by Piper Stone
But right now? Face her fans and get used to the celebrity, before it killed her. Just before she walked inside, her phone rang again. She glared at the number and while she had no idea of the caller ID, the number listed was legitimate and from the area. “Danielle Carver.” She opened the door, plastering a smile on her face, stopping before going any further. There was nothing coming from the other end. “Hello? Is anyone there?”
An odd noise convinced her to walk back outside. “Who is this? Is anyone there?” The eerie silence was haunting. “Look, whoever you are, I’m hanging up now.”
A sickening shiver shifted all the way down her back, sliding into her legs. She wasn’t prone to falling for assholes who wanted to berate her for her comments. She’d certainly made her share of enemies in Virginia, had more threats than she could even mention, but this was completely different, as if he was standing right beside her.
Just before she hung up, she could have sworn she’d heard an evil laugh.
The article had rattled at least one set of nerves. Fucking fantastic. Without going back inside, she moved to her truck, scanning the street before unlocking and getting inside. Her mind reeled with possibilities and at this point, she needed some time to gather her thoughts and have a conversation with her father. Time at the office would have to wait.
All her notes were safely stored in her briefcase, including everything she’d accumulated about William Thoreau and Wolf. Mr. Thoreau certainly didn’t like to be photographed by anyone. There was nothing on the internet that had a picture, even from afar. But the additional information she’d gleaned? Priceless.
Dani continued to look in the rearview mirror until she reached her apartment. It was smack in the middle of the day and she doubted that anyone would try to bust into her home. But as soon as she was inside, she retrieved the guns she’d purchased for her now nefarious trip into the mountains. One would stay in her truck, the other by her side at all times. The knife would have a special place in her briefcase.
For some reason, she wanted to see the diamond she’d smuggled off the mountain before she called her father. She’d hidden the crystal in her jewelry box, wrapped in gauze. As she carefully unfolded the layers, she took a deep breath. The raw diamond had to be worth thousands of dollars. Why would anyone hire a bunch of men who didn’t know each other to risk going to prison carving them out of the mountainside? There had to be more to this story and she had a suspicion the entire operation had something to do with William Thoreau.
She brought the piece back into her living room, carefully placing it on her kitchen table before dialing her father. The realization that she hadn’t spoken to him in months weighed heavily on her mind. She held her breath as he answered the call.
“Dani?”
“Hey, Dad. Thought I’d give you a call.” There was a hesitation, as if her voice wasn’t real.
“Are you okay, honey? You sound stressed.”
Her father almost never used an endearing name, which raised a series of red flags in her mind. “I’m fine. I just... Well, things have gotten interesting out here. I wanted to warn you about something before you found out from someone else.”
“I already read your article. Not sure what to say about the context, but glad you’ve landed on your feet.” This time, his words held a hint of chastisement.
“It’s a long story, Dad. How did you find out?”
He chuckled. “I still have friends in the industry. They keep track of everything, including what my daughter is doing, even though she changed her name.”
The industry meant certain high-ranking officials in the military, the ones her father hadn’t alienated with his accusations. For them to be checking on her meant there were still certain concerns about her father. “You know why I felt I had to change my name.”
“I do, and I never blamed you. What’s going on with these cavemen you wrote about? I know my daughter. When you get something in your craw, you follow it like a bulldog. Has to be more to this story than romping in the mountains.”
“You’re right as always and that’s actually what I wanted to ask you. These guys were working on an operation, an assignment that puts all their lives in danger.”
“And you knew that before you went on that mountain?” he demanded.
Dani groaned. “No, the entire thing started out as a whim, trying to write a story that would simply get me a better position at the paper I’m working on. I stumbled onto what they were working on.”
“And?”
“First, do you know a man by the name of William Thoreau?” There was no need for him to answer. His hesitation told her volumes.
“If this operation as you call it has anything to do with that man, stay away from him. Stay away from the whole damn thing. I don’t care what you’re writing about or if you think there’s a real story behind whatever you found. He’s not a person to mess with. Do you understand me?” Her father’s anger was palpable.
“I get it, Daddy, but why?” she asked. “I need to know.”
“You know I can’t tell you.”
“You don’t work for the government any longer, Daddy.” She bit her tongue after issuing the words.
“Yeah, you’re right. What Thoreau was hired to do had top-secret clearance. Some big project. Even I had limited access. When he broke away from the government, he took everything he’d been working on with him. Trust me, Dani. This man is a danger to everyone in our nation. He could single-handedly bring down our country.”
She took in the information as she stared down at the diamond. “I have to ask you, Father. Does this have anything to do with the use of diamonds? And if so, have you ever heard of a CIA agent named Wolf Christopher?”
Another hesitation followed by an exasperated sigh.
“Dear God. The end is near,” he whispered.
Chapter Twelve
Dani hadn’t received another call or any kind of threatening message in the two days since she’d spoken with her father. She had received over two dozen proposals to come to work for various newspapers strewn throughout the country. The Today show wanted an answer, a book publisher had contacted her as well as two magazines. All she wanted to do was hide under the covers.
