“Shit!” Justin sat up and shook his head rapidly as if to clear it. “Remind me not to piss you off again.”
Brennan grinned down at the man he’d just wiped the floor with. “You’ve not seen pissed off. Those were love taps. Get back up, and I’ll show you a few moves even you LCR guys don’t know about.”
Justin snorted. “That arrogant attitude of yours will fit in well with LCR.”
Grabbing a bottle of water, Brennan tossed it to his friend and then took one for himself. Finishing half of it in one, long swallow, he replaced the cap. “I’m looking forward to meeting McCall. He’s not much of a phone conversationalist. Just gave me a date, time, and location to meet. What’s he like in person?”
Wiping his face with a towel, Justin twisted his mouth into a wry smile. “About the same. With McCall, what you see is what you get. He doesn’t pull punches…calls it like he sees it. If he doesn’t like you, you’ll know it.”
“Good.” Brennan liked straight shooters.
“Where are you guys meeting?”
“Some restaurant called Alonzo’s Place.”
“Yeah. All LCR interviews take place at either a hotel or a restaurant.”
Made sense. Last Chance Rescue was one of the most secretive and successful rescue organizations in the world. When lives were at risk, trust couldn’t come easy.
And LCR’s founder, Noah McCall, was just as secretive as his organization. Few knew where the leader of Last Chance Rescue hung his hat. LCR rescued kidnap victims from some of the most dangerous places in the world. And because of that, rumor had it that McCall had collected some powerful enemies.
“So he knows everything?”
“Yeah…even knows the truth.”
Brennan inwardly winced. Even when one knew the truth, that was still a lot of muck to wade through. The good—he was a decent guy. The bad—he’d been an asshole and idiot for a good part of his life. The ugly—he’d done some downright shitty things that he’d give everything he owned to do over.
“With your training and experience, you’ve got the skills of a seasoned LCR operative. But rumor has it that those things aren’t always McCall’s top job requirements.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say that his interview process can be unique.”
Brennan took another slug of water, now more curious than ever to meet Noah McCall. He didn’t doubt that he could do the job. He’d been there, done that. He’d clocked numerous successful rescues the last couple of years with another rescue organization and loved his career. However, it was time to move on. Last Chance Rescue was not only the gold standard for rescue organizations, they also had strict policies when it came to privacy, steering clear of public recognition whenever possible. And since publicity was the very last thing Brennan Sinclair wanted or needed in his life, working for Last Chance Rescue would be the perfect job.
Chapter Three
New York City
Her smile frozen in place, Kacie acted as if there was nowhere else she’d rather be than standing before dozens of photographers, talking to people she didn’t know, or nibbling on pâté-covered crisps. After today’s weird event, the last thing she had felt like doing was going out and mingling with hundreds of people, most of whom she didn’t know. Taking a long, hot bubble bath and sipping herbal tea sounded like so much more fun.
At that image, she mentally rolled her eyes. Really, Kacie? What are you? Ninety?
This was her charity, with her name on it. It meant too much to her to even consider bailing. Besides, she was already fodder for every gossip rag and online chatter outlet in existence. When you’re dubbed America’s Sweetheart—not her doing—people seemed even more eager to find something unwholesome about her. Not attending her own charity event might well have qualified.
Her über efficient staff had been working on this event for months. Kacie had hired a limo to carry everyone to the event, and the party had gotten started early. She’d done her best to get into the spirit, and other than a few concerned questions about her lack of excitement that she’d brushed off as nerves, she thought she had covered herself pretty well.
The slight twinges in her shoulder and hip weren’t painful, just small reminders of a silly, freaky thing that had happened, nothing more.
“You look a little rough around the edges, my dear.” The dry, humorless voice came from behind her. She recognized the speaker immediately and turned, forcing her smile into one of sheer delight.
