He’d answer a few questions and get the hell out of there before his face showed up on some newscast. It might be too late anyway, since so many fans had surely taken pictures on their phones. The unfortunate part was that it was unlikely that any of the shots were of the shooter. That would be nice, but the shooting happened so fast that no one would have even had their camera out yet.
Garrett spotted Marlene on a plush sofa in the lounge area off the main lobby. Her fur coat was draped over the back of the sofa, so he got a look at her lush figure outlined under the tight knit dress. She appeared more composed, so maybe some of the shock had dissipated. An empty glass on the table meant that someone had thought to get her something to drink. Her staff surrounded her like an army. The police were going to have to fight their way in to see her. That made Garrett smile. There was some advantage to fame, after all.
Every instinct told Garrett to leave. The police could call him to the station for an interview, and if he was in the mood, he might just cooperate. But Marlene was in danger. Just because the shooter had vanished into the crowd, didn’t mean that he wouldn’t return. In fact, Garrett was positive that he would.
The guy wasn’t some loser stalker. He was a killer. This time he’d missed, but next time he might not. As much as Garrett preferred to walk away, to return to the shadows where he was the most comfortable, he couldn’t. Marlene’s life had been threatened. He’d been there that day to make sure that she was safe. It was the least he could do for her brother, who was a hero, in Garrett’s opinion.
The threat against Marlene was real. Garrett had no choice. He would protect her, no matter what. That was just how things were. So instead of slipping out a side door, he strode up to the group surrounding Marlene. When he peered around so he could see her, their eyes met. She motioned for him to come over, so he pushed through.
Marlene held her hand out to him. “Let him through. This is the man who saved me.”
Just great. The last thing Garrett wanted was to be announced. This whole situation was going downhill, he could just feel it. To make matters worse, a couple of people clapped. This isn’t the stage, he grumbled to himself. This is real, and a woman’s life is at stake. But he didn’t voice his annoyance.
Garrett walked over to the sofa, but he didn’t sit beside her. Instead, he took Marlene’s hand and pulled her to her feet. With her in tow, he pushed through the others still waiting to do her bidding. “Excuse me for a minute,” she called back to them.
When Garrett found a quiet spot down the hall, he stopped and released her hand.
Marlene looked up at him, waiting. The need to protect her surged, and he resisted the urge to discreetly escape out of the hotel with her, right away. Let her staff deal with everything else.
Garrett wasn’t in a frame of mind for public relations, not that he normally was. The circumstances were dire, and a direct approach was called for. “Ms. Parks, you just hired yourself a bodyguard.”
“Marlene,” she said. “You just saved me from a bullet. I think we’re on a first-name basis.”
“Okay, Marlene.”
She hesitated, but not for long. “I have a bodyguard.”
Garrett raised his eyebrows. “I can’t say I think much of his method of protection.”
“It was his day off, and with all the security at this event I thought I’d be fine. Raymond agreed.”
“That guy out there today wasn’t playing around,” Garrett said. “He’ll be back. And I’m not going anywhere.” He paused, but she didn’t argue. “I’m your new bodyguard…at least until we put that shooter out of action.”
A couple of seconds ticked by, then Marlene smiled. “Bossy, aren’t you?”
Garrett didn’t flinch. “You have no idea.”
Chapter 2
Marlene sized up Garrett Flynn. It wasn’t every day that a man saved her life, or that it needed saving. He’d released her hand, but it still felt warm from his touch. The buff bodyguard had been on top of her less than an hour ago, his blue eyes looking into hers. She’d been aware of the strength of his body, all solid muscle, from the feel of it, and had his lips close enough to kiss.
It wasn’t the sort of thing a woman should think about in the midst of trauma. But that intimate moment with his breath grazing her skin had affected her. Maybe it was the nature of the situation. She wasn’t herself; she was still rattled. So Garrett looked better than he might otherwise.
But Marlene doubted it. He’d look good anytime, especially without clothes. But she was getting carried away about a man she barely knew. “I don’t know anything about you.” She blurted it out like a defense.
“What’s to know? I am a professional bodyguard. You can check that out.”
“I intend to.”
“And recently an active Navy SEAL. I’ve been out a few months, long enough to train in the specialty of guarding celebrities.”
“So it would seem.”
“Not that I necessarily needed training, except for learning the protocol for guarding VIPs. I’ve dealt with much more perilous situations than an amateur shooter attempting to take out a movie star.”
Marlene picked up on the arrogance. No, more like unshakeable confidence. From what she knew of SEALs, he had a right to be confident. She probably couldn’t ask for a more fit or trained protector.
Garrett’s gaze bored into her, making her want to fall into his arms. It might not be such a good idea to hire him as a bodyguard, and to have him in such close proximity. Marlene wasn’t keen about being attracted to an ex-military guy. But it wouldn’t matter. The arrangement would be strictly professional, since having a relationship with one’s bodyguard was a situation that would turn out badly. If he worked for her, it would be hands off.
Seeming to sense her reservations, Garrett said, “You’ll be in good hands. Trust me.”
