Cold Peril_Military Romantic Suspense

by Emily Jane Trent

  “The guy was ordinary in every way, almost as though he intended to be. From his haircut to his brand of jeans, he could have been anyone. Average height, average weight, and he wore a coat which covered him up pretty well.” Garrett looked across the table at her. “Then there were the combat boots.”

  “What about them?”

  “They weren’t new, and it struck me as out of place. The audience wore trendy jogging shoes or styles of leather boots that are popular. But combat boots? It seemed that was a clue to the guy’s personality.”

  “Combat boots…how can that assist the police?”

  “I don’t think it will.” Garrett looked away for a moment, vividly recalling what the guy had looked like. “There was one thing about him I won’t forget. If I saw him again, I’d know it was him.”

  Marlene leaned closer.

  “It was his eyes,” Garrett said. “He’d been looking at you, but then for a split second his eyes met mine.” A chill ran up Garrett’s spine. “His eyes were blue, a color so pale that they appeared translucent. And his look was vacant, yet…”

  “What, Garrett?”

  “I looked into those empty blue eyes; they were like ice, so cold…emotionless.” Garrett looked at Marlene. “I knew then. I was looking into the eyes of a killer.”

  For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Marlene reached across the table and put her hand on his arm. “I know you’ll protect me.” That was Garrett’s goal, but he knew it wasn’t going to be a simple task. Only someone mentally unstable would shoot at Marlene. Such a man would be unpredictable. And that was treacherous.

  *****

  After dinner, they retired to their respective suites. Marlene was exhausted, and Garrett appreciated the chance to think and plan. He entered his room and locked the door behind him. Then he removed his Glock from the belt holster and put it on the nightstand next to his wallet, phone, keys, and a spare ammunition magazine that he pulled from an inner pocket.

  Garrett didn’t go anywhere unprepared. He hadn’t expected trouble, but it had found him. Too bad he couldn’t have drawn his gun and shot the guy, before he’d pointed his gun at Marlene. But there had been too many people blocking the shot. He couldn’t have taken the chance, as it would have been too likely that he’d injure a civilian.

  After he showered, Garrett fished around in the apartment-sized bathroom and found all the grooming supplies he needed. As Marlene mentioned, there were plenty of clothes in the dresser and the closet. The size was close enough, if not exact. Garrett redressed in comfortable garb before reclining on the bed. If disaster struck, he didn’t want to be in his underwear. It made more sense to sleep ready for action.

  He thought of Marlene next door, and hoped she was sleeping well. She’d need the rest. The situation would escalate before it improved. That was just how things usually played out. He brushed aside the urge to go to her, to hold her in his arms and comfort her.

  Garrett had just met her. But in a way he hadn’t. In Iraq, when he’d talked to Andrew, he’d learned about his sister. It was personal stuff, not what was in the media. Marlene had felt real to him before he’d met her. Sure, he’d seen her movies and magazine photos. But that wasn’t what had touched him.

  It was how Andrew had talked about her. And then when Garrett had seen her at the event, it was like he’d known her already. She wasn’t a stranger. Marlene was special. He’d known it before, and seeing her just confirmed that.

  But there was something she didn’t know about Garrett. Guilt settled in his heart, preventing him from embracing the prospect of getting close to Marlene. Once she knew the truth, she wouldn’t see him the same. Now he was her protector, the ex-military bodyguard she trusted.

  Yet he had been in the battle with her brother. Andrew had been a young marine, and under attack he got stuck behind a wall. He’d been hit and couldn’t get out. Garrett had rushed back to drag him out, but when he got him out of the line of fire, Andrew had died.

  Never leave a soldier behind. That was the motto Garrett lived by. But he’d failed to save Andrew. The rescue attempt left a sour taste in his mouth and regret in his heart, because the soldier had died. He should have noticed Andrew earlier, shoved him out of the line of fire. Something. Anything.

