by Mary Winter
Rain paused for a moment backstage, her head pounding from the bright lights and cheering crowds. Not that she didn’t love them. She did. They fueled her music and made her want to get out on stage again the very next night. It was just…maybe a side effect from her attack. Her cheek still throbbed and she swore the bright stage lights only made it worse. Taking a deep breath and slipping her guitar strap from her shoulders since she always ended the night with her acoustic guitar, she headed down the alleyway that led to the storage room.
Case met her there. “Everything is accounted for and the door is locked,” he showed her the key he held in her hand.
Just seeing him was like a breath of fresh air. Though they hadn’t even worked together for a full day, he seemed to have tightened up her security. Scott wasn’t happy with it. The big man scowled as he met them outside the door in his usual place. Without saying a word, he fell into step on her other side so she was flanked by these two men. Not that she minded. Both were easy on the eyes, though she was also thankful she’d worked with Scott for so long that she realized what kind of man he was. Professional, curt, but a bit over possessive. She wondered how he’d handle her bringing on Case.
She stepped into the bus, the engine already running. As soon as the door closed behind Case, the driver called back to make sure she was seated. She was, the guitar case flat on the table in front of her. When she gave the affirmative for him to take off, she laid her instrument in the case and closed it, then fastened the straps to keep it steady during the short, but hilly drive.
“Scott will follow in his own vehicle,” Case said. “I’d like to go over some security issues I found. If you don’t have time tonight, then tomorrow before your next performance would be ideal.”
The sense of competency she got from him was refreshing. The short ride back to the hotel provided space for the realization that she hadn’t felt that sense of “got your back” from her security detail—especially Scott—for a while. “Thank you. Normally I decompress after a performance. Maybe later tonight? You can come to my room.” As soon as she said the words they conjured images of his arriving at her hotel room for a completely different purpose. “Or perhaps I should go to yours.”
“Whichever is more convenient for you. I’ve made some notes. We can’t solve everything tonight, but I’d like you to be aware. I find that when my clients know more about what is happening around them they can make better decisions.”
Rain sensed something beneath those words, perhaps a time when the clients hadn’t known and good decisions hadn’t been made. She nodded. “I’ll text you when I’m ready. Don’t wait up, and please, if you’re out to supper or busy don’t feel like you have to drop everything to come to me. I may be your employer. I’m not your master.” She smiled as the bus stopped. A moment later the door opened, and picking up her guitar case she disembarked.
Case followed her to the door, then stood in front of the elevator doors as they rode to the fourth floor of the hotel. He waited until she was in her room, the door shut and locked behind her, then when she peeked out the spy hole she saw him turn and go to his own room. She waited, probably a bit longer than she ought to, watching him walk away. Though he’d been a part of her crew, a part of her life, for twenty-four hours she already felt more secure, more protected than she had in a long time.
The Rain who met Case at the door when she texted him was completely different from the performer who’d lit up the stage earlier or even the self-assured business woman with whom he’d met earlier. She was barefoot, her hair pulled back into a pony tail and her face completely devoid of makeup. The bruise shone on her cheek and he realized there were some marks on her jaw as well. Clearly her attacker had gotten too close for comfort.
“Come in,” she said. “Do you want anything? I was about to order a chicken club salad from room service. I need to eat something or else I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”
“I’m good. Thanks.”
She gestured him to the table then went to the phone, placing the room service order and adding a couple of bottles of sparkling water. Then, she sat down at the small table across from him. “Thanks for agreeing to see me tonight. I want the truth. Even before the attack I didn’t think Scott was doing a very good job, but once I finished with this I’m going back home for a while so figured I could deal with it when the show’s run ended. You won’t hurt my feelings.”
He appreciated her candor. “I’m glad to hear that.” He took a moment to compose his thoughts. “You’re right. There are several lapses in security.” He set his phone on the table and opened the app where he’d taken notes. “I’d like to see someone closer to the backstage area, though I’ve fulfilled that role for now. There’s no reason for Scott to leave while the show is going on. You probably need him or a venue security agent watching the equipment area. Your drive stays with the bus that’s good, but you should have a corridor of protection running from the stage to the bus. Just because this is seen as a small town doesn’t mean that it has no chance of danger.”
“My cheek would agree with you.” She grinned wryly, then stood when someone knocked on the door.
“I’ll get that. I know you value your freedom, but you probably shouldn’t be the one to answer your room door all the time.” He stood, but not before he saw her frown. No, she didn’t like to be fenced in and he didn’t blame her.
Chapter 3
The air felt “wrong” when he stepped into position in front of the hallway leading to the stage the following evening. Case couldn’t put his finger on anything specifically. There’d been one or two protesters in front of the venue since one of Rain’s songs talked about losing a baby and they thought it promoted abortion, but he’d seen them before and they hadn’t tried anything. Still, he’d sent Scott to send them away or see if local law enforcement could make them move.
