“Frog has come up with a workable plan. He emailed me more details before I left home to come here. According to his story, I met Ashley through him, and because my job was sensitive, we kept our connection quiet. Now that I’ve retired from the army, we’re able to make our engagement public. Frog briefed his parents and older sister. They’ll confirm the story.”
“Won’t she get blowback for lying once the cops catch the stalker?” Dillon asked.
“I asked Frog the same thing.” Josh rubbed the back of his neck. Although he understood, he didn’t enjoy lying. “He thinks they can spin the situation to garner public sympathy, and meantime, the engagement will bring publicity for the Labor party. Hopefully, he’s right.”
Dillon’s brows rose, curiosity glinting in his eyes as he considered the situation. “What does a fake-fiancé do?”
Josh shrugged. “According to Frog, I attend political functions with his sister and stand at her side while watching for threats and keeping her safe. In my spare time, I try to work out where the threat is coming from and shut it down. Old boyfriends. Upset constituents. Political rivals. That sort of thing.”
“You’ll need clothes,” Ella said. “You can’t wear your scruffy jeans and a leather jacket while standing next to Ashley Townsend. She’s a babe.”
Josh scowled and smoothed his hand over his unruly beard.
“That will have to go. I trimmed Dillon’s beard. I could—”
“No,” Dillon said, straightening. “He can find his own girl to trim his beard.”
Josh grinned and winked at Ella. “I’ll have a fiancé to look after me.”
Ella frowned at Dillon before turning back to Josh. “You will not play with her emotions and stop her from doing her job. This isn’t a game, Josh. Fooling around might have consequences for Ashley and wreck her career.”
Josh glowered at the accusation in his sister-in-law’s words. Yes, he flirted with women. Yes, people might accuse him of hurting women, but never on purpose. He was always upfront regarding his expectations. No long-term commitment. Nothing more than friendship. Enjoy each other and move on with no hard feelings. His job as a soldier had made his stance on romance easier since he’d never been in one place for long. Now, it was different. He still didn’t want to marry. He still wanted to have fun, but he required a new excuse.
“She’s a public figure.” Dillon paused with his glass mid-air. His brows drew together. “Why isn’t she receiving DPS aid?”
“What’s a DPS?” Ella asked.
“Diplomatic Protection Service. The Prime Minister and the Governor-General get a DPS, both in New Zealand and when they’re abroad. The ministers of the crown, members of parliament, the judiciary and the leader of the opposition only receive protection if the police think the risk warrants a DPS,” Dillon explained.
“Huh.” Ella sipped her wine. “I learn lots of new things these days.”
Dillon picked up Ella’s free hand and wove their fingers together. “You know what they say about curiosity.”
“I’ve heard mention of major trouble and maybe cats.” Ella grinned.
Dillon winked at her. “Exactly. Trouble. So, what’s Frog’s plan?”
Josh started with the easiest question first. “Frog indicated the cops considered the threat minimal. They’ve decided it’s a crank. Frog told me the stalker has frightened Ashley, and she’s not one who scares easily. He mentioned a milkshake assault?”
“Oh yeah!” Ella chortled with delight. “I remember that. A guy came at her with a milkshake, intending to tip it over the sexy red suit she was wearing. Ashley must’ve seen him coming. Witnesses swore she tripped, but the suit guy with the drink ended up with his milkshake over his clothes and face. The papers were full of it for an entire week. The cartoons were hysterical. That’s when they started with the Legs nickname.” She did air quotes to emphasize.
“I don’t get why you can’t just be security,” Dillon said.
“Because Ashley travels often, and as her fiancé, I’ll have full access to events while a security guard might raise questions. Ashley doesn’t want this to derail her campaign. Frog came up with this plan. Said he trusts me with her safety while he didn’t know dick about the men his parents wanted to hire.” Josh paused to drink. “Frog wants me to stay with her until the election ends. I act as bodyguard, fiancé, and a second set of eyes to catch this guy.”