  Andrew’s death haunted him. And he’d planned to tell Marlene when he met her. Not at first, maybe. But he wanted to tell her that he’d known her brother, a brave marine, and to repeat his last words. But it hadn’t been that simple.

  And Garrett couldn’t tell her now. He couldn’t choke out the words. Marlene had been shot at and nearly killed. He needed to reassure her, not give her another reason for sadness. Surely it wouldn’t help her to know that Garrett had failed to save her brother. Later, once he made sure that she was safe, then Garrett would tell her. Unburden his conscience. But not yet. All that mattered was Marlene. That was how Andrew would have seen it too. Garrett was certain of it.

  Chapter 4

  The way Garrett had described the guy who’d tried to shoot her had given Marlene the creeps. It was like some kind of horror movie. Icy blue eyes. Cold, blank stare. She shivered and pulled the covers up under her neck. It was good to know her bodyguard was on the other side of the wall.

  Marlene glanced at the red panic button just behind her lamp. She knew that she wouldn’t press it unless there was a real emergency. Still it was comforting to know it was within arm’s reach. The day had been a disaster, and she was more shaken by it than she cared to let on.

  The event would go on the record for the sudden attack on her life and the risk posed to the other stars in attendance, leaving its actual purpose lost in the panic. It had been planned to raise a substantial amount for wounded warriors, so it was a shame that it all fell apart. She’d have her event manager reschedule it, ensuring that it was held indoors with tighter security. That was if any of the stars were willing to participate.

  Garrett had been in the right place at the right time. She was lucky that he’d been so close, and even more, that he had such a fast reaction time. She knew enough about SEALs to know the extent of the training they went through. It was some of the toughest in the world. The job was hard and dangerous, which was probably the allure. And Garrett seemed the type to crave that adrenaline pump.

  Which was exactly why Marlene didn’t intend to allow intimacy to develop between them. After losing her father and her brother, she’d vowed not to fall for any military, or even ex-military, man. She’d had enough of losing men she loved. Yet Garrett stirred sensations that were difficult to put aside.

  In the privacy of her bedroom with moonlight creating shadows on the walls, Marlene took the luxury of letting images of Garrett float through her mind. He was strong, yet lean. Not hugely muscled, but solid as a rock. The feel of his hard body over hers had made her skin tingle. She’d looked into his eyes, as blue as the sky, eyes she could get lost in. He was handsome in a rugged sort of way, and his alpha male personality turned her on.

  Garrett seemed smart, and was polite when the occasion called for it. Yet he took control, a personality trait she admired. Marlene was strong-willed, so not many stood up to her. She already knew that Garrett wasn’t a man to cower or back down, that he’d risk her wrath to ensure her safety, if that’s what it took. There was something terribly sexy about that.

  But Marlene wouldn’t give in to the attraction. She couldn’t allow it, because a relationship with Garrett would probably destroy her more completely than the shooter’s bullet. Her heart could only take so much, and when she found a man to share her life with, she vowed that he’d have a career that didn’t involve being in danger’s way.

  *****

  The next morning, Marlene was up before dawn. She was used to being on the set early for filming. Laura brought coffee to her room, then Marlene sat at a desk by the window to check email. Most of it could wait, but she opened the one from her manager with the subject line Stealth Security Contract.

  It appeared that
Marc had looked into the company thoroughly. He had added a personal note in his email: After looking at the background of Stealth and its staff, I recommend that you employ them. You need to take the risk to your safety very seriously, and your new bodyguard has qualifications beyond the norm.

  The company had attracted extremely qualified personnel, mostly ex-military, in particular ex-SEALs. It had been founded by Travis Hewitt after his long, exemplary career in the Navy.

  Marlene read more of the company’s mission statement:

  If you are facing minor threats such as overzealous fans, minor street crimes, disgruntled but nonviolent ex-employees—standard bodyguards will assist you. But if you are facing death threats from criminals, terrorist activity, persistent violent stalkers, or other situations of that magnitude, then most bodyguard services will decline.

