Cold Peril_Military Romantic Suspense

by Emily Jane Trent

  “When he tapped into Marlene’s phone?”

  “No, even better.” Rip’s thin lips stretched into a smile. “Humans are not infallible. And our man’s blunder cost him his anonymity. The guy got sloppy. He used a method called phishing, which is simply a tactic to gain sensitive information by masquerading as a trusted entity. In this case, his interest was in Marlene. We have our client database locked down. But this guy is smart, if careless, and with lesser security he might have succeeded.”

  Garrett was anxious to hear the rest.

  “I spotted the attempt and Coop dug into it, traced the free email address.”

  Marlene leaned forward. “You can do that? Find out who’s using a free email?”

  “Coop, our computer expert, has all sorts of geeky abilities. He ran it all down for me. I’ll summarize for you,” Rip said. “We traced the email back to the IP address, then to the location of the device, including the computer name.”

  “And it led to our guy?” Garrett was impressed.

  “Not immediately. He was being cagy by using a public computer.” Rip narrowed his eyes. “Remember I mentioned his blunder? Well, he’d used that computer before—lots of times, in fact.”

  “He obviously didn’t think ahead,” Marlene said.

  “He’s cocky, thinks he can’t be nabbed.” Rip continued, “I’ll cut to the chase. We cross-referenced other transmissions, names, and so on. We have some pretty sophisticated software.” He grinned. “And we hit the jackpot.”

  “Don’t leave me in suspense,” Garrett said.

  “All information trails lead back to a man named Glenn Buckner. I did a full background on him, and I know his life story, or most of it.”

  “I’m all ears,” Garrett said.

  Marlene just listened.

  “I’ll give you the highlights, because I don’t think you care where he went to grade school or his mother’s maiden name.” Rip recited the information he’d committed to memory. “Buckner is a military wannabe. He has a history of violence and drug addiction, so no branch of the service would take him. He applied, but didn’t get far. He has a quick temper and apparently takes things too personally. He’s been under psychiatric care at different times, but I didn’t need to pry those records loose to find out that he’s a psychopath.”

  “I could have told you that,” Marlene said.

  “It seems the guy went to work for a PMC—private military contractor,” Rip said, looking at Marlene. “Their records are accessible, if you know the right people. Buckner is handy with computers, so the company hired him as a technician. He was overseas in some small corner of the world, working the desk for them.”

  Rip rocked in his chair as he spoke. “But he couldn’t control his temper…beat the shit out of a coworker and got fired. He’d falsified his records to make it past the screening process for new hires. But afterwards, the truth came out.

  “The contractor’s records show that they uncovered his history after he got in trouble with them. They wanted to make sure he didn’t pose any further risk once they’d relieved him of his duties. They learned that he’d exhibited a particular pattern of behavior beginning in his youth. Let’s just say that the man is textbook crazy.” Rip paused to let that sink in.

  “The dude’s been diagnosed, but I’ll skip the technical words for what’s wrong with him. He has an overinflated ego, delusions that defy all logic…but are reality in his world. He claims to have been a soldier, even brags about it, when documentation shows that he was rejected.” Rip took a breath. “Which might have been a tipping point for him.”

  “I need to know where Buckner is, then, so I can put a stop to this,” Garrett said.

  “That’s the thing. He’s good at falsifying his background, has used more than one alias. That’s what we’re working on now, tracking him down. I’m sure he’s using a false name, staying off the grid.”

  Garrett let out a breath. “Well, he can’t be far.” He told Rip about the disturbing photos and the threatening note that had arrived in the mail.

  “He’s likely getting desperate,” Rip said.

  “Then let’s hope he makes another mistake,” Garrett said. “I need to take this guy out before he decides to get brave. He seems to be staying in the shadows, but if something pushes him over the edge…who knows.”

  Garrett and Marlene left Rip to get back to work. He gave no indication of taking the day off. Once they were on the way home, Marlene looked over at Garrett. “Do you think we’ll be able to find him before anything…happens?”

