Eight Reasons Why

by Jeannette Winters

  Everything about his life seemed to be tied to the secrets his mother held. She truly believed she was doing what was best for him. That was fine when he was a child. He’d hoped she’d change her mind, but she never had.

  I have the right to know. And when I’m done with the Hendersons, that’s where I’m turning my focus.

  His heart pumped with frustration. If she wouldn’t tell him, he’d find the answers. Someone in Tabiq would remember. They might not want to, but they would. He’d find someone who had known his mother. He hadn’t found any Tabiqians with the last name Pintino, so it probably wasn’t his mother’s real name; could it be his father’s? All he had was a fake birth certificate listing his mother as Delveen Pintino, born in Switzerland, and his date of birth. Hell, I don’t even know if that’s my real birthday. But it didn’t matter; he never celebrated it.

  His cell phone rang with an unfamiliar number from the US. “Caydan Pintino here,” he answered.

  “You ready for the tour?” Shaun asked.

  The question is, are you?

  “I am.”

  Shaun said, “The car will be at the main entrance in five minutes. Dress casual. Jeans if you have them.”

  No shit. He didn’t need Shaun to tell him what to wear. Caydan didn’t want to think of Shaun as considerate. He needed to keep Shaun in the same category as the rest of the Hendersons. Controlling greedy bastards.

  “I’ll be there.” Caydan ended the call.

  He dressed in a pair of worn jeans and hiking boots. Depending on where they were going, the terrain could be rough. And so could the welcome committee. They needed to be cautious not be draw unwanted attention. There were a few rebels who didn’t want foreigners in Tabiq. At least not any who weren’t paying for permission to be there. The rebels ran Tabiq like a business, one that should be shut down for good.

  Although things seemed to have started changing, there were still small bands of men—the sort who had been so damn attractive to James—who weren’t going to walk away willingly. Their lack of respect for humanity was driven by greed and passed down from one generation to the next. They should be jailed, if not shot, for what they had done to Tabiq.

  He was sure that’s why his mother was afraid to return to her birthplace. Though she never spoke about what happened, she was often quiet and stared off in the distance. He could see it still caused her heartache, and she felt shame when there shouldn’t be any.

  James Henderson died before Caydan could confront him for his crimes. Destroy him. He hated that he’d been denied true justice. How many women, how many children, how many families had been torn apart due to one man? It was the devastating ripple effect that infuriated Caydan the most. It won’t happen again, Tabiq.

  Tabiqian blood flowed through his veins and anyone who tried to hold Tabiq back from becoming as it once was and could be again, would need to go through him. And the price is going to be high and painful.

  Caydan bent over and double-checked his ankle holster. If Allyson knows I’m carrying a concealed weapon, I’ll never hear the end of it. And probably get fired. But why would I care? Since Caydan had been forced to fly commercial most of the way, he’d relied on Roger to supply a gun. Even though it was his idea to join Shaun, Caydan wasn’t out to get himself killed. If things turned bad, he needed to protect himself.

  He looked at his watch and needed to leave. He grabbed his cell phone and slipped it into his back pocket before heading to meet Shaun.

  It was still early in the day, and most of the guests were still sleeping. The staff, of course, was there bright and early, cleaning up anything remaining from the night before. He acknowledged each as he passed them—not only for their benefit, but to memorize who belonged there and who didn’t. And to see who I can trust and who I can’t. Right now it was a very short list: Roger. And he’s on his way to Switzerland.

  When he finally arrived outside, he saw Bennett standing by a Jeep Wrangler. He looked around but didn’t see Shaun. “Guess I’m early.”

  “Nope. It’s just us. Get in and we’ll head out,” Bennett said as he got in the driver’s seat.

  Caydan didn’t move. “I thought Shaun wanted the tour.”

  “He did, but something came up. Shaun said to take you and he’ll catch up with you afterward.”

  What could’ve changed in the five minutes since we talked? This change wasn’t going to give him the one-on-one he wanted with Shaun. “I can wait for him and do this another time.”