  Your first option should be seclusion until the danger passes. But if you are unable to mitigate the chances of life-threatening encounters, Stealth Security will step in.

  No wonder Garrett had been adamant that he should guard her, that no one else was qualified. Certainly, her former bodyguard wasn’t, and would have likely resigned if she hadn’t replaced him. The severity of her situation was clear. She needed an expert, a man trained in special ops to defend her against a killer.

  The contract detailed the obligations of both parties. One item under the client responsibilities section was: The client shall allow all bodyguard personnel to undertake their activities without hindrance. A nice way of saying that she had to do as Garrett instructed. He took control without asking permission, making that requirement moot.

  Marlene opened the document and signed electronically. She wasn’t foolhardy. She needed Garrett, for now. If there were no more incidents, as she hoped there wouldn’t be, then she would release Stealth from the contract so her life could return to normal.

  Before signing off, Marlene logged into social media. It was as she expected: photos of the red carpet scene had gone viral. News of the alarming threat to her life had spread like wildfire, with numerous pictures of her posted. It was publicity of a sort, but could hardly be considered positive.

  There were photos of Garrett with her security, then carrying her into the hotel. Marlene didn’t see any of his face, which was a good thing. He’d wanted to avoid the press and the cameras. Yet that wouldn’t last. It was impossible to escape the onslaught of media attention once it got started. She had experience with that. Garrett didn’t. She wondered if he’d seen all the comments and opinions freely offered in the threads, but it was likely he had.

  Marlene showered then dressed comfortably. Her hair and makeup would be done on the set. She found Garrett in the garden breakfast nook. It was a covered atrium with a stone terrace. In the winter, it was heated, and light radiated through the thick glass ceiling. The space felt like outdoors, and Laura usually served breakfast there.

  Garrett leaned against the buffet, holding a cup of coffee. From the empty plate on the table, she could see that he’d eaten. He wore khaki pants that would normally have been nondescript, but the material clung to his muscled thighs. He’d paired it with a sandy-colored thermal shirt that stretched over his chest and biceps, making her drool.

  “I see you found some clothes.” Garrett’s wardrobe choices were only slightly better than the day before, but Marlene declined to remark on it. He would accompany her to the set today, not to any public function. She’d fight her battles when needed. For now, she’d let it go. Besides, he looked like such a stud wearing the military-type garb.

  “Yes, thank you for that. I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t wait for you, since Laura said you don’t often eat breakfast.”

  “Sure, there was no need to wait. There’s plenty of food from the caterers, so I eat later.”

  Marlene sat in the closest chair and poured a glass of juice. “We should leave soon. I’m expected on the set early.” She took a sip. “And by the way, I signed your contract, but then, I’m sure you’d be informed of that.”

  Garrett didn’t comment about the contract, but frowned. “I checked the security cameras. It’s a mob scene at the front gate.”

  “Already? It’s still dark out.”

  Garrett sat across from her, and Marlene caught the faint scent of musk. “The paparazzi are in wait, hoping to catch sight of you.”

  “I expect so, but I’m used to it. After yesterday, things aren’t likely to be calm for a while.”

  “You should stay home today, Marlene. It’s too risky out there. I don’t like it.”

  Marlene shook her head. “I can’t do that.”

  “You can. And you should.” Garrett’s stern look gave her pause. “It’s your life that’s at stake here. The movie can wait. I’m telling you to stay home today.”

  “You’re so pushy.” Marlene wasn’t used to having someone pressure her. She responded better to suggestions, not demands. She did feel more secure with Garrett there, but it didn’t mitigate her obligations.

  “I’m pushy because you’re headstrong. All I care about is that, at the end of day, you’re safe.”

  Marlene looked directly at him. “It’s not that simple. This movie means a lot to me. The cast and crew depend on me showing up, since I’m in the leading role. A production like this costs a fortune, and a day without filming is expensive.”