“Could be a woman,” Ella piped up.
“Yes, but Frog is leaning toward a man,” Josh said.
“A stalker is often someone the victim knows. Has she any ideas?” Dillon asked.
“He told me there was trouble when she was younger. A passenger in a car Ashley was driving died. I’ll check that out, but Frog seemed to think the accident wasn’t a problem. That it had been squared away.”
“What story will you tell your mother?” Ella asked, her eyes twinkling with suppressed merriment.
Josh gave a heartfelt groan. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“I recommend the truth,” Dillon suggested. “Less trouble that way. She won’t blab. Not important stuff.”
“When did you meet Ashley?” Ella asked, her hands fisted and held up like a reporter’s microphone. “When did you know she was the one?”
Josh had memorized Frog’s suggestions, sent via email with strict instructions for him to read, remember, and delete. “We met at Frog’s birthday party and clicked. Ever since we’ve kept in contact and met when we could. Now that I’ve retired, we’re taking our relationship to the next level.”
“Not bad.” Dillon lifted his glass in salute. “I believed that.”
“And other women?” Ella asked. “Not that I want details, but I’m putting it out there. From what Dillon has disclosed, you’re not a monk.”
“Hey! I haven’t misbehaved in the last six months. Mainly, for lack of opportunity.” Josh offered a rueful grin, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “Frog got to me before I mingled with the local ladies.”
Dillon released a snort. “What about money?”
“According to Frog, most of the accommodation and flights, plus the food is included. Ashley will even pay for extra clothes. Frog offered a wage. I told him to pay me half of what he suggested. That he’d earned the friend discount. Besides, I have savings. At least this is space to consider my future. I loved army life, but it wasn’t the same after you left. Two others who started the same time as me have retired too. I’ve been lucky and decided not to continue when my heart wasn’t in the job.”
“Do you have an engagement ring?” Ella asked. “Women notice that sort of thing.”
“You can borrow Hana’s ring,” Dillon said.
“Are you sure?” Josh asked. Hana had been Dillon’s first wife, and she’d died in a home invasion.
“Yeah. I wanted Ella to have her own ring. Hana’s is sitting in the drawer. You might as well use it if you need it.”
“Thanks,” Josh said. “Have I missed anything?”
“Get Summer to help with research, et cetera. Barber, for instance,” Ella suggested.
Josh nodded. He’d have to speak to his sister- and brother-in-law anyway, and Summer was a wizard with research.
“Nikolai might offer back-up if you need help. Louie and Jake too,” Dillon said. “If you’re down this end of the country, I’ll be available if you need me.”
Ella’s eyes brightened. “You can call on me too.”
Josh laughed at his brother’s growl of disapproval.
“Pfff!” Ella puffed up with indignation. “I am a kick-arse bitch. I can do anything.”
“Steady, tiger. Remember our deal? I try not to act too over-protective, and you won’t run into dangerous situations.”
“You growled first.” Ella sniffed, but mischief sparkled in her expression.
“You did,” Josh agreed. “But you’re off the hook, bro. Most of the functions will be in Auckland since Ashley’s seat is in Manurewa.”
“Thi
s election might prove interesting now,” Ella said.
“One point.” Dillon paused as if to collect his thoughts. “How will you keep your fiancée safe without a weapon? They won’t give you a license to carry. Only the DPS are allowed to carry a gun.”
“True,” Josh said. “But given the tightening of gun laws in New Zealand, this works against the bad guys too. Frog told me he has taught his sister self-defense moves. I can make certain she practices in case she needs them and watch her back. That’s the best I can do. Everything else we’ll play by ear.”
“Who are you voting for?” Dillon asked.
“National,” Josh said promptly.
Ella giggled at Dillon’s wink. “That won’t go down well.”
“No,” Josh agreed, enjoying the gentle ribbing. “Which is why I will lie through my teeth and tell everyone I support my fiancée one hundred percent.”
“When are you leaving?” Dillon asked.
