by Maggie Thom
“But you really need access to the computers, right? And potentially who might know what?”
“Yes. But we’ll figure something else out. I don’t want you in danger. August is now in a position that he can snoop for us, especially if the CSIS is investigating. I can’t imagine that’s a good thing. Did they mention the mafia or organized crime? You know, those guys who had the nerve to approach you at the hospital?”
Tijan’s pursed her lips. “Sort of. They did ask—okay let me rephrase that. They told me they knew your father was involved with organized crime.”
“Damn him. It wouldn’t surprise me. It hurts me like crazy but wouldn’t surprise me. All the more reason to get you out.”
“But that still leaves you vulnerable. Let me do a little more digging and see what I can find. As soon as it gets scary, don’t worry, I’ll be running for the hills.”
Tarin chuckled.
It made Tijan feel good to know that she’d been able to make her sister laugh. Neither spoke for a few minutes, just enjoying the connection that was alive between them. Tijan had never felt so connected to anyone in her life. But this went beyond connected, it was part of herself. It wasn’t something she could explain or understood but she just accepted it.
“I really have to go. We’ll talk soon. And I will be careful.” Tijan hung up but continued to hold her phone tightly. The late day warm air seeped into her frayed nerves. This was why she’d needed to get outside—to breathe something real. Moving away from the concealed door, she didn’t go far. She was concerned she’d be abducted again but this time she might not be returned safe and sound. She walked around the end of the building where there was a beautiful garden area and a small area of grass. She kicked off her shoes and just stood on it. It took a few minutes before she realized she wasn’t alone. Hearing voices, she looked around. No one was in eyesight so she slipped on her shoes and went to investigate. A few big firs hugged the side of the building. She skirted them and saw three women leaning against the cement of the parkade.
“Hi.” All three women looked startled, as they glanced at her and then away at her.
“Uhm. Hi. We’re just having our break. We know we aren’t supposed to smoke here, Ms. Madsen. Uhm—”
“It’s okay. Don’t you have a smoking area?”
The three women looked at each other as though wondering how to respond. Finally, the same middle-aged woman spoke up. “No. We’re not supposed to smoke on hotel property. We aren’t supposed to smoke at all while at work.”
Tijan pressed her fist to her lips before taking a breath and smiling at them. “Okay, I’m not a big fan of smoking but I know it’s not an easy habit to break. And I’m pretty sure that the hotel can’t dictate that to you. I’ll get some of those safe cigarette disposal stands for you here. Just keep the area clean, okay? Oh, and is this the best place? I’m guessing not many people come this way?”
All three nodded and then shook their head.
“By the way I’m Ti—Tarin. What are your names?”
“Sorry. Have to get back to work.” They all spoke at once and soon disappeared, hurrying through a side door.
Tijan frowned. They seemed scared. Heading back inside, she returned to the office.
“Mary. Who do I talk to about staff breaks and—”
“You can talk to me. What do you want to know?” JT appeared out of nowhere.
Tijan looked at JT but turned back to Mary. “Who’s in charge of a staff area? Do we have one?”
“There’s a lunch area,” Mary replied.
“And a smoking area, outside?”
“There isn’t one. No one is to smoke on hotel property.”
Tijan turned to face JT. “Well I’m quite sure that’s illegal. Do I want them smoking? No. Do they have the right to smoke? Yes.”
“Mary. Please make sure that two cigarette receptacles are ordered and installed by the parkade door along with a picnic table.”
“I don’t think we should spend—”
Tijan counted to three before turning to JT again. “I do. And I want it spent. And I think this is a good expense. And I know you’ll make sure it’s in the budget, won’t you?” She gave him a full, warm smile, even while gagging behind it.
Turning back to Mary, she said, “I’d like to talk to the person in charge of benefits. I’d like to know what we offer to the staff. Thank you.”
Tijan headed to her office but JT obviously wasn’t going to be put off. He followed her in but stopped suddenly when he realized that August was there.
“Is there something you needed, JT?”
“No. It’s just your father doesn’t like smoking. Says it’s a bad reflection on the company.”
“Thank you for letting me know, JT. I appreciate your valuable input. But for now, I want those smoking receptacles installed along with a picnic table. Thanks. I can count on you to look after it? Great. Let me know when you have it done.”
JT nodded. Seeming appeased by her request to help and the fact that she was closing the door in his face, he left.
August raised his eyebrows. “What was that about?”
“I was trying to make things better for some staff. They aren’t allowed to smoke in an eight-hour shift. How crazy is that? I mean they’re doing it anyway. I’d rather they do it safely and not toss cigarette butts all over.” On the ranch, there had been a few men who had smoked and she couldn’t imagine telling them they couldn’t. She had done everything from getting information on smoking cessation to buying hypnosis CD. It had helped a few; maybe they could do the same here. Once she talked with those in charge of benefits, she’d see what was available.
Was all this power going to her head?
Tijan smiled. She wasn’t sure but at least she felt like she was doing something a tiny bit normal.
