Cold Peril_Military Romantic Suspense

by Emily Jane Trent

  Garrett turned to look out the window. When he looked back at Marlene, he said, “But I’ll be there the next time he tries. And it’s my job to make sure he doesn’t succeed.”

  Chapter 3

  It was dark out, but Beverly Hills was well lit. The streets were lined with shops and restaurants. Pedestrians, dressed for the chilly evening, strolled along the sidewalks. Some chatted to a companion, while others gazed at the bright storefronts, slowing if a window display caught their eye. Others were glued to their phones, scrolling or texting, a dangerous way to walk the streets, as they were completely unobservant of what was around them.

  Garrett watched, alert to anything out of the ordinary or any sign of trouble. But all looked calm, and the focus was on shopping or eating. No one seemed disturbed by more than daily stresses, nor were they aware of any threat. Had there been one, likely the event would have overtaken them before they knew what had hit them. It paid to be aware of one’s environment, as he knew from experience.

  The limo drove past the busy part of the city toward Marlene’s home. On the residential streets, the mansions were tucked away behind lush trees. One was as rambling as the next, lit up like Christmas, or set so far back from the road that they weren’t visible at all.

  Garrett was content to sit in silence for the short trip. And Marlene appeared to settle into the quiet, with her head against the soft leather seat. The limo leisurely rolled down a winding street, and she turned to look at him. Garrett met her gaze.

  “How do you know I don’t have a boyfriend?” Marlene’s voice was throaty, making Garrett wonder if she knew the effect she had on him.

  “Well, if you do he’ll get used to me being around.”

  “I don’t have a boyfriend…which you probably knew already.”

  “How would I know that?”

  Marlene’s lips turned up in a hint of a smile. “If I was intimately involved, wouldn’t I have called the guy to let him know what had happened?”

  “It’s good to know I won’t have some guy to deal with,” Garrett said. “I have a feeling you’re going to be enough of a challenge on your own.”

  Marlene didn’t reply. She looked out the window as the limo pulled into the long driveway leading up to the house. They had to pass through an iron gate with an armed guard on duty. Once Garrett showed identification, they were allowed through.

  At the top of the incline was a garden surrounded by a circular drive. The two-story mansion was sandstone brick accented with ivory walls. It looked like every light in the place was on, the brightness nearly blinding.

  A series of steps in a semicircle led up to a wide porch. The front entrance was etched glass framed in antique bronze, running from the porch up to the top of the second story. The scene blazed brighter than midday sun.

  “Is this the only way in?” Garrett said. If by chance anyone was waiting, they’d be clear targets walking up to the front door.

  Marlene spoke to the driver. “Take us into the garage, Samuel.”

  The driver navigated the smooth curve of the paved drive and headed down a slight hill. A door rose, revealing an expansive garage. The car stopped at the elevator bay along one side. Garrett got out and assisted Marlene, glad to be in semidarkness while exiting the vehicle.

  The interior of the home was elaborate, done in ivory and bronze with hardwood floors. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, and rich Oriental carpets decorated the hallways. But Garrett wasn’t there to gawk. Scanning, he began to evaluate the place for any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an intruder.

  A butler dressed in slacks, a white shirt, and buttoned vest greeted them. “Good evening, Marlene.”

  “James, this is my new bodyguard Garrett Flynn. Will you show him to his suite?” Marlene shed her fur coat and tossed it over a chair. “I’m going to change and freshen up. James will see to your needs.” Then she walked down a long hallway, leaving Garrett to stare after her. With each step, her hips swayed, the dress clinging to them seductively.

  “Sir?” James said. Garrett turned to face the butler. “Allow me to show you where you’ll be staying.”

  James guided him down the same hallway where Marlene had disappeared, but took a sharp left to heavy double doors. He opened the room and stepped inside, allowing Garrett to follow. “Will this be satisfactory?”

  “Marlene’s room is adjacent, I take it?”

