by Cindy Stark
His friend shrugged. “Looks can deceive.”
He was well aware of that. Her father who’d taken his dad for every last penny hadn’t looked like a back-stabbing, soul-stealing bastard, either. He’d not only stolen from him and his father, but future generations of Secrist’s as well. “What makes you so sure she’s guilty? Not that I’m going to mind sticking it to Camden’s daughter.”
Hunter took the photo from him, studying her with a hard look. “The evidence is pretty damning. I’ll let Sam fill you in on the specifics. Basically, video footage that places her at the scene. Her computer. Her fingerprints. A co-worker who’s willing to testify she joked around about stealing from the company. Her father was incarcerated for a similar crime. They may have worked together in the past. Now he’s dead, and she’s gone solo.”
Xander hardened his spirit against the beautiful woman. He’d dealt with people like her before, and if she was anything like her father, she deserved to spend the rest of her life behind bars.
“In addition,” Hunter continued. “Sam’s pretty proud of his arrest and conviction record. Wouldn’t want to mess that up. But more importantly, if the money isn’t recovered, it’s going to affect the company’s shareholders. One of them, a friend of mine has heavily invested in First Freedom and stands to lose a bunch. Normally, I’d say those are the risks of investing, but he just found out his wife has breast cancer. I need to help him. The police may end up getting Ms. Camden eventually, but I don’t want it to take months to reel her in. If someone doesn’t jump on this soon, she may slip through our fingers.”
“Agreed.” He certainly had no problem helping Hunter’s friend, especially if it brought him a degree of revenge.
Xander glanced at a few of the papers on the desk. Her father’s arrest records. A copy of the lease she’d signed for her apartment. Her driving record. A copy of the police report. All important information, some of which Sam had risked his career for. But Sam trusted his “brothers”, and they trusted him. They all knew, all agreed when they’d signed up that this was a risky venture. Risky, but worth it, and they’d protect each other with their lives. “I’m glad you called me in on this one. I’d like to take the lead if that’s all right with you.”
“I was hoping you would. You’re our financial expert, and your background in computers doesn’t hurt, either. Sam will be able to give us some inside info, and the rest of us will be here to back you up if you need it. I want you to arrange to meet her. Get her to talk to you. Be her friend. Maybe you can get her to slip up and spew some info that can be used against her.”
“Absolutely.” He took a long swallow of beer, allowing the liquid to cool his throat as well as his emotions. His reasons for joining Hunter’s group had been personal, but he couldn’t let them distort his vision now. He had a job to do.
* * *
Two days passed before Nicole had worked herself into exhaustion. The house was spotless, but there wasn’t much left in her fridge to eat. Stress had robbed her of her appetite, but she knew she needed sustenance. It would be hard to fight an unknown enemy with no strength.
Resigned to appearing in public, she pulled Stormy’s leash from the closet. Instantly her dog jumped to attention and began dancing around her feet. “Want to go for a walk?” she asked in a singsong voice, making her pup more excited and making it harder to actually put on her leash. A walk to the nearby coffee shop would be good for her. She could get some fresh air, something she hadn’t had enough of for the past few days, and she could grab a sandwich and her favorite latte.
It was funny how the thought of being deprived of the little pleasures in life could make a person so much more appreciative of them.
The sun hovered low in the sky by the time she left her apartment. Nicole stepped out of the building into the early evening. Light traffic cruised past as she made her way to the coffee shop a couple of blocks away. Being outside, filling her lungs with the crisp air scoured out some of her stress as her muscles stretched and contracted. Stormy trotted along beside her, happy to be near her owner and enjoying one of their daily rituals. Maybe keeping things as normal as possible was what she needed to help her until the police figured out she was innocent.
Nicole tied Stormy to one of the metal bistro chairs sitting vacant outside and entered the coffee shop. Immediately, the rich, soothing aroma of ground coffee caressed her senses. She strode forward like she normally did, but an odd sensation grew from a tiny bud to full blown with each step. It took her a moment to realize everyone in the shop stared at her.
The normal, welcoming atmosphere had shifted to something hostile. She widened her eyes as she glanced from the cute newlywed couple to the woman who usually had her nose in a book to the older gentleman who always ordered a large coffee, straight black. These people who she’d always considered part of her outer social circle had turned on her.
She swallowed her mortification as she continued to the counter. She forced a smile as she greeted the curly red-haired barista who’d made her favorite latte time and time again. “Hi.”
“May I help you?” he said, a chill frosting his words, his offer to get her the usual noticeably absent.
“I’d like a chai tea latte.” A sandwich seemed more than her stomach could tolerate at the moment.
The sound of door chimes tinkled behind her, and the barista looked over her shoulder to see who’d entered or left the building. She followed his gaze.
A dark-haired man in a trench coat and suit walked in and casually approached the counter. He trained his gaze on the menu hanging above them, giving her a momentary chance to appreciate him.
He was several inches taller than her, and even beneath the layers of business wear, it was obvious he was fit. A light dusting of a five o-clock shadow across his jaw lent him a sexy, mysterious look.
