by CW Browning
Damon grinned despite his pain.
“So am I.”
“Let me know if and when you decide to check yourself out. And try to give yourself every chance to heal. I don’t know how long we have before Viper takes matters into her own hands. I’d rather you were a hundred percent when that happens.”
“You think that’s likely?” Hawk asked, startled.
“Given the look in her eyes when she left, I’d say it’s very likely.” Charlie paused, considering his next words. “It’s my understanding the house in Medford is still secure, but I don’t expect her to stay there long. Once she starts hunting - and she will - whoever arranged for the shooter to take the shot in Singapore will have another chance.”
Hawk nodded, his blue eyes serious.
“Where are you with that leak in Washington?” he asked softly. “That’s where this all started. That’s where it’ll end.”
“This is larger than just a leak,” Charlie said unexpectedly. His eyes met Hawk’s. “I’m working on it. I need you to trust me, and keep her alive while I sort it out.”
Blue eyes bore into gray, and after a long moment, Hawk nodded.
Charlie turned to leave, then paused.
“She stayed until you went into surgery,” he added, almost as an afterthought. “She asked me to give you a message.”
Damon raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“Well?”
“She said you owe her a tour of Singapore.”
Michael groaned and opened one eye, peering at the clock on the bedside table. The luminescent blue numbers read 2:54 and he groaned again. AC/DC continued to toll bells from his cell phone and he reached for it tiredly.
“You’d better be dying,” he growled.
“Not today, gunny, not today,” a cheerful voice greeted him, “although not for lack of trying on someone’s part.”
Michael sat bolt upright.
“Lina?”
“I don’t know why you sound so surprised. You’ve called fourteen times since Sunday.”
“Fourteen...did I?” Michael rubbed a hand over his face, trying to focus. “I was trying to get hold of you.”
“Clearly. Everything ok?”
“Yeah, everything’s just dandy,” he muttered. “You know, aside from the bombs and the terrorists loose in the country.”
There was a short silence, then she chuckled.
“Well if that’s all, you can go back to sleep. That’s old news.”
“Why are you calling at three in the morning?” Michael asked, leaning back against his headboard.
“I just landed and it seemed like a good time to catch you.”
“Just landed where?”
“I’ll touch base with you tomorrow sometime,” Alina told him, ignoring his question, “and you can tell me what warrants fourteen calls.”
“Sorry about that,” he said ruefully. “I had no idea it was that many.”
“Don’t worry. Stephanie has you beat by three.”
Michael grinned despite himself.
“That’s what you get for disappearing on us. Where did you go, anyway?”
“A little island getaway. I needed a break.”
Michael snorted.
“Yeah ok, and I’m selling the Brooklyn Bridge. Have you talked to Stephanie yet?” he asked suddenly.
“No. Why?”
“Blake’s got himself in a jam. I thought she could invite him up there for a few days.”
A beat of silence followed, and Michael was just wondering if she was still there when she spoke.
“What happened?” she asked sharply.
“Someone broke into his house last night,” Michael told her. “It doesn’t look good.”
“What did they do?”
“They planted drugs in his closet.”
Michael’s eyebrows soared into his forehead when he heard her swear softly.
“Who found them?”
“Luckily, he did. He’s reported it all to his superiors and they’re investigating.” Michael yawned widely. “I just think it would be best if he got out of the city for a few days.”
“Agreed,” Alina said, surprising him.
Michael frowned.
“You’re thinking something. What?”
“Nothing I can tell you now,” she answered shortly. “I’ll talk to Steph and follow up with you tomorrow. Thanks for telling me.”
Michael blinked, surprised.
“You’re welcome...why are you thanking me? Is everything ok?”
She chuckled again, the sound low.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
And then she was gone.
Michael sighed and put the phone back on his side table, lying back down. He stared at the clock, his mind churning. She hadn’t seemed surprised Blake was being framed. In fact, if he didn’t know better, he would have thought she almost expected it. He frowned. What was going on? Where had she disappeared to? And why was she suddenly thanking him for information? She’d never thanked him before.
So many questions.
As he drifted back to sleep, Michael wondered if things could possibly get any stranger. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he groaned. It was probably just getting started.
Chapter Seven
Angela glanced at her watch and sat back with a yawn, rubbing her forehead. It seemed like a good idea this morning to come into the office at five-thirty and get off to an early start after her trip. Now however, Angela was tired of the computer screen and the stale, forced air pumping out of the vents above her head. She sighed. It was almost four-thirty. Perhaps she’d leave half an hour early. The thought had no sooner entered her head then the phone on her desk rang. Her boss was calling.
“Hi Jeff,” she answered, looking at her computer screen as an email popped up in the bottom right corner. “What’s up?”
“I just got off a conference call with the Miami office,” he told her. “They’re singing your praises down there. Good job getting them onboard with the new clients!”
“Thanks. It wasn’t easy, but I managed to convince them,” she said with a laugh. “I think the last round of tequila helped.”
“Ha! That’s not what I heard. Sounds like you had them in the conference room before the wining and dining. Keep it up! That’s why we put you in this position. We need fresh thinking, and you’re it.”
