Deadly Betrayal

by L A Dobbs

  “Not much, sir. Honest.” He glanced at Jan before continuing. “I heard the alarm on the side door buzz, and when I got there, the door was cracked open, and this was sitting on the floor. Since that’s the delivery entrance, I figured the guy got tired of waiting for me and just left it. They do that sometimes.” Bobby rubbed his face, his expression nervous. “Is there something wrong?”

  “Maybe.” Dino’s gaze was hard. He was assessing Bobby probably trying to figure out if he was lying. But to Jan, Bobby looked innocently confused about the interrogation.

  “I don’t know anything about it.” Bobby gestured at the package. “I just saw Ms. Winters’ name on it and figured I’d save everyone some extra work and took it to her dressing room myself.” He looked at Jan again, eyes wide. “Honest, Ms. Winters. You know how much I like and respect you. I didn’t mean any harm.”

  “I know, Bobby.” She smiled and patted him on the arm again. “I know.”

  Dino frowned at her then turned his attention back to Bobby. “Are there cameras at the side door?”

  “Yes, sir.” Bobby nodded then winced. “Won’t do you much good though.”

  “Why not?”

  “Some of the guards, they still like to smoke out there sometimes, even though it’s against city ordinance now. To keep from getting caught, they turned the cameras toward the wall so no one can see them.”

  “Perfect.” Dino exhaled long and slowly, slumping back in his seat.

  “Plus there’s them girls too.”

  “Girls?” Dino raised an incredulous brow at Bobby’s words. “What girls?”

  “The ones who hang around outside that entrance. They want a look inside the studio, thinking they’ll meet some famous people, and they’re willing to do anything in order to get it.”

  “Seriously?” Jan scrunched her nose. “I had no idea.”

  “They try to keep it secret, ma’am.” Bobby pushed the brim of his officer’s hat higher. “Doesn’t sound good to the talent, you know.”

  “Doesn’t sound good period,” Dino said, shaking his head. “I could have every single one of you fired for what you just told me. Hell, I should have you all fired for gross incompetence.”

  “Please, sir.” Bobby sat forward, his tone apologetic. “I’m so sorry about what’s going on with Ms. Winters, and I want to do anything I can to help. Please don’t say anything. I’ll make sure to keep that delivery entrance locked at all times from now on, and I’ll turn the cameras back out toward the alley myself. Please, sir. I’ve got a wife and a baby on the way and…”

  “I said, I should.” Dino scrubbed a hand over his face then met Bobby’s gaze directly. “I didn’t say I would.” He inhaled sharply and pushed to his feet. “C’mon, we’ll both fix those cameras, and you can show me exactly where you found this package.”

  “Yes, sir.” Bobby stood. “This way, sir.”

  “Jan, stay here while I take care of this, okay?”

  She nodded, too upset to argue. Her own security staff had failed her, the people entrusted with her care and safety. What she needed to hear right now was a friendly voice, a friendly person with no other motives regarding her than friendship and compassion. She pulled out her phone and dialed her cousin Stacy’s number. Stacy didn’t exactly fit the bill perfectly, but she was the only family Jan had left. Family should count for something, right?

  The call rang four times then went to voice-mail. Jan left a brief message in her best cheery tone, not wanting to scare Stacy or guilt her into calling back. “Hey, it’s Jan. Call me when you get a chance.”

  Jan ended the call then decided to text Stacy too. Maybe she was working at the diner today and had her phone off. She typed in the same message she’d left on her cousin’s voice-mail then tucked her phone into the back pocket of her jeans. A chill passed through her despite the warm temperatures outside, and she snuggled deeper into the chair.

  Alone. She was here at the studio, surrounded by people, and yet she’d never, ever felt more alone in her life as Dino’s words from earlier continued on an endless loop through her exhausted brain.

  He might be starting to escalate. I was afraid that might happen…

  15

  A half hour later, Dino returned and wiped his hands on his jeans. "Okay. The cameras are turned, and the delivery entrance is secure. I also spoke with all the security guards here and set up a meeting for first thing tomorrow with the ones who aren’t. Things are back under control.”