  “We’ll find him,” Garrett said. “And when we do, I’ll handle him, for good.” He looked into her green eyes, wanting more than anything to keep her away from danger. There was no way in hell he was going to allow this crazy asshole to hurt Marlene.

  Chapter 11

  The next week Marlene went back to filming, as she refused to let the trauma of her personal life affect her career. She saw Anna and pulled her aside to tell her the latest about the shooter. It was better to update her friend in person than over the phone, although it still seemed every bit as alarming.

  Anna listened without interrupting, but Marlene could tell from her expression how amazed she was. Insight into the mental instability of the guy who’d been pursuing her was enough to share. Marlene skipped telling her about the awful pictures, not knowing quite how to convey it without terrorizing Anna. She didn’t need to know about that. Maybe after it was all over, she’d tell her.

  “So it’s progress,” Marlene said. “At least I know who the guy is. But until he’s stopped, I’m at risk. It will end—soon, I hope. Garrett is with me, and his team is working on finding the creep.”

  Anna rubbed her hand over her eyes. “Oh my God, Marlene. Knowing how crazy this guy is doesn’t make me feel better at all. Garrett better not take his eyes off you for a second.”

  “He doesn’t leave me by myself. I’m protected at all times.” Marlene spoke the words, but doubt crept in. A man as insane as Glenn Buckner posed great danger. She didn’t need Garrett to tell her that. He might attack and they wouldn’t see it coming, so there were no guarantees.

  Anna stared at her. “Why you? What does this guy want?”

  “I’ve thought about that…a lot. I just don’t know. There must be some connection, a reason he picked me. But I haven’t a clue.”

  “Maybe he’s just a nut case. Most stalkers are. He latched on to you after seeing your pictures, or watching your movies. That’s what happens when you’re a big star.”

  “That could be…”

  “You don’t think so, do you?”

  Marlene shook her head. “It’s the whole deal about him being an ex-military imposter. It’s connected to the service in some way. From what Rip said, the guy lives in a world of delusion. I think that he believes that he was a soldier. And he’s handy with firearms. He’s shot at me twice.”

  “But you’re a spokesperson for the support of veterans. Look at all your charity work. This guy has it all wrong.”

  “I didn’t say it was rational,” Marlene said, “just that he’s a military reject. Wouldn’t you think he’d be vindictive, that he’d want retribution for the injustice—at least, what he perceives as an injustice.”

  “It makes sense that he’d hold a grudge against Garrett then, because he was a SEAL. Maybe he hates military guys. That could be it. I can see him feeling that way, not that I’m into psychoanalyzing.”

  “Even Garrett thought of that a while ago. But that doesn’t explain how I’m involved. As you said, what does he want with me?”

  Anna shivered. “All I can say is the guy gives me the creeps.”

  “Yeah, same here.”

  Before going to makeup, Marlene texted her mother to let her know that she was fine. She didn’t mention the upsetting photos, or even that she had more information about her attacker. There was no reason to add to her mother’s concern about her. Instead she wrote: Garrett and his team are working hard to g
et this situation handled. Please don’t worry. Love you.

  During filming, Marlene wrestled with internal conflict about the movie. The stress of having a crazy guy trying to kill her, along with her bodyguard, was a definite distraction. She had trouble blocking images of the disturbing photos from her mind. She was playing the role of a woman who had suffered great personal loss due to war. Yet at any moment, Marlene’s life could senselessly come to an end at the hand of a maniac.

  But wasn’t war just as senseless? Marlene had to suppress her true feelings and pretend. She had to stay in character, portray a woman who was heroic. The character supported the war effort, and despite personal losses, was convinced it was all worthwhile.

  A seed of resentment crept into Marlene’s consciousness, and she sought to deny it. She had to pretend that she felt as her character did, and put aside her true feelings. But was the result authentic? Was it reality? Women and family members of those killed in war must feel as she did…abandoned. It was difficult not to resent it, and to cling to the patriotism that was expected.

