Cold Peril_Military Romantic Suspense

by Emily Jane Trent

  It was quiet in his house. The air smelled of old food and beer. It was very much like the mess hall atmosphere that he’d grown accustomed to. But Glenn didn’t have the luxury of seeing to his own needs. He ate what was available, and used his precious time for other activities besides cleaning up like some old woman.

  Glenn got up from the table and went back to the living room. It looked like a war room, except for one framed picture of Marlene that had been taken at a fundraiser—she’d been gracious enough to autograph the photos for attendees. His living room was where he strategized his battles, planning the details of beating the enemy. On a high circular table Glenn had a diagram spread out. He studied it carefully. Each key location was marked: Marlene’s home, the studio, her favorite restaurants, and so on.

  There wasn’t much she did that Glenn didn’t know about. He’d been keeping track of her for months. And he’d been so close. Then it had all fizzled when Flynn had interceded. But Glenn would take care of that. There was no way that Marlene would be loyal to her incompetent bodyguard. It wasn’t right.

  Marlene belonged with Glenn. That was how it should be. She’d understand. Glenn would make her understand. He’d do whatever it took for her to see the truth. His blood boiled over at the thought of her with Garrett Flynn. Rage surged, but he pressed the emotion back, down where it belonged.

  Glenn didn’t have anything to fear. He would overcome, because he was smart, and he was a capable soldier. No man could overpower him. It was only a matter of time until he won out. He was an expert with firearms, and wouldn’t hesitate to use force if necessary. He had a steel gun locker with plenty of guns and ammo. He practiced often, but wisely, did so at a range out of the area.

  Marlene had been offered a chance to cooperate. If she didn’t, then Glenn would see that her bodyguard had drawn his last breath. Because he would get to Marlene; he would have her. His pulse sped up; he could feel his heart beating too hard in his chest, and his breathing was shallow.

  He could not allow her to be with another man, one less worthy. It was demeaning, a life he couldn’t bear to allow her to endure. It was beneath her. And if Marlene didn’t see it his way…then he might be forced to kill her too.

  Chapter 8

  Despite the traumatic experience at Diamonte’s, Marlene convinced Garrett to take her to the studio the next morning. “I’m not letting some psychopath intimidate me.” Garrett just shook his head, but didn’t refuse. She would have gone anyway.

  Fear was ever present. Both times the shooter had appeared without warning, and likely would again. It was no way to live, but for now, there was no choice. Marlene had to be brave and not give in to the terror. Last night, the guy had aimed at a chandelier; next time, she might not be so lucky.

  The stakes were higher now, because Garrett was as much of a target as she was. Marlene was distressed that she might be the source of disaster. In an effort to get to her, the maniac wouldn’t hesitate to shoot her bodyguard.

  That was what it meant to be a bodyguard under these conditions, but she didn’t have to like it. Garrett suspected that he’d been the target in the first place, that he’d attracted danger to Marlene, targeted toward him.

  Either way, they were in it together until the crisis was over, however it ended. Garrett wasn’t about to leave, even though Marlene had told him he could. She’d hire another bodyguard, increase her security. But he wouldn’t hear of it, and flatly refused to go.

  In truth, Marlene was relieved. She felt more secure with him around, as secure as possible, considering the death threat hanging over her head. Also, she didn’t want to separate from Garrett yet. There was no future in any relationship. There wasn’t really any relationship, other than their professional one.

  But Marlene wanted to get to know him better, and preferred having him in her life for now. Later…well, she’d deal with that when she had to.

  When they walked out to the car, Marlene saw that Garrett had a barely noticeable limp. He hadn’t complained of it, but then, he wouldn’t have. Once in the back seat of the limo, she said, “What’s wrong with your leg? I noticed you’re limping.”

  Garrett lifted his right leg and flexed his foot. “It’s my ankle. I told you I injured it.” He seemed very blasé about the whole thing. “Last night didn’t do it any good. Kicking the emergency door open aggravated the injury. Those self-closing doors aren’t meant to swing open easily.”