  Caydan was about to go back inside when Bennett said, “There is no next time. You want to see Tabiq or not?”

  Backing out now would cause suspicion. Besides, without Shaun he actually might be able to see things he wouldn’t otherwise.

  Climbing into the passenger’s seat, he said, “I want to see everything there is to see.”

  Bennett turned to him and said, “I don’t think you’re ready for that. But I’ll take you to places that are . . . secure.”

  “Are you saying Tabiq isn’t stable?” Caydan already knew the answer.

  As they drove the winding roads, Bennett explained some of the history of Tabiq. Caydan asked a question occasionally, but for the most part, he just listened. It was the high-level overview of what had transpired. Never once did Bennett mention how young women had been taken from their families and sold to the highest bidder, never to be seen again, or the battles that ended in bloodshed as the corrupt government was being taken down.

  He didn’t expect Bennett to be forthcoming with any information he hadn’t already obtained himself. What surprised him though were the constant questions being shot at him. It was as though this wasn’t a show-Caydan-Tabiq tour as much as it was an informal inquisition.

  Caydan answered just as he’d done on his job interview, providing facts but nothing of any substance. Bennett continued to ask questions, and Caydan smoothly avoided anything too personal. When Bennett pushed, Caydan shut it down.

  “Any family?” Bennett asked.

  “No.”

  “How about your parents?”

  “I wasn’t hatched,” he responded sarcastically.

  Bennett ignored it, then asked, “Any siblings?”

  Caydan wasn’t playing this game, and he needed Bennett to understand that. Firmly he stated, “My personal life is just that.”

  Bennett turned briefly and looked at him but didn’t ask anything further. Surprisingly, he continued with the tour instead. He should have felt relief, but he knew Bennett by reputation, so to not be interrogated further almost caused him to worry. Almost. They visited some of the local shops, which were off limits, and a schoolhouse that was up and running. The hospital looked rundown on the outside, but inside it had been upgraded with all the latest medical equipment.

  By the time they returned, the sun was about to set. Caydan hadn’t thought they’d be gone that long only to see nothing of any importance. Or at least nothing he wanted to see. He didn’t want to tangle with the rebels, but he wanted to know where they hid.

  Guess I’ll have to find that out myself. He never did anything the easy way, why would he think this would be any different?

  After doing nothing but riding around all day, he was ready to relax. He debated changing to go for an evening swim, however he had one thing that couldn’t wait. He needed to find out what Allyson had been up to all day. I wonder if that’s what kept Shaun from joining me on the tour?

  He knew if he asked her, she wouldn’t answer, or she’d come back with a snippy response. He needed to play her game because, damn, she was good at it. Even though she couldn’t stand him, she was always so professional.

  Pulling out his cell, he sent her a text.

  HOW WAS THE SEA BASS?

  It was the only thing he could think of that wouldn’t sound threatening and she might happily respond to. He was right.

  SO GOOD I’M GOING TO HAVE IT AGAIN TONIGHT.

  He’d thought Little Miss Inquisitive would’ve asked about his outing, but
she surprised him and didn’t.

  HAVE YOU EATEN YET? Allyson asked.

  You want to see my reaction. Damn, Allyson, you’re good. Although it would’ve been easy to decline, Caydan couldn’t help but respond teasingly, which was out of character for him. IS THAT AN INVITATION TO JOIN YOU?

  There was a pause before she replied. MEET ME AT THE SAME CABANA. I’LL PLACE OUR ORDERS NOW.

  He was thrilled she hadn’t suggested the dining room because he wanted some privacy. He was prepared for whatever she asked, but he had a set of questions lined up as well.

  Caydan had cut their dinner short the night before, actually not getting to eat his. Roger had been keeping a keen eye on Shaun. Still, Caydan hadn’t been pleased when Shaun claimed his seat before it was even cold.

