Gilded Cage (Harbour Bay Book 6)

by Camille Taylor

  A tear rolled down her cheek.

  “You’re practically the spitting image of her at that age. Inside you’re a Bennett but outside you’re a Smith through and through.”

  Bethany knew she favoured her mother. Not long after her mother died, her father had cleansed the house of her photos. Greta had hidden them away for her, knowing she’d want them. Beth knew her father still ached over her mother’s loss, and how looking so similar to her mother must hurt him. It was why she explained her father’s absence from her life away so easily. Though a part of her resented him for not making the effort.

  “Why did you lose touch?”

  Caitlyn’s expression shuttered immediately. “I went away for a while. Your father has always been an arrogant man but he was a good man. A man who after Charley died, lost his way. Without her—” She searched for the right words. “Let’s just say she was his voice of reason, his conscience.”

  The room became silent as they all absorbed the ramifications of what Caitlyn had said.

  “I regret you were hit in the fallout. I failed you, sweet girl. You and Sophie and so many others. I can never make it right.”

  Cait’s pain slammed into her, momentarily robbing her of breath. She couldn’t allow this wonderful, warm woman leave thinking she’d done her wrong.”

  “You never failed me. Or Sophie. Everyone makes their own choices. Don’t give up hope. Uncle Alec will forgive her. Even if I have to go down there myself and bat my eyelashes. But I don’t think I’ll have to.”

  Her aunt laughed. “You always had him wrapped around your little finger. Ever since you were just a few hours old. I could never understand how you two could get on so well and yet Alec and Sophie squabbled every second of the day.”

  “Because I’m a Bennett.” Cold and dispassionate. “Not a Harris.” Though in some of her dreams she wished she was.

  Declan saw Caitlyn out and Bethany sank down onto the chaise. Closing her eyes, she focused on her breathing.

  She jerked when arms circled her, but immediately relaxed when she breathed in sandalwood. Declan. Her stomach cartwheeled.

  “Are you okay?”

  Kneeling before her, he pressed her against his chest, a place she had become familiar with. She rested her chin on his shoulder. It would be too easy to lean on him. She needed time. Time to work out what she wanted because Declan would not always be there. She needed a plan. She wanted a future.

  “Yes.” For once it wasn’t a lie. Beth pulled back. “Who do you think took the shot?”

  “Someone you never want to meet.”

  Untangling herself from him, she stood. “I may not have a choice.”

  “Except I’m standing between you and him. He’ll have to go through me to get to you and that isn’t going to happen.”

  Chapter 19

  “I don’t understand why I need to make a statement.”

  Bethany kept pace with Declan as they approached the tall man wearing a merle grey suit and red tie. He had one of those ‘cop’ faces on, the type you always see in Hollywood movies. The man studied her as she and Declan entered the formal dining room. She lowered her voice. “I didn’t see anything to be of use to his investigation.”

  “Every witness needs to be interviewed for collaboration and for filling in the blanks, for all you know you saw something everyone else didn’t see.”

  “I highly doubt that. There isn’t an inch of that wharf you couldn’t describe in explicit detail.”

  She’d been more focused on Declan’s hard body pressing her into the pavement, and the heavy beat of her heart when Beth realised she’d been shot at.

  Declan shrugged. “Procedure.”

  They stopped before the detective.

  “Fabulous another one I have to look up to,” she muttered, drawing a smile from both men.

  “Hello, Miss Bennett. James Hawke. If it makes you feel any better my wife has to do the same thing although lately she’s been known to stand on a box when we have our little arguments. She tells me it gives her an edge.”

  Bethany smiled as she surveyed the six-foot-two detective. His dark blond hair held natural red highlights. While his manner to her and she assumed most people was pleasant, Beth knew he wasn’t the kind of guy you wanted to meet in a dark alley whilst running from the law.

  “I can understand that, Detective. You’re quite imposing.”

  “It comes in handy in this line of work.”

  “Of course.” She took a seat at the head of the table used only for special occasions. The eighteen-seat rectangle table seemed cold and unfamiliar. She would’ve preferred conducting the interview at the kitchen table where she’d be much more comfortable but it seemed silly and too entitled to ask them to move. James took a seat to her left, diagonally across from her seat. Declan remained standing just behind her right shoulder like a sentinel.

  “Now I’ve already spoken in-depth with O’Neill and he’s provided with me a rundown of yesterday’s incident but I’d like to hear the event in your words if I could.”

  “I’ll do my best, but to be honest most of the day kind of blurs together. I was scared and a little out of my mind.”

  Declan squeezed her shoulder, a reminder that he was there supporting her.

  “That’s quite all right, Miss Bennett.” James added to the strength building inside of her that said she could do this. “Whatever you can remember.”

  Bethany took her time, not rushing through and took a moment when it came to a painful memory. It was somewhat therapeutic rehashing the events of the day in a safe environment surrounded by strong men who were duty and morally bound to save her should she stumble.

  “And the next thing I know, Declan was shoving me into the car.”

  James nodded and made another citation on his notepad. “Do you know who is targeting you?”

