Covert Affairs

by Rhonda Laurel

  The unfinished business in Paris would nag at him every now and again, but the most dangerous thing he engaged in these days was fixing problems around Theresa’s house. She’d let him back into her life. After everything he’d told her, she still wanted to be with him. He was a lucky man. His grandmother’s words on the cruise continued to echo in his mind. Not many people were given a second chance.

  The sound of a car door slamming caught his attention. He went to the window to see a dark-colored SUV had parked in his grandmother’s driveway, but the driver had already got out. It looked like a government or private security vehicle. He retrieved his gun from his tool bag, went over to his grandmother's house, and entered through the back door. He heard voices coming from the kitchen.

  “Grandma.” He eased down the hall with the gun in his hand. “I thought I’d take a break and make some lunch for the two of us.”

  “Trevor, baby, look who came for a visit?”

  “Hi, Trevor.” Sam Blake waved at him when he reached the kitchen. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Sam.” He tucked his gun in his waistband and covered it with his shirt. “It’s good to see you too. What brings you by?”

  Grandma Reed beamed. “Sam’s in town on business and decided to stop by.”

  “I remembered your standing invitation for good cooking and a hug whenever I was in the area.”

  “Yes, we have to get some meat on those bones. Three kids later and you’re still thin as a rail. How about I make us something comforting like grilled cheese and tomato soup?”

  “Sounds delicious.” Sam mouthed we need to talk to Trevor.

  He nodded. “Grandma, do you mind if Sam and I catch up while you prepare lunch?”

  “Not at all.” Grandma Reed reached for a pot off the pot rack.

  He retrieved Sam’s coat and held it for her so she could put it on, then led her outside onto the porch. A brisk wind was blowing.

  “Fall is finally here.” He rubbed his hands together. “I guess you don’t get cold weather like this in Texas.”

  “It gets cold.” She rubbed her arms. “I hate it when it fluctuates in the same week. The kids are prone to catching colds when that happens. How are you feeling?”

  “Better, thanks.” He sat on the banister.

  “Good to hear.”

  “How’s J.J. and Jack, Gabe, and Deacon?”

  “They’re good. J.J.’s running a tight ship at Blake Enterprises. The boys are all growing up so fast. Deacon is walking and getting into everything. Before I know it, he’ll be off to school too. I know it’s selfish, but I want them to stay young as long as possible.”

  “I feel the same way about Alexis. I know I missed out on the first few years of her life, but I’d like her to remain an adorable toddler for a few more years.”

  “She’s such a cutie pie. Charisma better watch out. Morgan would grab at the chance to have her full-time.”

  They were making family small talk, but he could tell by the look in her eyes that something else was on her mind. “What really brings you by?”

  “There’s been a development.” She leaned against the porch rail and folded her arms across her chest. “I’m sorry to pop in on you like this, but given what I have to say, I didn’t think it should be discussed on the phone.”

  “Thank you for your discretion. Is this about Shannon?”

  “Yes. But she’s not hurt. She’s taking it day by day. She’s showing signs that most kidnap victims display post abduction. Night terrors and depression. She’s scared to go out, and if she does, she doesn’t want to go alone. It doesn’t help that the people who took her are still at-large. It’s doesn’t matter that they’re on another continent.”

  “I was afraid that might happen.” He took a deep breath, knowing he was about to ask a fragile question. “Did she get a thorough examination?”

  “Yes. She wasn’t physically assaulted, thank heaven, but the psychological trauma is rearing its ugly head. But she’s tough like her old man, so I think with some time she can work through it.”

  “I told her she was stronger than she knew.”

  “It worked. She’s quite taken with you. So much so, she may have done something careless. I’m afraid she may have compromised you, and I’m afraid it may be my fault.”

  He frowned. “How so?”

  “I thought it would do her some good to get out of the house, so I invited her to the ranch to go horseback riding. Avery joined us; they’re friends. She confided in Avery about the abduction and that you saved her. She thought it was OK because you’re related to Avery.”