  I wish Roger was here to keep an eye on the others while she and I meet.

  He wasn’t in the mood for any unwanted interruptions. Despite feeling concerned in Bennett’s company, he hadn’t felt the threat he believed would be inevitable. Yet, keeping his calm and interested façade had drained him. Somehow he knew Allyson might be the only one who could restore his energy.

  * * *

  Allyson had been surprised to receive his text message. Caydan had been on her mind all day, and a small part of her felt guilty for manipulating the situation.

  She didn’t play games, in fact she couldn’t stand them. Yet she was participating in one. She could rectify that by coming clean, but it was no longer her decision. She had asked for Shaun to come, and he did. Apparently, her gut had been correct. Shaun had met with her earlier and now was asking for her help.

  He wanted her to spend some time with Caydan and try to learn more about his personal life. When she’d asked why, Shaun became like Caydan: arrogant and abrupt. Apparently he hadn’t been asking, he’d been telling.

  It wasn’t easy working for a bunch of men with strong personalities. There was a damn good reason she felt . . . overwhelmed at times. Being the HR manager was much different than reporting in to one. She was responsible for it all, and doing as Shaun said was something she wished she didn’t need to do.

  Allyson wasn’t sure she could pull it off. The only way to get someone talking about their personal life was for her to do the same. It was like a tennis match and the ball was in her court. Simple. I’ll tell him about my overbearing parents, and he’ll tell me about his . . . whatever he has.

  Allyson rolled her eyes, not believing the bullshit she was trying to sell herself. There was no way someone like Caydan was going to spill his life story to her. He hadn’t shared one single thing so far. But she wasn’t a quitter. Shaun needed her to do this, and come hell or high water she was going to succeed.

  It might take more than one dinner though.

  Caydan came up from behind her, and she practically leapt out of her skin.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said.

  “For such a tall man, you have a way of coming out of the shadows. I bet you were great at hide and seek as a kid.” She grinned internally as she snuck in a question right off the bat without even trying.

  With his usual dry tone, he answered, “Never been one for games.”

  Then you’re not going to like this one. Or me afterwards.

  As he sat down she teased, “Oh, so truth and dare is out of the question?”

  Caydan cocked a brow and asked, “Have you been drinking?”

  Her mouth gaped in horror as she realized he was serious. “No. Why would you even think such a thing?”

  She didn’t expect such an honest reply. “You’re not usually this . . . happy.”

  With a huff she added, “Yes I am. You just haven’t seen it. I know I don’t express myself well, but this transition has been hard. There’s a lot of pressure on me to succeed.”

  “I’m sure they wouldn’t have given you the job if you weren’t qualified.”

  Allyson relaxed a little and was glad the conversation was where she felt comfortable. “I’m sure you feel the same way: a new company and you want to impress them.”

  Caydan shook his head. “That’s where you are going wrong. You shouldn’t be out to impress them. You’re goal should be to challenge yourself to be the best you can be.”

  She smiled. “Hmm, now I wonder if you’ve been drinking with such positive advice.”

  Caydan waved his hand and called over the waiter. “I’ll have a Scotch on the rocks.” Then he turned to Allyson and asked, “Wine?”

  “No. I’m all about frozen fruity drinks. I’ll have a pina colada with extra maraschino cherries on top please.” The waiter dashed off, and she said, “I’m sure wine goes better with fish, but I can’t stand the taste.”

  “You’re hard to figure out.”

  “Me? I’m an open book. Ask me anything.” Please take the bait.

  He paused a moment as though studying her. Was it so hard for him to relax? But he eventually asked a question, one she didn’t expect.

  “You’re a beautiful woman, why would you risk coming here?”

  Beautiful? She never would’ve guessed he’d looked that closely at her. Perfect. Closing her eyes she kept on the playful side. “Right. You probably don’t even know what color my eyes are.”

  She didn’t need to wait long for his answer. “Green. And your right one has a brown speckle that catches the sun. And when you’re irritated, they turn colors.” Her eyes flew open, and he continued, “Like now.”

