Apparently seeing the blood drain from her face, he reached over and squeezed her hand. “Eli’s a tough SOB.”
That was true. Despite his elegance and sophistication, he did have a dangerous edge and could handle himself in most any situation. But he wasn’t immortal. Bullets could penetrate his flesh. And his head, though as hard as a rock, could still be crushed.
At that image, a wave of nausea swelled within her. Dammit, she had told herself she wasn’t going to care for him and now…? Now she felt as though her heart was breaking.
Unable to sit still, she sprang to her feet and began to pace. “Who could be doing this? Who would want Eli dead? We have to find out. Is it his brother? Is Adam that evil?”
“Evil? Yes. But he’s got no money to speak of any longer. Paying for a hit would be hard for him to do.”
“Then who? Eli said he’s gone through every one of his father’s enemies, all the people who had been wronged, and couldn’t pinpoint anyone. Who’s left?”
“Eli said this feels personal, and I agree.”
“I can’t see anyone hating him enough to do this. Or hurt his children.”
“That’s the pisser. I can’t either.” He threw Kathleen a grim smile. “The man’s not perfect and can tick off a saint when he’s brought to the line. But killing him? That’s buggering stupid.”
“You’re helping him investigate?”
“I’ve got a couple of people assigned, but we’ve found nothing substantial. I’m going to add to that. I’ve contacted two of my main investigators, Kennedy and Nick Gallagher. They’ll be on it full time until this thing is over.”
“I want in on the investigation.”
A knowing glimmer appeared in his eyes. “I thought you might.”
She ignored Grey’s inference, refusing to contemplate that he was seeing something that she could not allow herself to entertain. Finding who was doing this was her only focus. It angered her that she hadn’t asked to be involved before. She’d been too concerned with protecting herself. And had it helped? Of course not. She already cared too damn much.
“Mr. Justice?” A tall, slender man dressed in scrubs stood before them.
“Yes.” Grey went to his feet.
“Mr. Slater is asking for you. Follow me.”
Not bothering to ask if she could come, too, Kathleen walked beside Grey to a curtained-off area. Hearing Eli’s deep, slightly hoarse voice, Kathleen felt her knees turn to melted rubber. She stiffened her spine and watched as the nurse pushed aside the curtain. The instant she saw Eli, she wanted to cry, in both relief and worry.
The crooked smile he gave was probably supposed to reassure her. It didn’t.
“It’s not really as bad as it looks.”
A white bandage was wrapped around his forehead, his left arm was in a sling, and hideous bruises were already mottling his bare chest.
“What’s the damage?” Grey asked
Before Eli could answer, a doctor walked in and said, “Lucky to be alive. A mild concussion, sprained wrist, a dozen or so lacerations, and bruised ribs.”
“You weren’t shot?” Kathleen asked.
Again, the doctor answered. “No bullet wounds. Like I said, damn lucky to be alive. Still, he’s going to be hurting for a few days. I’m trying to convince him he needs to stay the night for observation, but he insists he has someone at home who will monitor him.” He glanced down at a chart. “Someone named Kathleen. Is that you?”
Her eyes shot to Eli, who was looking like a little boy hoping not to get called out on a lie.
“Yes, that’s me. And he’s right. He’ll be well taken care of at home.”
The doctor nodded. “I’ll give you a copy of instructions for his care.” He looked at Eli. “No overdoing it for a couple of days. Resume normal activities then, but if you start feeling dizzy or unusually tired, rest.”
“Thanks, doc. Appreciate it.”
The doctor nodded again and walked out. The instant he did, Kathleen whirled around. “What happened?”
“The doctor’s right. I got lucky. Just before the first shot, I caught a glimpse of the sun glinting off something. Rifle, I’m guessing. I ducked. Good thing I did, since the bullet would’ve gone through my head. Then the bastard shot out my tires. I lost control, went down a ravine.”
“How can you act so calm? Dammit, someone tried to kill you, Eli.”
At her statement, his eyes flared with acknowledgment, and she realized his casual attitude had all been an act. Beneath the cool façade was a burning fury.
“Yes, they did.”
“What’d the police say? I only got the bare facts from them when I came in.”
“They’re investigating, but nothing, not even a shell, was found. I was out for a few minutes. Not sure how long. By the time I woke, the ambulance and police were there, and the shooter, along with any evidence, was long gone.”
“I didn’t see any reporters. How’d you manage that?”
He shrugged and then winced. “Called in a few favors.”
“You did all that while you were being treated?” Kathleen asked.
“I had to act fast.” His eyes went back to Grey’s. “Justice, can you give us a minute?”
“Yes. I’ll bring the car round.”
The instant they were alone, Eli said, “I need you to bring my daughters home. The gloves are off now, and this thing is only going to escalate.”
Fighting the need to smooth the lines of both worry and pain that furrowed his brow, she nodded. “Of course, I’ll go now.”
She went to back away, sure that if she stayed another moment she’d be touching him merely to reassure herself he was all right.
“Wait.”
She halted. “Yes?”
“I also want to apologize.”
Surprised, she asked, “For?”
