ALASKAN FIRE

by Alaskan Fire (NCP) (lit)

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Alaska? Alaska!” Jess couldn’t have been more astonished.

  Sam put his head back and roared with laughter. “I thought that would surprise you,” he grinned, his face made even more handsome by the natural humor reflected in it.

  Jess leaned against the fridge for support. “But, but, I don’t understand,” she spluttered. “Why are you taking me? I mean, you think I’m hopeless! You don’t even like me. What do you want me to do? Be your run-about. What?”

  Sam laughed again. “Now that would be nice,” he smiled. “It’s a wonder you don’t throw in the bit about providing for my sexual needs,” he said, folding his arms across his chest.

  Jess turned away quickly and started clearing the table to hide her confusion. How well do I know this man, she wondered?

  “You can tease me all you like, it doesn’t affect me,” she said in a stilted manner. “But I am not going to let you make a fool of me.” Jess clattered the dishes into the sink almost breaking one of the glasses.

  “So, it doesn’t affect you.” His voice was close to Jess' ear. She turned to find Sam had placed an arm on either side of her trapping her against the sink. She could feel the heat from him and breathed in the smell of his clean skin.

  “You know, I’ve made several mistakes about you, Jess,” he said, his voice slightly husky as he watched her reactions. “The first was to label you an ice maiden because under that funny, reserved facade I think there could be a very passionate woman and I’m just a kiss away. How does that make you feel?”

  Sam didn’t touch her but his voice caressed her with sensual persuasion, his body inches away. He was enveloping her in a hypnotic love spell. She only had to sway toward him and she would be in his arms and then…? She wanted him so much she could feel the warmth of longing spreading within her. If he touched her she would explode with a passion. A passion that could only be satiated when Sam, made love to her. She imagined his golden body on hers, his mouth on her breasts, her hands caressing his powerful shoulders and long, muscular back as he…

  Jess pushed angrily at his chest and he stepped back. “For goodness sake Sam, stop playing games,” she said with a calm she didn’t feel. “I would sooner fly to the moon than let you make love to me. You flatter yourself if you think every woman you meet will fall into your arms.” She turned to the sink with relief and running hot water over the dishes, hoping her tone sounded firm because she was not going to let him see how much he affected her.

  “Leave those dishes. I have a housekeeper who does those. Come on, let’s go over to your flat and I’ll explain about the Alaskan trip on the way--if you’re interested, that is,” he added.

  "I'm interested."

  Sam smiled. "I thought you might be."

  "I still don't understand why you've chosen to take me."

  Then Sam said the words that she had always dreamt of hearing. "I'm not ashamed to say that I may have been wrong about you, Jess. I actually think you have talent and the makings of a first rate television journalist. I'm giving you the opportunity to prove yourself and without wishing to sound egotistical, I can teach you a great deal. This opportunity has presented itself and we should grab it."

  There was silence as Jess absorbed his words, her heart soaring with excitement. But her reply was guarded. "Thank you. I appreciate it," she said with a curt nod, wiping her hands and then grabbing her bag as she followed him to the car.

  The drive to North Sydney took a good three quarters of an hour through peak hour traffic as Sam continued their conversation in the car. “As I said I have underestimated your ability as a television journalist.” he said as he skillfully negotiated a traffic snarl.

  “There’s no doubt the camera loves you but I’ve seen the piece you did on gene replacement. It was excellent and I’d like to use it as a lead story. Congratulations!” They stopped at traffic lights and Jess' face reflected repressed delight.

  “You have great potential and hopefully, with the two stories I’ve lined up, along with your Adelaide one, it will be a great launching pad for you, Jess.”

  A thrill of anticipation ran through her and she resisted the urge to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming to hear Sam say these wonderful things about her.

  “We’ll fly to Los Angeles first where I’ve lined up an interview with Todd Carmichael,”

  Jess sucked in her breath. Everyone knew the multi-award winning actor was a recluse. He had been at the top of his field in Hollywood for ten years but had refused all media interviews for the past five of those years.