  Except they weren’t, at least not for Jan. Lou had been down every five minutes, bugging her to get back to work, and each time her phone buzzed, she’d pulled it out, hoping, expecting it to be Stacy, returning her call or text. But so far, nothing. Much as she hated the thought of being seen as needy, she didn’t want to be alone. Not now and certainly not later tonight. Maybe Dino would stay over at her place again. As they walked upstairs to the recording studio, she gathered up the courage to ask. “So, um, are you coming to my place again tonight?”

  He gave her a quick side glance then grinned. “Miss me already, huh?”

  “No,” she said fast. Too fast. “I just meant that with all this happening, you should probably do another search of my place and all.”

  “Right.” They walked in, and Dino gave Lou a warning look as they passed, enough to keep him from bitching at her again, at least. “I can stop by your place this afternoon while you’re recording and do another sweep and make sure everything’s secure, but tonight’s out.”

  “It is?” She did her best to try to act professional and keep the disappointment from her tone and failed miserably.

  “I’ve got plans.”

  Her heart sank. Of course, he had plans. “Oh.”

  They both stood and stared at their toes for several seconds as awkward silence ensued.

  “You, could, uh...” Dino shrugged. “You could come with me, if you wanted.”

  Jan gave him an incredulous look. Like that would go over well on his date. Not. “Nah.”

  “C’mon. You’ll have fun. There’ll be lots of people there. Some of them you know.”

  Great. So it was Erin. No, that couldn’t be right—at her house after the party he’d distinctly said he vaguely remembered her. He wouldn’t have said that if he was dating her now. Not unless he’d gotten really good at lying in the past fifteen years. But he’d have no reason to lie to her about Erin. Which meant it was someone else she knew.

  Teeth clenched, she shook her head, unable to even believe he’d had the balls to ask. Who invited their old high school girlfriend on a date? “I’ve got stuff to do at home.”

  “Like what?” He tilted his head to the side, his tone teasing. “Trying out my omelet recipe for one?”

  “No.” She kicked a nonexistent pebble with the toe of her pump. “Just stuff.”

  “Liar.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. You’ve got no plans tonight. None. I’m your bodyguard. If you had something important to do, I’d know about it. And I don’t. Which means you don’t. And being with your bodyguard will be safer than being home all alone. So.” He grinned. “What time should I pick you up?”

  “I’m not going anywhere with you until you tell me exactly what we’re doing.”

  “Dinner. At Blake’s house.”

  “Oh.” Jan’s cheeks flamed. What an idiot, thinking he was inviting her on his date. Dinner at Blake’s didn’t sound so bad. It had been good to see him, and there was plenty more they could catch up on. “And you’re sure he wouldn’t mind me tagging along?”

  “Nah. His whole clan will be there, so one more mouth to feed won’t make any difference.”

  “His whole family?” The Rockfords were a notoriously large and close-knit group. “Maybe I shouldn’t intrude.”

  “Nope. You agreed, and no backing out is allowed.”

  “I never agreed.”

  “You implied.”

  “Implied doesn’t count.”

  “I
t does with me.” He took a seat on the sofa in the production area and crossed his arms. “We’ll leave here at seven thirty. Dinner’s at eight. That gives you three hours to sing your little heart out. Now, don’t you have work to do? Lou’s about ready to burn a hole through me with his glare.”

  Not sure what had just happened or even what to think about it, Jan headed into the recording booth and shoved the headphones on her head. By seven fifteen that evening, she’d finished the track they’d been working on for the past week and even started on another. Lou seemed satisfied, for once, and even Dino was grinning at her as she walked out of the booth and back into the production area.

  She gave him an exasperated look as she walked out of the room. “What are you so happy about?”

  “Nothing.” He followed her down the stairs and back to her dressing room to grab her purse. “I’m just looking forward to a great home-cooked meal for a change.”

