“I’m glad that you did,” Lori said. “There are tight controls on drug distribution. Our license would be at risk if there are abuses. There must be an explanation. I’ll look into it and make any inquiries. Matt may not want to divulge certain things to you, but he will need to be forthcoming with me.”
Sarah didn’t take that further. She hadn’t accused Matt of anything, other than having an arrogant attitude. Lori hoped that was all it was. There had to be a perfectly sensible explanation for the inconsistencies. Likely, it was an oversight, merely an error.
After Sarah left, Lori took a few minutes to process the information. A mistake could be corrected, but it had to be more than an isolated incident. When Matt wasn’t around to look over her shoulder, she would check the orders and document what she found. Faced with the discrepancies, he would be obligated to assist her to fix the problem.
*****
Gunner went to his boss’s office. Travis Hewitt had founded Stealth Security years ago, after retiring from the Navy. He was a family man with two twin daughters, and there was quite a story to go with that. He’d shared with Gunner that for the first seven years of marriage, his wife had been unable to conceive.
But Travis had good fortune, as his wife did get pregnant, so he came home to be with her. She gave birth to Abigail and Brianna, and the girls were now in their teens. Framed photos of Melanie and the girls were on the desk.
“How’s the family?” Gunner said, then sat across from Travis.
Travis glanced at the photo with a look of pride. “You have no idea what it takes to raise two teenagers…girls, no less.”
Gunner envied him that, as he didn’t have a loving family to go home to. “I’m sure Melanie manages well.”
“She’s super,” Travis said. “Now, about that assignment…” He proceeded to fill Gunner in on the details. It was a close protection job at a concert, similar to the last case, and with the same client.
Gunner was only half listening, since he knew the routine. He had another matter that he wanted to get back to, one that he had no business getting involved in—but he would anyway. When Travis dismissed him, Gunner went to his desk to call his teammate in Houston.
Ripley McConnell was Stealth’s senior security analyst. Frequently, Gunner teamed up with him on local business. He was good with risk assessments and handy with the tools of the protection trade. He was a valuable guy to have on the team.
Gunner gave Rip a call to check on an ongoing investigation. After discussing business, Rip said, “So, buddy…how’s it going?”
“Not bad…the usual.”
“Come on, we work together,” Rip said. “Cough it up. I can tell something is on your mind.”
“It’s not that big of a deal,” Gunner said. “I met a woman and can’t seem to get her off my mind.”
“That’s not a bad thing,” Rip said. “Anyone you’ve mentioned before?”
Gunner filled him in on how he’d met Lori Waters. He told him about her professionalism and how she’d impressed him with her attitude—along with her stunning looks.
“Sounds like a special woman.”
Gunner agreed, then said, “Her father passed away recently.”
“Wait a minute,” Rip said. “Lori Waters? Haven’t you been watching the news?”
“What did I miss?”
Rip told an electrifying tale of how Lori Waters had saved the life of a passenger during a flight back from Houston. “And the passenger wasn’t just anyone. That dude was Marco Bacci.”
“The attorney?” Gunner knew of that firm. Bacci had a reputation, since he handled legal matters for the Italian mob. The mob in the city wasn’t as prevalent as it had once been, but it was still around.
After the call, Gunner found the story and read the details. Then he looked up the Bacci firm to see what else he could learn. The incident was unsettling. Lori had saved the mob attorney’s life, which could be good or bad. The mob would respect Lori for saving one of their own but might not leave it at that.
Gunner was savvy about the underpinnings of Los Angeles. He had to be, since he protected clients from dangers including criminals. He had researched the different factions and kept up to speed on current events. He didn’t like it at all that Lori had interacted with someone connected to the mob.
A gut instinct told Gunner that he needed to check on Lori—not that he probably wouldn’t have anyway. Thoughts of her had nagged at him, and he’d considered paying her a visit to see if she was okay. With the new twist on things, he had more reason to see her.
Gunner wrapped it up for the day, then headed for Waters Pain Clinic. He hoped that Lori hadn’t left, and it was still late afternoon, so his chances were good. On the drive over, images of Lori filled his mind. He had to get a grip. He couldn’t walk into her place of work like a crazed stalker.
Whatever Gunner’s approach, it had to be socially acceptable. He didn’t want Lori to refuse to deal with him. She had told him to call if he needed any follow-up with the ankle. That would be the way to explain why he was at the clinic.
When Gunner entered the lobby, he realized that he needed to get past the check-in desk if he expected to see Lori. The woman looked up from her computer. “Go ahead and sign in. I’ll be right with you.”
There were no other patients waiting, so Gunner assumed that he had arrived near closing time. “I don’t have an appointment.”
The woman waited for him to explain.
“I’m just here to see Doctor Waters.”
“I’ll check to see if she is still here. Is she expecting you?”
“It’s more of a surprise,” Gunner said, not liking the frown on her face.
A familiar voice caught Gunner’s attention. Lori was walking toward him. Without her lab coat, she was even more lovely. Her blond hair flowed in waves to her shoulders, no longer tied back for work. Her blue eyes captivated him.
“Gunner Cantrell?”