  “So you were unable to stay in the service after your ankle injury?”

  “I would have been on a desk job…so no I wasn’t able to stay in.” Garrett leaned against the seat. “Deployment was out after that. The ankle isn’t going to fully heal; it won’t be the same. To be a SEAL requires physical integrity. There’s no room for failure on a mission, no margin for error.”

  Garrett’s expression darkened, but she decided not to press for more. She assumed it was difficult for an ex-Navy guy to acclimate to civilian life. It must have been a disappointment to sustain an injury that forced him out of the service.

  “How did you injure it?”

  A sardonic look came over Garrett’s features. “Let’s just say that jumping out of helicopters can stress the joints.” He rolled his shoulder. “There’s a bone fragment in there. High-impact activity—running, jumping…kicking heavy doors open—can aggravate it.”

  “But it doesn’t deter you from your bodyguard duties?”

  Garrett looked over, his blue eyes melting her. “You didn’t have any complaints last night, did you?”

  “No, I didn’t.” Marlene smiled. “You have a habit of saving my life.”

  Once they got to the studio, Garrett went inside with her but didn’t stay. He had told her earlier that he needed to go to the office. “I can’t do everything by phone, and I need to get some stuff at my place.”

  “I’ll be filming all day.”

  “The studio is the safest place for you.” Garrett wore a cotton shirt and jeans under a blazer, making him drool-worthy. His hair was combed but looked so touchable.

  Marlene’s eyes lingered on his kissable lips. “I’ll be okay.”

  “Security here is good, but I had one of the guys from the team assigned to you today.” Garrett nodded toward the far wall, where a buff guy stood at attention. Marlene had seen him at her place, as part of the new security crew.

  “That’s Wyatt Mercer. I trust him. He’s the teammate I told you about that recommended me to Stealth. If anything at all concerns you, don’t hesitate to let him know. And I’ll be back before you’re done today. Don’t leave until I get here.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Garrett barely cracked a smile. “Okay, then. Behave.” Then he was gone.

  When Marlene entered the dressing area, Anna strode toward her. “There you are. I couldn’t reach you this morning. I was worried.”

  It would only make Anna feel bad if she thought their texts had been intercepted. Garrett was going to get her a secure phone, so there was no reason to make a big deal about it. “Sorry, I was a bit rattled.”

  “You must have been.” Anna’s eyes were wide. “You texted that Garrett was taking you to dinner at Diamonte’s. Then this morning it’s all over the news.”

  “The chandelier?” Marlene hadn’t bothered watching the news, or turning on her computer either, knowing it would only upset her.

  “Yes, the chandelier.” Anna frowned. “The thing blew up. I heard it was shot from the ceiling by a rifle.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I heard too.”

  “But you were there. Did you see it? Did it happen before you left?”

  Marlene sighed. “I’m afraid so. It was shocking. One minute I was about to stand up to go, and the next Garrett has me on the floor, under the table.”

  “Danger seems to follow you too closely,” Anna said. “I’m worried.”

  Marlene squeezed her friend’s arm. “Don’t be. I have the best security that money can buy. Garrett won’t let anything happ
en to me.” She paused. “If he can help it.”

  “You should stay home until this blows over.”

  “You know I can’t do that,” Marlene said. “This movie is too important. I can’t let everyone down.”

  Anna shook her head. “Well, if anything happens to you…”

  “I’ll do all I can to stay safe. Garrett is consulting with his team today. He’ll figure this out. I know he will.” Marlene spoke with more confidence than she felt. She trusted Garrett, but still—being terrorized by a guy handy with guns was enough to make her seriously doubt her personal safety.

  They went to makeup to get ready, but surely Anna was still concerned. Marlene was too, but the best thing to do was to focus on work. After getting ready for the first scene, she went out to consult with the director. Nicholas Hayes looked particularly handsome in his wool slacks and sweater. It was no mystery why he was so popular with women.