  “Yes, sir. The bodyguard suite is purposely near hers, for best advantage.” James paused. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

  Garrett declined refreshment, but proceeded to befriend the butler. He immediately gained his cooperation, and James was able to answer questions about the security of the home.

  While Marlene was getting changed, Garrett assessed the security. The high-tech system included motion-triggered cameras and a state-of-the-art alarm. It was good to know that Marlene was security conscious and not one of the stars who left doors unlocked or keys under the mat. Unbelievably, some of Hollywood’s elite had been negligent to that degree, and had been robbed or worse. Garrett had heard the stories, but clearly Marlene was smarter than that. She must have invested millions in her security setup.

  In the morning when there was better light, Garrett would scrutinize the grounds, and the wall enclosing the property, to spot any weaknesses. That could wait for now, but a call to Stealth couldn’t. Garrett returned to his room and sat in a chair by the window.

  Ripley McConnell, Rip to those who knew him, tended to work around the clock, napping when he needed to, but usually available if duty called. He’d been a Navy SEAL before taking the position as security analyst at Stealth. His experience had been in surveillance and reconnaissance, so his skill with the tools of the trade made him a valuable asset. He was dedicated to the company and knew no limits when backing up his team. His brother was in law enforcement, a connection that had frequently been useful.

  Garrett dialed, and his teammate picked up. “Garrett, you’re working late…new assignment?”

  “I need a personal security risk assessment, Rip.” Then Garrett filled him in on the day’s events, omitting no detail. “I’ll interview the client and provide you with anything relevant. But I need you to identify any gaps in security or avenues of exploitation. Get me up to speed on the risk factors.”

  Rip would do a full background on Marlene in order to detail her connections, past associations, and more. He would scour the activities of those close to her, including career connections. If there was any clue as to who would want to harm the popular movie star, Rip was the guy for the job.

  “And see what you can get from the police,” Garrett said. “Check out ballistics. I’m sure they recovered the bullet at the scene, and I need any information they have. I can’t wait weeks to find out.”

  “So you saw the guy. What’s your take?” Rip said.

  “It’s the combat boots that stuck out. Is this guy ex-military, or an imposter…just some dude who likes to look tough?” Garrett said. “He’s not a trained sniper, that’s for sure. If he was, he would have gotten me in the back, at least. That is, if he was shooting to kill. And my gut feeling says that he was, and the reason for waving that gun around wasn’t just to scare Marlene.”

  “Okay, let me get to work.” Rip ended the call.

  That was all Garrett could do for the moment, so he went to the bathroom to clean up a bit. Then he’d go out and find Marlene. His thoughts went to the shooter. He didn’t like it. Stars were too accessible. At that event, Marlene had been on display, right out in the open. And the event had been well attended, since it had been publicized for months in advance.

  The shooter had planned his attack and been armed. That much made sense. But Garrett needed to figure out who this guy was and why he wanted to kill Marlene. Then he’d have a grip on how to find him and take him out, before he did more damage. Or took another shot, one he might not miss. The man had to be stopped without delay. Until then, Garrett would be on dut
y to deflect any trouble.

  Once he looked more presentable, Garrett went out into the hallway. Marlene’s bedroom door was open, and a peek inside told him the suite was empty. The mansion was huge, but he recalled passing a living room not too far down the hall. He’d check there first.

  At the edge of the doorway, Garrett looked in. Marlene sat on a velvet sofa by the fireplace, not yet aware of his presence. He took a moment to look at her. Dressed casually, she was just as stunning as she’d been in the designer outfit at the event. She wasn’t sporting sloppy sweatpants or faded jeans, not that he expected that. Her at-home wear was a cream-colored sweater set over black tights that showed her long legs to advantage.

  Marlene sipped wine from a crystal glass, while she fingered the strand of beads around her neck and gazed at the crackling fire. Watching her, Garrett’s blood ran hot and he questioned the prudence of being in such close proximity to her. She might be impossible to resist.

  But he was the bodyguard. That was his job. He wasn’t there to socialize or to indulge in his fantasies. Marlene’s life was at stake. She glanced up and saw him standing in the doorway. “You were so quiet. I didn’t know you were there.”