  Bethany’s gaze dropped then returned to the detective, her cheeks overly warm. “I don’t know. The sad thing is my father has a lot of enemies.” Her teeth cut into her lip. “Maybe you should see the threats?”

  “No.”

  “What threats?” James asked at the same time Bethany questioned, “Why not?”

  “Because it will be a waste of time trying to find evidence on the papers.” Declan turned from her to James. “They’re useless. Are you done here?”

  The detective stood and held out his hand. “Thank you very much, Miss Bennett, I pray we find the bastard soon.”

  Bethany shook his hand and thanked him.

  “I’ll be right back. I’ll show Hawke to his car.”

  She followed them out of the dining room and leaned against the open doorway as Declan escorted James to his vehicle.

  “Ah-hem.” Quinn discreetly announced his arrival.

  Beth turned and faced the man who she loved like family. Her smile dropped when she caught sight of what he was holding.

  “Excuse me, Miss Bennett, your father wishes to speak with you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Bethany took the phone from Quinn and without speaking hit the end button.

  ***

  “Are you going to tell me what that was all about?” Hawke leaned against his car.

  Declan glanced around their surroundings.

  “We’re in the clear." Hawke stared at him intently.

  Declan ran stiff fingers through his hair. “The threats are fake.”

  Hawke blinked. “I don’t understand. We have proof someone shot at her.”

  “Yes, someone shot at her, that part is true. What Beth was talking about—the threats she saw are fakes. Dirk Bennett printed up a few cut and paste jobs to make the threats more tangible to his daughter.” Saying it out loud made it sound so much worse, less of the good intention Dirk had intended. “Which is why I said they’d be a waste of time collecting evidence off them. They were printed right here in Bennett’s office.”

  “What a piece of work,” Hawke muttered as he opened the car door. “Watch your back. You know th
at cop I told you was murdered? He was being bought and paid for by Hunter but that’s not all, in fact just the tip of the iceberg. IA were aware of Hughes’ involvement with Hunter so now the DU has to play nice with a joint investigation which unfortunately for you are right smack in the middle of it.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Hawke quickly caught him up on the earlier meeting with Clark Holly and how Bennett Shipping had brought in the container that the LAC had recently confiscated, which was the most likely cause for Hunter’s rage against Beth.

  “What’s in the container?”

  “I can tell you what’s not—drugs. Least not completely. The sniffer dogs have been all over the exterior.”

  “Explosives?” Declan ran through options.

  “That’s the next move.”

  “Which leaves guns or money.”

  “Or something completely different which doesn’t mean jack to us but everything to Hunter,” Hawke pointed out. “But until the time comes when we close this case and put Hunter away we’re all working together on this. Donovan wants everyone to share information.”

  “Well, all I know is someone wants Bethany dead and that someone has ties to Dirk Bennett. But by all means, if I get anything else I’ll be certain to pass it along.”

  “Appreciate it. Bank robbers and career criminals determined to put your girl in the ground. I’m guessing that wasn’t something that was included in the job description.”

  Declan ground his teeth together. He was well aware of what he had gotten himself in to and wasn’t pleased having that pointed out to him.

  “Keep her safe. There’s someone out there with a hard-on for her and I’m guessing it’s not just you.”

  Declan glanced at Hawke in surprise.

  “Hey man we’ve all been there and I’m just saying you couldn’t have done better. She’s a strong woman, but she hasn’t reached her full potential yet. I pity you for when that day eventually comes, she’s going to be a handful.”

  Declan grinned. “She sure is. But she’s going to be someone else’s problem, not mine.”

  “I don’t know about that. When the bug hits you, just the thought of her with another man puts you in a killing rage. But maybe that’s what you need to realise the perfect woman is standing right in front of you and that you don’t ever want to let her go.”

  James glanced at his watch.

  “Somewhere you have to be?”

  “Yeah. Doctor’s appointment. Aimee’s been having trouble conceiving so we’re going to be tested and look at options.”

  Declan shuffled his feet, crunching the soft surface of the driveway. “Sorry to hear that. You been trying long?”

  “Long enough to know something’s not right.”

  Shit. He was by no means qualified to have this conversation. He’d spent his life ensuring he didn’t knock anyone up.

  He clasped Hawke’s on the shoulder and squeezed. “I hope it all works out, mate.”

  “Yeah, me too. Aimee’s all stressed out about it. I just want to be able to give her what she wants. What we want.”

  “Well, good luck.”

  “Thanks. Same to you. I think you’re going to need it.”

  Hawke climbed behind the wheel and started his way down the private stretch of road known locally as ‘Naire Ave—as in Millionaire Ave, the home of the town’s wealthiest inhabitants.

  Once again it highlighted the many differences in his life to Bethany’s.

  Upon re-entering the house, he found the coast clear, Bethany having disappeared somewhere. Probably for the best. He needed time and space to think. He closed his bedroom door just as his mobile rang.

  “I don’t want Beth to leave the estate.”

  Blood rushed to his ears as he recognised Dirk Bennett’s voice. His temperature spiked and his muscles tensed. He ran a hand over his head as he gripped the phone like he wanted to Bennett’s neck.

