The vulnerability of Stealth’s crew had been the icing on the cake. They hadn’t seen it coming. Glenn laughed, the shrill sound echoing against the walls of the room. The fortress that Flynn had created around Marlene wasn’t impenetrable after all.
Earlier that day, while Marlene’s excuse for a bodyguard had still considered she was safe, Glenn had taken a long ride on his motorcycle. His crotch rocket was solid black, and it was mean looking. Over time, he’d tested it out, and it was fast. The bike was one luxury Glenn allowed himself. It had been a purchase worth saving up for.
While cruising down the streets, he’d been planning and plotting. The quiet ride had taken him through his neighborhood, into Hollywood, then along Mulholland Drive.
It was a route he’d taken many times, so often that he knew the roads like the back of his hand. He could take the curves without blinking. It was good to get out, and to have time to go over the details of his strategy, while the powerful engine hummed underneath him.
Today had been the start of Flynn’s downfall. It wouldn’t be long before he’d be out of the picture. Left to the leisure of his thoughts, Glenn had no shortage of ideas, but not all were usable. With self-satisfaction, he remembered the Molotov cocktail scene he’d painstakingly worked out.
Glenn’s thin lips stretched into something that was almost a smile. But he didn’t give in to such frivolities as humor. However, if anything were to give him pleasure, it would be seeing the look on Flynn’s face. He could envision it now, real enough to touch.
Racing past on his bike, Glenn had thrown a Molotov cocktail at the ex-SEAL. It was a device of his own making, and he’d done it expertly. The device had burst into flames, catching the bodyguard’s clothes on fire. The flaming liquid had doused him well, and the man rolled on the ground to stop the flaming liquid from burning him worse than it had. The added gunpowder had increased the explosive nature of the mixture, resulting in serious harm.
Glenn allowed himself to laugh. He couldn’t help it. The scenario was mere folly, a figment of his imagination. Although, it would be a thrill to pull it off, it would be too big of a risk. The throwing range would be an issue, as he’d need to get too close to the target.
The scene played out in Glenn’s thoughts, but not in reality. He knew the difference between truth and illusion. He wouldn’t forget the enemy using Molotov cocktails in battle. He’d been in the kill zone and had nearly been injured in the skirmish. The enemy, numbering in the hundreds, had thrown the fire bombs, and had even exploded tanks.
That had been a battle to witness. And Glenn had played his part, heroic, strong, invincible. In comparison, setting Flynn’s clothes on fire would be child’s play. But it wasn’t worth bothering with, no matter the delight Glenn would get in watching the horror transpire.
There were better ways, more clever plans. And that was what Glenn worked on, in excruciating detail. His mission was of the utmost importance, and Marlene’s future was at stake. He wouldn’t fail her.
*****
The following week, Garrett made sure that Marlene got to the studio safely. Daily, he changed the limo’s route, and altered the departure time. He had coerced her into wearing a bulletproof vest until she was safely inside the studio.
He kept in touch with Stealth, waiting for updates. Buckner had some pretty slick tricks, and they needed to get a step ahead of him. A secure phone had been delivered to Garrett, and his computer transmissions were encrypted using new code.
But he was uneasy. The one thing Garrett needed was Buckner’s location. That was taking some work. Then midweek, Travis called with news. “Come on in,” he’d said. “I prefer to tell you in person.”
So with Marlene secure on the set, immersed in filming, Garrett took a trip to Stealth. He entered the concrete building and took the elevator up, to find Tessa smiling at her desk. She looked younger than thirty, but she was wise beyond her years. He’d heard a few stories, and knew that in a pinch, she was a woman to have on your side.
“Hey, Tessa.”
“Garrett, good to see you. You’re looking…healthy.”
Garrett laughed. “Nice to hear. Is Travis available?”
“He’s on a call. You might want to stop by Cooper’s office first, if you have any business with him.”
“Will do.” Garrett strolled down the hall and bumped into Wyatt. “I thought you were on assignment.”