  He was a talented director, and Marlene was grateful to work with him. The emotional depth of the filming had escalated. They were creating key scenes that showed the impact war had on the characters. It affected Marlene, and she found it more difficult to pull herself out of the scene once the cameras were off.

  The film was on a topic dear to her heart, and Marlene poured herself into the role. It was mentally draining, but she was determined to do it right. The part offered a chance to demonstrate her acting skill, as well as make a statement about the devastation of war.

  During a break, Marlene took the opportunity to call her mother. She used a secure phone on premises instead of her cell. The last thing she wanted was for an unwelcome stranger to tap into her call. The man might be trying to kill her, but he didn’t need to know about her personal life.

  She closed the door to the private room, glad to know that Wyatt Mercer was just on the other side. If Garrett had faith that he’d protect her, then so did she. He wasn’t much of a conversationalist, but then, protection wasn’t a social event.

  Settling into an overstuffed chair, Marlene dialed. It was later in Boston, but hopefully her mother would be available to talk. Fond memories of her family warmed her heart. Her mother Cynthia had married her childhood sweetheart, Dean Parks. Had tragedy not occurred, they’d probably still be together.

  It was sad to think about. When her father was only in his mid-twenties he’d been killed in the line of duty. Even as a child, Marlene was acutely aware of how devastated her mother had been. And her own childhood loss had been nearly too heavy a burden to bear.

  Losing her father when she’d been so young had its effect. Marlene didn’t think she was capable of moving past the loss entirely. Her father had meant so much to her. A father’s love couldn’t be replaced, and it was a loss she felt deeply.

  Dean Parks had been her mother’s true love, so she hadn’t remarried for quite a while. Marlene had wondered if she would, but then she married an attorney in Boston. Unfortunately, he had passed away several years ago from a sudden heart attack.

  As if fate hadn’t doled out enough heartache, her brother Andrew had then been killed in Iraq. Time hadn’t healed that wound, but then, it had been just over a year. Marlene had adored her brother, and his death had hit her hard. He would have been twenty-eight now, just a year older than she was.

  She was close to her mother, and it was just the two of them now. The phone rang a few times before Cynthia picked up. “Marlene, I’m so relieved to hear from you.”

  “I’m so sorry to worry you, Mom. Everything has been happening so fast. I should have called sooner.”

  “That’s okay, honey. I feel better hearing your voice. Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I haven’t been hurt, although it is frightening.”

  “I can only imagine,” her mother said. “Have they figured out yet who shot at you?”

  “Not yet. The police are working on it, and I have a new bodyguard team, too. It’s only a matter of time.”

  “I saw the pictures. It looked like some guy shielded you with his body. He’s a hero, as far as I’m concerned.”

  Marlene thought so too. “Yes, well, he’s my bodyguard now, and you’ll be pleased to know that he was a SEAL.”

  “You can’t ask for a better-trained man.”

  Marlene dreaded telling her mother that there had been another attack. But it would be worse if she saw it in the news, if she hadn’t already. As calmly as possible, she told her mother what had happened at the restaurant. There was no way to make it seem unimportant, but she made an effort not to sound overly alarmed.

  “That is bad. This has to stop.” In a softer voice, her mother said, “I’ve lost Andrew…I can’t lose you too.”

  For a moment, neither spoke. Marlene’s heart ached. Then her mother took a breath. “What are the police doing about all of this?”

  “I’m sure they’re doing all they can.” Although Marlene wasn’t sure at all. Even though she was a big star, it didn’t mean her case was their sole interest. But she did hope that it got proper attention. The media was all over this story. The police would be under pressure to get it resolved.

  “I need to get back on the set,” Marlene said. “I promise to keep you informed. And don’t worry too much. I’m in good hands.”

  “I’m so glad you called, honey. I’m on my way out too. I love you so much.”

  “I love you too, Mom.” At the moment, Marlene was relieved that her mother lived so far away. She was out of harm’s way. And she had so many friends in Boston. After Andrew had died, Marlene had tried to get her mother to move to California so they could live closer. But that hadn’t happened, which was for the best. Marlene’s lifestyle was a challenge, so her mother was better off removed from the drama.