“I’ve booked a flight to Auckland tomorrow. I need you to explain this to Mum and Dad when they get home, so they’re not taken unawares. Tell them I’ll call them. I’ll speak with Nikolai and Summer when they pick me up at the airport. Once I’ve told them, I’ll contact Ashley.” He grinned. “I’m an engaged man. Wish me well.”
2 – The Stalker Makes A Move
Ashley scanned the audience in the church hall. She smiled and focused on projecting a friendly and approachable persona. Sincerity. Heck. Easier said than done when she kept jumping at shadows.
“In New Zealand, we face the same problems as other countries around the world. We have homeless people, families who live in poverty. The Labor party isn’t promising an instant fix.
“No one can.
“But what we do promise is to lift the minimum wage. We promise to make more affordable housing available for those who need it. We promise cheaper doctor fees and twenty hours of cost-free education per week for your pre-school children. Free university education for the first year. A subsidized apprenticeship scheme for those teenagers who prefer to learn a trade. More funds pumped into mental health and suicide prevention. We want our children to prosper, their parents to have pride in their family and achievements. We want our children to have their health and become productive citizens.
“We aim to not just count dollars and cents and balance budgets but to look after the wellness of every New Zealander, no matter their age or ethnicity. Let’s be happy, healthy, and mindful because that is the way forward for the future.” Ashley paused. “I appreciate you coming out on this chilly night to listen to me discuss our policies. I hope you’ll vote for me and give a tick to the Labor party for your party vote on election day. If you have questions, I’d be pleased to answer them.”
Ashley scanned faces and smiled, encouraging the locals to engage with her. “I don’t bite. I promise. Politicians, no matter which party we come from, serve you—the voters. To help us do a good job, we need your feedback.”
An elderly gentleman wearing a navy beret raised his hand.
“Yes, sir?”
“What will you do for those of retirement age?”
“Well, we will raise the pension in line with inflation, and we understand how expensive heating can be during the winter months. We’re proposing every man and woman eligible for the pension will receive an extra payment of twenty dollars per week during the coldest months of the year. We want you to stay warm,” Ashley said.
The questions flew quick and fast after the initial one, and Ashley thought she did well. She’d prepared, and her extra diligence meant she didn’t waffle or show a lack of confidence in providing answers.
“Ms. Townsend has time for one more question. Yes?” The local pastor nodded to a scruffy man in a long, black coat. He stood at the rear.
“Do you have secrets, Ashley?” The man’s gap-toothed smile held mockery and challenge.
Ashley blinked. Her pulse raced, and she swallowed hard. She didn’t recognize him. Conversation from her audience rose like the low buzz of bees, growing louder until she wanted to clap her hands over her ears. She forced a polite smile because smiles were her secret weapon. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand your question.”
“Do you have secrets?” the man repeated.
Ashley met his smirk with another courteous smile. “I believe I’ve been honest and open regarding our campaign and our policies.”
The pastor shot Ashley a look, seeming as confused as she. He clapped, and the audience joined his applause.
Ashley turned to the pastor and offered her hand. After a firm and businesslike shake, she beamed enough to make her facial muscles ache. “Thank you for hosting me tonight.”
“Did you know that man?”
“No.” Ashley lifted her hand to rub her face and stayed the movement before her fingers settled. “I’ve never seen him before.”
“Me neither. He isn’t one of my parishioners.” The pastor frowned, deepening the lines of experience on his forehead. “He… Never mind. The Labor party has my vote.”
“Thank you,” Ashley said. “We appreciate your support.”
Ashley shrugged into her red coat, picked up her laptop bag, and her handbag, and made her way from the hall. Two steps into the floodlit car park, a woman stopped her. A junior reporter for the local newspaper. An ambitious one. Her business-smart attire of a blue jacket and matching skirt plus heels were the uniform of the woman this reporter aimed to be in the future. Ashley understood drive and goals, owned them herself, but on seeing the determined light in the reporter’s blue eyes, tension slid through Ashley’s torso to settle on her shoulders. No matter what, she refused to offer the woman a quote to boost her career at the Labor party’s expense.
