrating one. He needed the details of the counter-offer, and he was running out of time. When Mason walked in the door carrying a slightly battered briefcase, George felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, it belonged to Edward Cochrin, and Mason had brought it with him to work on the deal.