by Katie Reus
“You leaving, baby girl?” Her dad’s booming voice cut through her train of thought. Everything about him was loud, larger than life.
Shaking herself, she nodded and stepped farther into the room. “Yeah. I’ve got some work to do before my meeting tomorrow.” And okay, she wanted to get plenty of naked time with Michael. Not like she’d be saying that out loud, however.
“Thanks for coming over for lunch,” he said, standing and rounding his desk. “I don’t see you enough lately.”
“I know.” They’d always had weekly lunches or dinners, either in the city or at his house. Usually in the city, since he worked for a big defense contractor. “I’m hoping after Christmas things will slow down.” Usually January and February were her slowest months, and from what she knew, her dad didn’t have a big contract coming up.
“Well, I’ve got to head out the day after Christmas. Probably going to sign a new contract soon. Which will mean travel.” He winced slightly, looking guilty.
Disappointment filled her but she hid it. “It’s okay. I always understand work.” And she did. Her mom had died in childbirth, so it had just been the two of them from the beginning. She knew he dated, but he’d never brought anyone home. And he’d worked incredibly hard to send her to the best schools. He’d given her everything she’d ever wanted or needed. When she was younger she hadn’t appreciated how much he’d done—what kid did?—but now she understood how much he’d sacrificed for her and how many opportunities she’d been given.
“I know that you do.” He looped his arms around her, pulling her into a bear hug before he kissed the top of her head. “Text me when you’re home. I want to know you made it safe.”
“I will.” She was almost thirty but it didn’t matter to her dad. She’d always be his baby girl. And she was okay with that.
“So is that man of yours planning on proposing any time soon?” he asked, stepping back and eyeing her.
“Ah, I think it’s too soon.” Though if Michael asked she would say yes. Which seemed insane to admit, even to herself. The chemistry she had with him was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before, and when they were together Michael had eyes for no one but her. She felt treasured and safe in a way she’d never expected or thought possible. None of her previous boyfriends held a candle to Michael. He could be a little overprotective and worried about her safety, but there were a lot worse qualities she could have in a significant other.
“Four months isn’t too soon. I knew your mom was the one after a month.” His dark eyebrows pulled together, his brow furrowing.
Shaking her head, she just gave her dad another hug. She’d heard the story a million times, it felt like. Her mom had been waiting tables at a diner and he’d been one of her customers. He’d been smitten from the start, but it had taken a week to convince her mom to go out with him. “I’ve really got to run, but I promise to let you know when I’m home.” She’d told Michael she’d leave a while ago, had even packed up her car—including her cell phone. He’d probably called her, wanting to know where she was.
Stepping out into the hallway, she started to head for the front door but caught herself at the stairwell and headed back up it instead. She made her way to one of the guest rooms where she’d left her laptop. As she picked it up, something caught her eye. She glanced out one of the windows onto her father’s huge estate and frowned. The two buttercream curtains were pulled back, revealing acres and acres of rolling green grassland. The front of the property was covered in trees, mainly live oaks. But she’d thought she’d seen a flash of black dart behind one of the trees.
Laptop tucked under her arm, she moved closer to the window, the warmth of the afternoon sun bathing her face as she peered outside. More of the yard and the long, winding driveway that looped out to the west side of the property came into view.
Her breath caught in her throat as she tried to digest what she was seeing.
A line of dark SUVs were rolling down the drive, some with flashing blue lights, and a swarm of men dressed in all black were rushing the house.
Ohmygodohmygodohmygod!
She was racing for the door, ready to shout for her dad, when an explosion sounded downstairs.
“Dad!” she screamed as she spilled out into the hallway. Fear lanced through her, sharp and stinging. What the hell was going on?
At the top of the stairs she saw that the explosion had been someone ramming the front door open. It hung off its hinges and two men in tactical gear with huge freaking guns pointed them up the stairs at her.
“Hands in the air, now!” one of them shouted.
Without thought she dropped the laptop and threw her hands up. Her heart was an erratic, out-of-control beat in her chest as her computer tumbled down the stairs, clacking along the wooden steps.
“Face down on the ground!” the same man shouted.
Even as she was complying, falling to her knees at the top of the stairs, both men were racing up toward her. Seconds later one of them yanked her arms behind her back and slapped handcuffs on her.
“Dad!” she screamed for her father even as the armed man yanked her to her feet. She could see the FBI logo on their vests so she knew they were from the government, but none of this made sense. Why would they be raiding her father’s house when he worked for a defense contractor? He was one of the good guys.
Pop. Pop.
She jumped at the sound of gunfire. Two more sharp pops went off in quick succession. Then glass shattered.
Oh God, her father. Was he injured? Before she could do or say anything…
Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack.
The sound of staccato gunfire made her flinch even as the armed man spoke to her. She had no idea what he was saying, couldn’t comprehend the words. No, she could only focus on the terrifying sounds of gunfire in her childhood home and the people swarming in through the broken front door. They were like roaches, all dressed in black.
