Halfway through his meal, Robert yawned. His eyes had become heavy.
Stephen caught him with his eyes closed. “You’re exhausted. I was right. That bitch is working you to the bone.”
“No,” Robert protested, his tongue thick and the word coming out garbled.
“That does it,” Stephen said. “I’m taking you home right now.”
Robert didn’t offer a protest. His head swam, and his limbs trembled. He remained seated while Stephen hastily packed up everything.
“Your computer. Do you turn it off too?”
“Yes,” Robert murmured. “I’ll do it.” He tried to stand, and his legs failed him.
“I’ll tend to everything,” Stephen said. “Let’s get you into the car first. Then I’ll do a quick cleanup here. We don’t want your office stinking of fried food.”
Stephen helped him to stand and supported him during the walk to the car. He’d been fine. Robert couldn’t understand what was wrong with him. He’d worked long hours before. Perhaps the late nights were catching up on him, and Stephen was right. He wanted the Labor party in power again. The long hours were worth it if he could be a part of that happening. Ashley—she was a marvel. She’d swung the polls and was handling the press with grace and ease. She was blooming before his eyes. When her fiancé had turned up, he’d worried the man might split her focus. Robert’s fears had never realized, and he was starting to admire the man. It took a special someone to wait in the background.
Stephen.
Robert smiled as Stephen settled him in the passenger seat. He thought he might’ve found his exceptional home support too. Stephen would be perfect once he got over his strange dislike of Ashley.
14 – Booby Trap
“You’re certain that’s your assistant’s writing on the parcel?” Nelson asked.
“Positive. I’d recognize his scrawl and distinctive loops anywhere. Look, this is stupid. It’s probably campaign stuff he wanted me to have on hand. I told him I might not make it to the office in the morning.” Ashley brushed past Nelson. “I’ll open it. You’ve confirmed there’s no suspicious ticking.”
“Wait,” Josh said. “Let me cut the tape. Then, you can lift the lid and retreat if something is odd.”
Ashley huffed. “You’re behaving like a bunch of old women.”
“That’s our job,” Gerry said drily. “To keep you alive.”
“I’ll say I told you so once I prove the parcel is harmless.”
Josh sent her a look reminiscent of one Matt might give her. A wave of shame engulfed her.
“I’m sorry. I’m acting like a brat. It won’t happen again. Josh, do your thing and open it for me. I’ll stand back here.”
Josh collected a sharp knife from the kitchen. With a steady hand, he sliced the tape. After setting the blade aside, he lifted the lid off the box and peered at the contents.
Unable to stand the suspense, Ashley edged closer. “What is it?” she asked.
Josh straightened. “You’re right. It’s political brochures.”
Ashley frowned and edged close enough to see. “That’s strange. Why would Robert send me these?” She plucked the top bundle out to study them. Something burst from inside the box and flew at her. She screamed and jerked as a hard object struck her head. Liquid streamed into her eyes.
Josh seized her and pulled her away to safety.
The DPS officers converged on the box to survey the contents.
“Hold still,” Josh ordered. “Let me check your head.”
“W-what hit me?”
“It’s a soft toy,” Nelson said, his voice harsh and controlled. “Bastard chopped off its head. Ashley, are you all right?”
“No injuries,” Josh confirmed.
“What is the red stuff?” Gerry asked.
“I think it’s dye.” Josh wiped at it with his hand. “Crap, it’s gonna stain your hair. I’ll get her in the shower.”
Josh hustled her to their bedroom and into the en suite. He turned on the shower. “Quick, sweetheart.”
Shocked and shaking, Ashley pulled off her jacket and stared at the red splotches. It was one of her favorites, and it was ruined. Her fingers trembled so much, the buttons became a chore.
Josh brushed her hands aside. “Let me.”
Seconds later, he shunted her into the shower. As soon as the water hit her, red liquid sluiced over her face and torso. She shuddered, staring at the swirling red. Blood-red.
“Rinse your hair,” Josh said.
She let water pour over her head, and his scowl deepened. “What?”