One of the signs had caught his attention. Stop the False Music. It seemed odd, out of place, though it’d been taped to a placard like the others that people had been using, so maybe it was just some odd saying. He’d heard from Johnny though after his trip to Europe about a group and while the attack on Harley had been stopped there’d been no other signs, though Johnny said his contacts had indicated they were still active. Just not overtly.
Maybe he was being too jumpy. The research he’d done on the group showed them working mostly in the classical music scene. What did they want with a country star? It seemed far removed from their usual domain.
He stepped just past the stage, where Rain could see him as she headed off and the crowds couldn’t. That had been one of the things he’d discussed with her, how imperative it was that she have visual on a member of security at all times. Scott had been three steps away from her, not quite around a corner when her attack had happened.
She smiled when she saw him, her face lighting up. He’d like to think it was because of him, but most likely it had to do with the security services he provided—nothing more.
“Good show,” he said, then turned and led her back to the equipment room where he stood just inside the door as she stowed her guitar. He nodded to the venue security as they passed. “We’re done for the night. Thanks.” And was relieved when the man turned and immediately locked the room.
Apparently his conversation with the venue had yielded results. Good. He appreciated it when places were open to suggestion. He led her to her dressing room and stood guard outside. Only his second night with her, but already he saw the entire proces moving much more smoothly. Once she exited, she handed her makeup bag to the other member of security who would accompany them outside.
He saw the group gathered by the back door before he opened it. “What are they doing here?” He asked.
“Don’t know, sir. Area was clear when I checked it twenty minutes ago.”
“Where’s Scott?” Case’s suspicions arose. He turned to Rain. “Wait here, please.”
She nodded, her eyes going wide. Already he sensed the fe
ar, the reminder of the attack before, and damn it, he’d never wanted her to have to feel that way again.
He opened the door. “What are you doing here? This is restricted property.”
“I just want Rain’s autograph.” A young girl, maybe fifteen stood there with a woman older than she, probably a big sister or aunt, though the age was hard to tell. A man stood not far away, watching.
He couldn’t push the fans away. Not only would churlish actions like that make their way onto social media, the girl looked hopeful and held out a program from another show. “I can take this into her and see if she’ll sign it.”
“Thank you, sir.” The girl said.
He handed the program, turned, and opened the door. He stepped inside, his fingers sliding on something that was underneath the program. What the—? Careful not to let it show, he held the program out to Rain. “A fan wanted an autograph. I told her I’d ask.”
“Of course.” Relief washed over Rain’s face, cementing his decision not to tell her. Maybe it was just a take-out receipt or something of no consequence. He doubted it. Something about the way the guy stood off to one side bothered him, like he was doing more than looking out for the two ladies by the door.
She hastily signed the autograph and he took it outside, slipping the paper into his clenched hand and tucking it into his pocket as he turned. “Go along now.”
At that moment Scott walked around the building. “Hey,” he said, all of a sudden making a show of things. “This is a restricted area.” He waved his arms like a damn fool.
“We’re going, sir. We just wanted her autograph. My daddy bought me a program off of eBay. See? We can’t afford tickets.”
“Well move.” Scott crossed his arms over his chest until the group turned to leave. Then, he glanced at Case. “Waiting for me to take care of them?”
“You were doing a damn good job of it now weren’t you?” Case snarled. He opened the door and nodded to Rain. “Let’s go. They’re gone.” He swept the parking lot, then ushered her to the bus.
Scott hurried to his car, probably not wanting to get his ass chewed and Case let him go—for now. He followed Rain on the bus, the paper crackling in his pocket like an out of control fire he couldn’t hide. Again the routine and a few moments later the bus took off for the hotel. He’d have to see what was on the paper later, because he knew Rain was too perceptive to look at it here in front of her.
Something about Case’s demeanor shifted when he’d discovered the people at the back of the venue. Not that it hadn’t happened before. People who couldn’t afford tickets sometimes came looking for autographs. She tried to indulge when she could, though her manager would scream if he knew she were giving them away. Glossy 8x10s were sold on her website for $30. She always signed a bunch when she was in town or he would overnight a package to her when they ran low.
“Everything okay?” She asked as she settled into her captain’s chair for the short drive to the hotel. “They were just a young family looking for an autograph.”
Case’s head whipped around as if he were shot and stared at her. “Sure. Yeah. Fine.”
His clipped words gave away his agitation. She looked out the window to check how close they were to the hotel. Did they really have time to get into this right now?
“Those people didn’t try anything, did they?” She poked her way around the issue to see if he’d divulge anything. “I need to know since you’re protecting me.”
“No, they didn’t try anything directly,” he replied.
There. She’d caught him. “Directly?”
He frowned, then quickly smoothed out his expression. “Nothing that you need to worry about.”
The bus stopped at a light. She pressed her advantage. “If it’s about my safety, I need to know. And I’ll decide whether to worry or not. Don’t keep things from me, Case. I saw the way Scott acted back there. I’m tempted to fire him right now.”