“Yes, hello.” Gunner knew he was blowing it, but he was flustered. “I came to see you.” Not the coolest thing he could have said, but it was true.
Lori stood close. “We finished with the last appointment. And shouldn’t you be at the VA?”
“I was hoping to talk to you.”
For a moment, Lori didn’t seem to know what to make of that. “Sure, come to my office. You can tell me what issues you’re having.”
Gunner followed her down the hall, not assured of success yet. She might be annoyed when she learned that he hadn’t come for medical advice.
The hallway was long and well lit, with an exam room along the way. A tall guy strolled toward Lori, looking all business—probably some guy in administration.
“I need to see you,” the guy said to Lori.
“I’m with someone, Matt.”
As if noticing him for the first time, Matt looked at Gunner then sized him up. This wasn’t a friendly encounter. Gunner’s instincts kicked in, so he kept his eyes on the guy—whose stance in the hallway signaled that he was an opponent.
“Don’t block the hall,” Lori said. “I’ll let you know when I’m free.”
That didn’t seem to go over well, because Matt didn’t move. He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, so Gunner moved closer to Lori.
“I thought you were done for the day,” Matt said.
“I’m going to speak to Gunner.”
Matt gave him a challenging look. “You booked an appointment a bit late in the day, didn’t you?”
“That depends on how you look at it.” Gunner stood his ground, waiting for the counterattack.
“Matt, please,” Lori said. “I treated Gunner the other day at the VA.”
Matt raised his brows, looking at Gunner with renewed interest. “Well, don’t take too long with her.” Then he paused for effect. “You should be aware that I’m the fiancé.”
Lori sighed and walked past Matt, then continued down the hall to her office. Once inside, she motioned for Gunner to take a seat an
d she closed the door.
“I’m sorry about that,” Lori said. “Matt can be pushy.”
Gunner’s attraction to Lori was difficult to conceal, and it was likely that Matt had picked up on it. “I guess he was defending his territory.”
Lori sat at the desk with her hands on the polished surface. Her nails were painted a rose color and her fingers were slender and feminine. “I’m not his territory,” she said.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Gunner said. “I should have said his fiancée.”
Lori didn’t argue. “What can I do for you, Gunner? Are you experiencing more pain in the ankle?”
“Uh, no, not really,” Gunner said. “It was sore at first, but those shots work. I’ll be okay for a while.”
Lori’s blue eyes widened, the question on the tip of her tongue.
“Why am I here?” Gunner said. Lori looked into his eyes, making a connection that sent a wave of desire through him. “I wanted to see you again.”
Lori took that in. “You mean…because I told you my father died?”
“Partly,” Gunner said. “I couldn’t get you off my mind. I don’t like seeing you unhappy.”
Lori blushed. “You are straightforward, aren’t you? I noticed that before, but I must say, it’s rather refreshing.”
Gunner took that as encouragement. “And I just wanted to see you.” When Lori didn’t reply, he said, “What’s the deal with that guy in the hallway?”
“Matt? He gets jealous, that’s all.”
“Are you engaged to him?”
Lori let out a long breath. “Not anymore, but he can’t seem to let go.”
Gunner’s heart skipped a beat; she was unattached. “That means that you could go out with me.”
When Lori smiled, her eyes lit up. “Does that mean you’re asking?”
“Yes, I’m asking.” Gunner’s day had just taken a turn for the better.
Chapter 4
After Gunner left, Lori paced her office and took a few minutes to compose herself. She had agreed to go out with him, even though he was different from any man she had dated. The business type was her usual pick, maybe because of her profession.
Lori understood the business world, social etiquette, and the underpinnings of the medical establishment. Her dates had fit into that lifestyle, particularly Matt, who was a key employee at her clinic. But Gunner wasn’t anything like that.
Why was Lori so attracted to Gunner? He lacked polished social skills. Yet the fact that he was rough around the edges held unique allure. He was a nice contrast to what Lori was used to. That was refreshing, and he had a type of honesty that she could get used to.
Gunner’s muscularity meant that he engaged in physical challenges, and probably lifted heavy weights. Genetics only went so far; he stayed in shape. But he didn’t have the lean physique acquired from morning jogs and fitness classes. His solid form was a result of preparing for combat.
There was a sexiness to that, which Lori was drawn to. Gunner was strong; he was a protector. His presence offered safety, and made Lori feel cared for. She might be making too much out of it, since all he had done was inquire about her happiness.
But Lori had a sense about Gunner and hoped she was right. It would be nice to have a man who could—and would—defend her. She hadn’t considered such a relationship. Matt had been suave, charming in social situations.
Matt had the qualifications of a prospective husband. Lori had learned that what a person looked like on paper didn’t make the man. Somehow, Gunner’s direct approach seemed more sincere than all of Matt’s smooth moves.
Yet Lori was used to taking care of herself. Even when her father had been alive, she had been fiercely independent. She didn’t need a man to take care of her, since she was strong on her own. It was flattering that Gunner was interested in her welfare, but she wasn’t certain how she felt about that.