“It’s not washing off. Try shampoo while I check with Gerry and Nelson.”
Josh hurried back to the kitchen. “What else was in the box?”
“The other half of the toy plus a note,” Gerry said.
Nelson was busy taking photos.
“What did the note say?” Josh asked.
“You have blood on your hands,” Gerry said, his tone as grim as his face. “Ashley okay?”
“She’s shocked, and the red dye has stained her hair.” Josh had a thought and rang his sister.
“Do you know what fuckin’ time it is?” Nikolai growled. “If you’ve woken Sam expect a fist in your face, the next time I see you.”
“I’m sorry,” Josh said sincerely. “I didn’t realize it was so late. We’ve had a scare, and I need Summer’s help. I’ll tell you what. After the election, I’ll look after Sam for a night, and you and Summer can have private time.”
“Is Ashley okay?” Nikolai asked, his tone shifting to concern. “You? The security detail?”
“We’re okay, but Ashley’s hair is covered with red dye. I need Summer’s advice.”
When Summer took control of the phone, he explained the problem.
“I have an idea,” Summer said. “If Ashley agrees. I’ll ask Mac to look after Sam for a few hours. She won’t mind. I’ll be there tomorrow morning at seven.”
“No!” Josh snapped. “It’s too risky to come here.”
“This stalker has seen me at Ashley’s house,” Summer said. “I’ll bring Nikolai. He mentioned helping Louie to recheck your security lights.”
“Keep your wits about you and come straight inside. I’ll let Nelson and Gerry know to expect you.”
Josh returned to Ashley and found her sitting on the corner of her bed, crying.
“Sweetheart,” he murmured, going to her, hauling her onto his knee. She was typically so strong, and he hated to see her weep.
“My hair is terrible. How am I going to explain this? I have a meeting at nine tomorrow morning.” She gave a hoarse laugh. “At least it’s Labor colors. It would’ve been tragic if my hair turned blue.”
Josh grinned, imagining the political cartoonist for the Herald making a big deal if Ashley’s hair took on National party colors. “Positive spin. Perfect. Summer will arrive tomorrow morning at seven. She says she has a plan.”
“The obvious thing is to go to a hairdresser and have them dye it blonde. It’s such a vibrant red. I’m not sure if blonde will cover it.”
“Go with the political statement and wear a red dress or suit tomorrow. Do you have anything suitable?”
“I do,” Ashley said, straightening, her mettle returning. “You’re right. If I can explain away the social media rubbish, I can do this without breaking a sweat.”
“You give ’em hell.” Ever-present pride in her squeezed his heart. “You should rest. Get in bed while I check with Nelson and Gerry again? I’ll fill you in when I get back.”
“You know what the worst thing is,” Ashley asked, standing.
“What?”
“That Robert is involved in this prank. I trusted him, and it hurts knowing someone close to me holds me in such contempt.”
Josh settled Ashley and left a bedside lamp on before he sought out Nelson and Gerry.
“She okay?”
“Yes.” Josh chuckled, recalling her words. “Told me he did her a favor by pelting her with
the Labor-party-red. Would’ve been unfortunate if it’d been National-party-blue.”
Gerry barked out a laugh. “She’s gutsy.”
“She is,” Josh agreed. “Do we have anything?”
“We asked a patrol car to drop by Robert’s home and take him in for questioning. His house is empty. Guy isn’t home. His vehicle isn’t there.”
Josh checked his watch. “Ashley told me he works long hours, but even he couldn’t still be at the electoral office.”
“I’ve asked them to check.” Gerry rubbed his chin and yawned.
“What do you make of this stalker?” Josh asked.
Nelson scowled, the bags under his eyes showing his fatigue. “The guy is dangerous. Unpredictable. He’s not afraid to injure or worse. Ashley speaks at public locations. What’s stopping him from planting a bomb or pulling out a gun and taking out everyone? It’s difficult to focus on every aspect when the crowds and the press clamor for her.”
“Yeah.” Concern for Ashley and their inability to keep her safe had Josh’s shoulders slumping. “My conclusion too. Could Robert be the culprit?”