Tatiana Clark, the cattiest of the online fashion bloggers, seemed to take an almost fiendish delight in tearing into Kacie, from barely veiled insults about her appearance to mean-spirited comments about her sad lack of romance. Tatiana had stated more than once that no one could be that sweet.
Being extra nice to someone who went out of their way to be unpleasant had never been so much fun.
“Thanks so much for coming tonight, Tatiana. You’re looking lovely, as always.”
One of the many things she’d learned from Skylar was the graceful art of kindness. Complimenting someone who’d just as soon claw your eyes out as look at you was a good way to disarm the enemy. Kacie’s kill-them-with-kindness attitude often confused the hell out of people.
Showing that she was tougher than most, Tatiana’s brilliant blue eyes narrowed into hard gems of ice. “Too bad about the Oliver campaign. That project could’ve made you a superstar. Rumor has it that you were never even considered. Sarah March will be the new face of Oliver, probably for years. She’s only nineteen, fresh-faced and flawless, whereas you are—”
“Absolutely delighted for Sarah,” Kacie finished for her. “She will be a wonderful addition to the Oliver collection. Her face is perfect for them.”
“But you—”
Kacie grinned, thoroughly enjoying herself. “Never had a chance, I’m sure.”
She waved a donation card in the spiteful woman’s face. “Don’t forget your donation. I’m sure there are thousands of young women who look up to you and would love to be the next Tatiana.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? You think someone could replace me?”
“Who could replace you, Tatiana? You’re one of a kind.”
“You’re damn right, I am. I—”
A warm hand grasped Kacie’s elbow. “There you are, my dear. I’ve been looking all over for you. So sorry to interrupt your time with Tatiana, but I wanted to visit with you a moment.”
Giving one last friendly, charming smile to Tatiana, Kacie allowed her agent to pull her away. “Thanks. I owe you one,” she said under her breath.
“It’s what you pay me for, but really, Kacie. Do you have to be so damn nice to the woman?”
“It’s too much fun not to be nice.”
Edy rolled her eyes and snorted. One of the most prominent agents in the business, Edalyn Brown, known by most everyone as just Edy, had been Kacie’s agent for over two years. Without a doubt, Kacie knew she wouldn’t have done nearly as well without this savvy woman as her champion.
“Poor Tat looked as though she couldn’t figure out whether she was supposed to scratch your eyes out or give you a hug.”
“Who knows? Maybe she’ll be nicer to the next person she meets.”
Edy shot her a droll, cynical look. “Your pay-it-forward niceness lost you the Oliver account. You know that, don’t you?”
“Sarah is perfect for their campaign. Recommending her just made sense.”
“You would’ve been perfect for it, too.”
Edy was ever loyal, which Kacie appreciated. “You’re prejudiced.”
“No, I’m practical. You keep recommending other people for jobs you’re up for, at some point people will think you’re in my business.”
“I’m getting plenty of work.”
Edy huffed out a little laugh. “You have no idea.”
“What do you mean?”
“What would you say if I told you that right before I walked in here, I got a call from Juli
an Montague?”
“I’d say you had a few drinks before you arrived.”
“Yeah, well, I did. But I’m still sober enough to negotiate a deal to die for.”
Kacie’s heart took an excited leap. Julian Montague was looking for a model for his new line of cosmetics and sports and eveningwear. The entire fashion industry had been holding its collective breath to see whom the designer would choose. Not only did Kacie have a great admiration for him, she’d gotten a sneak peek at the new line and had fallen in love.
“Seriously? Montague really wants me?”
“Offer is a two-year contract.”
“He’s okay with my clauses?”
“Not a problem. Your hometown-girl look is exactly what he’s looking for.”
That was a relief. Her stipulations on nudity or near nudity were in every contract she’d ever signed. She had several reasons for this, not the least of which she knew she would be a role model for young women and refused to be photographed in anything too revealing. She had developed a reputation for being a prude, but she could live with that.