  “How did we manage to get him?” she asked in awe.

  “Well, I’ve known him for years and I’ve worn him down over a period of time until he eventually agreed to give World Watch the exclusive.”

  “That’s wonderful,” she said her voice full of admiration

  Sam talked on, drumming his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel as they reached another traffic snarl.

  “The other story is more complex. Kevin Harris, the mining magnate, has trouble with mining rights in North West Alaska and a tribe of the Inuit Eskimos has gone back on its word regarding a promise made to allow mining on their land. We will fly to Alaska to interview the tribal chief and Kevin will meet us there. I’m not sure how this story will pan out but I should let you know that Kevin is my ex-father-in-law and has financial shares in World Watch.”

  “Does this mean we’re supposed to take his side of the story?” Having experienced undue financial pressure influencing the media, her tone sounded both indignant and suspicious about the involvement.

  “You should know better than to say something like that to me, Jessica,” Sam snapped, as though she had hit a raw nerve. “This story is an ideal opportunity to film a semi-documentary and hopefully capture the beauty and wildlife of the Northwest while including some of the tribal habits of the Eskimos.”

  “When do we leave?” With trust restored, Jess grasped her hands together in excitement. What a fantastic opportunity! She couldn’t believe it.

  “Next week, which means there’s a lot of work to do. I want you to work with Molly and get all the research material you can for both projects and study anything you can lay your hands on about them. Write up a list of suggested questions and do script mock-ups for us to go through on the plane.” His voice projected his enthusiasm.

  “How many of us will be going?”

  Sam glanced at her. “Just the two of us,” he said casually.

  “I don’t understand. How do we manage without a film crew?”

  “It’s like this. We’ll be away just over a week. I don’t want the expense of sending a full film crew away for that amount of time. In L.A. we’ll use an American crew that has done a lot of work for me. In Alaska, I’ll do the camera and sound, with a single camera and you’ll do the reporting and work as my assistant.”

  Jess was silent, digesting this information. What she had dreamed of, yet dreaded, was actually going to happen. She would be alone with Sam for days and nights on end. She could hear her mother say, “Careful what you dream, girl--it will probably come true.”

  Her throat constricted at the thought of spending every working moment with him. As for sleeping? Jess thought back to the scene in the kitchen. Sam enjoyed having fun at her expense and treating her as a joke knowing he could probably have any woman he chose without bothering with Jess. But, what if he did use his lethal charm on her while they were away? Jess knew she’d never hold out against another blatantly sexual invitation.

  “What’s the number?” Sam asked, turning into her street.

  “It’s the block on the right. Number seven.”

  Sam suddenly pulled into the curb and Jess looked at him in puzzlement. “Give me your key. To be safe, I’ll make sure your mate isn’t hanging around,” he said. “Stay here and keep the doors locked.”

  Jess looked around nervously. Surely Tom wouldn’t bother her anymore. A few minutes later Sam was
back. “Come on, quickly.”

  Jess scrambled out, sensing his tension. She had forgotten how shabby the flat was compared to Sam’s elegant house. She began to pack her clothes in her battered suitcase. “Are you sure this is really necessary, Sam? It seems so much trouble.”

  “Believe me, it’s very necessary!” was the blunt reply. “You’d better read this. It was stuck under your door.”

  Her face paled as she recognized Tom’s writing and read the terrifying threat.

  'Jess, you belong to me, not him, and I want you back so we can get married like we planned. If I can’t see you I won’t be responsible for my actions. I can’t live without you and you won’t be allowed to live without me.

  Tom'

  She looked up at Sam in horror, her eyes huge in her white face and felt the real meaning of terror. She took a step toward Sam, wanting to feel the security of his arms around her and then hesitated. Sam’s face was etched with lines of concern.