What her father had told her could be his ravaged mind reinventing what had occurred to him all those months ago, but somehow, she believed at least a portion of his story. Especially given what Danger had told her. The concept of what the diamonds could really be used for certainly gave credence to why the cavemen had feared being found. Still, everything was one big puzzle. She’d spent hours poring over what reports and articles she could find, piecing together what she thought were answers. Since she was no scientist, the figures and numbers meant nothing. The scathing accusations did. Her father was convinced a secret military establishment were prepared to use a weapon capable of annihilating entire continents.
Then again, she could be completely wrong. Still, certain aspects made more sense to her.
At this point, she could only handle one thing at a time and right now, she knew it was literally a matter of hours, maybe two days before the name connection was made. Her credibility would drop into the toilet. Time to confess at least to her boss.
She sat outside the newspaper for almost fifteen minutes before finding the courage to go inside. Telling Jacob the truth about her past was the last thing she wanted to do, but he had a right to know. As she walked inside, she had continued congratulations for the second article. Everyone loved what she’d written, and they loved the increased circulation even more. She didn’t blame them. She just didn’t have the stomach to enjoy the praise.
A quick knock on Jacob’s open door was met with a hearty smile.
“Come in. Jesus, Dani, for a girl who is the toast of the town, you look like you just lost your best friend.” Jacob ushered her inside.
“When you hear what I have to say, that may be the case.” She closed the door and remained standing, locking her hands on the back
of the chair, her nails digging in.
“O-kay. Should I remain seated?”
“Well, maybe so. Look, I’m just going to get straight to the point. I’m not who I said I was when you hired me.” Dani spit out the words, regretting them almost instantly.
He narrowed his eyes, studying her. “I know that, Dani Cronfeld. Do you really think that I would hire you without a thorough check of your background? Give me some credit here.”
“You knew all along?” She was more than shocked.
“From five minutes after you left my office that first day. I figured you’d get around to telling me at some point.”
Dani shook her head, laughing softly. “I should have known you’d figure it out. And you don’t care that I lied to you?”
“You had your reasons. I could tell you were starting over, which is what I would have done, and you had talent. With the realization that your name will eventually be connected, I knew you’d be crossing my threshold.”
“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” She hadn’t given Jacob enough credit.
“Well, given the fact that the investigations regarding certain accusations your father began over a year ago seem to be back in the spotlight, my guess is things might get ugly for you. However, eventually I think both you and your father will be vindicated.”
“What are you talking about?” The words rang in her ears.
“I’m not entirely certain even your father has heard the news as of yet. My guess is that they’d keep him out of it.” Jacob half whispered the words, as if concerned about telling her anything. “When I heard you mention Wolf’s name, I made a few phone calls. You know there are no coincidences in this world.”
Dani shook her head. Wolf’s name again. “Jacob, what is going on?”
“I’m just a newspaper man, but I do know certain people in DC, reporters that have their ear to every story, whether true or fabricated. This hasn’t been endorsed, but what I was told is that another individual came forward, confirming on some level what your father accused the government of doing starting several years ago. That’s about all I know.”
“Now? This doesn’t make any sense to me.” She had no idea what to say. “Who came forward? Wolf?”
“Not from what I heard. Doesn’t fit his profile, but I think we’re going to have to wait and see. Anonymous at this point.”
“Why not Wolf?” Her thoughts reeled from what her father had told her.
“I’m certain you found out that he turned rogue.” Jacob flashed his eyes. “He was always riding that fine line between right and wrong.”
Dani had to agree given what she knew about the man. “Okay. Sadly, I’ll buy that.”
“Washington has been under a lot of pressure lately. You read the papers, listen to the news. If there is some weaponry designed to annihilate half the human population, you better believe every reporter is going to be standing in line for coverage. Whoever is ready to speak to Congress had better have solid evidence.”
Her legs were wobbly. To think her father’s condemning accusations were completely true was terrifying but allowed a self-righteous feeling of satisfaction.
“Anyway, I want you happy and what you’ve written provides a wonderful escape. You know, I have a terrible feeling I’m going to lose you in all of this.”
“You’re not going to lose me, Jacob. You gave me a job when no one else would have.”
Jacob stood, leaning over his desk. “I’m an old man, Dani and that has allowed me to take several trips around that proverbial block. You’re a star and you always will be. Allow the golden path to take you where it should. My advice for the day. Now, you should be celebrating. Go home, kick your feet up. Get dressed and go out. Fame and fortune are right around the corner.”
“What if that’s not what I want?”
“You may not have a choice.”
Her thoughts were never far away from Danger.
“If what you shared with that special man, Danger is as amazing as the way you penned it in your articles, you’ll find your way back to each other.”
Blushing, she groaned. “That obvious in the article?”
“That obvious. Anyone can read between the lines, so I suspect that man you called primal will as well.” Jacob winked, a grin on his face. “Whatever the hell they were doing up on that mountain sounds like something Wolf would attach himself to. He was always a loner and enjoyed bending the rules. Truthfully, I don’t know what to say about the fact you two were together.”
