She had no clue why Roger was willing to take her on, not knowing how long she was going to be able to work for him. He didn’t strike her as someone who’d risk being left in a lurch. Then again, what did he know about her in the first place? Everything she told him could’ve been a lie. It wasn’t, but how would he know that?
Gia wasn’t sure who was being more foolish: Roger for hiring her or her for agreeing to his offer. She knew if it seemed too good to be true, it probably was. And then the whole thing about claiming her as a date if they were caught out in public, that was just . . . a strange request.
He was rich and attractive. There was no way anyone was going to believe he was on a date with her. She didn’t consider herself ugly, but she pictured him with someone who pampered herself with expensive salons and pricey clothes. If she didn’t find it on a clearance rack, you better believe she found it at a consignment shop. Paying full price, never mind a high price, wasn’t in her DNA.
Gia grew up in a large family of five older siblings and one younger. Her parents taught her the value of a penny. She didn’t toss them aside, they added up, and sometimes that jar of coins was all they had to buy milk and bread. Even though both her parents had worked, it seemed one of the kids always needed something that hadn’t been in the budget.
That’s why she had to make this happen. Going back home was an option, and her parents said the door was always open, but they had sacrificed enough. It wasn’t fair to them to be a burden, not at her age. Knowing she had their support was good enough. It had to be.
Since she had no idea what kind of work she was going to be doing—it could be cleaning his house for all she knew—she was going to dress business casual. Like the day they first met, or made contact through the puddle, she opted for a dress and sandals. The weatherman said it was going to be a clear and sunny day. However, in New England the weather changed in the blink of an eye.
Believing she was dressed for almost anything, Gia headed to the café that Roger asked to meet at. She wasn’t a coffee drinker, and this place was known for their espresso. Hopefully they also served hot tea.
When she got off the bus, she knew Roger was already there. That black sleek beast was parked directly in front, but as she walked closer, she noticed he was sitting inside. He was on his cell phone, and the way he slapped his steering wheel, things weren’t going the way he wanted. He’d made it clear he wasn’t all that . . . nice. Was this a more accurate view of who he really was?
What did she know about him, except he was somehow linked with the Hendersons? That had been made clear when he called Lena and used her first name without any introduction. That was the only reference he’d come with.
It wasn’t as though she personally knew any of the Hendersons, but there was no way you lived or worked in Boston and didn’t know of them. Several families were that rich and powerful. Hendersons and Barringtons were two of the top ten. And Roger says he’s going to get my résumé in their hands.
She hadn’t forgotten that and had a copy prepared and with her. Hopefully his word was worth as much as his car.
Standing outside while he chewed out whomever he was talking to didn’t make any sense. So she went inside and ordered a black leaf tea with honey. She was about to pay when she noticed orange pecan scones drizzled with a sugar glaze. Having one heated and added to her bill, she grabbed them both and took a seat beside the window. It provided her a great view of him sitting in his car.
From the scowl on his face, it didn’t look as though he was going to be entering the café any time soon. Even if he blew her off, it wasn’t a total loss. The scone was delicious.
A man she didn’t know came over and asked, “Is this seat taken?”
Gia looked up and said, “I’m . . . waiting for someone.”
“Why don’t I keep you company in case they don’t show.”
Roger’s deep voice said, “Take a hint. She’s not interested.” The guy turned around and was about to utter something else, but for some reason, he clamped his mouth shut and walked away.
Smart man. She wished it had something to do with her, but she knew it was the look in Roger’s eyes. There was something menacing, and only a fool would push to find out how far he’d go. She wasn’t about to flatter herself and think he was jealous that another man was showing interest. Although his tone was one of a jealous boyfriend, she knew Roger had been pissed off before he entered the building. So she bit back any sarcastic teasing as the timing was off. The last thing she wanted was to add to what already seemed to be a bad day.
Gia let it drop. “I don’t know how you take your coffee or I’d have gotten you one.”
“I’m good, but normally, strong and black,” he said as he took a seat. “I had a few things to take care of.”
Yes you did. She hoped she’d never feel his wrath. “It gave me a chance to have a bite to eat.”
“I guess we can get started.” He reached inside his pocket, pulled out a photo, and handed it to her. “What do you know about photography?”
She looked at the black and white picture. “That it has changed a lot since this was taken.” She continued to hold onto it as she asked, “Who are they?”
“I don’t know.”
“I guess the first thing would be find out when and where it was taken. That might help you find out who they are,” Gia stated.
“Anything else to add?” Roger asked.
“What do you have to go on besides the photo?” Gia loved a mystery, but this might be more than she was prepared for. Usually she would be looking through documents and files to find an inconsistency.
“Nothing.”
She looked up, expecting to see Roger was playing a joke on her, and this wasn’t really the project he’d hired her for. But there was no hint of that. Turning her attention back to the photo, she tried to gather as much as she could from it. She wasn’t a historian by any means, but it appeared to have been taken maybe around the time her great-grandparents were alive. Guessing wasn’t something she was used to doing. She functioned on facts, and right now she had none. “I’m not sure I’m going to be much help.”