For the first time since they started talking Case smiled. “I wouldn’t mind. Look—” The bus started up again, jostling him a bit. “Something I want to check out first. Then we’ll talk. I’m not holding anything from you on purpose.”
So he was withholding something. This time it was her turn to frown, both at the direction the conversation had taken and the fact that the bus was pulling into the parking lot. She unfastened the straps on her guitar case, though she remained seated until the bus had come to a complete stop. She stood and grabbed her guitar case. “I’ll text you when I’m done decompressing. We’ll talk then.”
He stood, and in that moment she realized she hadn’t moved and was standing too close to him. He arched an eyebrow at her. “I’ll let you know when I’ve got enough information to share.” He gestured for her to walk ahead of him as the door opened.
She did, careful not to hit him with her guitar case as she picked it up. She’d like to whack him upside the head with it. Something was going on; she knew it. And she hated being kept in the dark. Her manager often would hint at deals, but not tell her everything until the paper was signed, and though she understood the reasons why, it frustrated her.
She exited the bus and hurried into the hotel, Case by her side. She didn’t see Scott’s car and frowned. “I don’t see Scott.”
Case glanced around. “I don’t either. Did you hire him or your manager?”
“My manager. But I have all final decisions for hiring and firing.” They stepped into the lobby.
“Mind if I give your manager a call?” He asked as they moved into the empty elevator.
“I suppose not. You’ll keep me informed.” She turned to face him. “You won’t be keeping secrets from me if you want to stay employed.”
The elevator doors opened. Neither one of them moved. She stood close to him, so close that for a moment she thought about kissing him. She just had to lean forward and…
Someone approached the elevator. Aware that she was in public and while she didn’t think there were paparazzi here, she didn’t know, she stepped back, but not before she missed seeing the hunger in his eyes. He wanted her too. Her body tingled as she walked down the hall, head held high, seeming to ignore the couple who gaped at seeing the famous singer in their hotel. Case hurried to her side, stood by while she entered her hotel room, then she turned to face him. “I’ll text you.” She spoke softly. “And I want to know the truth.”
He took a deep breath. “I’ll never lie to you,” he said, and as careful as his words were, she wondered if he might omit things from time to time.
“See that you don’t.” She smiled. “I’ll see you later.” Then, she closed the door.
A moment later he turned and left, and she sighed with relief. The tension sparking between them could start a fire, one that she wouldn’t mind fanning the flames of. Except she’d hired him to be security, and while she knew he was a consummate professional, the way he’d whipped her security into better shape in just a day told her that, she also didn’t want to distract him. And making love, even just having good sweaty sex, with Case would be a distraction enough for them both.
She set down her guitar and turned. A single rose, white, petals tipped with red dye, sat on the table next to a small card. Wondering how the flower got there and why the sight of it, almost as if it had blood coming down the snowy white sides, made her shiver with fear. Her hand shook as she picked up the card.
The false music will stop.
She fumbled for her cell phone. “What the hell?” she whispered as she texted Case. Come quick. There’s something in my room. She looked around, thankful that at least the room was empty. She looked at the ceiling, no cameras that she’d seen. Immediately, she began packing. She wanted out of this room—right now.
Two seconds later, Case knocked on her door.
She opened it. “Thank goodness you’re here. This was left.” She practically drug him into the room, letting the door close behind them and pulled him to the table.
Chapter 4
“W
ho knows you’re here?” Case asked as he stared at the flower and card, his blood running cold. To pull the note out of his pocket or not. “Did you touch the note?”
“I picked it up and read it. I want out of this room.” Her voice rose.
“You’re safe. I’m here.” Driven by a need to reassure her—and not the need to touch her—he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him. She turned, pressing her face against his chest. She was shaking. Dear god, whoever did this would pay. “Who knows you’re here?” He repeated the question, needing to know the answer.
“In this room? My manager. Scott. You. Dale, the bus driver. That’s it. I’m registered under an alias, everything taken care of online. The hotel knows RC International booked this room, and to them I’m Sally Carver. We don’t use the same alias at every hotel. We have used this one before, but we rotate them out.” As she spoke, she calmed down and stopped shaking.
“Okay. Why don’t you gather up what you need for tonight? I have two beds in my room and I’m a gentleman. I promise. You can stay with me and we can get you moved in the morning.” He released her.
She didn’t move, just looked up at him. “Do you have to be a gentleman?” Then, with an impish smile, she turned and went to the bathroom.
He breathed deeply and told his cock to behave. He glanced at the note. The writing matched the one he had; he was sure of it. Taking the other note out of his pocket, he smoothed it out and compared. The writing was an exact match.
She stopped behind him. “Where’d you get that?”
Her question startled him. “It was underneath the program the girl handed me to sign.”
“That’s what you were keeping from me?”