“There are just a few things we need to nail down. Let’s meet tomorrow afternoon and iron those things out. Two o’clock okay?”
“Perfect. I’ll—” A burst of male laughter caught her attention, cutting off her words. A shiver zipped up her spine, and she looked around. Where had it come from?
“Kacie…you okay?”
“Yes…I, yes, definitely.” Utterly spooked, she turned quickly, almost sure he’d be right behind her.
“What is your problem, Kacie? Who are you looking for?”
“Did you hear that laugh?”
“I hear lots of people laughing. It’s a party.”
Okay, get it together, Kacie, before Tatiana and her cohorts get a glimpse of the crazy you seem to be flirting with.
“Sorry. Just heard someone laugh and thought it sounded familiar. So…um…yeah, that’s great news.”
Edy looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Hell, I thought you’d be dragging me by my ear to find a place to talk about it tonight, and now you act like I just complimented your nail polish. What’s up with you? A year ago you would’ve been so excited I wouldn’t have been able to keep you from screaming the news to the entire room before you demanded the facts straightaway. Is this not what you want anymore?”
“Of course it is. I want this job, Edy. More than you’ll ever know. So…two o’clock. Right?”
“Yeah. Sure. Whatever.”
Kacie restrained herself from snapping at the woman. Edy sometimes had the ego of a diva, and when things didn’t go her way, she had a tendency to pout. Besides, this was a big deal. Edy was right. Any other time she would’ve been dancing like a fiend. But today’s weird occurrence at the park, followed by that freakily familiar laughter, had her on edge.
“How about we meet for a late lunch at Marvin’s? We’ll talk and celebrate. My treat.”
Excitement flickered in Edy’s eyes but was quickly replaced by doubt. “I called for reservations last week and couldn’t get a table for at least four months.”
“I know someone. I can get us in.”
Looking somewhat mollified, Edy nodded. “Okay. I’ll bring the specifics.” Her light-blue eyes scanned Kacie’s face. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re looking kind of washed out.”
Oh for an agent who didn’t feel she had to call it like she saw it all the time. Delivering the brutal truth was one of Edy’s least endearing but most valuable qualities.
“Yes. I’m definitely okay. Just need a good night’s sleep.”
“Make sure you do that. I don’t want Julian thinking you’ve lost your edge. You have to look as close to perfect as possible from here on out.”
Since perfection wasn’t possible and sleep didn’t always come easy, Kacie merely smiled and changed the subject. “Isn’t that Jeffrey Miller standing in the corner? Why don’t you go over and say hi to him?”
“Please. As if.”
Edy had a longstanding crush on one of the premier advertising executives in the country. Jeffrey Miller, once a top model, now ran his own advertising firm. Still single and in his early forties, the man was considered one of the hottest catches in the world. He was also one of the most arrogant men Kacie had ever met. Edy, on the other hand, couldn’t see beyond his good looks.
“I don’t know,” Kacie teased. “He looks kind of lonely to me.”
“You’re right, he does.” Straightening her shoulders, Edy nodded. “Okay, I’m going in.” She took a few steps and then turned back to Kacie. “Don’t think I don’t know what you just did. However, I’m doing this for a good cause, so I’ll forgive the distraction.”
“And that good cause would be?”
“He’s clearly a misogynist who’s dying to be reformed. And I’m the woman for the job.”
Kacie laughed, appreciating the woman’s confidence if not her goal. “Go for it.”
As Edy zoomed toward her target, Kacie eyed her own target—the ladies’ room. She smiled, waved, and called out “thank you for coming” greetings as she crossed the room. The event had turned out even better than she had hoped. She gave all the credit to her amazing staff. Without them, she never would have been able to pull this off.
Finally escaping from dozens of eyes, Kacie allowed her smile to slip from her face as she walked down the carpeted hallway to the ladies’ room. Five minutes of alone time should give her enough stamina to go back and smile for at least another couple of hours.