  There was no turning back now. Jess knew she couldn’t return here as long as Tom’s threat hung over her. Overwhelming fear sent shivers along her spine as the full realization of her situation hit. Fear stripped her of confidence as she realized she was in a strange city with only Sam as her protector. This was in total conflict with all she had planned and hoped for in her new career. This was not the freedom she had fought for in leaving her hometown. Tom was stealing her inner strength with his malicious threats.

  “Come on, let’s get out of here,” Sam said, stuffing the rest of her clothes into her case and fastening the latches. Jess followed closely behind him down the stairs and on to the street, blinking in the bright sunlight. She felt rigid with shock and forced her stiff legs into a trot to keep up with Sam’s long strides. She kept her head down not daring to look around, feeling that Tom was watching and waiting like a predator.

  Sam held the door open and she stumbled into the passenger seat. This was a nightmare! Tom, who had professed to love her, had become a stalking monster. Sam pulled sharply away from the curb and the powerful car sped away. She stared at the buildings flashing by and shuddered violently.

  “Sam, do you think he’s going to kill me? I’m afraid,” Her voice shook. Sam’s fingers covered her cold hands where they lay clenched in her lap.

  “He won’t have the chance to get near you.” Sam’s voice was gentle as his fingers curled around hers. “This is a police matter now. I’m going to phone a friend of mine in the police department and arrange for him to come and chat to you. I’m not sure, but I believe Tom could be arrested for those threats.”

  Jess gave a low moan as she felt things crowding in on her. She pulled her hands away from Sam’s grasp, her fingers massaging the tension in her temples.

  Sam pressed the button on his car phone and a moment later his secretary came on the line.

  The crystal clear voice was full of confidence. “Yes, Sam.”

  “Angela, get Marty Fields from police headquarters to pop down and see me. Also, arrange for our company solicitor to meet with me.” Sam’s tone was crisp and businesslike.

  “Okay, will do. But you know you have a shoot at twelve and its eleven now. You are going to be tied up all day,” she reminded him.

  “I know. I’ll just have to fit the appointments in. Also, arrange for Bill and security to meet with me as soon as I get in. I’m only five minutes away.”

  “Sam, what's wrong?” Angela voice showed concern.

  “I’ll tell you when I get there and Angela, keep this information strictly confidential.”

  “Of course I will, but I think I had better let you know about another matter. There is a hot rumor broken about an affair between you and Jessica Seymour. The media are going crazy and the switchboard is lit up like a Christmas tree.”

  Jess drew a deep breath as she turned sharply, her eyes staring at Sam’s grim profile.

  “Jessica’s with me now,” he said, dryly. “I’ll sort things out when I get there.” Sam flicked off the phone and swung the car into the company car park, the security man on the gate giving him a respectful nod as they passed and came to a stop in Sam's reserved park.

  Jess sat in stunned silence. This is just the end, she thought. Everything’s caving in around me.

  Holding the door open for her, Sam seemed to be thinking aloud. “Well, Pauline didn’t waste much time,” he said.

  Jess hurriedly got out and finding her voice at last, she rounded on Sam.

  “This is your fault. If you had told Pauline the truth we wouldn’t be in this position now. It’s dreadful to think that the whole of Australia believe I'm sleeping with you. Sleeping with the boss so I can advance my career,” Jess added through gritted teeth as she heaved her case from the back seat of the car.

  “What are you doing?” Sam’s voice was ominous as he watched her.

  “I’m not going to stay with you. I can’t bear people to think I’m a tramp.”

  “Would you rather be subjected to harassment from Tom Hunter?”

  “I feel humiliated!”

  Sam hesitated as he saw her bottom lip tremble. He was almost overcome with the urge to take her in his arms and comfort her. What was the real story here? He couldn’t pin it down. Jess had been really afraid of Tom; no one would have reacted the way she did otherwise. He had seen the fear in her eyes when she had pleaded with him to protect her. He had felt the trembling of her body. But did she still care about him? Was that why she didn’t want to move in with him--because she felt guilty?