  In the scenes, Marlene pretended that she felt what the script called for, but she began to struggle with the emotion of it. She couldn’t let her personal feelings show, so the way she played the role had become increasingly false to her. And it was so like her real life, always pretending. Even with Garrett, the man she cared for more than she was willing to admit, she had to fake it. Marlene had to pretend she felt otherwise. And it struck her that maybe her entire life was no more than pretense.

  *****

  The week went by without further incident, but Garrett was on his guard. He was prepared for an attack, knowing that Buckner wasn’t about to quit.

  Marlene focused on work, and that was good. It kept her from dwelling on any potential doom. Then at the end of the week, she had a fundraiser to attend.

  It was on Friday night, and her event manager Alan had been organizing for months. Garrett learned that such occasions required extensive preparation. There was going to be quite a turnout, and Stealth Security had obtained the attendee list, in order to go over it in advance. Backgrounds were done on every guest, no matter their status.

  Garrett dreaded the evening for another reason entirely. Marlene had insisted that he wear an Armani suit. So she’d arranged for a tailor to make any adjustments, including allowing room for his covert vest to fit discreetly under the dress shirt. “The press will be there,” she’d said. “You’ll be next to me, and need to look the part. I’m sorry, but this is my life. You’re a part of it now, whether you like it or not. Appearance is very important.”

  Garrett could have lived with wearing a designer suit, but it was the press he didn’t like. He was inclined to stick to the fringes and stay out of sight. The thought of having his face plastered all over the media disgusted him. But he had no choice. It was vital that he stay by Marlene’s side, especially at a public event. So he’d just have to suck it up.

  The event was in one of the large meeting rooms at the Montage in Beverly Hills. Cocktails and socializing were on the agenda, followed by several presentations. Then there would be a formal dinner, and Garrett didn’t even want to think about how many thousands of dollars per plate it cost.

  That wasn’t his concern. Security was his only interest. Plus, the money went to a good cause, so he was all for it. The organization used the funds for the physical, mental, and financial support of former soldiers. They also had programs for the family members, such as those that had become the full-time supporters or caregivers.

  The limo had been waxed and shined until it glowed. Samuel drove them to the hotel, then stayed with the car. Marlene was expected early, since she was the main sponsor. Raymond had already arrived with her event security team, and he greeted them, assuring Marlene that he’d staffed up for the evening. She didn’t need to be concerned about any repeat of the disaster at the last event.

  In addition to Marlene’s security team, the hotel had its own security. And Stealth had a special ops crew hovering. It felt more like a presidential event than a local fundraiser. Still there might be a vulnerability that could be exploited. Garrett had been in too many situations that had nearly unraveled after being thought secure.

  Marlene spoke with Alan about a few details of the event, assuring all was in order, then greeted a couple of volunteers she seemed to know well. The guests began to filter in. They drank cocktails and talked in groups. Garrett hadn’t seen so many wealthy people in one place before.

  Without knowing their names, he could determine their income level. It wasn’t only the expensive clothes, it was their demeanor. Their success in life was reflected in their confidence, how they carried themselves and dealt with those around them.

  Garrett wasn’t the only bodyguard in attendance. Billionaires, corporate execs, sport figures, and others in the entertainment field required their own security. So it was a very crowded affair. Although he tried to stay in the background, Garrett was acutely aware of his surroundings, taking stock of each person and their movements.

  He found no reason for alarm, but didn’t relax his vigilance. After the cocktail social was over, guests were shown to their seats. Garrett was at a table in front with Marlene, since she was a key speaker. He angled his chair so he could see out into the room. The area had high ceilings with gold chandeliers, and rows of balconies above. They were occupied by security, and Garrett spotted a couple of his team looking down on the proceedings.

  After she was announced, Marlene went to the podium. She wore a black satin cocktail dress with a lace overlay. Her long hair was in a fancy upsweep, adorned with diamond-studded pins. And she wore a diamond choker. To say she was stunning would have been an understatement.