  She crossed her legs and dangled a slipper-clad foot. For some reason, the delicate-looking ballet slippers turned him on. They looked so feminine. Garrett imagined removing them one at a time, and kissing her bare feet then working his way up her ankles. “I didn’t want to startle you.”

  “Come in. I had the cook serve drinks and snacks. You’re invited to dinner, of course, since you are my guest.”

  “Bodyguard,” he corrected.

  “Have it your way. But you’re here, and you certainly won’t abandon me to eat alone.” Marlene took another sip of her wine. “What will you have to drink?”

  “Coke will be fine.” Garrett spotted a small refrigerator and pulled it open to find a can of his preferred drink. He popped the top then scooped a handful of nuts from a crystal dish.

  “I opened a bottle of Merlot. You’re welcome to share it.”

  “No thank you. I don’t drink alcohol.”

  “That’s too bad.”

  “You should be glad. You don’t want your bodyguard’s reaction time slowed, do you?”

  Marlene smiled at him, and Garrett took a swig of his drink. He sat in a chair across from her. “How are you? I know it was a rough day.”

  “Not bad, considering. It’s good to be home, away from prying eyes.” Marlene swung her foot, tempting him with the sensual slipper. “The hotel wanted to call the paramedics, just to be safe. But I refused. It would have just been more drama, and I was sure I wasn’t injured.”

  “I didn’t see any visible signs, but I’m relieved to hear you say that.”

  “That can’t be the first time you shoved someone out of the way of a bullet. You managed to get us both to the ground, and I didn’t even have a scrape.”

  “That heavy fur coat you wore didn’t hurt.”

  “True, but it was more than that. Anyway, thank you again. I wouldn’t be sitting here tonight, if not for your quick reaction.” Marlene sighed. “You must be aware that photos of the scene will be all over social media, so I hope you like having your picture taken.”

  Garrett cringed inside, but didn’t let his reaction show. “If I’m lucky, they only got a view of my backside.”

  “And a nice one it is…just being honest.” Marlene nibbled her lower lip and swirled the wine in her glass. “But there are a lot of drool-worthy men in Hollywood, so don’t get the idea you’re exceptional.”

  “Wouldn’t think of it.” Garrett took another swig of Coke. “By the way, I was impressed that you recognized the sound of a gunshot. Many times civilians think it’s just a firecracker going off or something.”

  “I come from a military family. It would be an embarrassment not to recognize the sound of gunfire.”

  Her statement made Garrett uncomfortable. So far, he hadn’t mentioned that he’d known her brother.

  Marlene looked sad. “Not too long ago, my older brother Andrew died in Iraq. He was a marine.” She brushed away a tear. “Sorry, it’s just that I miss him.”

  Garrett could barely breathe.

  “And when I was only six years old, I lost my dad to Desert Storm. He was a marine too. Andrew followed in his footsteps.” Marlene looked at the fireplace, appearing consumed with memories. Then she looked at Garrett. “But we don’t need to talk about that now.”

  Garrett drained his Coke and went to the refrigerator for another.

  “I do feel bad for the other celebrities at the event today,” Marlene said. “I’m sure what happened was terrifying. Stars are besieged all the time by fans, and there’s always that fear of something happening. Most of the time, I don’t think about it. I suppose I hadn’t considered that some guy would shoot at me.”

  “He didn’t shoot at you. He tried to kill you.”

  “You seem awfully sure of that.”

  “I have my team getting more information for me, but I’m certain whatever they find will support my theory that today was an attempt on your life.”

  “Then I’m glad I hired you.”

  Garrett admired her strength. Another woman might have wept with fright over a threat to her life, but Marlene met the threat with courage.

  “Are your accommodations satisfactory?”

  “Again…I’m not a guest. But yes, the suite is more than acceptable. Most importantly, it is close to your room so I can get to you quickly, if I need to.”

  “That was the idea when I arranged that suite. I’ve had bodyguards before you, so I know some of the requirements. And you probably noticed the intercom system?”