Eli struggled for words and vaguely wondered if his throbbing head had anything to do with his inability to form the right words, say the right things. Telling her he was sorry for kissing her would be a flat-out lie. But he was sorry for how things had gone at his office. He needed to apologize for pushing her then, scaring the hell out of her now. And maybe for what he was going to do once his daughters were safely away.
“At my office. I shouldn’t have pushed you like that.”
“That’s not something we need to talk about now.”
“Maybe not, but it needed to be said. I’m also sorry for scaring you now. I know this brings back a lot of bad memories for you.”
She shook her head, denial stamped firmly on her face. “I wasn’t scared. I was concerned for my employer.”
“Your employer?”
“You’re my employer until you find my replacement.”
Maybe any other time he might’ve let her get away with that, but not now. “You’ve never been a coward in your life, Kat. Don’t you damn well start now.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Ignoring the pain, Eli bent forward, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her to him. Trapping her between his spread legs, he used his good hand to cup her face and pressed a hard kiss to her soft mouth. Beneath the surprise, he felt the give, the surrender.
When he raised his head, he locked his gaze with her startled one. “This is what I mean. Don’t deny it. Don’t brush it off as something less. I’m not just your employer. You’re not just an employee. You damn well know it.”
Her slender body shuddered, and Eli told himself once again not to push. But things were changing, escalating, and the need to grab on to everyone he cared for and hang on for dear life was strong.
But that would have to wait. Dammit, all of it would have to wait. He released her arm, watched her back away again, out of his reach.
The curtain rustled as the nurse came back in. “Looks like you’re set to go, Mr. Slater. Your clothes are ruined, so I brought you some snazzy scrubs to wear home.”
His teeth grinding against the pain, Eli slid off the exam table. Apparent
ly realizing that all that had covered him was a sheet over his lower half, and it was now on the floor, Kathleen backed away even more. “I’ll follow you and Grey home, then I’ll collect Sophia and Violet…bring them home, too.”
Eli wouldn’t stop her from leaving the room but refused to let her believe the conversation had ended. “This isn’t over, Kat.”
“You’re right, it’s not over. Because it never even started.” She walked out of the room.
Eli cursed softly, then gave a grimacing smile of apology to the nurse as she helped him dress. He wanted the kind nurse to go elsewhere for a half hour so he could show Kathleen that her words might say one thing but her body had said something else. The heat in her eyes when he’d dropped the sheet told him she wanted him. That was something he could build upon.
But that, too, would have to wait. His entire body felt like he’d just gone twelve rounds with a heavyweight champ. Engaging in anything remotely physical was well beyond his capabilities for the time being. But that wasn’t the biggest deterrent. He had a family to protect and then a killer to uncover.
The instant he was dressed, Eli grabbed his cellphone again. It was a call he hadn’t wanted to make, but this time, he had no choice.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Kathleen ushered Eli’s daughters inside the house. She had explained that their father’s car had crashed and he had a few minor boo-boos. Hopefully, the girls wouldn’t be too frightened once they saw him.
Grey had driven Eli home. Kathleen had followed in her car, looking for a threat in every car they passed, every person she saw. The moment they arrived, she’d jumped into the limo and headed to the school. She had called ahead to let the principal know she was coming. She didn’t give any more information than that, but had a feeling Eli would be contacting the school this afternoon. He hadn’t said so, but she knew the girls wouldn’t be going back to school. Not until this was over.
She and Eli might disagree on personal issues, but this was one they could both agree on. When your loved ones were threatened, you gathered them close and rode out the storm. That was something she’d learned way too late.
Teresa was standing in the foyer waiting for them. Though she gave the girls her usual cheerful greeting, there was worry in her eyes.
“Your daddy is upstairs in his bedroom. As soon as you put your school supplies away and change into your play clothes, he wants you to come see him. I’ll bring you some milk and cookies.”
With the optimism of the young and the bright promise of cookies, both girls ran up the stairs, giggling and cheerfully unaware their father had almost been killed.
The instant they were out of hearing range, Kathleen said, “Are you all right, Teresa?”
Her arms wrapped around herself, she rubbed them for comfort. “I’ll be fine. I’m just so worried about Mr. Eli. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt him or those precious babies.”
“There’re a lot of people working to find who’s doing this. And in the meantime, Eli will make sure he and the girls stay safe.”
“Including you, Miss Kathleen? Will you be staying to help?”
That was something she would have to talk with Eli about. If he planned to keep his daughters out of school and confined to the estate until the threat was gone, there was no reason for her to be here. She’d been hired for one reason only. That particular reason no longer existed. But another reason for her to stay did exist. She just needed to figure out how she would tell him. Explaining her reasons without him reading anything into it would be tricky. Especially since she didn’t believe them herself.
Since Eli deserved that answer first, Kathleen just said, “I’m not sure yet. How’s he feeling?”
“He said he was fine, but I saw the pain in his eyes. He’s lying down. I’m supposed to wake him every other hour.” She glanced down at her watch. “That’s about an hour from now.”