Lori was a career woman who put business first. Her personal interests had been overshadowed by her professional life. It was possible that she hadn’t found the right man, one she wanted to be with enough to lead a more balanced life. But that wasn’t likely to happen. The way things were now, with her father gone, the demands on her would only increase.
Yet Lori wanted to be with Gunner. She enjoyed talking with him, even the little that they had conversed. She felt like she could trust him, and she could use more trust in her life. And she was attracted to him, making the chemistry between them impossible to ignore.
It was a date, that was all, a way to get to know each other better. Lori wasn’t sure the relationship would go beyond that. Maybe the excitement was just from the newness of it all, and of meeting a hunky guy on the rebound. But what could it hurt to have dinner with Gunner tomorrow night?
It was time to face Matt; he was waiting to speak to her. He must have gotten involved in work, or he would have sought her out. Lori wasn’t in the mood for a discussion with her ex. She decided to go home to relax, so that talk could wait for another time. Matt would be pissed, but she didn’t care. Lori grabbed her purse and left.
*****
The next morning, Lori stopped to pick up coffee on the way in and bought a latte for Sarah. They reviewed the patient schedule together and discussed a couple of the treatment plans. Matt was at a seminar, so wouldn’t be in the clinic until the afternoon.
Lori wasn’t quite ready to confront him with discrepancies that she had discovered, so it was good to have a reprieve from that duty. Since he was out of the office, that would give her a chance to put more details together without being under his watchful eye.
The early patient appointments went smoothly, then Lori took a lunch break. In her office, she nibbled on a turkey sandwich and sipped a bottle of sparkling water. Her father’s death hadn’t been far from her thoughts, so she took the opportunity to research a few questions.
During the days prior to her father’s death, his symptoms matched a host of illnesses. Respiratory failure was the cause of death, but Lori was puzzled about what led up to that. Allergic reactions could be delayed up to forty-eight hours, which made determining the trigger difficult.
It was too late for a battery of blood tests to narrow the likely sources. The possibility of poison nagged at Lori, yet she couldn’t imagine what her father had come into contact with. That would be a long list, since a substance can be inhaled or ingested.
Initially, a toxic condition severe enough to be deadly produced symptoms that were similar to a virus. A patient might complain of nausea, vomiting, aching muscles, even headache. Her father’s condition fit that diagnosis. But a virus would be attacked by the immune system, so recovery would be expected—not so with a deadly poison.
Lori tapped on her keyboard, looking up various toxic substances. It seemed endless. Without further clues, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. She pushed her sandwich aside and took a gulp of water. Leaning back, she thought of her father.
A toxic condition could have worsened rapidly. But her father had been a doctor; he would have been alert to the signs—unless the poison was secretly killing him. There were toxins that were nearly undetectable, and the symptoms were easily misdiagnosed.
Lori tried hard to recall every detail her father had shared. It was possible that he had complained of some obscure discomfort. Maybe that could offer better understanding of what led to his death. But she couldn’t come up with anything that she hadn’t already thought of.
Digging into possible scenarios was frustrating. The more Lori researched, the more overwhelming it was. She had no idea how to cull the best targets from the endless lists of toxins. There might have been subtle indications of poisoning in the last days of her father’s life, but Lori hadn’t been with him.
It broke her heart to think of her father alone and in distress. He might have brushed aside discomforts that cropped up. If poison took hold, he might have been physically incapable of getting help in time. Lori should have stayed closer.
For the crucial last days of her father’s life, Lori hadn’t gone to visit him. Since he didn’t want her to get sick, he had kept her away with assurances that he was treating the illness. She’d been confident that there had been no reason to doubt her father would recover and come back to the clinic—only there had been.
Lori just didn’t know what that reason was. Her heart filled with sadness, and she considered that grief was clouding her judgment. But she couldn’t accept that. Lori had a gut feeling that there was more to her father’s death than she knew, and she determined to discover what that was.
Sarah tapped on the door to let her know a patient had arrived. That afternoon, Adam was the on-duty doctor with Lori. He was a competent physician and would be great to talk to about her research. But that wasn’t a good idea.
Adam had cautioned Lori about clinging to notions of wrongdoing. He had advised her to move past this difficult period, to let it go. There was wisdom in that advice, and Adam was trying to save her from unnecessary torment.
Lori wished she could think like that. It would be so much simpler if the tragedy were clearly defined. Recovering from grief would be enough to deal with. If only that was the case, but doubt nagged at her. Lori couldn’t give up on her pursuit of the truth until she was satisfied.
So far, Lori’s research had revealed possibilities, which increased the mystery instead of resolving it. But she wouldn’t pull Adam into the investigation before she had enough to go on. If she presented a stronger case to support her suspicions, then he would support her.
Later that afternoon, Adam mentioned that Matt had returned and was in his office with Sheldon. When she finished with her last patient, she went to say hello to her uncle. It would be nice to see a friendly face.
Lori had been reviewing records and had several locked in her desk drawer. She went over the details whenever she had a few minutes. Matt wasn’t aware that she had questions, but he would be. It was his job to run the administration of the clinic. He should be the one ensuring accuracy of the orders, and Lori shouldn’t have to oversee that.
Savage Peril: Military Romantic Suspense (Stealth Security Book 6) Page 4