  They exited Treble Studios and climbed into his Tahoe for the short drive to Blake’s home in Summerlin South. The homes they passed weren’t quite as large as Jan’s, but pretty close. With such a large family, she imagined Blake put all his square footage to good use. Unlike her. Hell, there were rooms in her house she’d barely stepped foot into, let alone used for anything. The fact only served to drive home her loneliness even more, and once again, her discomfort over showing up uninvited tonight rose. “I really don’t feel comfortable just showing up like this, Dino. I mean, I appreciate your offer and all, but maybe—”

  “Too late.” He signaled then turned into a short drive leading to a huge two-story home with a fenced-in backyard and a homey, lived- and loved-in feel. “We’re here.”

  Great. Jan sighed and peered out of the car at the people she could see milling about inside through the open windows. Since these people knew Dino, she expected they’d take his side with the whole tabloid scandal and be hostile toward her. Or they’d go the opposite direction and fawn all over her because of her fame. Neither sounded like how she wanted to spend her evening. Unfortunately, Dino was right. It was too late to back out now.

  He came around to her side of the SUV and helped her out, then they walked to the front door together. He rang the bell then looked over at her and smiled. “You’ll love it here.”

  I doubt it. She fidgeted with her clothes beside him, nervous. Actually she’d been here time or two in high school. She vaguely remembered Blake’s parent’s. Nice people. She wished they’d had time to stop by her house so she could change and freshen up. She checked her watch. Maybe if she borrowed his keys and hurried, she could make it back before they finished dinner, or better yet, she could fake an illness and just pick him up after the whole thing was done. She was about to ask as the front door swung open to reveal an older woman, late fifties, with silvering blond hair and a warm smile.

  “Dino,” the woman said, affection evident in her tone. She pulled him in for a hug and kiss then peered over at Jan. “You brought a guest.”

  “I did, Pearl. This is January Winters. She went to high school with me and Blake.”

  “I remember.” Before Jan knew it, Pearl Rockford had pulled her into the same hug then kissed her on the cheek as if they’d known each other for years. A tiny knot of tension in Jan’s stomach unfurled at the embrace. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had hugged her like that, and she had forgotten how much she missed it. “I remember you always hanging out with our Dino here. You two were quite an item back then, January.”

  “You can call me Jan, Mrs. Rockford.” Heat flooded Jan’s cheeks as she expected the whole his-side-versus-her-side stuff to begin. Except it didn’t.

  “And you can call me Pearl, dear.” She linked arms with both of them and walked them into the bustling living room, the space crawling with Rockfords of all ages and sizes.

  “Everybody,” Pearl shouted. “Dino’s here. And he brought Jan with him.”

  People waved and greeted them, but not one person made any type of fuss about Jan or her fame at all. Relieved, her tense shoulders relaxed, and she took a deep breath. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. Dino led her over to a couple of seats near the far wall of the family room, and once they’d settled in, she took a look around. Several of the faces looked familiar from high school.

  She recognized Blake, of course, and Noah Rockford, Blake’s father. Across the room she spotted Logan Rockford, Blake’s young brother, and Olivia, his younger sister. Both of them shared the signature Rockford height and fit build, but where Logan was the center of attention in his corner of the room—laughing, smiling, joking—Olivia seemed the exact opposite in her buttoned-up business suit and serious demeanor. They’d been like that in high school too, one fun and frivolous while the other was firm and forthright, at least from what she could remember. They were both a couple of years behind her and Dino and Blake.

  “Okay, everyone.” Noah Rockford stood at the entrance to what appeared to be a huge dining room, adorned in a Kiss the Cook apron with a plate full of freshly cooked burgers and hot dogs in hand. “Dinner is served.”

  The raucous bunch filed into the dining room, and everyone took their seats around the long table in the middle of the room. Jan couldn’t help but laugh at the banter between the siblings and the antics of the younger cousins scattered about. It reminded her of the dinners she used to have with her parents when her dad was still alive. He’d always made her feel special.

  “Hey.” Dino leaned in closer from his seat beside her at the table. “You doing okay?”