“Why do you think that?” Roger asked.
“I thought you needed . . . something different. Something more like . . . research.”
“That’s what this is.”
Maybe to others, but this seemed more along the line of an investigation, and nothing like anything she’d ever done before. Was she qualified to do that type of work? Absolutely not. Was she about to admit that to him? Absolutely not. If she backed out now, why would he recommend her to the Henderson family? Not that she needed to impress Roger, but she didn’t want to make him question his offer. She could find work on her own, but having someone speak on her behalf with the Henderson family was more than she dreamed would happen. I’m not screwing this up.
“Do you have a deadline?” she asked.
He shook his head. “No. But my client would like this information as soon as possible. As I mentioned before, no one can know anything about this photo or that you’re working for me. Is that understood?”
Roger’s tone was firm and direct, unlike she’d heard from him before. The picture looked innocent enough, but the hairs on the back of her neck said otherwise. God, I hope I don’t regret this.
“I gave you my word. The only one I’ll speak to about it is you.” Of course she wasn’t sure she would actually learn anything.
“Good. Now, did you bring it?”
Roger changed subjects so fast she wasn’t sure what he was speaking about. “What exactly is it?”
“Your résumé.”
Gia reached into her purse, pulled out an envelope, and slid it across the table. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
He didn’t pick it up. Instead he said, “I believe you should deliver it.”
“Did you want me to mail it?” she asked.
“No. I was thinking more like giving it to them at dinner tonight.
”
Okay, somewhere she’d lost track of what was going on. Things seemed to be getting a lot more complicated than they needed to be. But why should applying for a job be anything different? “We’re having dinner with them?”
“In a sense. There’s a fundraiser tonight, and I know for a fact they will be there.”
“I thought you wanted me to start working on this photo, not crashing some event.” Roger leaned back in his seat and was staring at her. His lack of response was unnerving. But she wasn’t going to give in either. She’d come this far before meeting Roger, she’d be fine without his help. Yet the silence was driving her crazy. So she took back the control. “I’m working on your project, but that doesn’t give you the right to dictate how I spend my nights.”
Gia didn’t miss the slight tensioning of his chiseled jawed before he replied, “You’re positive you want to decline this request?”
“A request would imply that you asked.”
Roger cocked a brow and said, “I thought you’d be more receptive to my assistance.”
That only showed how little he knew about her. “There is a difference. I’d take the time to explain it to you, however I have a feeling it wouldn’t do any good. You appear to be a man who takes charge and does things his way.” Or no way.
Roger laughed softly. “Yes. I can be a controlling ass. But I’m result driven. You want that job?”
“Not at any price,” she said flatly.
Roger nodded. “Good. Because if you’re so easily persuaded, I don’t want you working for me either.”
“So this was a test?” Gia asked.
He shook his head. “No. I would like you to attend the event with me tonight. Mostly because they bore the shit out of me.”
“Then why are you going?” She already knew it wasn’t because he was obligated.
“This is . . . personal.”
And you want to take me? She could ask what was personal about it, but there was another way to obtain that same information. She could accept his so called invitation.
“What time and what’s the attire?” She didn’t have any information, and even worse, she wasn’t sure she had the right dress.
“Black tie,” he said.
Gia was screwed. It was Saturday, and she didn’t own anything formal. No way was she informing Mr. Fancy Pants of that. Purchasing one was out of the question. But she had a friend back home who was involved in the local theater. People were donating stuff to them all the time. The last show Gia went to, she’d been in awe over the gowns. Please have one in my size.
She got up and said, “I better get going.”
“I thought we were going to talk about the photo,” Roger said.
Gia couldn’t believe him. She had no problem setting him straight. “I’m not sure how much you know about women, but you can’t ask someone to a black tie event and expect them to sit around sipping tea and talking. I need to get ready.”
She could feel his eyes slowly roam from toe to head. “Red,” he said.
“Excuse me?”
“Do you have a red dress?”
Gia wanted to burst out laughing and tell him she didn’t have one in any color. Instead she shrugged. “Why?”
“You can pull off a bold color like that.”
With her hands on her hips, she stated, “Although I appreciate the compliment, I do not need your guidance on what to wear. All I need is time to get ready. Where should I meet you?”
“I’ll pick you up at eight. And before you argue, there is no way you’re riding a bus to the Gold Crown Plaza.”
“Eight o’clock it is.” With that she rushed out of the café, already dialing Vickie.
“Hi Gia. Are you home for the weekend?”
It was funny that no matter how long she lived away from Maplesville, her family and friends always called Rhode Island her home. “Sorry Vickie, but I have plans. That’s actually why I’m calling. If I promise to make you my maid of honor, will you do me a huge favor?”