  “I’m not irritated. Shocked is more like it.”

  “Are you going to answer my question?”

  She’d totally forgotten about that. “I’d been working for Drake for several years. There wasn’t room for advancement; Scott definitely wasn’t going anywhere. I knew the rules, and I guess I wanted to try my wings at something bigger.”

  “And you couldn’t find a US-based company?”

  “You sound like my parents. I’m not off in some war zone. This is a luxury resort. Most people would die for this opportunity.”

  “Your parents were right. This is not a place I would’ve let someone I love come to.”

  She made a mental note of his need to protect. A trait she actually liked. But the word let was controlling.

  “I’m not a child, Caydan. I don’t need my parents’ or anyone else’s permission to do anything.”

  He cocked a brow. “Is there someone else?”

  Was he asking about a boyfriend? She wasn’t going to answer, not that she had one. “Nope, I’m an only child. How about you? Don’t your parents worry about you being here?”

  “I’m very capable of taking care of myself,” he said flatly.

  “Yes, but do they worry? That was the question.” She challenged him to answer.

  “There’s just my mother, and I’ve never asked.”

  Her mind raced. “I’m sure she does. That’s what mothers do. Especially when they have only one child. Do you have siblings?”

  “I thought we are talking about you,” Caydan said.

  She snickered. “And I thought we were just talking. So any brothers or sisters out there to take the pressure off you with your mother?”

  He shook his head. “Just me and mother.”

  He didn’t mention anything about a father. There had to be one. If she asked outright, she had the feeling he’d change the subject. Work it in slowly.

  “My father is tough, but my mom runs the house; he just doesn’t admit it. I think my father wished for a son, instead of a daughter. He’s a manly type of guy. You know one who likes to go fishing and camping and stuff like that. My mother likes to bake and even goes to quilting classes. They are as different as night and day, but they make it work. What about your father? Is he like your mom?”

  She could see his eyes darken and his jaw tense.

  “I never met him.”

  “I’m sorry. It must’ve been hard growing up without a dad. Did he pass when you were young?” She was pushing her luck, but Shaun wanted something personal,
and that seemed like it fit.

  Caydan glared at her. “If you really want to know, I have no idea. My mother never spoke of him, nor will she tell me who the cowardly bastard was. Is he alive? I don’t know. Do I care? No.” The tone said he was done talking about it.

  “Well it seems you turned out just fine without him.” She quickly changed the topic but knew Shaun would want that information. “So, tell me what do you like to do for fun? I mean beside swim.”

  “Nothing you can do here.”

  “New Hope has just about everything to do,” she corrected. It was like a compound no one ever wanted to leave.

  “I like hiking mountains.”

  “Okay, we don’t have mountains.”

  “Tabiq does. And someday I’ll hike them.”

  “Maybe I’ll join you,” Allyson added.

  “The hell you will,” he snapped. “You’re not leaving this resort. Not as long as I’m here.”

  “I wouldn’t be alone, I’d be with you.”

  He looked at her long and hard. But his eyes softened and so did his tone. “Allyson, promise me you won’t go past those gates. Not with anyone.”

  “Including you?” she asked softly.

  “I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, but right now I need you to promise you’ll stay here where you’re safe.”

  “Caydan, is something going on I should know about?” There definitely was, and she seemed to be the only one without any information.

  “Allyson, you really have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into, do you?”

  “No, but I can’t help if I don’t know the problem.”

  Caydan downed his Scotch and said, “There are things HR can’t fix. Just do the job you were hired for and don’t look for trouble. In Tabiq you can always find it. And when you do, it’s never pretty.”

  She swallowed back her fear. Was that a threat or was he actually trying to warn her of lurking danger she hadn’t noticed. Because things were changing here. It wasn’t as dangerous as before, was it? He would tell me if it was wouldn’t he? Either way, she would heed his advice. She was, after all, without options.