“Well thank you.” Angela clicked open the email, scanning it quickly. “I do have to request some time off though. I’m not sure when, but I’ll need a couple days soon.”
“Anything you need. Everything ok?”
“A friend of mine passed away a few days ago,” she replied, sitting back in her chair again. “It was actually quite a shock. The funeral arrangements are still being made, but as soon as I have the day, I’ll let you know.”
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry to hear that. What happened?”
“It was a car accident.”
“I am so sorry, Angie. Anything you need, just let me know.”
“Thanks. I think I’ll head out now, get a jump on the weekend. I may work from home Monday if there’s nothing you need me in the office for?”
“Not that I can think of,” Jeff said slowly. “Don’t forget the call with New York at ten.”
“I won’t.”
“Oh, before you go, have you heard anything more on Trasker Pharmaceuticals?” he asked.
Angela frowned.
“No, but I expect to hear from them in the next day or two. Why?”
“I’ve got someone coming in Monday from their head office. Guy by the name of Trent Whitfield. He says he met you in Miami?”
“Yes. He’s the one who pulled the rest of their executive team onboard. He’s their Vice President of Production. I didn’t know he was coming. Maybe I shouldn’t work from home. Do you want me here?”
“I don’t think that’s really necessary,” Jeff said. “He’s just coming to do an initial audit. Nothing official. You’ve done your part. He’s actually
flying in today, but there’s a trade show in Atlantic City tomorrow he’s promised to, so he won’t be here until Monday.”
“That’s a long weekend. I don’t envy him.” Angela closed her email. “I’ll head out then. If you need anything, you know how to reach me.”
“Will do.”
Angela hung up and closed the rest of the programs on her computer before shutting down. All things considered, her boss was a good man. As much as she disliked the bank they worked for, she had to admit she was enjoying her new position. Jeff was a great boss and her work kept her busy.
She reached into her bottom drawer and pulled out her purse, pushing her chair back and standing. She picked up her bag from the floor and set it on the chair while she disconnected her laptop from the docking station. Sliding it into the bag, she glanced at the top of her desk to make sure she wasn’t leaving anything classified out. Satisfied her desk was clear, she hooked the laptop bag over her shoulder and picked up her purse, turning to leave the office.
Angela emerged into the late afternoon sunshine, took a deep breath, and dropped her sunglasses from the top of her head onto her nose. A brisk wind smacked her in the face and she shivered. Easter was on Sunday, but winter was holding on, gusting its icy fingers at every opportunity. She would be glad when it finally gave up and the warmer weather gained ground. She was heartily sick of the cold, especially after the balmy breezes of Florida.
She walked to the end of the sidewalk and stepped off the curb, starting across the large parking lot. It was good to get out of the office a little early. She wondered what Stephanie was doing for dinner. Perhaps she’d see if she wanted to meet. There was nothing in her house to eat, and Angela didn’t feel like tackling the grocery store tonight. Reaching into her purse, she pulled out her phone and hit speed dial. Maybe she could talk her into Italian.
“Hey, I was just thinking about you,” Stephanie said by way of greeting.
“Should I be worried?”
“I finally got hold of Alina and was thinking I should let you know she’s still alive,” she replied with a laugh.
“Where is she? Did she say?”
“No, but she said she’ll be back soon. So what’s up?”
“I’m calling to see if you have any interest in going to dinner,” Angela said.
“Possibly. I don’t have anything planned. Blake is coming in later, but he got held up in DC. What did you have in mind?”
“I was thinking Italian,” Angela said, crossing over to the next aisle where her silver BMW was parked. “Maybe Toscano’s?”
“What time?”
Angela glanced at her watch as she headed toward her car.
“I’m leaving work now, so anytime really,” she said. “When is good for you?”
Angela pulled out her keys and pressed the fob to unlock the car. She frowned, tilting her head. Something seemed different.
“I can meet whenever you want. Do you want to say five-thirty?” Stephanie was asking.
Angela gasped suddenly as she realized what was wrong with her car.
“Oh my God!” she exclaimed.
“What?”
“My car! It’s got a flat tire!” Angela stared at the front driver side tire. “What the hell?!”
“Do you have a spare?” Stephanie asked, unperturbed.
“No. They’re run flats.” Angela opened her door and reached in to put her laptop bag and purse on the passenger seat. “What am I going to do?”
“Call roadside assistance?”
“You’re joking, right?” Angela demanded, straightening up and staring at the offending tire. “They’ll take hours!”
“Well, what do you want me to do? You don’t have a spare.”
“How can this even happen? I have run flats!”
“That doesn’t make them invincible, Ang.”
“I can still drive on it, right?”
“Sure, but you’ll have to buy a new tire.”
“Then why the hell are they called run flats?!”
“Because technically you can go some miles on it before it conks out on you,” Stephanie said, laughing.
“Well, this just sucks.” Angela glanced at her watch. “I don’t want to put out for a new tire. My whole life is a lie!”
“Call roadside assistance and I’ll come get you.”
“OK. I’m in the side lot.”