  She nodded but didn’t trust herself to speak. Jan blinked back tears as she stared down at her plate. Happy tears, not sad. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d just been able to go somewhere without worrying about what people thought or how they might react to or treat her. Here, no one seemed to care who or what she was, they just accepted her. Beneath the table, Dino took her hand and laced their fingers together, squeezing hers reassuringly. She leaned over and bumped shoulders with him in a silent thank-you she hoped translated.

  “So,” Blake said, his ice-blue gaze narrowed on Dino, then her. “Seems you two are quite the hot ticket these days.”

  “Hey,” Dino protested, giving Blake a warning glare. “I told you not to bring that up.”

  “Actually, there’s nothing going on,” Jan interceded.

  “Nothing, huh?” Logan Rockford said from his place across the table from Jan, his sly smile and raised brow indicating he didn’t buy it for a second. “Well, if that’s ‘nothing,’ then sign me up please.”

  Snickers broke out around the table.

  “Logan, shut up.” Olivia gave her brother a stern stare. “She’s a guest. Have some manners.”

  “Have some fun, why don’t you.” Logan winked at his younger sister despite her scowl. “Office hours ended a good two hours ago. Ain’t nobody for you to boss around in this house. Lighten up, sis.”

  “How about you all lighten up,” Pearl said. “And dig into this food before it gets cold.”

  They all filled their plates and chattered away throughout the meal until Pearl stood once more from her seat at one end of the table, clinking a fork against her glass to gain everyone’s attention. “I just wanted to say how happy I am to be here with my wonderful family again this week.” Her shining blue gaze landed on her husband at the other end of the table. Fresh tears gathered in Jan’s eyes at the love that was more than evident between them. With all her heart, she hoped to find something similar for herself one day. Despite all the money and the luxury, none of it meant anything without someone to share it with.

  Pearl resumed her seat, and the meal continued. Beneath the table, Dino rubbed tiny circles on her palm with his thumb. He’d not let go of her hand the entire time, as if he craved the contact as much as she did. She hazarded a glance in his direction and caught him watching her, his gaze warm.

  Could he feel the same way?

  Was it time for her to let go of some of the independence sh
e’d been clutching like a lifeline and trust him enough to find out?

  After finishing his second plate of sides, two burgers, and a hot dog, Dino sat back in his chair, stuffed with food and totally happy. What wasn’t there to be happy about? He was here with his surrogate family with Jan by his side, her hand still cradled in his. Life was good.

  Laura, Blake’s youngest sister, glanced over at him and smiled. Intelligent and clever as sin, she always had an excited gleam in her eye and a devious smile, as if she were in on a joke no one else was privy to. Her career choice of journalist suited her well.

  “So,” he asked her. “Where’s Jace tonight? This is the second time he’s missed the weekly clan gathering. Pearl’s gonna have his butt on a spit pretty soon.”

  “Tell me about it.” She shook her head. “I think he told Blake he’s hunting tigers in India or something. If he doesn’t want to come, he needs a more credible excuse.”

  Dino chuckled. “Beware the wrath of Pearl.”

  “Got that right.” Laura laughed then took a sip of her wine. “What are you up to these days?”

  He didn’t miss the hint of reporter’s curiosity in her tone or the way her hazel eyes darted between him and Jan. “I’m working security for your brother, as always.”

  “Bodyguard duty?” She pursed her lips. “I think that’s what Blake told me.”

  Blake had told her no such thing, Dino was sure. She was digging, pure and simple, and she’d been caught red-handed. “Keep your snooping for someone else’s business, missy.”

  She winked at him. “Purely selfish interest, I promise. You and Jan seem to be getting pretty cozy…”

  “Remind me why I chose this seat again?” He made to get up as Laura giggled and Jan looked over at him.

  “What’s going on?” she asked. “Are you ready to go?”

  “No.” He settled back in his seat again. “Just messing around.”

  “Oh, okay.” Her bright smile and relaxed features made his whole night. This is why he’d wanted her here with him. So she could feel this level of love and trust and security.