“Where’s my father? Is he okay?” she shouted, unable to get her voice or her heartbeat under control as the man led her downstairs. She was vaguely aware of the other man having left them and storming into the guest room she’d just been in. Maybe they were looking for more people? Maybe they thought someone else was here?
She struggled to push the fear aside. This had to be a mistake. Whatever was going on they would fix it. But she just needed to find her father, needed to see that he was okay.
The man leading her downstairs didn’t respond, just spoke into an earpiece. She wanted to keep shouting at him, to keep screaming, but knew it wouldn’t do any good.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs Michael stormed through the front door. She froze, looking at him, not comprehending why her boyfriend was here. There were so many people hustling in and out of her father’s home.
She felt as if she was watching this happen to someone else, that this was some nightmare she’d wake up from.
“Get those cuffs off her!” Michael shouted at the man next to her.
Fear for him slid through her veins like slow-moving ice, sharp and burning. She started to tell him to back off or something, worried that this armed man would handcuff him too, but to her surprise she felt the handcuffs being released. The armed man practically shoved her at Michael before hurrying off upstairs, his boots stomping loudly on the treads.
Blinking, she stared up at Michael, trying to find her voice and trying to understand this entire situation. “What are you—”
That was when she realized he was wearing a jacket that had the FBI logo on it. A blue windbreaker that seemed too light for the current weather, not that it mattered one bit.
She blinked again, frozen in place. “You’re FBI?” she asked stupidly. He’d told her that he was a security contractor for a private company. Just like her father.
His jaw tightened. “Come on. I need you out of here.” He wrapped his fingers around her upper arm.
She pulled back from him, ignoring the strangers moving around
them as if they had every right to be here. “My father—”
He didn’t let her go even though she tried to yank away. His grip only tightened. “I need you out of here now!”
“I need to see my father!” Her voice rose with every word. Her entire body trembled and all she knew was that she’d heard gunfire.
In her childhood home.
And her father wasn’t calling for her.
A sick sensation pervaded her, making her stomach lurch. “My father?” she whispered.
Even though she was certain Michael didn’t hear her over the cacophony of noise, he shook his head, his jaw tight and his expression tormented. He turned slightly to the side and she saw an earpiece.
His grip dropped for an instant as one of those armed men stepped up to him, spoke in quiet tones. It was the only opening she needed. Shoving away from him, she sprinted down the hallway. Two steel bands encircled her from behind as she reached the doorway of her dad’s office.
But it was too late.
Her father was sprawled on his blue and green Persian rug, the crimson of his blood staining it and him. A gun lay near one of his limp hands. Blood covered the front of what had been a pale cornflower blue shirt, one she’d given him for his last birthday. Two huge holes gaped in his chest and there was a bright red stain in the middle of his forehead.
Oh… God. No, no, no.
“Noooooo!” She realized she was screaming only as Michael lifted her into his arms and tossed her over his shoulder, racing her away from her worst nightmare.
Isa’s eyes opened with a start, her heart racing out of control, sweat dotting her upper lip and dripping down her back despite the cool temperature in her bedroom. She hadn’t had that particular nightmare—which wasn’t a nightmare, but a memory—in months.
Trembling slightly, she slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. After splashing cold water on her face she stepped into her bedroom and realized it was only ten o’clock. She’d crashed an hour ago, abnormally early for her to go to bed, but she’d just wanted to shut out the real world, and sleep had been the best way to do that.
Picking her phone up off the nightstand, she texted Mara. You awake?
Less than ten seconds later her phone rang. When Isa saw Mara’s number on the screen, she smiled. “Hey, you didn’t have to call.”
“I know, but it’s late for you to be texting. What’s up?”
“I…” Ugh, she felt like an idiot. Why had she texted? She didn’t want to say she’d had a bad dream. It made her sound like a five-year-old. Her throat tightened as unexpected tears stung her eyes. Some days she’d be totally fine about everything—or at least able to cope—and then she’d have a nightmare and it was like she was drowning in memories and grief all over again.
“You want some company?” Mara asked softly.
Isa blinked, the question taking her by surprise. “Oh, no, it’s too late. I just texted because…” She let out a short laugh. “Because working with Graysen is harder than I imagined. But this can wait until tomorrow.”
“Harrison had to go out of town tonight. A quick trip up to Orlando to meet with a potential client.”
“Oh, right.” She’d actually known that, had talked to him earlier about what they’d discovered so far at Raptor Aeronautical.
“So, I’m alone anyway and I can’t sleep without Harrison. I’ll be over in a bit with a bottle of wine. Pick out a movie for us. None of those stupid romantic comedies.” She hung up before Isa could respond, as was Mara’s way.
A very small part of Isa felt bad, wanted to call Mara back and tell her not to come over simply because Isa was feeling emotional and out of sorts.
After losing pretty much her entire social circle after her father’s treachery had been splashed all over the news a year ago, she’d been so damn alone when she’d moved to Miami. No one from DC or even her college friends would return her calls. She’d become a leper overnight.
