by Holly Rayner
“Ma! You should have told me sooner. I don’t want you to suffer like that. I’ll take care of this as soon as possible. I promise.”
I got up, circled the table and kissed her cheek.
“I love you, Ma.”
After we finished our lunch, I hailed a cab to take us back to her apartment. I walked up the stairs with her, waiting with her and chatting while she rested on the second-floor landing before going on up to the third floor. At her door, I hugged my mother.
“I’ll call you later when I’ve made the arrangements with my client. Go ahead and start packing. We’ll get you moved in the next month or so, I’m sure.”
“Thank you, honey, for everything you do for me. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
I turned away and waited until I heard her door close and lock before I called Arlen.
“Let’s do this.”
Chapter 3
Tanya
“Jimenez Industries, how may I direct your call?”
The receptionist’s cultured voice spoke of money and access and things I’d never have. Good Lord, I thought, if his secretary sounds like that, what will Raul be like?
“Yes, I’d like to speak with Mr. Jimenez, please. I have a plot of land he might be interested in. In Manhattan.”
“Please hold.”
The Muzak was pleasant and nondescript and set the hairs on my arms on end.
“Señor Jimenez is currently out of the country at our home office in Spain. He says if you’re willing to come to him, he’s willing to meet with you. Will that be agreeable?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“He has an opening Friday at two in our Madrid office. Please bring your prospectus and a purchase agreement with you. Should señor Jimenez be interested in your property, he will wish to purchase it immediately.”
“Of course.”
“Would you like me to make your travel arrangements for you, Miss…”
“Stanton. Tanya Stanton. If you could make lodging arrangements for me, I can procure the plane ticket.”
My passport and identification were in my own name, of course, so I couldn’t give that task to the receptionist. She could book a hotel for me, though.
“Five-star accommodations for you, Miss Stanton?”
“Please.”
Thank heaven for the expense account Arlen had already set up for me. He might not like the cost, but I could hardly stay at the Holiday Inn if I were to be believable as a wealthy Manhattan landowner, could I?
“I’ll call you back with your hotel reservation. Is the number you’re calling from a good number to reach you while you travel?”
“That’s correct. Thank you for your assistance.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’ll call you back in a few minutes. Señor Jimenez is expecting you at his Madrid office Friday at two. Is there anything else I might do for you?”
“That will do, thank you. I appreciate your assistance.”
“You’re quite welcome, Miss Stanton. Enjoy your trip.”
I hung up and immediately booked a business class flight to Madrid. When I saw the total at the end of the transaction, I whistled to myself. Money was a wonderful thing when you had it. I’d paid less for my first car than that plane ticket was costing Arlen Cooper.
While the boarding pass was printing on my wheezing excuse for a printer, I headed to the bedroom and opened my closet.
Tucked into the back of the space was a collection of clothing I’d picked up over the years at thrift stores and consignment shops. High-end, designer labels graced the only clothing I owned that would be appropriate for my trip. I didn’t wear them regularly, only held them for special occasions. I caressed the silks and supple wool blends, luxuriating in the feel against my skin. I couldn’t wait to wear the clothes, even if it meant wearing them on a plane for a fourteen-hour flight.
I packed my bags, including a few extra outfits for activities I knew I wouldn’t have time for, but I couldn’t resist. How often was I going to have the opportunity to see the sights in Madrid? If it killed me, I was going to find time to see the Prado.
I glanced at my watch and realized I had only a couple of hours before I needed to leave for the airport. My flight was leaving just before eight, so I’d need to be there by six. I still needed to arrange with a real estate friend to have all the information on the piece of land I was supposedly trying to sell to Mr. Jimenez. I zipped up the last bag and then reached for my phone.
“Adam, my darling, I need a favor,” I gushed when he picked up.
“Oh, no, you’re not suckering me into another one of your crazy schemes.”
“Yes, I am. I need you. You’re not going to leave me hanging and you know it, so how about if we drop the act and get down to business?”
“You’re a hard woman, Tanya.”
“But you love me anyway.”
“You know it. All right. What can I do?”
“I need some information on a plot of land. It’s currently under contract to Arlen Cooper, but under a shell corporation name.”
“What kind of information do you need?”
“History. Stuff an owner would know but the general public probably wouldn’t.”
“When do you need it?”
“As soon as possible. I’m on a flight in just a few hours and I’d like to be able to review the information while I’m traveling.”
“You don’t ask for much, do you?”
“I know you’re a wizard. You can do it. You can email it all to me and I’ll be able to pick it up with the Wi-Fi on the plane, so you’re not as short on time as you think.”
“All right, but you owe me dinner when you get back.”
“Deal. I love you, Adam. See you next week.”
I hung up and smiled. Adam would come through for me. Any information he could provide would flesh out the information Arlen had given me about the property. He’d hidden himself in the ownership of the land as deeply as he could to keep Raul Jimenez from finding him. I’d checked. He’d done a good job.