Chapter 35
“What did you learn?”
“Not much. The recordings aren’t too bad but some idiot played music the whole time. It’ll take a bit of work to wade through what is in the song and what is said by the background voices. I don’t think much.”
“We don’t have much time. The daughter’s in play now. She might get a little too curious so we need to move fast. This could be a good opportunity because she hasn’t been involved in her father’s business for years. She won’t have a clue what he’s really up to. Not that I’m sure he ever shared with her his meagre beginnings and how he went from that to a multi-billion-dollar hotel chain. He may brag about being rich but he sure isn’t going to tell people how he got there.”
“I thought you had a good handle on what was going on there?”
“I do. Her being put into his role is a minor setback. I am seriously surprised and pissed that’s who he put in place. It sure isn’t who he lead me to believe would take over if something happened to him. The point is, he has put her in charge, so let’s use her. Because she knows nothing, I can feed her the information we want her to know. I still have the inside line and ear to what’s really going on. I know so much more than James could ever imagine. It will bite him right where it hurts, when he finds out.”
“Things need to change, soon. Use your position to do something about it.”
~~~~
Tijan eased open her door slowly, peeking down the hallway to make sure there was no one about. She felt like a child who was going to be reprimanded for being up too early, but five thirty was normal for her. She thought about going outside and walking around to get an idea of the area, but she’d heard a number of sirens through the night that reminded her she was in the city. Give her the Alberta Rockies and she was fine, but she wasn’t quite comfortable wandering around the city by herself.
So squashing the idea of leaving the hotel, she decided she would do more research into Mr. Madsen’s business—calling him dad or father just didn’t sit right with her. After a quick shower, she dressed and sneaked into the stairwell to climb two flights of stairs. She felt a little guilty when she passed August’s ro
om but she didn’t want to wake him; besides, she was sure that she was fine going to the office alone.
Once she reached the 20th floor, she discovered the stairwell was locked and she didn’t have any keys. Heading back down a flight, she entered the elevator only to discover that no matter what she did it wouldn’t go up one floor. It too appeared locked. She was glad to see that they took security seriously; however, it annoyed her to no end that she couldn’t get in. She’d talk to Mary when she arrived to find out how to lock up and unlock after hours. Mary had stayed the night before to ensure that everything had been closed up and set and it hadn’t even occurred to Tijan to ask how to do that—or undo it, as it were.
Heading back to her room, she tossed her keycard on the dresser and walked to the window. A brief glance at the destroyed bed reminded her of the restless night she’d had. Being chased by thugs in her dreams felt a little too much like there was a reality to it.
The sun was just peeking over the horizon and starting to brighten the day. She loved sunrises; sitting on her horse in the field all by herself always made her feel like it was magic. She missed that wide open space and feeling.
There was a soft knock on her door. Her head whipped around, her eyes immediately owl sized. Moving quietly as she could, she made her way across the room and peeked out the spyhole. She sagged against the door when she saw August standing there with two coffees and a bag. She yanked open the door, motioning for him to come in.
“You scared the crap out of me.” She checked the hallway to make sure no one was watching. Her mom would be thrilled that she’d become so cautious but it was wearing on her nerves checking around every corner.
August made his way past her bed and she noted the quick glance he gave it. His gaze never lingered or hesitated but she found her attention shifting to the view of his backside. He set the tray and food on the table and turned before she had time to adjust her attention. Heat crawled up her face but she squared her shoulders and strode toward him, grabbing one of the cups.
“Did you bring milk?”
As he dumped out the contents of the bag, two oversize muffins, cream and sugar tumbled out. Hunger pangs immediately attacked her insides, making her wonder when she had last eaten.
“Which one?”
“Take your pick—carrot-blueberry or raspberry oatmeal. I’ll eat either.”
Once they were eating at the small table, Tijan felt herself relaxing, though she did keep her gaze down as she found she quite liked a clean, freshly showered August. His long hair, which if someone had asked her a week ago, she’d have said she hated, was definitely gaining way too much appeal.
“Okay, so what’s our plan for today?” Tijan bit into one of the muffins. “Hmm. This is good.”
August smiled. “I agree. I have to meet with Guy and Graham later to discuss things. I’m not sure why face to face but they want to keep important information off electronic devices, inside or outside the office. No idea. I do know the crash course on being a detective left me feeling like an idiot. I’d love to be that white knight that can save the damsel but I have to tell you this is way outside the world I live in.”
Tijan snorted. “Me too. I live in the foothills of Alberta, wide open spaces and not many people. There are some bad people there too but I’ve never come across anything like this. And thank you for wanting to be a knight but I already know how to ride my own horse.”
“Well that put me in my place.”
Tijan felt a twinge of guilt until she met August’s smiling eyes. “White knights don’t really do it for me.” Realizing she was staring at him a bit too long, she took a sip of her coffee. Her gaze drifted to the view outside.
“Well that’s good because I don’t ride a horse.”
“I feel like a spec of sand on the beach and can’t believe someone would be interested in what I’m doing. I don’t know how Tarin has lived like this.”