  *****

  Garrett hadn’t wanted to leave Marlene, but he had business to attend to. He took a cab to downtown Los Angeles, since public transit would have taken too long. It was important to get back as soon as possible, although she was in capable hands while he was away.

  Even then Garrett wouldn’t have left her side unless he’d had to. There was no time to waste in getting a grip on this situation before another incident occurred. He entered the office building and took the elevator to the fifth floor.

  Tessa greeted him. She was attractive and well dressed. Her tone was all business. “Travis is waiting for you. Go right in.”

  Garrett hardly slowed as he passed her. Tessa Pate had been with Stealth since she’d graduated college, not long after the company had been founded. It took a lot to impress her boss, but Travis had assured Garrett the woman had more training than met the eye. That could only mean that she could handle herself in the field if needed, because her typing skills wouldn’t have gleaned such admiration from the SEALs she worked with—a team she was dedicated to.

  Travis sat behind his desk studying some reports. When Garrett strode in and sat in the chair across from him, he looked up. “So what’s next, Flynn? I have to say you’ve got one determined asshole after you.”

  “Tell me about it. Plus he’s a show-off. I mean, shooting out a chandelier? That’s like flaunting the fact that he’s a firearms fanatic. He’s waving a flag, saying, ‘Look what I can do.’”

  Travis leaned back in his chair. He was one tough-looking guy; even Garrett thought so. Mid-forties, he was built hard as a rock, with broad shoulders and a barrel chest. Sporting a neatly trimmed beard, short-cropped hair, and a silver earring in his left ear, he looked menacing. But only to the wrong sort.

  To his team, he was as loyal and caring as they came. Garrett had gotten to know him since he’d been hired, and he thought a lot of him. After eighteen years of service, Travis had come home when his wife had twins. It seemed that for the first seven years of marriage, she’d been unable to conceive, and they’d considered adopting. Then she’d gotten pregnant.

  Garrett glanced at the photo at the far end of the wide desk. It was of Travis’s wife Melanie with the twins. The girls were ten years old now, and as pretty as their mo
ther. Travis adored his family and made no secret of it. “How are the girls?”

  “Very good. They’re into gymnastics now. It’s always some new thing.” Travis leaned on the desk. “Go ahead and hustle down to Rip’s office. He has some stuff you’ve been waiting for.”

  Garrett left his boss and walked down the long hallway. Rip had a reputation for thoroughness. Not much got past him. It was his job to analyze and evaluate the risk associated with a client the company was assigned to protect. Then he’d determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control the hazard. But what he did was so much more than that.

  At a company like Stealth Security, the norm wasn’t nearly good enough. Celebrities and other important persons hired the team when the usual routes failed. So it was expected they’d go above and beyond. Garrett entered the room, taking stock of his teammate.

  Rip didn’t work in the field now, or not very often. Thus, he dressed as he pleased, flaunting his rebel personality. He wore his dark hair tied back in a ponytail and a silver chain around his neck. A leather jacket had been carelessly tossed into a nearby chair. The dark shadow on his jaw gave away that he’d been working nonstop, as was his habit.

  “Flynn. Sit. You’ll want to take a look at this.”

  “Let me see what you’ve got.” Garrett took his time going over the documents. Photos and aerial views were included. First was the estate threat assessment. The focus was on the details, because if the little things were right, the big ones tended to fall into line by default. Rip didn’t do some half-assed job, brushing it off in a couple of hours. He dug down to the level required.

  Garrett studied the report. It addressed issues such as perimeter control, high-speed avenues of approach, observation points, and alarm systems. And that was only the beginning. As he read, he narrated, not really expecting a reply. “And with the team on site, her home is fairly secure.”

  To minimize risk, anyone with access to Marlene had been vetted. The motto was: trust but verify. It was good to see that her staff checked out. Then there were all those she worked with, and the list went on. There were even details about her mother, and background about her brother Andrew.