Everything I found on Arlen Cooper told me he was a careful man. Ruthless, but careful. Raul was going to have a hard time finding Arlen in the deal I was set to present to him. My way in to get access to the blueprints Arlen wanted.
I grabbed my phone and ordered a car service to pick me up and take me to the airport. Then, I packed my computer and tablet into my carry-on, grabbed some snacks from my pantry and shoved them into the carry-on as well. I dithered on calling my mother but decided against it when my phone beeped to tell me the car was two blocks away. I’d call Ma when I got to Spain. I’d buy her something beautiful and frivolous to make up for not warning her I was leaving the country.
I double-checked for my ID and passport, grabbed my bags, and lugged everything to my building lobby and then out to the stoop when the car arrived. My heart thudded thickly in my chest. If I played my cards right, this was going to be a great trip.
Chapter 4
Raul
“What will you do today, hija?” I asked Rey as she took her seat at the table.
“I’d like to go to the office with you, if I might, papi.”
“Did you have something you wanted to do there, or are you just wanting to be near me all day?”
Rey shrugged and shot me the smile that always reminded me of her mother.
“I like being in the city rather than stranded out here when I don’t have school. Besides, you never know when you’ll need a detective on site.”
“That’s true. I am sure to need your skills at some point during the day. Of course you may join me at the office. That’ll give me the excuse to have lunch with you today.”
Marco set my breakfast and my tablet on the table in front of me. I thanked him and opened my schedule for the day.
“Marco, do you know who this Tanya Stanton is? My New York office called me about her yesterday, but I could find nothing about her on the internet. She says she’s a landowner
in Manhattan.”
“I’m not familiar with her, señor.”
“We should find out more before I meet with her. You know the espionage in real estate and architecture has cranked up in the past few years. It’s becoming harder and harder to win contracts in over-populated areas. I’ve heard of contractors going to extreme lengths to get the drop on their competition.”
“I will look into her history if you wish, jefe.”
“Please do, Marco. Thank you.”
“I’ll have the car in front of the house in ten minutes, señor. Will you require anything special today?”
“No, thank you. Rey will be joining me at the office today.”
“Excellent. Ten minutes, then?”
“Ten minutes.”
Marco left us as Rey passed the jam to me.
“Gracias, hija.”
I quickly slathered my toast with jam and wrapped it in my napkin.
“We have to go. Do you need anything from your room before we leave?”
“Just my notebook.”
“Well, go get it and meet me at the front door.”
“Sí, papi.” Rey got up and ran toward her room.
I watched her go, a fist clenched around my heart. It had been six years since my wife Eloisa had passed away. As time passed, Rey grew to look more and more like her. I was getting to know the pre-teen she’d become and learning to let go of the child she’d been.
Guilt washed over me as I watched Rey skip down the stairs to meet me at the front door. She deserved a father who was more present in her life, but my business kept me incredibly busy. And without a mother, I was her only parent. I loved my daughter with my entire being. The fact that she still wanted to be with me meant a lot.
“Hija, you look so pretty today,” I said as she wrapped her arms around my waist.
“Gracias, papi.”
“Ready for an adventure?”
“Always!”
Marco held the limo door open and Rey scrambled in. I followed her and settled in with my tablet open to today’s schedule and the stock markets. Rey pulled out her notebook and scribbled on the first page.
“What are you doing there?” I asked.
“Planning an investigation.”
“Really? What will you investigate today?”
“I’m going to find out who took the last of the churros from the break room yesterday.”
“Ah, a dastardly deed if ever there was one. You let me know who the culprit was, and I’ll make sure they know better next time.”
“I will, papi.”
I patted Rey’s hand and smiled, trying to put all the love I felt for her in that touch.
“I love you, hija. You know that, right?”
“Sí, papi. I love you, too.”
The limo pulled to a stop in front of my Madrid office. Marco came around to hold the door and help Rey out of the car. I followed her out of the car and stood for a moment, looking up at the edifice that represented everything I’d worked for throughout my entire life.
I’d spent countless hours and made sacrifices to build my company. Now, I stood proud, of the people I could employ and pay well so they could have a better life, a more secure future. It was what would stand when I was gone, what would support Rey when I could no longer do so.
I shook myself—enough reminiscing—and then strode into the building where I was el jefe.
Chapter 5
Tanya
“Miss, we’ve landed. Please prepare for arrival.”
I groaned and peeked from under my lashes. The flight attendant smiled down at me. My body ached with the cramped position I’d fallen asleep in on the flight to Madrid.
I stretched and sat up.
“Thank you. Can you please tell me what time it is here?”
The flight attendant looked at her watch.
“It’s half past nine in the morning. Do you need a porter for your carry-on luggage?”
“Yes, thanks.”