“Why don’t I take that responsibility off you? You get the snack ready for the girls. Once they see their father, I’m sure the comfort of milk and cookies will be even more welcome.”
“Yes…all right. That sounds good.” She turned to head toward the kitchen, then stopped and looked over her shoulder. “I do hope you’ll stay, Miss Kathleen. You’re good for him. Good for the girls, too.”
“Why do you say that?”
“There’s a light in his eyes when you’re around. A spring in his step. I think you make him happy. The girls see that, and it makes them happy to see their father that way.”
Kathleen had no answer for that. She couldn’t take on that kind of responsibility. Couldn’t take that kind of risk.
Eli settled himself carefully into his chair. As long as he didn’t breathe too deeply, he figured he could control the pain, at least long enough not to scare his kids. He’d persuaded the nurse to take the gauze bandage off his head and replace it with a small cartoon Band-Aid. With his black eye from yesterday and his new injuries today, he figured he looked damn rough. Downplaying was his best bet.
He’d dozed off for a little while but woke when he heard the rapid steps of little feet rushing up the stairway. He couldn’t have Sophia or Violet see him lying in bed this time of day. He wanted to be alert and sitting up when they came in to see him. Today was going to be difficult enough for them. They sure as hell didn’t need to see their daddy looking like a zombie movie extra.
How he delivered the news would make all the difference. They could either be excited, looking upon this as a new adventure, or fearful at all the changes taking place. They’d already had too much upheaval in their young lives.
Once they were acclimated to their new location, books, movies, games, and a large outside play area should keep them occupied. The instant the bastard responsible for terrorizing his family was dealt with, he’d bring them back home. Until then, they needed to be as far from danger as possible.
Kathleen was another matter. Was he being selfish by wanting her to stay? The thought of anything happening to her churned his guts. If her association with him caused her any harm, he couldn’t handle it. On the other hand, if she stayed here, not only could he keep an eye on her, they could work together. She was a professional, trained to defend herself and others, trained to dig deep and uncover secrets.
The original job he’d hired her for was no longer relevant, but would she consider working for him in another capacity?
And again, was he being selfish simply because he couldn’t bear to let her go?
A soft knock on the door told him time was up and he damn well needed to make a decision.
“Come in,” he called out.
She came into the room, calm, competent, and so damn beautiful his entire body, though aching and sore, went hard with desire. She was dressed in black slacks that molded to her slender legs and a sky-blue cashmere sweater that enhanced the beauty of her eyes. She rarely wore that color, and he thought he knew why. Her eyes practically glowed.
Her clothing, while casual, was both feminine and flattering. However, he also knew that beneath the slight bulk of the sweater was the gun she favored, a Ruger LC9. And beneath one pant leg and wrapped around a slender ankle was a holster holding her secondary weapon. Kathleen Callahan, delightfully feminine and dangerous as hell.
“Why aren’t you in bed?”
“I was. I’ll go back in a few minutes. Thought it best that Sophia and Violet see me sitting up. It’ll alarm them less. What did you tell them?”
“Just that you had a little smash-up with your car and got a couple of bumps and bruises.” Her mouth moved from grim to a slight grin for a second. “They’ll like your bandage.”
“Before they get here, I want to tell you the plan.”
“I figure you’ll pull them out of school until this is over.”
“Yes. But I’m also going to send them away.”
“Away? Where?”
“To a little town off the coast of France, where my mother and sister are staying. Only a handful of people
, and only ones I trust, know about the small estate I purchased there. It’s right on the water, but secluded and well guarded. They’ll be safe there until this is over.”
“I see.”
“My brother Jonah is coming to get them. I called him from the hospital and got lucky. He’s in the States and will be here soon. They’ll be in good hands.”
Wanting to get a reaction one way or the other, he added, “I appreciate your protection of them. You’ve done a great job.”
“That’s it? I’m dismissed?”
He tried for a smile, figured it looked pretty lame since he didn’t feel the least amused. “You quit your job. Remember? Besides, your charges won’t be here. The job no longer exists.”
“I’m staying here with you. Remember?”
“Why?”
“You told the doctor I would see to your care.”
“Teresa can do that.”
“She’s not going to France?”
“No.”
“She’s got a lot on her plate, taking care of this house, seeing to your meals. It’ll be easier for her if I stay and help.”
“One could argue that now that she doesn’t have two rambunctious little girls to care for, she’ll have a lot more time on her hands.”
She put her hands on her hips and started toward him. “Why are you trying to get rid of me when an hour ago you…you…”
“I what, Kat? Acted like I couldn’t keep my hands off you? Maybe I’m tired of doing all the pushing. Maybe I’m waiting for you to make a move toward me for a change.”
“That has nothing to do with this. I want to stay and help you find out who’s trying to hurt you.”
“And that’s the only reason?”
“The only one there can be, Eli.”
He saw the fear, the worry. Was it the threats that worried her, or the fear that she was beginning to care for him? He had a feeling it was both. For right now, he’d have to worry about the first and hope the second worked itself out. But he saw no reason to keep his concerns from her.
“I would appreciate the help, and I want you here. But I’m concerned for your safety.”
“How so?”
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