“You said he was a good guy.”
“No, I told you that he was dangerous, and my guess would be he still is.” Jacob lifted an eyebrow. “I meant what I said. He has two distinct sides. That much I know very well. I admit it. I wish you’d tell me what they were involved in.”
Dani shook her head. “I promised that I wouldn’t and at this point, I’m not certain that portion of the story matters. You wanted romance. That’s what I gave you. I’ve had my share of writing about espionage and crimes against humanity, even though I prefer more hard-core pieces.”
“I did ask for romance, but I always knew you were itching to do a hell of a lot more. I emailed a list of story ideas I think you’ll like, some involving criminal type investigation, which you seem to excel at.”
This was exactly what she’d been hoping for. “That’s perfect. I have a few ideas for stories of my own.”
“Dani, heed my advice. Whatever you think was going on when you were on the mountain, just realize you may never know the truth. Also, when a story involves Wolf Christopher, there’s always a backstory. Something for you to keep in mind.”
“I will, and I have no plans on taking on the government. That was then.” What was lurking in Wolf’s past that had even Jacob so concerned? “I appreciate your confidence in me. I really like working here, Jacob. Starting to feel like I belong.”
“You did from the minute you set foot in this place. Too bad that asshole boyfriend of yours who brought you here was such a jerk.” He snagged a file from his desk, his gaze dropping.
Dani stared at him in awe. The man did know everything.
“Now, get out of here. Enjoy your day. Besides, looks like there’s a significant snowstorm rolling in.” Jacob’s upper lip curled as he looked over the rim of his glasses.
She had newfound respect for the man. “There are a few things I want to finish up first. My boss is a slave driver, you know.”
He laughed. “You work too much, Dani, but I appreciate your ethics.”
Ethics. She’d penned a glorified romance novel devoid of a portion of the truth. Everything she’d been taught as a journalist had fallen by the wayside. As she walked to her desk, she couldn’t help but wonder if she should write a scathing exposé on William Thoreau. She chuckled as she sat down at her desk. Maybe that would bring the cavemen back into the picture. But did she really want that?
Yes. Yes. Yes!
She answered several of the emails from other newspapers, politely declining their offers. Television appearances? At this point, she couldn’t afford to bring more attention to herself, not if she wanted to keep some sense of anonymity. Whatever came her way, she’d deal with. She could almost see a glimpse of the mountains from the window on the far side of the expansive room.
Sliding out of her chair, she folded her arms and walked toward the window, peering out at the overcast day, snow lightly falling. The snowcapped mountains were majestic, the perfect backdrop for a city she’d actually grown to love. Fame and fortune she honestly didn’t care about; enjoying her work, the people around her she very much did. This was her new home. If only she had someone to share it with.
“You should get out of here, Dani. I heard the roads are getting slippery.”
She glanced at her colleague and smiled. Betsy had a husband and two kids, and her cubicle was filled with a lifetime of birthdays and holidays from photographs and calendars to assorted beautiful plants. Dani’s? Not a single picture or sign of life. “T
hanks, Betsy. Leaving shortly. Drive safely.”
“I will.”
A few minutes later, and as the snow picked up in intensity, she gathered her things. She’d go home, make a nice bowl of soup, pour a huge glass of wine, and sit in front of the television. Perfect. What a life.
She laughed all the way to her truck. So, she’d had her adventure for the year, maybe the decade. A quiet holiday and the start of a new year wasn’t the worst thing that could happen. A light sheen of ice had formed on the windshield and windows, caked just enough she was forced to grab her ice scraper from behind the seat. Snow continued to fall, creating a magical look to the city streetlights, twinkling in the blanket of white. She almost found herself whistling a Christmas tune as the pellets of snow fell softly against her cheeks. Almost.
Tossing the scraper inside, she was about to climb in when she noticed a lone figure standing at the building’s entrance. Shielding her eyes, the investigative reporter in her wanted to find out who was hovering by the door. There were very few employees inside at this point, their distribution center located in the building across the street. She had no idea whether the person had just exited or was attempting to enter, but as her phone began to ring, drawing her attention away, a cold shiver trickled down her back. A blocked number. This just couldn’t continue to happen. Hissing, she decided to answer. “Dani Carver. What in the hell do you want?”
Silence.
Fuck. Fuck! A quick flip of her head back in the direction of the building’s entrance and she could swear the mysterious person had a cellphone in his hand. She ended the call abruptly, even turning off her phone, jumping in and starting the engine. When she drove out of the parking lot, she took her time, unwilling to draw any attention to her particular vehicle.
Who was threatening her? Right now, her money was on Wolf. Dani thought she’d made a clean getaway until the third stoplight. As headlights approached from the rear, she tapped on the steering wheel, glaring at the light. “Come on. Come on.” The second the light turned green, she put too much pressure on the accelerator, the truck tires spinning on the icy road.