I stood up, wincing at the low ache in my back. I gathered my belongings and was the last person off the plane. I walked up the jetway, drawn to the sounds of life coming from the terminal. The porter trailed behind with my carry-on. I could do it myself, of course, but I had to be in my role as a wealthy landowner.
I saw the small sign that read “Stanton” and sighed with relief. I hadn’t planned for transportation once I got here. Jimenez’s assistant was a wonder. I hope he paid her well.
“I’m Tanya Stanton,” I said, smiling at the man holding the sign.
The man nodded and took the carry-on from the porter. I tipped the porter with my thanks and followed the driver to the baggage claim.
“I trust your flight was comfortable?” he asked while we awaited the arrival of my luggage on the conveyor belt.
“It was, thank you. Do you work for señor Jimenez? Or for a car service?”
“I work for señor Jimenez. I have for many years. I am Marco, the family driver.”
“Is he a good man, Marco?”
“Who, miss?”
“Your boss. Is he a good man?”
“Why would you ask me that?”
“If I’m going to do business with someone, I like to know what kind of person they are. I’ve found that the best people to ask are those who work for the men I do business with.”
“I’ve been with señor Jimenez’s family for nearly twenty years. I would not stay that long if he were not a good man.”
I nodded. Marco had the air of someone who was far more than he appeared on the surface. I’d be willing to bet he was more than a driver for the Jimenez family. I’d have to watch my step around him. It wouldn’t do for Marco to discover I wasn’t a wealthy Manhattanite, but rather a former cop from the Bronx.
Marco carried my bags to the limousine parked at the curb. I slipped into the car and settled into the plush leather seats.
“Miss Stanton, would you like to check into your hotel before you meet with señor Jimenez?”
“Yes, please, Marco. Thank you.”
“My pleasure, miss.”
Marco put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb.
I spent the next fifteen minutes goggling at the sights of Madrid. I’m sure I looked like a rube from the country, but I didn’t care. This was my chance to see things I’d only ever read about, and I was going to take full advantage.
“Marco, do you know if my hotel is close to the Prado? I’ve always wanted to see the Goyas.”
“I’ll be sure to point it out as we pass, miss. I can also arrange a visit if you like.”
“That would be wonderful. Gracias, Marco.”
Marco gave me an odd look via the rearview mirror before tipping his head in a polite nod of agreement.
I slipped my tablet out of my bag and opened it to the file I’d compiled about Raul while I’d been on the plane.
The first thing I saw was the photograph I’d found on the internet. Vivid green eyes I was certain had been enhanced with Photoshop stared out of my screen. I found myself riveted by those eyes, and I was anxious to see if they were as striking in person as they appeared on the screen.
Those eyes, easily the first thing I noticed about him, were paired with a thick head of black hair with just a tease of gray at the temples, giving him the look of a distinguished rake. I could easily picture him sweeping a woman off her feet and spinning her onto a dance floor to dance the night away.
His lips held a twist of determination as he gave the camera the polite smile of someone who didn’t care to smile much. There was a sense in the photo that Raul Jimenez was more business than pleasure. I wanted to like him, but I didn’t think I would when we met. He seemed far too reserved for his own good.
“The Prado is on your left, miss. We’ll arrive at your hotel in a moment.”
I looked out the window and my jaw fell open. It was so much more beautiful in person than it was in photographs. It almost made me want to cry to see it.
Marco pul
led the limo to a stop in front of the Westin Palace Hotel. He helped me out of the vehicle and then stacked my luggage on a cart brought forth by a porter from the hotel.
“I will return for you at one thirty to take you to the office for your meeting. Should you need anything, simply call the front desk and they will handle it for you. Should anything not meet your expectations, please don’t hesitate to speak up. Señor Jimenez wants you to enjoy your stay in his country.”
“Gracias, Marco. I’m sure everything will be lovely.”
Marco left me with the porter, who pushed the cart to the front desk where I checked into the room Raul’s assistant had booked for me. The suite was as gorgeous as everything else had been thus far on this trip. Crystal and gold-leaf fixtures and decorations were scattered throughout the suite, drawing happy gasps from my lips as I looked around the room.
I over-tipped the porter, unable to stop smiling despite knowing it likely made me look like an idiot.
Chapter 6
Tanya
“Señorita Valdez left the break room at two p.m.”
A small, slight girl, whom I recognized from my research as Rey Jimenez—my mark’s daughter—sat on a sofa near the reception desk. She watched the people in the office coming and going while she scribbled in her notebook and muttered to herself.
“What has señorita Valdez done that warrants you watching her every move?” I asked, intrigued.
Rey looked up at me, a shy smile on her lips.
“Someone took the last churro from the break room yesterday. I’m trying to figure out who it was.”
“I see,” I said. I sat down next to Rey and leaned in to see her notes. “You like mysteries, do you?”
“Yes! I like figuring them out. Do you like mysteries?”