  Sam stuck his hands in his pockets and leaned against the bonnet of the car. “There’s nothing to feel humiliated about,” he said softly. “I don’t know what Tom did to you but think this situation through, Jess. You’ve kept your job and you’ve just scored two plum interviews overseas and you’ve also scored me to act as your doting lover. The only real problem is Tom. You have asked for my help to protect you from him and I’m willing to give it.”

  Sam bent and picking up her case, placed it back in the car while Jess remained where she was slumped against the door, her body drained of energy. She bent her head, shame washing over her. She really didn’t know which way to turn but, as Sam had said, it was only a rumor about them being lovers. Only they knew the truth.

  She looked up as she felt Sam move close to her. His hand touched her face in a curiously tender gesture, his voice smoky and soft as he said “Is it really so bad if people believe we are lovers, Jess? There is such a thing as instant physical attraction, after all.”

  Jess caught her breath as his eyes caressed her skin. She was burning up as if a fire had ignited between them. She drew back, the shock of sudden passion reflected in her face as she realized how much she wanted Sam. Wanted him to make love to her. To touch her and lay with her. To be inside her. She moaned as the sensation hit her.

  Sam swallowed hard as he dropped his hands to his sides. He needed to kiss Jess so badly that a physical pain tore at him deep in his guts as if he’d been pole-axed. Never had he wanted a woman as much as he wanted Jess at that moment.

  He forced himself to turn away. “Come on, we’d better get into the office,” he said, his tone deliberately light. “And don’t worry about what the staff may say.”

  On reflection Jess had to admit it hadn’t been as bad as she thought as Sam lightheartedly fielded the bantering and teasing questions from staff as he ushered her into his office. In fact, they seemed to be enormously pleased with this latest development and later treated Jess in a teasing, but friendly manner that had astonished and pleased her.

  In his office Sam became a different man as he explained the situation to the security manager and Bill Parsons. Within minutes Marty Fields, a detective, arrived, followed closely by the company’s solicitor. Jess sat quietly drinking the coffee Angela had brought her, listening to them discussing her.

  She answered their questions accurately and politely knowing they would think her an unemotional, cold-hearted person. But Jess was fighting desperately for
control. For the moment she pushed Tom from her mind and thought of Sam. He had almost broken through her carefully erected barriers and melted the ice around her frozen heart exposing her vulnerability to him. I hate him for that, she thought. I will never again let him see how he affects me, how much I want him.

  She pressed her lips tightly together as she admitted to herself she loved him. What a besotted idiot! She sighed as she regretfully signed the restraining order against Tom. Her hand shook as she scribbled her signature across the document.

  It seemed to take hours to complete the proceedings when in fact, it was only half an hour before the legalities were finished and the others departed leaving Sam and Jess alone. Marty Fields was going directly to talk to Tom and present him with the restraining order which had been drawn up by Sam’s solicitor. Marty said he was going to suggest to Tom that he seek some counseling so Tom could come to terms with the situation. The security manager and senior producer were now aware of the situation and had arranged for a total security blanket around Jess and Sam.

  Jess sat dejectedly in one of the office chairs, a bitter taste in her mouth. Tom doesn’t deserve this, she thought. We have overreacted. Surely he would never harm me if he really loved me and yet she had read many cases where the reverse had happened. She had reported on a couple of domestic violence stories for her news program in the South East and one dreadful case had resulted in a woman being stabbed to death by her jealous husband. A crime of passion, the media had called it and yes, it had been but it was still murder.

  Jess shuddered wondering again about Tom. She was afraid of him. He had beaten her and yet, it had only been the once. Would he really kill her? Should she protect herself with a gun or a knife? She knew the police could do little until Tom actually harmed her and then it could be too late. She needed Sam. She needed his protection--his care. Who else would help her?

  “You had better go to your shoot. You’re already late,” she said dully to Sam.

  He knelt in front of her, his hands resting lightly on her thighs. His grip tightened as she tried to turn away from his closeness and the concern in his eyes.