  “She’s your daughter, not your prisoner.”

  The man choked. “How dare you?”

  “No, how dare you! The most precious thing you have and you keep her locked away instead of showing her the world.”

  He found he couldn’t keep his thoughts to himself nor could he stay out of it. He’d seen too much to ignore.

  “Now, if you’re not calling to fire me. I’ll continue to use my judgement to determine what is in Beth’s best interests.”

  Without waiting for a response, he hung up on Dirk and flopped back on the bed.

  Her father had done her a great disservice. She should be out there making mistakes, living her life instead of trapped inside these walls. Davies had been right when he’d said she was a product of her environment, knowing only what she’d been taught. Well, he was teaching her new things. If he had his way, when Dirk Bennett returned, he would not recognise his daughter.

  It was time someone took an interest in Bethany Bennett’s welfare. Hiding was not the answer.

  Declan found himself worrying what would become of Beth once he left. Her safety his biggest concern.

  He couldn’t help interfering. Bethany deserved more than the life she had and if he could give her anything it was a taste of something more.

  Chapter 20

  Bethany launched herself at Declan, rolling at the last minute past his right leg and jumped onto his back, hooking her arms around his neck and locking his hips between her thighs. She breathed heavily from the exertion, but couldn’t be more pleased with herself until of course Declan changed the play halfway through the game and easily, much like a bull at a rodeo, bucked her off his back and onto the ground. She landed with a decisive thud.

  “Oomph.” Air rushed from her lungs.

  Declan held out his hand. “Not half bad, you knew you couldn’t take me head on so you improvised, that’s always good in a fight because you never know what weapons are at your disposal but remember most things can be turned into a weapon and your body is one of them.”

  He never lost his patience with her no matter how many times she failed.

  “Good to know.”

  She’d thought she’d never say it, but Declan was a gruelling taskmaster. Every muscle inside her ached from the assault yesterday and the more she pushed herself, the more they screamed.

  They’d begun the day going through certain techniques and steps guaranteed to floor a man. Some made her slightly queasy. Others not so much.

  “Listen and learn. The only way to fight someone and stay alive is to fight dirty. Sure, it’s unsportsmanlike but when you’re up against a hired gun who has no qualms about putting a bullet in your head it’s your only course of action.”

  She shivered, she had never really realised just how deadly Declan could be. How often had he had to adhere to his own advice? Knowing Declan had fought for his life numerous times chilled her insides.

  Declan held her gaze. “It’s your only option. You go for the crotch, the eyes, the kidneys. If they have an open wound, apply pressure, they’ll feel that for days.”

  He motioned her to come at him with his hands. “Show me what you’ve got.”

  Declan protected his chest with his fists, stretching the material of his shirt tightly over his biceps. She sucked in a deep breath. Wasn’t it bad enough she could barely sleep reimagining every bulge and contour of his stomach and fantasising about exploring his body? She’d never been so turned on in her entire life.

  Did he feel the same? Could he?

  How could she find out without opening herself to embarrassment? She wished she’d dedicated more time to the study of relationships between the sexes. Or at least the art of flirtation.

  She hit him. Pain ricocheted up her arm from her fist.

  Son-of-a-bitch that hurt.

  “You’ve got to mean it. If your attacker survives your defence you’re dead.”

  If he thought that was a pep talk he was sadly mistaken.

  “I don’t have your strength or training. There’s no way I can match mus
cle.”

  “You don’t need it. Humans possess a lot of strength without knowing it. In a moment of great fear such as when fighting for your life, you’d be surprised at what your body will allow you to accomplish and endure. Adrenaline is everything. Now try again.”

  Bethany channelled all her strength into the punch but once again the only pain caused was all her own. Declan moved quickly, grabbing hold on her arm and applied pressure, startling her.

  “Ow.”

  Declan’s face pinched into something almost unrecognisable. Bethany had an idea of what his enemies must see right before he brought them down. “Do you think it won’t hurt? You have got to fight through the pain.”

  He applied more pressure, twisting it unnaturally and Bethany fell to her knees. She gritted her teeth from crying out again. If this was a real-life situation, the last thing she wanted to give her attacker was the satisfaction of knowing he was hurting her.

  “I can’t!” Her mind centred on the pain in her arm and there was no room for any other thoughts.

  “You’ve got to want to.”

  He twisted it further and she thought her arm might break under the pressure. She had never broken a bone before but she knew it hurt like hell.

  “You need to conquer this.”

  “I can’t.”

  “I know you can. You’re stronger than you think. Come on, Bethany, are you going to let me break your arm?” He voiced her fears, taunting her. “Come on. You want to live, to survive, think only of that, it’s the best kind of motivation.”

  His teaching techniques were a lot to be desired. Her vision blurred from tears but she wasn’t about to give up. In one swift manoeuvre, Bethany leapt from the ground, clobbering Declan’s face with her elbow at the same time her foot landed hard on his instep.

  Declan released her and rubbed his nose. “Ow.”

  Bethany’s hands flew to her face, covering her mouth. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.”