Marlene did trust him, so far. He had come to her rescue. That counted for a lot.
“You’re hired, then.” Marlene pointed a finger at him. “But don’t screw this up.”
Garrett’s lips turned up into a hint of a smile. Marlene wondered if he smiled often, or laughed. He seemed like the serious type. Just as well. She didn’t need a boyfriend, just a protector.
“There’s a contract to sign.”
“My manager can take care of it. I’ll let him know.”
Marlene had some trepidation about the arrangement. It was clear that Garrett was a man who took control. Not necessarily a bad thing, but she was used to having her way. To make it in an entertainment career it was advantageous to be strong and independent, and she was. Sparks might fly between the two of them, but she had to admit that she already felt safer with Garrett around.
She walked down the hallway with Garrett right beside her. She was still shaken from the attempt on her life, but had calmed quite a bit. So she would demonstrate strength to her staff, as they didn’t need to know how much the scare had shaken her. And whether she wanted to admit it or not, having her new bodyguard was reassuring.
The hotel was a flurry of activity, reminding Marlene that the place must be in an uproar. She returned to her staff for an update, while Garrett stood by her side. A few security guards milled around to ensure fans or press didn’t intrude.
She was impressed that her attorney, Martin Clemson, had arrived and was prepared to manage any legal issues. “Martin,” she said, and nodded to him. “I appreciate you getting here so fast.”
“Of course, Miss Parks.”
Alan Sadler, her event manager, spoke next. “With assistance from Beverly Hills PD, security is in the process of dispersing the crowd. Those that were close to the shooter have been detained for statements. Names of the rest will be obtained if possible.”
“No doubt that some of the crowd made a fast exit, as soon as they heard the shot,” Marlene said.
Alan nodded. “The other celebrities were swiftly escorted to their limos. They were at the end of the walkway, too far away to have seen anything
. But the police will arrange to interview them later anyway.”
“Do we know if anyone got a description?” Marlene said. “Surely someone must have gotten a look at the guy when he pulled a gun.” She wondered how good a look Garrett had gotten of the man, but didn’t want to interrogate him in front of the others. She’d ask him later, in private.
Alan shook his head. “I don’t have that information yet.”
Garrett appeared to be taking everything in, but didn’t comment. Marlene looked up at him, then motioned to her head of security. “You’ve met Raymond Mead,” she said. “He is head of security for my fundraisers.”
“Yes, we’ve met,” Garrett said.
Marlene faced her security manager. “Garrett Flynn is my new bodyguard. I just hired him, so give him your full cooperation.” She noted the dour look on Raymond’s face, but that was too bad. He should have seen to her protection better, so she wouldn’t have had to look elsewhere to improve her security.
Raymond’s momentary reaction vanished, then he resumed his professional attitude. “Garrett…I’ll do whatever it takes to see that Marlene is safe.”
“That is my top priority,” Garrett said.
A police officer was headed their way. “I’ve arranged a private room where the police can interview you, Marlene. I made it clear that under the circumstances, they should keep it brief. If they have more questions, an appointment can be arranged for a later date. You need to be allowed to leave and given a chance to recover.”
“I appreciate that, Alan, but I’m not injured at all. Once my nerves settle out, I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Marlene looked at the police officer.
“Marlene Parks, may I meet with you to ask you some questions?”
“Certainly, but my attorney will accompany me. I’m sure you understand. As a public figure, I must be prudent.”
The officer didn’t seem pleased, but really had no choice. Marlene followed the officer to a small conference room with opaque windows, so they wouldn’t be observed. Her attorney advised her to answer the questions simply and truthfully. It was an easy task, since she knew so little. It didn’t take long to recite the details of standing on the red carpet one moment, then being on her back the next, with a man she hadn’t met before on top of her.
“I heard the shot,” Marlene said. “But Garrett Flynn was already shielding me with his body.”
“You know him?”
“I do now. I hadn’t met him before that moment. But he showed his ID to my head of security right after the incident.” Marlene didn’t volunteer that she’d subsequently hired him as her personal bodyguard. That wasn’t a police matter and had no bearing on the case.
The officer didn’t have any more questions.
Marlene had some of her own. “Did anyone get a look at the guy? Do you have a description?”
The officer stood to leave. “We’re interviewing witnesses now. As soon as we obtain any information available, we’ll make a report.”
It was to be expected that the police would be cautious. A shot fired at Marlene Parks during a high-profile fundraiser for wounded warriors was newsworthy. Her celebrity status ensured that it would make the front page. Plus, the report of the incident must be all over social media already. The police would have their hands full.
After the interview, Marlene waited with her staff, under Raymond’s watchful eye, while the police interviewed Garrett. It didn’t take long. After all, he had no more to tell them than she had. Or so she assumed. If he had seen the shooter clearly, maybe he could give a description that would lead to an arrest. She hoped so.
Garrett emerged from the conference room, looking as unflustered as when he’d gone in. The police officer stopped long enough to thank Marlene for cooperating, then disappeared. Even though she hadn’t done anything wrong, it was unsettling to be interviewed by the police. It seemed every word she uttered became public knowledge, so Marlene was reluctant to share anything private. The police weren’t likely to reveal anything but the unembellished story. It was in their interest to keep things under wraps until they had more to go on.