“Do you mind my asking, what happened that you didn’t grow up together?”
Her gaze swung back to August. She gazed at him for a moment but she didn’t really see him as her mind mulled through her own questions why that had happened. “I wish I knew. To be honest that’s my goal. I want to know why a man I never knew existed may die before I do get to know him. And why he didn’t want me.”
When her voice broke, she stood up suddenly but a buzzing sound caught her attention. She cocked her head to listen. “What’s that?”
“A cell phone?”
“Can’t be, I’ve got mine here.” She pulled it out of her pocket to prove her point. “Yours?”
August shook his head and picked his up from the table.
Tijan instinctively hunched her shoulders and listened intently for the origin. Moving toward her bedside stand, she knelt. Lifting the blanket that had half fallen to the floor, she uncovered a cell phone.
She pressed her hand to her chest before she picked it up. “I forgot Tarin gave me another one that I’m to use for the office. Good gravy, I don’t like dealing with one cell phone and now I’ve got two.”
She quickly read the text. “It appears Mary has arrived at work. Cripes, it’s only seven thirty. She starts early doesn’t she? I don’t know how far away she lives but we didn’t leave the office until what, eight o’clock? I got the feeling she didn’t want to leave me alone with all that power. She’s rather protective. Anyway, she wants me up there; I guess I have a busy day ahead.”
August rose. “I’ll head over and meet with Guy and Graham, find out what they need to tell me. Everything has been so rushed. They want to fill me in on some details. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Be careful.”
Tijan nodded. “You too.”
Chapter 36
Mary poked her head in the door. “Eleanor, is here to see you.”
Tijan lifted her head and blinked a few times. It took a moment for her to shift from what she’d been reading about her father. Even though she was really supposed to be looking for more connections and more information on his business dealings, she couldn’t help but feel she needed to use this time to learn who he was. There were a lot of newspaper articles on the Internet. Some were flattering, some hinted or outright stated that he was a ruthless businessman, and there was even one that questioned if he had any connections to organized crime. She was a little bit dazed when she glanced up.
“What?”
“Eleanor is here. She didn’t have an appointment but she said she wanted to stop by and lend a hand if it was needed. It’s okay to say no, if you’re busy? I wouldn’t have bothered you but she can be insistent.”
“Uh—” The expression on Mary’s face made it clear that she should know who this woman was. And that she clearly disliked her. “Just tell her I’ll be five minutes. Okay?”
“She won’t be happy.” Mary smiled. “If I can give you some advice?”
Tijan looked at her, interested in what she had to say.
“Watch out for her. She’s quite a head stomper—leaning she’ll step on anyone who might get in her way. If she thinks you’re a threat, she’ll do what she can to get rid of you.”
“Oh, why do you say that?”
“I’ve seen her use Mr. Madsen. She leads men on and gets what she can. I just thought you should know. She’ll be looking for your weakness.” Mary withdrew.
Tijan grabbed her phone to immediately text Tarin and noted she’d missed twelve messages from her sister. She’d silenced her phone the night before and hadn’t even thought about receiving calls or texts. Unfortunately, there wasn’t time to read them. She needed to know who this Eleanor was. Asking Mary had crossed her mind but the woman obviously had strong feelings about her; and besides, Tijan did not want to let on that she might not know someone she should.
‘She’s dad’s lawyer—Carter Associates. Haven’t heard from you, everything okay?’
‘Yeah get back to you soon.’
Tijan buzzed Mary. “Bring Eleanor in.” She debated whether to move to the cou
ch but the door opened almost immediately. When she saw the tall, striking woman, who looked every inch like a shark lawyer—dark eyes that felt like she’d peered into her soul—Tijan was glad she hadn’t. Standing slowly, she nodded at the woman.
“She has a busy schedule. Do not stay long.” Mary stepped out from behind Eleanor, whose lips curled with contempt. Looking at Tijan, she said, “You have five minutes until your next meeting.”
Looking pointedly at Eleanor, she continued, “Do not keep her a minute beyond that.” Mary slipped out, closing the door behind her. Although Mary had remained professional unlike Eleanor, she had definitely gotten her digs in.
A myriad of emotions crossed Eleanor’s face. There was a softening that seemed to convey understanding and sympathy but it was mingled with arrogance as if she wanted to say, ‘Who do you think you are to be sitting there?’
Tijan stood up straight, squaring her shoulders. Was she imagining this stuff, or more hypersensitive because of Mary?
“Tarin. I know it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. I’m so sorry that it’s under these circumstances.”
“El—” Tijan started to say Eleanor but she had an image of her father giving her a dirty look and she remembered Tarin telling her to use proper names. Only problem was, she had no idea what this woman’s last name was.
Eleanor smiled. “It’s okay. You can call me Eleanor. Your father isn’t here to say otherwise.”
Tijan allowed her lips to curve slightly but she truly felt ill. This game of lies just never seemed to end. She sank slowly onto her chair. What she really wanted to do was slouch.