Landing the job with Red Stone Security had been unexpected and a gift in more ways than one. From that first day, Mara had taken her under her wing and made her feel accepted.
Even though it made her feel a little pathetic that her friend was coming over so late because she was feeling weak and needy, she didn’t care. Right now she needed a friend.
Chapter 9
Graysen steered into the parking garage of his high-rise condo. He’d stayed at Isa’s house, watching as the lights went off one by one. But then he’d started to feel like a stalker so he’d forced himself to leave. Going to her home had been a risk, a stupid one. And the reason he’d given her for showing up—that he’d been worried about her safety—had been equally stupid. She wasn’t in danger.
He’d just needed to see her. It had been selfish on his part, but where Isa was concerned he didn’t seem to think clearly.
As he got out of his SUV, memories of the day her father died assaulted him. Isa should have been in DC, far away from everything that went down on that fateful day. But because of bullshit timing, she’d seen everything and her life had been ripped apart. His too, because he’d screwed up everything with her that day.
Not that it mattered. The only thing he cared about was her. She’d ripped his world apart simply by being in it. If he could go back in time… Hell. He didn’t know what he’d do. Her father had been selling state secrets, had betrayed his country to the highest bidder on more than one occasion.
But Isa had been innocent in it all. Not that it had mattered once the media ripped her father’s life apart. Hers had been destroyed right along with it. She’d lost her job, her friends, everything. Guilt raked through him at the knowledge that he’d been part of that.
It was why she’d moved to Miami, to escape the bitter scrutiny and judgment. She’d have never been able to get a decent job in DC again anyway. Not after what had happened. She’d always be looked at with suspicion no matter how innocent she was. There’d been another scandal a week after the story of her father’s treachery and death broke, something to do with multiple senators being caught up in a prostitution ring. It was the only thing that had allowed her to start over as easily as she had without further media scrutiny. People cared more about sex, and the politicians’ story had been salacious.
Instead of walking to the elevator, he took Peaches out of the garage and headed around the big building to the area designated for pets. A bright full moon illuminated the grassy area. As Peaches took care of her business, that gut-wrenching afternoon replayed in his mind.
Maybe because it was close to Christmas, or maybe because he’d spent most of the day with Isa, but that day was all he could think about.
His heart raced a little faster as the phone rang, as he waited for Isa to pick up. He’d just gotten a call from his boss that today they would be infiltrating her father’s estate and arresting him. The man had just taken the bait they’d laid out for him, agreeing to meet with a new buyer to potentially sell the identities of five covert agents. As a defense contractor he wouldn’t normally have access to that kind of information but they’d discovered he’d been working with multiple hackers and using his access to areas of high-level security in different government buildings to help get those hackers infiltrated into private intranet networks.
“Hey, babe.” Isa’s voice was light, her tone easy.
He forced his voice to remain steady when all he wanted to do was tell her the truth. But he couldn’t. “Hey, are you headed back to the city yet?”
“Soon, I promise. Just spending time with my dad.”
He needed to get a time frame from her but didn’t want to tip her off that it mattered what time she got back home. The FBI had moved up their infiltration day and time. Isa wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near the estate when this happened. That had been one of his main concerns. Shit like this happened all the time, something he understood. But it had never been personal like this before. He’d never expected someone like her—and had never slept with anyone involved in a case befor
e either. She was so sweet, open, and giving. She made a lot of money analyzing work effectiveness for various companies but gave so much back to the community with her free time. It was hard to believe she was her father’s daughter, now that he knew how treacherous the man really was.
“Well hurry back. I miss you. And I have something I want to talk to you about.” He hated himself even as he said the words. He needed to tell her everything they’d discovered about her father. He wanted to do it in a calm setting where it was just the two of them. Not that it would matter where he told her—the news that her father was a traitor to his country would devastate her. But he still wanted to break the news to her as easy as he could.
“Are you breaking up with me?” she asked jokingly, clearly knowing that he never wanted to do that.
When he was with her he might pretend to be Michael, but he was still able to be himself, to be Graysen. And he hated himself more and more every day for lying to her face. But too many men and women had died because of the information her father had leaked. People who mattered to him. He had a duty to his country and to all the other people out there who could become a target, could be tortured, murdered and worse because their identities were sold to the highest bidder.
“No.” But you’ll probably never want to see me again.
“Okay, then I won’t push you to tell me what it is. I’ll be leaving in the next couple minutes.”
“You know I love you, right?” The words stuck in his throat even though they were true. Soon she would look at him in a new light, would see him for the liar he was. He just prayed that she could forgive him because a world without Isa in it was not a world he wanted to live in. And if she ended things with him… Hell, he couldn’t go there. He just needed to get through this day.
“I love you too…” There was a rustling, then her voice was muffled for a moment. “Hey, I’ve got to run, but I’ll see you soon.”
He glanced at his phone even though he already knew the time. If she left soon, she would be away from the estate when everything went down. That was the only thing that made him feel nominally better about this whole screwed up situation.