Wyatt shrugged. “It was just a weekend deal, escorting a music bigwig around a bit. He needed some extra protection. Anything new with you?”
“That’s what I’m here to find out. Travis called, so he’s got something for me.”
“I’ll let you get to it, then,” Wyatt said. “If you need me…I’m here.”
Garrett knew the truth of that statement. They’d been on enough missions together that Wyatt’s loyalty was not in doubt. “That works both ways,” he said, then proceeded to Cooper’s office.
The room had lots of equipment, including multiple computers, and some electronic stuff that Garrett couldn’t put a name to. But he didn’t need to. That was what Cooper was there for. He’d served in a similar capacity when on deployment. The former SEAL had fought with his team, as well as providing technical backup, as only he could.
Garrett looked around at his friend’s tools of the trade. “Hey, Coop. You must have been a child prodigy.”
“You could say that. I was taking apart the kid’s computer my parents got me before I hit grade school.” Cooper waved toward a chair. “Take a seat. Make yourself comfortable.”
Cooper Brennan was a self-taught computer tech. He’d been building his own machines since high school. And with the Navy’s training, he’d become a technical genius. He kept his dark hair short, military style, and dressed neatly—not at all the image of a tech guy. He looked more like a high school heartthrob turned Navy SEAL. Garrett was sure that when he cast his steel-blue eyes on a woman, she didn’t turn him away. Although he hadn’t found anyone special enough to call his own just yet.
“So this Glenn Buckner is handy with electronics. He’s no stranger to computers or networks.”
“You would know,” Garrett said. “The dude seems able to penetrate security a little too easily for comfort.”
Coop smiled. “He has made inroads, but I wouldn’t be too concerned. I’m familiar with the security system that Marlene had originally installed. It’s a good one, and normally very sound. It took skill to override it, expertise that not many have.”
“That doesn’t inspire confidence.”
“The Stealth system is in place now,” Coop said. “I don’t see the guy messing with that.”
“And the phones?”
“We had security software in there, similar to what the military uses.” Coop frowned. “This guy seems to know a lot about the military, considering he didn’t make it into the ranks.”
“He fancies himself as a soldier.”
“Well, he takes it a step further,” Coop said. “He’s been studying. It took a lot of persistence to crack that security software. He must have a lot of time on his hands. And he’s motivated.”
“Again, that doesn’t make me rest easy.”
“The phones are locked down tight now.” Coop rocked in his office chair. “The guy was able to get his hands on military coding…somehow. But he won’t crack our stuff. Guaranteed.”
“What’s next, though?” Garrett furrowed his brow. “I need to get my hands on this guy. You’re working with Rip to track him down, right?”
“I feel like we’re getting close, but it’s hard to say. Buckner is a slippery one. He may be mentally unstable, but there’s not a thing wrong with his intelligence. He’s good at faking backgrounds, cracking codes, hacking into systems. Just when we think we’ve got him, he morphs into some other identity.”
Garrett shook his head. “Just great.”
The intercom buzzed, and Travis said, “Are you with Garrett?”
“We were just wrapping up.�
��
“Send him to my office, then.”
Coop inclined his head toward the door. “You got the word. I think you’ll want to hear what they have to say.”
“You already know about it?”
“Yep, I worked with Rip and then did a bit of hack… I mean computer work.” Coop grinned. “Let’s say it’s interesting.”
Garrett left, anxious to hear the news. Rip was sitting across the desk from the boss, and they both looked up when he entered. “There you are,” Travis said. “Sit down. I’ll let Rip tell you.”
“Tell me what?” Garrett plopped into the other chair, next to Rip.
“I came across information that gave me pause,” Rip said. “Then Coop did some of his fancy footwork and we learned something quite relevant about our friend Buckner.”
Garrett was riveted. Whatever they’d learned, he needed to know. “I can’t wait.”
Rip paused, as if considering how to say it. He glanced at Travis, then took a breath. “Remember when I told you Glenn Buckner had worked for a private military contractor?”
“Yeah, and they booted him out.”