  “Yes, that’s a good feature.”

  “That way I don’t have to scream.” Marlene smiled. “I can just let you know if I need you.”

  The implication wasn’t lost on Garrett. He wished she did need him, in the way she’d teasingly implied. But she was only flirting. They both knew the relationship was strictly professional. And he had to make sure it stayed that way, because he was responsible for her until this was over. He didn’t know Marlene that well yet, and was aware that movie stars could be eccentric. Even if she was willing to stray, it didn’t mean Garrett was. Although resisting her wouldn’t be easy, it was his duty to ensure safety. That came first, above his carnal pleasures.

  Marlene put her glass on a side table. “There’s also a red panic button. So if there isn’t time to warn you, I can push the button and an alarm goes off.”

  “I sleep lightly, so you don’t need to worry. If you’re in danger, you won’t have to fend for yourself.”

  “Also, you are welcome to the clothes in there. I know you didn’t bring anything with you. But you look about the same size as my last bodyguard…about six feet tall, broad shoulders, all muscle. It must be part of the job description.”

  Garrett laughed. “It must be. I appreciate the use of the wardrobe. I’m not sure when I’ll get back to my place.”

  A middle-aged woman wearing an apron entered the room, and nodded at Garrett before speaking. “Dinner is ready, Marlene. Would you like me to serve in the dining room?”

  “Yes, Laura, that would be nice. We’ll be right in. This is Garrett Flynn, who will join me this evening.”

  Garrett stood, and in the interest of good manners, offered Marlene his arm. “Mmm, I love a gentleman.” She slipped her arm into his and they headed toward the dining room. The feel of her on his arm was nice, and her perfume wafted around him. Garrett had better watch it. This woman was alluring, and he was sure she knew it.

  At the dark wood table, he pulled out a padded chair for Marlene. She scooted in and he sat across from her. It was a table for six, on a white wool rug over the hardwood floor. There was a bay window, with a window seat and tasteful artwork on the walls. It was a comfortable room, not as opulent as he might have expected.

  “I thought you’d enjoy the smaller dining room, since there�
��s just the two of us,” Marlene said. “The larger one would just swallow us up.”

  “I prefer this one.” Garrett was used to mess halls or fast food. He hadn’t had much opportunity for fine dining, or joining a celebrity for dinner. But Marlene didn’t put on any pretense, so he felt no need to do so either.

  The cook reappeared and refilled Marlene’s wine glass. “What may I get you to drink, sir?”

  “Club soda will be fine.”

  Marlene lifted her glass. “I’ll have to get used to a man who doesn’t drink. Normally, any guy would drink me under the table.”

  “Yes, well, I sincerely hope your life doesn’t depend on their alertness.”

  Marlene motioned to the basket of bread on the table. “Please, help yourself.”

  By the time the meals arrived, Garrett had downed two chunks of French bread heaped with butter. The food smelled delicious, and his mouth watered when he saw that it was prime rib. He raised his eyebrows. “Just a light meal?”

  Marlene giggled. “I thought you’d appreciate a hearty dinner.”

  The meal came with baked potato, sour cream, and grilled asparagus. Garrett was in heaven. His hunger level had risen from hungry to starving long before. It didn’t take him long to work his way through half of his meal. He looked up to see Marlene carving a thin slice of her meat.

  “Do you eat like this every night?”

  “Oh, no. When I’m alone I’ll often just have a salad or soup.” There it was again, that look of sadness in her eyes. But it was gone in a flash. “It’s nice to have company.”

  Garrett took a breath and slowed down. He kept eating but made an attempt to be more social. He commented on the home. The architecture and interior design were impressive. Marlene seemed pleased that he liked it. “I wanted a place that really felt like home. I’m glad you approve.”

  Then Marlene’s expression turned serious. “Tell me, Garrett, did you get a good look at the guy who shot at me today?”

  “I saw him, but I’m not sure how much good it will do us.”

  “Why do you say that?”