  “How did she know anything about me?”

  “In an effort to give her a sense of peace, Jack tried to fill in the gaps of the story about the efforts to rescue her and told her everything.”

  “So now Avery knows?” The Reed gossip line should have been on fire by now.

  “Yes, but I asked her to keep quiet. I made up some incredible story, but I think she opted to let it go when I told her it would have dire consequences for all involved. Jack talked to Shannon again, and she’s agreed to keep a lid on the details of her rescue from now on.”

  He worried about the true nature of his job being revealed. He always figured he’d be outed by some whistleblower who’d stumble upon the agency’s covert purpose. But this was innocent. Shannon was hurting and wanted to share with someone caring, which was right up Avery’s alley. This could still be contained, but it was an issue he couldn’t ignore. His work depended on his anonymity and now that was not an option.

  Sam continued. “I know this has put you in a precarious situation. Jack’s pretty connected in high places. He’s willing to call in a few favors to smooth over any ruffled feathers.”

  “No.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Jack should save his favors for something really important, not my diminishing career.”

  “Again, a thousand apologies.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for.” He held up a hand. “In fact I owe you my thanks.”

  “For what?”

  “I’ve kept tabs on my family. I know you’ve been instrumental in keeping the Reeds safe. I peeped the Regency agents where Charisma and Jared live. I also noticed the black sedan with the tinted windows that makes a sweep past Grandma’s house three times a day.”

  “It’s my pleasure. The safety of this family is a top priority. Rafe Kendrick is obsessive about it. Regency keeps tabs on the house, but in a way that wouldn’t unnecessarily scare your grandmother.”

  “I appreciate that.” He had felt like someone was watching since he’d been home. “Give Rafe my thanks.”

  “I’m putting lunch on the table,” Grandma Reed bellowed from the kitchen.

  “Grandma has spoken.” He pushed off from the porch rail. “I must warn you, her tomato soup is legendary.”

  “I hope she has apple pie too.”

  He liked Sam. She was a tough cookie and had made a name for herself in the private security world. “Sam, the family’s getting together at the Slap Shot tonight. Trina’s singing there. Would you like to join us?”

  “I’d love to, but I’m afraid after lunch I’m headed back to Texas. J.J. and I have a pact to keep the business trips to a minimum. I do my best not to be away from my family.”

  “For the first time in a long while, I know the feeling.” He held the front door open for her.

  Sam walked toward the door, then stopped. “One more thing. If you ever want to get out of the game, Regency would be happy to have you. Jack said he’d love to have someone with your experience on our team. Just some food for thought. I mean, if you’re thinking about re-planting your roots.”

  “I’ll give it some thought.” He ushered her in and closed the door. Shannon confided in Avery and not someone untrustworthy, but there was no telling who else she could have told. The therapist she was seeing, another family member or close friend. This was shaping up to be a monumental breach of protocol. He could only imagine t
he angry look on Rutledge’s face when he found out about it. Still, he didn’t regret his decision for a moment. He could never have left Shannon behind, even if he had to blow his mission. He just wasn’t wired that way.

  * * *

  Later that evening, Trevor tugged on the knot in his red tie and took a good look at himself in the mirror. He was excited about going out for a fun night at the Slap Shot. Sam’s visit earlier in the day replayed through his mind as he cleaned up and readied for his date. Kudos to Avery for agreeing to keep what Shannon had revealed to herself. Still, he didn’t want it to become an unnecessary burden on the young woman. He’d sent a coded text to Rutledge that they needed to talk. He was expecting a call back sometime this evening.

  There was a familiar knock on the bedroom door followed by a smaller, lighter one. It was his grandmother and his niece Alexis. “Come in.”

  “Well. Well. Well. You look so handsome.” Grandma Reed came toward him with a box in her hand. “Just like your grandfather when he got dressed to the nines. Alexis, doesn’t Uncle Trev look nice?”