Nelson shifted his rugby-player body as if he fought the urge to pace. “It’s starting to look that way, but why do it in this manner? He could get to Ashley at the electoral office. She trusts him.”
“I’ve got nothing,” Josh said. “We’ll understand more when we find Robert.”
Nelson’s phone rang, and Josh stiffened, wondering if the cops had found Robert.
“Yes,” Nelson barked after glancing at the screen. “Crap.” He paused to listen. “Okay, let me know if you learn anything else.”
“Problem?” Gerry asked.
“Someone trashed Ashley’s electoral office and sprayed red dye everywhere. The officers arriving at the scene thought it was blood at first.”
“Anyone there? See anything?” Josh asked.
“They spoke to a homeless guy. He told them two men were inside. When they left, one man appeared drunk. They got into a vehicle and drove away. The guy didn’t hear much. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“Did he see their faces?” Gerry asked.
“No.” Nelson’s voice held concern. “He was too far away. He stays out of sight because the man who works there always calls the cops to move him on.”
“Did he recognize Robert?”
“Not with certainty, although he says the pair drove out in Robert’s car,” Nelson said. “This situation stinks. What I don’t get is if Robert is responsible, then why has he waited until now to act? I hate puzzles that make no sense.”
Josh stood and shrugged. “After thinking about it, the only motivation I can see is jealousy. Robert isn’t advancing while Ashley is the party’s shining star. But given the accusations this stalker posted on the internet, the jealousy angle doesn’t jibe. He stated Ashley is a murderer.”
“No one in the Webster family blames Ashley for the death of their daughter,” Nelson said. “We’ve spoken to the remaining family members. Not one of them criticized Ashley for the crash, and each of them called it an unfortunate accident, even Jo. They told us Jessica suffered from mood swings and rebelled against parental control. In hindsight, her mother says she thinks her daughter suffered from depression.”
“I’m going to bed. See you in the morning,” Josh said.
Nelson nodded. “Goodnight.”
“Night.” Gerry stood and stretched his arms above his head. “I’ll do a circuit of the house before I hit the sheets. My spidey senses are clanging.”
“Mine too,” Josh said in a grim voice before he left to join Ashley.
Ashley woke within Josh’s arms. Keeping her eyes closed, she shoved Matt’s warning from her mind and savored Josh’s embrace. It was scary how fast she’d become used to Josh’s presence.
The alarm on her phone played several bars of a classic rock ballad, and with an inaudible groan, she silenced the din.
“What time is it?”
“Six-thirty,” Ashley said. “Lots to do. Find Robert and demand answers, for one,” she added, clenching and unclenching her hands. “I don’t understand why he’d do this or what he hopes to gain by calling me a murderer. I trusted him, dammit.”
“Shush.” Josh drew her close again. “We have time for a kiss and a cuddle.”
“Morning breath is a thing,” she stated in a prissy tone.
Josh pushed his lower body against her, making her aware of his erection. “So is morning wood, but you don’t hear me complaining.”
He didn’t give her a chance for another protest before he kissed her. It was an unhurried kiss, but one that signaled passion and caring, and it pushed Ashley’s mind to skirt thoughts of love. No, she couldn’t fall for him. She mustn’t. But Ashley kept right on kissing him back and would’ve continued if Nelson hadn’t banged on their door.
“Josh, your sister is here with her husband.”
Josh’s arms stiffened around her. “Spoilsports,” he mumbled before calling out to Nelson. “We’ll be out in a few minutes.” His embrace loosened. “We’d better move because Summer is likely to barge in here without warning. She’d enjoy that.”
Ashley grinned and gave him a quick consolation kiss.
“You think I’m joking. After the crap we gave her dates, she owes Dillon and me payback.” Josh slid out of bed and pulled on jeans.
A thump on the bedroom door had Ashley jumping. “Hurry in there. Ashley, put on something old that you don’t mind getting dirty.”
Ashley rolled to her feet and shot Josh a frown. “What is Summer intending to do to me?”