Vickie screeched. “You’re getting married?”
Gia laughed. “No. But if I was, you’ll be my maid of honor.”
Letting out a long exasperated sigh, Vickie added, “That wasn’t very funny.”
“I know, but I believe I owe you for that surprise party the last time I visited.”
She could picture Vickie’s overdramatic eye roll. “Really, you need to loosen up a little.”
“Vickie, you know I don’t sing.” And definitely not in public. But what was she supposed to do when her best friend went through all the trouble to plan the party around singing karaoke.
“Okay, you win. So what is it you need?”
“A dress. I mean a gown. Oh hell, Vickie, you know I’m not good at this.”
“Tell me about it. Your wardrobe is meant for the office. That’s it.”
“Normally that’s all I need. But I’m attending a formal event.”
“I’m sure I have something for you. How soon do you need it?” Vickie asked.
Clearing her throat, Gia prepared herself for the gasp that was surely going to follow. “The event’s tonight.”
“What! Tell me you’re not serious.”
“I am.”
“Gia, you are so darn lucky I don’t have any plans today. It’s going to take me at least two hours to go through my assortment and pack them into the car. Then I have to drive there, do your hair and makeup, and—”
“All I need is a dress.”
Vickie laughed. “So you believe. I need to know more about the event so I can pick the right one.”
“I don’t know anything about it.”
“Who are you? Because my friend is so . . . predictable,” Vickie questioned teasingly.
“He didn’t tell me any more than—”
“He? You’ve been holding out on me. If you want that dress you better start spilling it.”
Gia couldn’t believe she let that slip. But the clock was ticking. “I can tell you all about it when you’re here. So you’re thinking three hours at the most?”
“Are you kidding me? It might be worth a ticket. I’ll be there in less than two. And trust me, I’m not leaving until I hear about everything.”
Vickie ended the call, and Gia put the phone in her purse as she got onto the bus. Sadly, Vickie was much more excited about her going out tonight than she was. And whatever you think it will be is more exciting than what it probably will be.
Roger normally sent a check for these functions. He got that they needed to raise funds. But for most of the people there, it was about status and looking as though they gave a shit. It pissed him off that they believed money fixed everything.
He wasn’t so ignorant to believe it wasn’t needed. The families of the fallen DEA agents needed the support. But they also needed the fucking cover-up and drugs to stop. Some of the people donating were also suspected of being connected to the drug cartels. Playing nice with them at this event wasn’t easy. But eventually, everyone would be taken down.
Part of him wanted to go back to the agency. It was where he belonged. Even now, knowing he was going to be close to some of the active agents, the flashbacks tortured him. He didn’t care who the hell told him it wasn’t his fault, it still felt like it had been. They never should’ve entered that house. Not without knowing who was inside. But it was all about making the bust. The meth lab needed to be shut down. They had the warrant. What no one knew, or expected, was children were being held in the basement.
He replayed it over and over again. The agents shouted for the suspects to put their hands up. Instead one pulled out a sawed-off shotgun and killed one of the agents. Then all hell broke loose. One of the assailants leaped through a window, still armed. Roger exited the building after him. As he tackled him to the rough asphalt, the sound of the house exploding rumbled through him and shards of glass and wood flew all around. He rolled over, not letting go of his prisoner, to see the house engulfed in flames.
One of a
gents stumbled out of the door and collapsed on the steps. Roger rushed over and pulled him away from the burning house. He patted out the flames on his uniform and performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. Even as they took the agent away, Roger knew it was too late.
He was the only survivor on the team. But they were more than fellow agents. They had been family, and they trusted each other to have their backs. Over the years, Roger replayed that horrible day over and over again. What had they missed? They had raided more places than he could count, and things had never gone so bad.
As agents, they knew the risks. Drug dealers, guards, and cookers paid the price for the choices they made. But the children had been innocent in all of this. The oldest one had been seven. They never had a chance to live their lives, to make their own mistakes.
And we should’ve known they were there.
They had been watching that house for months, not days. People came and went all hours of the day and night. They were all adults.
No one had been able to determine how long those kids had been in there, but they were eventually identified as children of the assholes running that meth lab.
Roger had been put on administrative leave after that. They thought he needed time to heal. If he lived to be a hundred and fifty, it’d feel just as raw as it had that day.
That’s why he was still sitting in the limo in front of Gia’s apartment building. It was bad enough he was going to this event, why the hell was he going to subject her to it?
He could tell her it was so she could meet and mingle with the Henderson family in a neutral environment, but that wasn’t true. It wasn’t as though pulling out a résumé and handing it to one of them would ever be a wise thing to do. If anything, she’d look . . . desperate.
That’s not how Roger viewed Gia. She wasn’t attending this with him for some damn job. Not the way she challenged him every chance she got. So why did she agree? Sure as hell wasn’t my charm.
Nine Rules of Engagement (Barrington Billionaire's Series Book 9) Page 4