“Let’s get you out of here,” Garrett said. “The sooner you’re home, the better I’ll like it.”
“What about you?”
“I’m going with you. Until this crisis is over, you’ll see a lot of me. The only option is for me to stay by your side.”
Marlene widened her eyes. “I see. Well, you aren’t my first bodyguard. I have quarters that will accommodate you quite nicely.”
“It depends where they are and how accessible you are to me. I can’t allow something to happen to you while I’m in the opposite wing of your mansion.”
“You prefer something cozier?”
Garrett gave her a stoic look. “Whatever it takes.”
“I’ll get my things and have Alan call for the chauffeur.” Then she had a thought. “Where’s your car?”
“I took public transportation.” When Marlene gave him a look, he said, “What do I need with a car at a fundraiser? I’d just have to find a place to park it. The subway makes more sense.”
“If you say so.”
Marlene wanted to get out of the hotel. It had been a stressful few hours. She’d lost track of time, but it was getting dark out. It would be good to be home and find some solitude. Although she wasn’t sure how much of that she’d get with Garrett around. He was going to be a distraction. But he was easy on the eyes. Marlene would need to guard against looking at him too much, lest he get the wrong impression.
Garrett didn’t like the idea of getting in a limo in front of the hotel. But the Beverly Hilton didn’t have back doors. Marlene was escorted into her limo by her security team, with Garrett right behind her. Once inside, the doors automatically locked. “The windows are bulletproof,” she said.
“I would hope so.”
“I’m not completely without security. I am a celebrity, so I’ve learned the value of defense,” Marlene said.
The limo pulled away from the curb, heading for Beverly Hills, and Garrett leaned back in the seat.
“I have people who look out for me, you know,” Marlene said.
Garrett spoke without hesitation. “Now you have one more.”
“I suppose you think you’re the most important one.”
“Right now, I am,” Garrett said. “Security is really little more than crowd control. I’m sure Raymond doesn’t protect celebrities from threats on their lives.”
“No, the police do that.”
“But they aren’t at home with you.” Garrett frowned. “By the time they’d get to you, it would be too late.”
“Are you always so pessimistic?”
“I call it realistic. Defeating the enemy depends on facing the facts, understanding the reality of the situation.”
Marlene studied her new bodyguard. He wasn’t a man to back down. She liked that about him. She also liked much more. Although she couldn’t say much for his choice in clothing. He wore faded blue jeans that hugged his thighs. That part was nice. And he’d paired it with a beige T-shirt under a dark brown jacket. His brown hair was long enough to be trendy, but short enough to look like half the men in the city.
“If you’re going to work for me, you’ll have to dress better,” Marlene said.
“I don’t think so. It’s important to blend in, and not be a target. Better to spot the enemy before they see you.”
Marlene considered that, but not for long. “You’re my personal bodyguard. Your days of blending in are over, for a while. My life is on display for all to see. Wherever I go with you by my side, you’ll be noticed. You need to look good.”
“We’ll see about that.”
The car phone rang. It was her manager, so Marlene hit the button to answer. Garrett would hear everything, since it was a hands-free system. “Hello, Marc.”
“Marlene…I heard what happened. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I wasn’t hurt, thank God. I’m in the limo with my new bod
yguard, Garrett Flynn.”
“New bodyguard?”
“Yes, he works for Stealth Security. So check out the company, will you?” Marlene gave Garrett a teasing look. “And handle the paperwork for me.”
“Sure, I’ll get back to you on that. And good to meet you, Garrett.” Her manager clicked off before Garrett responded.
Marlene leaned her head against the seat. “That was Marc Goodwin. He’s been my manager since the beginning. Are you insulted that I asked him to check out your company?”
“I’d be disappointed if you hadn’t. I like knowing that you’re cautious.”
“Well, you never know.” Marlene looked at Garrett. “Some fans will go to extraordinary lengths to get close to me.”
“I just happened to be in the audience today, so that I could execute my plan to hire some guy to shoot off a gun while I became a human body shield? Then persuade you to hire me as your bodyguard?”
Marlene feigned innocence. “That isn’t what happened?”
“If that had been my goal, there would have been much easier ways to go about it, without involving the police.”
Marlene laughed. “I’ve been stalked before, several times, and harassed in social media. Mercilessly, I might add. I’ve developed a thick skin. It’s the only way I can deal with all of it.”
Garrett just listened.
“I confess that it was terrifying to have some stranger attempt to kill me. But thanks to you, I lived through it,” Marlene said. “I don’t think he’ll try it again. It’s too risky. I’m too big of a name.”
“Oh, he’ll try it again. You can count on that.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I know the type. He won’t give up. If he was crazy enough to shoot a gun at a charity event, then that tells me he has an oversized ego. He’ll have to achieve his goal now…couldn’t take the failure.”
“You seem to know a lot about killers.”
Cold Peril_Military Romantic Suspense Page 2