“I don’t know, but if she has a plan, you can bet it’ll be solid. My sister is smart.”
“Josh!” Summer yelled.
Josh hastened to the door and yanked it open. “You’d better have coffee started.”
“Oh, you’re awake.” Summer’s mouth twitched as she held back her amusement.
Josh bared his teeth. “Coffee.”
Summer backed up, her hands held high in surrender. “Time to get a move-on. Ashley, are you ready? I have Ella waiting on Skype to offer advice. Ooh! You’re a scarlet woman.”
“Is my hair that bad?” Ashley asked, her hand gliding over her head.
“That’s what Ella and I are aiming to fix.” Summer gave off positive vibes. “I’m confident my plan will work.”
* * * * *
Stephen threw the remote at the television and took pleasure in the way the screen cracked, and the control broke apart as it struck the tile floor.
“Fuckin’ Ashley Townsend,” he growled.
He’d wanted to cause her stress, to get under her skin.
Instead, everyone was raving about her new, trendy hairstyle. Her fashionable wardrobe. Her political success. On the internet news sites, social media, the radio, the television. Newspapers. He couldn’t escape the bloody woman, not even in this beachside cottage that had been his haven.
She’d destroyed his family.
She’d destroyed his peace, his mental sanity.
Ashley Townsend had destroyed his life, and for that, the woman was gonna pay.
But first…
Stephen turned to Robert. He’d drugged the man a second time to shut him the hell up, although he should wake soon. He’d give Robert one more opportunity to tell him the best way to get to Ashley, the perfect way to make the woman hurt as he suffered.
Stephen squatted beside the man who slumped in the corner of his tiny kitchen. He slapped him on the face. When Robert didn’t react, he hit him again. Harder, this time.
“Robert. Robert!”
Slap. Slap. Slap.
“Come on, old chap. It’s time to wake.”
15 – A Rainbow Success
Later that night
“I owe Summer and Ella big time.” Ashley hugged Josh then bounced up and down on her toes, beaming. “Today went so much better than I’d expected. The swell of support has the senior party members and our campaign manager ecstatic.” Her
smile faded as she considered the policies her party wanted to focus on this campaign. They were important, but many of the reporters preferred to discuss her sunset hair and why she’d gone for the color change, or they asked about Josh and their wedding date. She’d shrugged and given a vague answer before steering back to campaign-appropriate material, but the personal attention frustrated her.
“What’s wrong?” Josh asked.
“I wish the press paid more attention to our policies. I entered politics because I wanted every New Zealander to have a full life with opportunities to thrive. The campaign manager tells me any publicity is good publicity, and I shouldn’t worry.”
“I imagine the opposition parties are gritting their teeth,” Josh said.
“I had one candidate accuse me of making up my stalker.” Ashley shuddered, her top lip curling in disgust. “If she’d experienced the numbing fear I have, she might cut me slack.”
“What did you tell her?”
“That I’d pay her to take my stalker. The sad thing was she told me yes, to sign her up. Then, when I spluttered and coughed, she told me she’d suspected the stalker was a fabrication.”
“The voters don’t need her in charge of your electorate,” Josh said. “The woman is an idiot. How about this? Tomorrow, when they ask personal questions, give them a deal. Say you’ll answer one personal question—within reason—for every three political or policy questions they ask. If they ignore that. Ask yourself a question and answer it.”
“Huh! I bet that doesn’t work.”
“You’re on.” He held out his hand. “Ten dollars.”
“We have the leader’s debate tonight,” she said, sealing the bet with a firm handshake. Her stomach curled at his touch, and she had to force herself to release her grip. “At least I’ll get sensible questions with the focus on politics, the economy, and our other policies. I’m nervous because it’s important to show well.” She peeked at her phone. “On that note, I’d better get ready.”
“Do you fancy something to eat?”
“I might have a sandwich or a cup of soup, so my stomach doesn’t rumble on live television. I’ll eat dinner afterward.”
Josh's Fake Fiancee (Military Men Book 5) Page 15