Angela hung up and glared at the tire, then slid behind the wheel and opened her glove box to look for the card with the roadside assist number. After some digging she finally located it in the book that came with the car. She closed the glove box and grabbed her purse. She would call from her desk phone and wait for Stephanie in her office. She was just turning away from the car when a tall figure stepped out from the other side of an SUV a few vehicles away.
“Angela?”
Angela started and glanced up, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the man. He was dressed casually in faded jeans and a polo shirt, and his brown hair curled at his temples. An easy smile crossed his face as his gray eyes met hers.
“Trent!”
“I thought that was you,” he said, stopping a few feet away. “I just got in from the airport and figured I’d see where I’m coming Monday.”
“Jeff mentioned you were coming.”
Trent Whitfield glanced at her purse, then to the BMW next to her.
“Are you heading out?” he asked.
“I was, but now I’m not going anywhere. I have a flat.” She motioned to the front tire. “I was just going back in to call roadside assistance.”
Trent made a sympathetic noise.
“That sucks,” he exclaimed. “Do you have a spare?”
“No. It didn’t come with one. It has run flats, so they say you don’t need a spare,” Angela said, disgruntled. “But I’m not driving on that. If I can save the tire, I will.”
“If you just picked up a nail, you should be able to plug it,” Trent said, walking over to crouch down and look at the tire. “Was the pressure low this morning?”
“No.” Angela watched as he examined what he could see of the tire. “Hopefully that’s all it is.”
“I don’t know if BMW will plug a tire, though,” he said, standing again and glancing at her. “They’ll probably say you need a new one.”
“But what choice do I have? I don’t have a spare to change it.”
Trent nodded, looking down at the tire thoughtfully.
“Your best bet would probably be to call a tire store in the morning and have them tow it. Do you know a good tire place?”
Angela laughed.
“Are you serious?” she demanded. “I don’t even know a mechanic. I have the dealership do all the maintenance.”
Trent looked at her and his eyes lit in amusement.
“Then you’re getting ripped off on oil changes,” he told her with a laugh. “I’m sure someone you work with knows somewhere. Let’s go in and ask.”
Angela shook her head.
“You don’t have to waste your time with this,” she said with a smile. “This isn’t how you want to spend your evening.”
“Like I have anything better to do. I’m checked in at the Marriott down the road and was looking at Applebee’s for dinner. Not exactly show-stopping plans.”
“Yeah, but this isn’t your problem,” Angela replied with a short laugh. “That’s a good idea about the tire store, though. I’m sure one of my friends knows somewhere.”
Trent nodded, turning to look at the tire again, and Angela surreptitiously glanced at her watch. Stephanie lived about twenty minutes away. Hopefully, she was already on her way. As much as she had enjoyed Trent’s company in Florida, she had left him in Florida without another thought. Now, here he was again. While she was sure he was very nice, Angela was hungry and tired and looking for a quiet evening with one of her oldest friends.
“Do you want me to drive you home?” Trent offered, looking back to her.
“Thank you, but I hav
e a friend on the way,” Angela said. “I was going to call roadside assistance while I waited, but I think you’re right. I’ll wait and have it towed in the morning.”
“It’s a shame. I hope you didn’t have any plans to drive anywhere tonight.”
“Yeah, it sucks, but at least I saw it before I drove away. Otherwise, I’d be stuck at the side of the road right now.”
Trent nodded, his eyes unreadable.
“That’s true,” he murmured. “Lucky you saw it.”
Angela looked at him and the easy smile reappeared.
“Do you want me to wait with you until your friend shows up?”
“I’m fine,” she assured him. “Don’t worry about me.”
“You have to let me do something to help,” Trent protested. “I’m a Southern boy. It’s what we do. We help pretty little ladies in distress.”
Angela’s eyes narrowed just slightly even as she laughed politely.
“But I’m not in distress! I’m just pissed off I have to wait an extra half hour for dinner!” she laughed. “Seriously, Trent, I’m fine. You go find your own dinner and don’t worry about me.”
He grinned and nodded.
“Fair enough,” he agreed reluctantly, turning to walk back to his SUV. “I’m sure I’ll see you Monday. Enjoy your dinner!”
“Thanks. You too!”
Angela watched him walk around to the driver’s door and get behind the wheel before she turned and unlocked her car. She got in and closed the door, inserting the key and turning it to auxiliary so she could press the power locks.
Pretty little lady, indeed. He made her sound like a useless flower whose only function was to look good.
Pulling out her phone, Angela swiped the screen and opened her email. Hopefully Stephanie would arrive soon. She was hungry, tired, and clearly getting grumpier by the minute. At this rate, she’d be biting her own head off soon. She sighed. A nice quiet dinner and a few drinks with Steph was just what she needed. She would probably know somewhere she could call in the morning about the car, and in the meantime, all Angela could do was wait.
Chapter Eight
Viper slipped into the empty office and closed the door softly behind herself. She didn’t bother with the light, pulling a slender Maglite from her jacket pocket instead. Switching it on, she quickly directed it around the dark, windowless office before moving toward the large desk.