“Yes, well before that, he shipped out with them. They worked with a Marine platoon, gave them backup on the desk. You know, ran the computers, managed communications…that type of stuff.”
Garrett rubbed the back of his neck. “Why is that important?”
“Not all that long ago, Buckner was in Iraq.” Rip waited, but when that didn’t seem to register with Garrett, he continued. “The PMC that Buckner worked for provided backup to a Marine platoon in Iraq…at the same time that you were in Iraq.”
Garrett shuffled the facts in his mind: the battle in Iraq, and Buckner working alongside the Marines.
Rip sat up straighter. “Glenn Buckner was in Iraq, as a civilian employee, at the same damn time you were there. And the company he worked with functioned as technical support for Andrew Parks’ unit.”
Garrett scrambled to put the pieces together. “So Buckner was there the day Andrew…was killed.” It began to make sense. “Buckner probably knew Andrew, and there’s no doubt he knew that he didn’t survive that battle.”
Travis spoke up. “The Marines fought that battle with you and your team. It was a joint effort.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he knew you too, or knew of you,” Rip said. “Even though you looked a lot different then, with the longer hair and beard, it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t recognize you.”
For a moment, Garrett didn’t say more. As he’d thought all along, this whole fiasco was connected to him. Buckner had known Garrett before that first day at Marlene’s event. Had the psycho been following him? Had Garrett unwittingly led him to Marlene?
Garrett felt sick in his gut. This had disaster written all over it.
“What does Buckner want with Marlene? That’s what I’d like to know,” Travis said.
“That’s impossible to say without getting inside the dude’s head,” Rip said. “Suffice it to say that he lives in a world of delusion…where I’m sure he’s the hero.”
Travis, Rip, and the rest of the team knew about what had happened in Iraq. Teammates didn’t keep secrets from each other. Doing so could be deadly. Garrett hadn’t concealed his guilt from them, so they all knew about that battle. But Marlene sure as hell didn’t.
Garrett stood up. “This really sucks.”
“We’re working flat out to nail this guy. We’ll find him,” Rip said.
“You better do it soon.” Garrett headed for the door. “I’m running out of time.”
Chapter 15
Marlene saw her brother’s face. Light brown hair, innocent green eyes, a bit of scruff on his jaw. She reached out her hand… Andrew. He was in his twenties, still so young, with so much to live for. Her loyal, loving brother. She missed him so much, and reached out to hug him.
But he was gone. Vanished—leaving grief in her heart and her life. Her friend growing up, her older brother, was gone. Marlene couldn’t make sense of it. She had to find him, save him. But she couldn’t.
She struggled, tried to run, but her legs wouldn’t move. She had to get to him in time…or she’d lose him forever. Guns going off. Fire and smoke everywhere. Screams and panic.
Then Marlene was in the hands of a madman. A man she didn’t know. He was calm, so normal that it made the hair stand up on the back of her neck. Something was wrong. He shouldn’t be there. She had to get away. But she couldn’t.
The more she pulled back, the closer he was. His shrill laugh struck terror in her heart. She couldn’t get away…couldn’t get to Andrew. Suffocating, Marlene looked at the maniac threatening to kill her. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move.
His eyes locked with hers. Vacant eyes…icy…blue. She gazed into his eyes, seeing into his soul. Then he reached for her, and she gasped.
Marlene’s eyes flew open. Sweat soaked her sheets. She sat up, breathing hard, her pulse racing. It had been a dream, only a dream. Her heart pounded in her chest. It had been an awful nightmare. Grief consumed her. She’d seen Andrew, but it hadn’t been real. He was gone. And he wouldn’t be back. She’d lost him forever.
The images were vivid in her mind, and Marlene was unable to shake off the terror. She was so alone, and lost. The gaping hole in her chest left her in agony. “Andrew…” She closed her eyes, but didn’t want to remember.
Marlene opened her eyes and threw back the covers. She slid from her bed, feeling the thick carpet between her toes. She was in her bedroom, in her own home. There was no one there to terrorize her, no one that could harm her.