  “He looks like a million bucks.” She nodded as she climbed onto his bed with her teddy bear.

  “Thank you.” He laughed and kissed her on the cheek. “What are my two favorite ladies’ plans for the night?”

  “Alexis and I are going to watch her favorite show, then she’s getting a bath and a few bedtime stories before I put her to bed.”

  “I don’t remember you letting me stay up that late. Are you getting soft?”

  She laughed. “Absolutely, that’s what great-grandmothers do.”

  “You won’t be getting any visitors tonight?”

  “Like who?”

  “Mr. Stewart.” He raised an eyebrow. The man had come by twice for tea since they’d returned from the cruise.

  “We’re just friends.” She waved a hand. “I let him down gently. I told him if he wants good conversation that’s fine, but none of that fresh stuff.”

  “I know he’s an elder and I should respect him, but if he makes any frisky moves on you, I’ll have to toss him out of this house like a sack of potatoes.”

  “Stop it.” She swatted at his arm. “There will be none of that. He’s a nice man, but I had the love of my life. There was and never will be another man for me like your grandfather.”

  “I don’t think Grandpa would want you to be lonely.”

  “I’m not. At any given moment there are twenty people in my house, and they’re all related to me.” She gently pinched his cheek, then handed him a black lacquer box that had his grandfather’s initials on it. “This is for you.”

  He looked at it for a minute. It had been a long time since he’d seen anything of his grandfather’s.

  “Open it up. It won’t bite.”

  He opened the box to find an elegant pair of cuff links. “These are magnificent.”

  “These belonged to your grandfather. He wore these on our wedding day and every special occasion we had after that. I’d like you to have them.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. In addition to inheriting his good looks, you also got a few other things from him.”

  “Like what?”

  “You have the same swagger and sense of style.” Grandma Reed let out a wistful sigh. “He was a snazzy dresser.”

  “A man should always make a bold statement with the clothes he wears.” Trevor smiled. He’d always felt like he’d had too little time with his grandfather, but he remembered the sage words he’d said. “I liked our talks. He was a straight shooter, and I learned so much about the kind of man I wanted to be because of him.”

  “He loved you so much. He said you’d do great things with your life. He had great expectations for this family. He wanted all of you to chase your dreams and follow your heart.”

  Had he done anything with his life? Yes. He’d saved lives. He’d stopped the wrong people from getting their filthy hands on things that would’ve been detrimental for tens of thousands of people. But all he could claim to have done with his personal life was take photos of exotic places.

  “Grandma, I know this might sound confusing to you, but I have done something with my life. Good, noble things, but I’m not at liberty to discuss them with anyone. I haven’t been flitting around the world with no sense of purpose. I—” He let out an aggravated sigh. He wanted his grandmother to know he was a good man. That he embodied what she and his grandfather had taught him about doing the right thing, respecting others, and being a productive member of society.

  “Trevor, I’m not dense. I know there is something you don’t tell me because you can’t. Keeping secrets to keep this family safe isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

  The doorbell rang, cutting off any reply he might have made.

  Trevor snagged his suit jacket off its hanger while Grandma Reed helped Alexis off the bed, and they all headed down stairs. When he opened the door, Theresa was standing there with a rose in her hand, looking stunning in a charcoal gray dress and a red coat.

  “Theresa. You look lovely.”

  Her smile was brilliant. “Thanks. You look devilishly handsome as usual.”

  “Come in.” He ushered her inside. He glanced at his watch. “Am I late? I thought I was picking you up at seven?”

  “No. I was so anxious about tonight that I got ready an hour early. Then I thought to myself, it’s a modern day and age. Why not pick him up for our date?” She winked.

  “I like a woman who can take charge of a situation. I just need to get my wallet and keys and we can go.”

  “Hold it, you two. I want a picture before you go. I think I left my cell phone in the kitchen.” Grandma Reed went into the kitchen to retrieve her phone.