  Garrett stiffened, and she could tell that he wasn’t convinced. She wasn’t speaking his language, so she changed tactics. “You don’t hide from danger, so why should I?”

  “Your situation is different.”

  “I don’t see how. Anyway, staying home is out of the question.” Marlene took a breath. “I’m going. Are you coming with me or not?”

  Garrett stood, then followed her out of the room. Marlene had agreed to allow him to undertake his activities without hindrance, but that didn’t mean he could run her life. She had commitments, and she wasn’t about to let anyone scare her into hiding. She was afraid, even if she didn’t show it. But she still thought Garrett might be wrong, that the threat was blown out of proportion.

  *****

  They’d managed to get through the mob at the gate and make it to the studio. The limo driver had edged into the crowd until they had let them through. The partition behind the driver had been raised, blocking the view into the back seat, and the windows were so heavily tinted that no one could see inside. It was annoying to have to live that way, but Marlene had long since resigned herself to the lifestyle.

  The studio garage was guarded, and after Samuel pulled in, he let them out at the elevator. The elevator car was armored, and the studio had excellent security. The company the studio retained was well known in the entertainment industry. It was a multinational corporation that had been in business for over thirty years.

  Security was provided as part of her studio contract, so Marlene was well informed. Entertainment security was unique in the scope of responsibilities and the breadth of working environments. The company handled safety when they were on location, as well as when in the studio.

  The staff was composed of former law enforcement, ex-military, and even ex-federal agents. Garrett would fit right in, and Marlene hoped when he saw how well secured the premises was that he’d relax. The security team had a physical presence, and was capable of handling an attack. But they leaned toward being discreet over excessive displays of force.

  Most of the time, Marlene wasn’t aware of security at all. They did their job without intruding. When she and Garrett went inside, she introduced him to the guy in charge of security that day and motioned toward the food table. “I’ll be in makeup for a while. I’ll leave you to get to know your way around.”

  Makeup was a room lined with mirrored stations, large stainless steel tables covered with tools of the trade, with stacks of drawers for supplies. Many of the cast were already a work in progress. Marlene spotted her friend standing by one of the chairs, drinking mineral water. Anna Tucker was a member of the crew, and had a support
ing role in the film.

  She was about the same age as Marlene, and they had been friends since their early days in Hollywood. It was special when they had the opportunity to work together. When Anna saw Marlene, she waved her over. “Marlene, I’m so glad to see you.”

  Her friend gave her a brief hug. Anna looked fresh-faced and well rested. She had long, dark hair, and soft gray eyes. Her heart-shaped face gave her a youthful, friendly appearance, so she was often cast in supporting roles as a friend of the main character. That was the part she played in the film they were working on together.

  Anna furrowed her brow. “What happened yesterday?”

  “I was attacked.”

  “That was so scary. I saw the news footage, and all the pictures that went viral.” Anna put her bottle of water on the table and plopped into the chair. “But what in the world happened? Who would want to shoot at you?”

  “I have no idea,” Marlene said. “It was all very alarming.” She didn’t have to pretend with Anna. They were friends who had shared just about anything over the years.

  “I’m not sure you should be here.”

  “I have to be. I’m in scenes today. The filming can’t happen without me.” Marlene gave her friend a smile of encouragement. “Besides, I’m safe in here. There’s enough security to keep an army out.”

  Anna laughed. “True. But still, are you okay? You must be freaked.”

  “That’s putting it mildly.” Marlene ran a hand through her hair. “But I hired a new bodyguard.”

  “That guy that knocked you out of the way of the bullet.” Anna could be very direct.

  “Yes, that’s the one. He saved me. It was all so unexpected.”

  “I must say, he’s a looker.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  Anna wrinkled her nose. “It can’t hurt. Did you see the photos of his ass, from when he was kneeling over you on the red carpet? The guy is built.”

  “I agree, but what’s important is that he’s skilled at protection.”