She couldn’t deny she’d always had a thing for a man in a tie.
“What size?” The barista pulled her attention away from the newcomer, the worker’s wary blue eyes narrowing as he studied her.
“Uh…grande.” Just like she always ordered. She blinked rapidly, the unfriendliness surrounding her becoming more apparent and stealing center stage from the cute guy.
“We’re out of that size.”
Nicole eyed the stacks of white cups with the blue logo sitting behind the counter, but didn’t want the embarrassment of calling him a liar. “A small one then.”
The red-headed guy shook his head. “Don’t have any of that size, either. Maybe you should try a different coffee shop.”
She took a step back, humiliated beyond belief, and bumped into the man behind her. She looked to his face to apologize, but he was focused on the barista.
“Don’t be a jerk, man.” His voice came out in a deep rumble that made the woman in her sit up and take notice. “Give the lady her latte.” His expression burned with annoyance.
The barista widened his eyes. “Do you know who she is?”
“I read the papers. But nothing’s been proven yet,” the guy continued. “So, why don’t you give her what she asked for, and let the justice system handle the rest? I’ll take a grande of your medium roast while you’re at it.”
The guy hesitated a moment before he cussed under his breath and turned to do his job.
Nicole’s flight response had completely engaged, but how could she leave when the dark-haired guy had defended her like he had? “Thanks for that.” She had no business being out in public, especially in a place known for socialization. She was better off hiding in the shadows until she could get her mess resolved.
“No problem,” he said with clipped tones. He turned his head, but didn’t immediately meet her gaze. Instead, he glanced about the coffee shop as though daring anyone else to say something. The man still appeared agitated, and Nicole couldn’t quite figure out why. The barista had impugned her integrity, not his.
When he did finally look at her, the depth and brilliance of his hazel eyes captured hers. Intelli
gence bounced back at her, and the discerning ability to reach down into her soul left her feeling off balance. She needed to get out of there while she still had a shred of sanity and dignity.
“It pisses me off when people think they have the right to judge others when, in reality, they rarely have the complete picture.”
She nodded in agreement. She was the perfect example of that.
The barista brought their drinks, and she pulled out her wallet.
“It’s on me.” The man handed a ten-dollar bill to the worker.
“I couldn’t. You’ve already been more than kind.”
He turned to her again, his warm, tiger-like eyes studying her face. “I’m guessing you’ve had a pretty rough day. Let me get this for you.”
His gesture almost undid her. She wanted to tell him how awful the past few days had been, but emotion limited her vocabulary. “Thank you. You’re very kind.” Grateful that she could now escape the scrutiny of everyone in the shop, she picked up her latte and headed for the door.
Chapter Four
Xander grabbed the hot cup of coffee and followed after the pretty brunette. She was far more compelling in person than she’d been in her photo, and his instant attraction to her annoyed the hell out of him. It pissed him off that he could feel something besides hatred for the daughter of the man who’d ruined his father.
Made him feel a little guilty, too.
He’d tried to keep from meeting her green-eyed gaze directly, but realized his efforts were futile. If he intended to get close enough to the woman to find a way to bust her, he’d have to rein in his primal instincts and shield himself from her. If he couldn’t look her in the eye, she’d never trust him.
His gaze drifted lower as she neared the door, and he gave himself a moment’s reprieve to appreciate her finer attributes. Damn. The physical part of him couldn’t distinguish between a thief and a good girl, and right now, he couldn’t ignore the way her tight jeans curved against her ass. Her hips swayed as she walked, mesmerizing him. He tilted his head. He supposed following a beautiful perp had to be preferable to some ugly-ass old man anyway.
It would be a shame when they found her guilty and locked her behind bars. He might skip that sentencing. It would be rough thinking about what the prison system would do to a beauty like her. But guilty people must pay. Pretty or not. It was kind of like tossing out a gorgeous bouquet of red roses because they’d been infested with bugs. Unfortunate, but necessary.
The door was nearly shut before he reached it. He pushed against its weight and stepped out of the cramped coffee shop and into the cool evening. Outdoor lights located under the awning above the door lit the area around him.
He was happy to see the object of his pursuit hadn’t gotten far. She’d set her cup on one of the small tables and was currently untying the leash of a cute black and white dog.
The canine growled as he approached.
Xander held out his hand as Nicole looked over her shoulder to see what had her dog’s attention. The dog lifted its nose, and Xander squatted beside Nicole. “Hi there,” he said in a soft voice, letting the animal sniff his fingers.
“She might bite.” Nicole stood, the dog’s leash now wrapped around her hand.
Xander stayed low to the ground, allowing the dog to finish her assessment. “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you,” he said to the canine. “What’s her name?” When Nicole didn’t answer right away, he glanced up, finding an uncertain look on her face.
“Stormy.”
“Hi, Stormy.” Her dog seemed to accept his use of her name as an acceptable way to make friends, and she began to lick his fingers. “I think she likes me.”
She frowned at her dog. “Normally, she doesn’t like men.”
Xander stood, meeting Nicole’s gaze. “Maybe I’m not like most men.”