  “Grandma, I don’t think we have time,” Trevor tensely called after her.

  “Calm down.” Theresa said so only he could hear. “It’s a photograph. She didn’t ask for your social security number.”

  Trevor recovered. “Sorry about that, Grandma. Of course we have time for a photo.”

  Trevor helped Theresa out of her coat, and they got into place for the photo.

  He took in a whiff of her perfume. “You smell so good.”

  “Well, it’s not as provocative at that skunky perfume Attraction, but it’s a decent scent.” She tucked the rose into the opening in his lapel.

  He laughed, thinking back to the conversation on the cruise ship. She didn’t need some strong, musky scent to entice anyone. Everything about her was natural and appealing.

  “OK.” Grandma held up her cell phone. “This reminds me of your prom night. Say cheese.”

  “Gouda!”

  They both laughed. It was their thing to name a cheese whenever they’d posed for pictures in the past. Funny, they’d thought of the same silly word. It was nice to think to back to the moments when their bond was strong. They took one more picture with Alexis and her teddy bear. Then he helped Theresa back into her coat and slipped on his own after Theresa removed the rose so it wouldn’t get damaged.

  “Have a good time,” Grandma said. “Give Trina a kiss for me before she goes on stage and stay out as long as you like.”

  Trevor kissed his grandmother and niece. “Goodnight. Call me if you need anything.”

  “Have a good time!” Alexis said.

  Trevor walked hand in hand down the porch steps with Theresa. He had a good feeling about tonight.

  * * *

  Theresa couldn’t believe her eyes when she stepped into the Slap Shot. It was always decorated nicely, but Derek had gone all out for Trina’s performance. There were strung lights on the wall in the shape of a tree behind the band stage, and rich fall colors draped everywhere. The table linens were a deep cranberry color and small paper lanterns were on each table. It had Charisma’s decorative touch all over it.

  Charisma came charging up to them. “You two look so nice.”

  “Sis, you look great, as usual.” Trevor kissed Charisma on the cheek.

  “Yeah,
you’re practically glowing,” Theresa said.

  “Thanks.” Charisma kissed her on the cheek too. “We have a very special night planned. You’re sitting at the table near the stage with us. Dinner first, then Trina will come on stage in about an hour.”

  “Where is she?”

  “She’s in the back doing yoga, of all things. She says it relaxes her. Everybody in this family is on a yoga kick now.” Charisma put her hand on her hip as she gazed across the room.

  “Where’s Derek?”

  “In the kitchen.” She continued to squint in the direction of the bar. “The bartender has the wrong champagne. I’ve got to go.”

  The hostess motioned for them to follow her. “Right this way. Derek said to inform you that a special meal has been prepared for the two of you and not to worry, he’s got it covered. I’ll have the waitress bring over your champagne.”

  “Sounds intriguing.” Theresa smiled.

  Trevor was gazing around at the new layout. “The Slap has changed a bit since I was last here.” He took her coat and handed it to the coat check guy. Then he put his hand on the small of her back, and they followed as the hostess led them to their table. He pulled out the chair for her. “Milady.”

  “Thanks.” She tucked in her dress as she sat down. “Derek did a remodel for the stage and had a premium sound system installed so you can hear the performance from anywhere in the restaurant.”

  “I like it. It gives the place a supper-club feel.” He shook his head. “If I were home more, I’d have known about the remodel.”

  She grasped Trevor’s hand when their hostess left. “I need you to stop doing that.”

  “Doing what?”

  “Stop kicking yourself for missing things.” She took his other hand. “No one in your life is trying to make you feel bad. Your mother hasn’t even given you a hard time about it.”

  “Which is very surprising. I would’ve thought she’d have cornered me by now.” He ran a thumb over the back of her hand.

  “I saw her to today at the hair salon. The ladies were gossiping about you being back in town and saying some dirty things about you.”