  Garrett watched her glide to the front of the room, graciously accepting the applause. Without apparent effort, she seemed to own the room, and he was proud of her. Marlene could captivate an audience with just a smile, and when she spoke, every guest was under her spell.

  A movie-sized screen hung on the wall behind the podium, and slides changed to provide a visual for points she made during her presentation. Marlene spoke from the heart, and Garrett was appropriately moved.

  Marlene addressed the issue of how the funds were administered, and made a point that the charity kept costs low, so the greatest share of each dollar went directly toward the needs of the veterans. The room was silent as she shared her personal story.

  Without a plea for pity, Marlene revealed to the crowd that she’d lost her older brother in Iraq, and her father to war before that. She understood the losses of war from a personal perspective. And she told her story to garner greater support for the cause.

  At the end, the audience erupted with applause. The lights went up and Marlene opened her arms, as if to embrace the crowd. “Thank you for all you do,” she said. “Thank you for caring.”

  Then Marlene went back to her seat beside Garrett, and he smiled. She beamed at him, her eyes filled with tears. It was nearly too much. She’d spoken of Andrew, even told a couple of anecdotes about growing up together. She exhibited so much pride, such love. Her words had ripped Garrett apart.

  *****

  The speech had affected another man, though not quite in the same way. Glenn Buckner hung back in the dark, out of sight. Clandestine missions were a talent, and he knew how to go unnoticed. It was important that Flynn not catch sight of him. It had been unfortunate that the bodyguard had gotten a good look at him before, and he couldn’t risk being recognized.

  His training as a soldier had been thorough. He knew background checks would be done on the guests and the organizers—maybe even the volunteers. Marlene had held other events at this venue over the months, so Glenn had made sure he was employed by the hotel restaurant. But only as part of the temporary crew, for events such as this one.

  Of course, once the food service began, he’d disappear. He had no intention of waiting tables. But it didn’t matter. This would all be over soon, and Glenn wou
ldn’t need to impersonate a waiter. That had been a new development anyway.

  Before Flynn had interceded, things had been fine. Glenn had worked as a volunteer for the veterans’ charities. He’d blended in, and no one had taken particular notice of him. It gave him a chance to be with Marlene, but he knew that would no longer be possible. There was too great a risk that Garrett would spot him.

  Glenn had heard Marlene tell her story many times, and each time he’d been affected by it. It wasn’t right that she’d lost her brother to battle, especially when it could have been avoided. Flynn had fucked it up, just like he was doing now.

  If Flynn hadn’t meddled, it was likely that Marlene would have already been in Glenn’s arms. Her sad tale would have a happy ending once she was with him, and realized the true hero he was. Glenn would be her protector, and she would see the wisdom in that arrangement.

  Glenn was mesmerized by Marlene’s beauty. She looked especially lovely tonight. She’d captured the attention of her audience, Glenn in particular. He was drawn to her, and knew that she’d feel the same about him once he told her the truth.

  The sight of Flynn at the table next to her, watching them smile at each other, pissed him off. She’s not yours, asshole. Glenn’s goal loomed large in his mind. It was up to him to save Marlene from her traitorous bodyguard. So it was time to get Flynn out of the way…permanently.

  Chapter 12

  Marlene sat at the table next to Garrett, smiling graciously at the nearby guests, most of whom she knew well. They congratulated her on the presentation, and voiced support for the cause. The look on Garrett’s face was one of pride, and that made her feel good.

  The room buzzed with activity and the noise of clinking glassware. Now that the lights were up, a team of servers refilled drinks. It was a festive occasion, and the purpose of the dinner made it more so. But an odd feeling crept over Marlene, for no reason that she could explain.

  Without being obvious, Marlene scanned the dining room, but found no cause for her untoward feeling. It was probably her imagination, as she couldn’t quite forget the last charity event and how disastrously it had turned out. This time Garrett was already beside her, and she was certain he remained alert to the room’s activity.