She blinked a few times, uncertainty growing in her eyes. “I would definitely agree with that after how nice you were inside.” She tugged on Stormy’s leash, pulling her closer to her feet. “Thank you again.”
He made her nervous. He supposed that was only natural, especially after recent events. Stealing ten million would put most people on guard. He wondered what her game plan was or if she even had one. “You’re welcome, Ms. Camden.” Maybe she hadn’t expected to get caught. But leaving one’s fingerprints at the scene was a pretty stupid move, although she didn’t seem like she was all that dense.
Concern furrowed between her brows. “How did you—” She stopped abruptly. “The news.”
He shrugged and tried to give her a smile that might ease her tension. “You’re in the papers and all over TV.”
“Right.” Her bottom lip trembled, and he could tell she struggled to maintain her composure. “Well. With that, I think I’m going to head home. Thank you again…”
“Xander. Xander Secrist,” he supplied at her hesitation. He stuck out his hand in greeting. She transferred Stormy’s leash to her left hand before accepting his gesture. Her grim was firm, her skin soft.
She gave his hand a quick shake and released it. “Thank you for making my day more bearable, Xander. I hope you have a nice evening.” She picked up her latte and turned.
“Do you want some company?” He sounded like a desperate man looking for a date. It had been so long since he’d tried to interest a woman that it seemed he’d lost his touch, even if, on this occasion, it was all a ploy. “I could walk you home.”
She looked back and hesitated before she shook her head.
He silently cursed. He’d almost had her.
“I’m fine. I’m not going to be good company right now anyway. But, thanks.”
How did he come back from a rejection like that? “Okay, I understand.”
She and Stormy started walking again, and he frantically searched for another excuse to keep her talking. He couldn’t let her get away without some kind of future commitment. He might not get the chance to get close to her again.
“Wait,” he called out, sitting his coffee on one of the tables so he could hurry after her.
She turned, wariness widening her beautiful eyes. “Look Xander, I’m not really sure what’s going on here. I appreciate the save in there and the latte. I don’t know if this is a pick up or what, but this isn’t a good time for me.”
He started to object, but she cut him off.
“You’re really cute and very nice, and any other time, I’d definitely be interested. But I’m in the middle of a huge nightmare, and I’m a little preoccupied by it all right now. So, thank you, but goodnight.” She turned once again and started walking, her shoes clicking rapidly on the sidewalk.
Damn it. Xander raked his fingers through the short hair over his ears. If he wasn’t careful, he’d blow it. Then again, letting her walk away was equivalent to blowing it. Shit. “Nicole,” he called out.
She didn’t turn around. Instead, she shook her head and kept walking.
He started jogging toward her. “I’d like to help you.”
That stopped her.
She shifted her gaze to him, giving him a look that said he was pushing his luck.
He held up his hands in a non-threatening gesture. “I know this is making me look like a nut job and probably scaring the hell out of you. I don’t normally hound women until they talk to me.”
She stared at him for a few seconds, looking as though she was trying to decide if she should listen or run. “Fine. I don’t know how you could possibly help me, but fine. Have your say, and then I’m going to leave. If you try to stop me or follow me, I’ll scream. There’s enough traffic around that someone will help me, and Stormy really will bite if you threaten me.”
“God.” He huffed his incredulity. “I do sound crazy, don’t I?”
She didn’t answer, but instead waited for him to continue.
He hadn’t felt this insecure about himself since his teenage years. He had to impress her. If he wanted to bust her, he had to be close to her. “I’ll admit I’d like to get to know yo
u better.” And he wished like hell he could tame that part of him. “But that’s not the entire reason I’m not giving up after you’ve shot me down. I’m a financial analyst with a strong background in computers. I also have a friend who’s excellent at getting information that’s not accessible to most people. You say you’re innocent, and I really don’t want to see an innocent person behind bars. The idea came to me while we were waiting for our drinks. I have some expertise, and I’d like to help find the person who’s really responsible for this crime. It’s sort of like a puzzle to me, and I’d like to help solve it.”
“This puzzle you want to solve isn’t a game. It’s my life.”
Shit. “Of course. I didn’t mean to trivialize it.” He softened his gaze and lowered his voice, going for the less alpha approach. “Really, I’d just like to help. Even if all I end up doing is offering you some moral support.”
She seemed to consider it, but then shook her head. “I have an attorney who is looking out for my interests. Getting you involved would only complicate matters.”
No. His mind raced for another slant, but he was at a loss. It looked like he’d have to run this game from the sidelines which wouldn’t be nearly as easy. “Can I give you my card in case you change your mind?”
Several weighted seconds passed before she answered. “Sure. But it’s unlikely I’ll call.”
He pulled the wallet from his coat pocket and handed his card to her. His fingers grazed hers as she took it, and he wished he could take her hand in his one more time and feel her skin against him. “I hope you’ll change your mind.”
She slipped the card into the pocket of her jacket. “Goodbye, Xander.”
He studied her face, trying to memorize the shape of her alluring green eyes and the curve of her jaw. “Goodbye, Nicole. Whatever happens, I hope justice is served on the person who committed the crime.”