She wrapped her arms around her waist and shivered. Those cold blue eyes. She couldn’t forget them. She couldn’t banish them from her mind. It was the way Garrett had described her shooter, and she’d seen him in her dream. The man had seemed too real, as his eyes bored into hers.
Marlene shuddered and went to look out the window. She gazed at the gardens in back, and tried to think of normal things. She worked to keep her breathing steady, even. Yet the fear didn’t easily subside. A creepy feeling that the man was behind her, and could grab her, made her skin crawl.
Garrett was next door, in his own room. All she had to do was push the red button by her bed and he’d be there in a flash. But it had only been a dream. She knew that. The intercom was within reach, and she could talk to Garrett. If she shared her fears, it would all be better. He’d come into her room and assure her that she was safe.
But it wouldn’t make it all go away. And Marlene would feel foolish. She wasn’t a child, and couldn’t call out in the night to be held when a nightmare disturbed her sleep. Instead, she took a deep breath, then another. The images in her mind began to fade, but the terror didn’t.
It was a workday, and Marlene needed to shower. Although it was early, she could go down for coffee and get her bearings. She doubted that she’d so easily recover. The dream was over, but the nightmare of her life wasn’t. The worst part was wondering when the next attack would come.
Marlene had done her best to disguise the stress building inside her. When on the set, she poured herself into the role, able to block out all but the scene. And with Garrett, she worked to hide the depth of her distress. He was already overprotective, and if he knew the effect that the current circumstances had on her, he’d order her to abandon her regular activities.
He’d already cautioned her about the dangers of continuing to be visible, but Marlene knew that hiding would be worse than facing the threat. Death loomed, because a man who knew how to use firearms could strike without warning.
Marlene went to the shower. She stepped out of her nightgown and onto the tile floor. If only there was someone she could talk to, and share how she truly felt. But she’d avoided calling her mother recently, sticking to short texts with a positive message.
I’m fine. I miss you, Mom. I’ll call you when I get a break. Marlene had avoided confiding her worst fears, as she didn’t want to alarm her mother. And she hadn�
�t phoned her mother, for fear that if she talked about what was going on, she might break down.
The hot water poured down, drenching her hair and flowing over Marlene’s shoulders. It was good, a symbol of warmth and security—yet reminders of what she didn’t have. Her life was anything but secure. As each day went by, the situation worsened.
Garrett had implied such, as he’d mentioned that the enemy had too much time to plan. He avoided going into detail with her, and Marlene knew he didn’t want her to worry. But how could she not? It all seemed to be closing in on her: the ever-present threat, the importance of her role in the movie…and her sexy bodyguard.
Garrett was so near, tempting her mercilessly. Not that he knew. She was good at not showing her feelings. It was just one more role she played. Yet she thought of Garrett as her knight in shining armor. He’d appeared in her life at just the right moment, as if by magic.
And he’d stuck by her, despite the reasons that he should have left. Garrett was honorable, and swoon-worthy besides. But Marlene wouldn’t allow herself to give in. He was ex-military, and there was a reason she’d sworn off heroes. They were brave by nature, and danger was inherent in their career. That meant inevitable loss. Marlene would lose her heart to Garrett, and then life would take him from her. She knew it, and her past had proven it. She’d lost her father and her brother.
Tears formed in her eyes, but she vowed not to cry. No more. Her heart was already broken, and now Garrett had worked his way into her life. She had no tears left. Losing one more man that she cared about would be her undoing. She couldn’t let that happen.
Marlene got out of the shower and dried off. She put on a robe and looked in the mirror, seeing too much sadness in her eyes. Then she put her fingertips to her lips, remembering Garrett’s hot kisses. She had no business encouraging him, no matter how much she craved more. What could she have been thinking?
*****
When Marlene went to the breakfast nook, she found Garrett leaning back in a chair scrolling through his phone. “Good morning, bodyguard.” She grinned at him. “You’re up early.”
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