“Ashley.” The reporter’s high voice grated Ashley. “Can you discuss the secrets the man mentioned?”
A flash of impatience struck Ashley, but her quick count to three had her instinctive retort dying and a more suitable soundbite emerging. “I’m sorry, but I’m as confused as you. If you want answers, you must ask him. Did you have any policy questions for me?”
“No, I have everything I need,” the reporter replied, her manner calculating.
Inwardly, Ashley groaned. It wasn’t difficult to imagine the angle of the woman’s story. Unease engulfed her as she replayed the man’s question and his odd behavior. Chill bumps rippled across her arms and legs. The man had acted smug as if he’d had the secret rather than her. Was he her stalker? Or was she jumping to conclusions because her stalker had her spooked?
“Thanks for coming to listen to me,” Ashley murmured.
The reporter’s cat-sharp eyes narrowed a fraction as she turned away. Ashley pinned on a smile and fought to keep it there as she searched the departing crowd. The crowd split off in twos and threes, laughing and chatting, piling into vans and cars. Others walking. Ashley scanned faces, studied vehicles. She searched the shadows cast by the hedge surrounding three-quarters of the parking lot.
She caught her breath and puffed it out in a slow exhalation. Her right hand trembled when she pulled her car keys from the side pocket of her handbag. Each new breath came in a wheezy pant.
Initially, she’d fought her brother’s suggestion of a bodyguard. No, not just security, but a fake fiancé. Now, she couldn’t wait for the chosen man to arrive from wherever her brother had found him. Matt had contacts, and if he trusted this man, that was good enough for her.
A man shouted from behind her, and she started. A quick glance told her it was a teenager hailing his friend. Heck, she had to get a grip. She’d been fine until the man in the black coat had mentioned secrets.
Her life was an open book.
All of it.
Mindful of her brother’s advice, she forced herself to focus. Be present and aware of your surroundings.
Ashley strode to her car. Her keys were in her right hand, and she used the remote to unlock her vehicle once she grew closer. After a rapid perusal of the car interior, she slipped inside. A seco
nd later, she’d locked the doors. Her shaky laugh resounded as she clicked her seat belt into place.
She was all right.
Ashley ran her sweaty palms down the legs of her black trousers then started her vehicle. She had her fully charged phone. Matt had texted her the bodyguard—her fiancé’s number. All she needed to do was drive home and meet the man who’d stay attached to her side for the next few weeks.
A secret.
Fudge, she did have one.
A fake fiancé.
He was so secret, she’d never recognize him in a line-up. Although she trusted her brother, she prayed this man he’d found had a brain. No one who knew her well would accept a man who couldn’t hold a conversation. They’d become suspicious, but Matt had promised her this scheme was workable.
She pulled out of the parking lot, stopped for a truck, then merged with the evening traffic. Most of the people who’d listened to her speak had hurried home while she’d spoken to the reporter. The traffic was steady, but not as heavy as it had been when she’d visited the suburb and spoken at a marae two weeks ago.
She’d almost made it to the arterial road when her car started juddering. It jerked and spluttered, and she eased her foot off the accelerator before pressing down again. Her car didn’t respond. Instead, it bunny-hopped for several feet before dying. The vehicle coasted a few feet farther as she steered it toward the curb. The driver behind her gave an impatient toot and overtook, speeding past her.
Ashley attempted to restart her car. “Come on,” she muttered.
The car stalled. She tried again. This time nothing happened.
Her car was dead.
* * * * *
“Isn’t she at home?” Summer asked.
“No, she attended a meeting tonight,” Josh told his younger sister. “I suggested meeting her here. I can spend the time checking out her security.” He turned to his brother-in-law Nikolai. “You and Summer should head home. You don’t need to wait with me. Ashley told me she’d be home after ten.”
Josh's Fake Fiancee (Military Men Book 5) Page 2