She pushed opened the door and was delighted to see that both the lounge and restroom were empty. Quickly using the facilities, Kacie washed her hands and took a moment to freshen her makeup. Okay, maybe she did look a bit ragged…definitely paler than normal.
A quick touch-up helped a little, but what would help the most was a long, uninterrupted, peaceful sleep. After what she’d been through, most drugs repulsed her, which meant she sometimes went without sleep. Even after five years, she often woke up in a cold sweat, the remnants of nightmares preventing her from going back to sleep.
But Edy was right. She had to look her best. Maybe she could find an herbal relaxant. She would call her therapist tomorrow and see if she could suggest something.
Kacie headed over to a cozy-looking chair in the corner. Just a couple of minutes of meditation and she would be ready for round two. She was halfway to her destination when the room went dark.
Releasing a little gasping squeal, Kacie froze. Had the electricity gone out in the entire building? Holding both hands out in front of her, she turned to where the door should be and began to walk slowly toward it. The masculine laughter, slightly high-pitched, took her off guard. It was the same laughter from earlier. The same laughter she heard in her nightmares.
“Hello?” Her voice wavered. “Is someone there?”
Total silence followed.
Her heart pounded hard against her chest as she exhaled terrified spurts of breath. She would not panic. Dammit, she would not panic.
Straightening her shoulders, Kacie took a determined step toward the door and then another. She had a good sense of direction. She knew where the door was. She would get there and get the hell out of here.
The lights flickered on, startling her to a stumbling halt. Her eyes searched her surroundings. No one was around. Had she imagined the laughter? Of course she had. She’d heard it earlier, and her overactive imagination had brought it to mind.
Shaking her head at her ridiculous fears, Kacie took the remaining steps to the door and opened it. Muted voices and laughter could be heard over the classical piano music coming from the speakers in the ceiling.
Everything was normal. It had been a momentary power outage, nothing more.
Working her smile back into place, she strode toward the ballroom, welcoming the sound of normalcy and sanity.
She had panicked for nothing. Everything was fine. And the eyes that she now felt were following her? That was normal. This
was her event…of course people were watching.
As Kacie entered the ballroom and began her second round of thank-yous, she ignored the small voice inside her that asked just how long she could keep lying to herself.
Chapter Four
Hours later, Kacie stood at her office door and debated her choices. Her body was weary, but her mind was restless. After the limo had dropped her off at her apartment, her entire team had continued to party. Even Marta and Hazel, who were both old enough to be grandmothers to the other staff members, had wanted to continue the celebration. The benefit had raised almost twice as much as they’d hoped, and they had just cause to celebrate.
Kacie had cried off, using the excuse of a busy day tomorrow. Amid goodhearted boos and cheerful jeering, they’d waved good-bye to her and went on to their next destination.
And now here she stood, wide awake and more on edge than she’d been in years. After tossing around on the bed for half an hour, she’d gotten up and tried all of her normal remedies for sleep. A hot bath, warm milk, meditation, and reading. None of them had worked. She knew if she got back in bed and tried to sleep again she’d either have another bout of tossing and turning or have nightmares.
What those guys in the park had said today—the creepy, almost monotone chant, as if it were part of some kind of Satanic ritual—continued to replay in her mind. He’s coming for you.
Was it just some weird street theater, like the officer had surmised, or was it more ominous than that? Had it been some kind of warning she should heed? If so, about what?
Thankfully, no one in the press had caught wind of the assault. That was what money and a world-class publicist like Sandi Winston could do for you. She’d called the woman seconds after giving her report to the police. And somehow, it had gone away. Sandi was a marvel at making bad news disappear and good news shine even brighter.
Kacie eyed the small stack of emails and social media messages on her desk she’d yet to answer. She knew full well she could ask Molly to do them and most people would never know the words hadn’t come from her. But since she couldn’t sleep, why not knock out a few innocuous emails?
Chance Encounter Page 2
