Emeralds Are Forever (Love on the Run Book 2)

by Jaclyn Hardy

  Dee raised an eyebrow. “They sold it for a gift? That makes no sense.”

  “You're right. But I don't pretend to know the inner workings of a criminal mind. Even if I pretended I was one.” Carlie smiled at the memory. “I actually realized I was in love with Braden while I was sitting at that table.”

  Dee put a hand to her heart. “Such a romantic thought.”

  Carlie snorted. “Yes, because meeting in the middle of a grocery store was more romantic.”

  “Touché.” Dee laughed.

  “Hey, Carlie? We need to get going if we're going to catch our flight.” Braden stood behind them.

  “Already?” Dee asked, surprised.

  Carlie handed Dee her phone. “We don't have a choice. News got out that we knew where the emerald was and others want to get there first.”

  “I'd hoped we could at least go out for dinner.” Disappointment washed over Dee. They hadn't been able to hang out much since Carlie had gotten married.

  “I'm sorry. When I get back. I promise. And give Dani a hug back.” Carlie hugged Dee before looping her arm through Braden's. “Wish us luck.”

  Dee sighed as they left. She should have been thrilled that she was in New York, but even with its millions of people, she still felt completely alone.

  Ben scribbled the last of his notes in his notebook and shoved it into his backpack. He needed to get back to his hotel room and make sure everything was set up for the mission. He'd planned to head home as soon as the show was done, but everything changed when the new intel came in.

  Deirdre's laughter floated toward him. Dee. He still couldn't believe it. How had he not gotten the fact that she was Carlie's best friend? He'd helped her before he'd even known her. It was no wonder he'd felt the need to protect her from the moment they met.

  He shouldn't have ignored her after that night. She'd done what needed to be done to stop that guy from getting anyone else, and Ben had just shut her out instead of admiring her bravery. And this was why he should never be allowed to talk to anyone. He sighed and waved at the museum curator before leaving. The warm summer air welcomed him, and he regretted having to go back inside of the hotel. Maybe he'd take a walk instead.

  The sounds of New York City welcomed him as he moved among the crowds of people rushing to wherever their errands took them. It still amazed him how busy it stayed even late into the night here. One reason he preferred a quieter college town in Arizona. But this was where he'd grown up, and he loved coming home.

  A vendor rolled his cart slowly down the street, and Ben smiled. He hurried to catch up to the stooped man.

  “Still kicking, I see?”

  The man turned and studied Ben for a moment before grinning. “Benny. I haven't seen you in years. I thought you'd forgotten me.”

  “Never. Have anything left, Lenny?” Ben pulled out his wallet.

  “Let's see what we can find.” Lenny opened his cart and pulled out a couple of hot dogs. “How's your dad?”

  Ben cringed. “I haven't seen him for a while.”

  “He still live here?”

  “Yeah, a few blocks from here.”

  Lenny's gaze pierced him. “And I assume you were going to try to leave the city without seeing him again?”

  Ben shook his head. “I hadn't even thought about going to visit, to be honest. Work has me on a tight schedule.”

  “Too busy to see your father, Ben? I thought you were better than that.” He handed the two hot dogs overflowing with toppings.

  “You're right. I'll do my best to visit him.” He handed a wad of bills to Lenny. “See you later, Lenny. Thanks for dinner.”

  Lenny stared at the money. “You overpaid. A lot.”

  “No, I didn't. You deserve every penny.” Ben waved the best he could with the hot dogs his hand and walked down the sidewalk to find a bench to sit on. He took a bite and it was like he was ten years old again. Lenny had been a family friend and Ben had managed to sweet talk him into countless free hot dogs over the years.

  Ben stared at the building down the street and debated going to visit. He really needed to get to the hotel to check in. And besides, it was a little late to be knocking on people's doors. But Lenny's disapproving expression plagued him. He popped the last bite into his mouth and wiped his hands. It was now or never.

  He checked both ways before jogging across the street. The entryway was run down, as if it hadn't been painted since Ben had left home. A woman hurried up the steps just in front of him, so Ben grabbed the door and slipped in. It was better if he didn't buzz himself in. His dad wouldn't have let him in anyway.

  The elevator was out of service, so Ben jogged up the four flights of stairs to his dad's apartment. The carpet was threadbare in places, and the wallpaper had seen better days, but he knew this floor like the back of his hand. He hesitated, then knocked on the door.

  Moments later the door opened just enough for a man to peek out. “Yeah?”

  “Dad?” Ben's heart was in his throat. It had been longer than he'd remembered. The face staring out at him had aged.

  The door slammed, and he could hear the chain slide out of its lock. Slowly the door opened again, just far enough for Ben to slip inside.

  Books lined the walls and piled up on the tables. Several lay open with writing in the margins. Dad shuffled into the kitchen. “Want some coffee?”

  “No, I'm pretty full from dinner. Lenny says hi.” Ben moved a couple of books off a chair and sat down.

  Dad grunted. “What brings you to New York?”

  “Business.” Ben pulled out his phone and flipped to the pictures he'd taken that night. “My friend found Cleopatra's earrings so I was here to report on it.”

  “Impressive.” Dad sat down next to him with a mug for each of them.

  Ben held in a laugh. It was just like his dad to get him a drink even when Ben said he didn't need one. “Thanks for the drink.”

  “Of course.” Dad studied him. “Done with college?”

  “For a couple of years now. I'm working for the paper still.”

  Dad nodded. “I see. Are you still helping Albert's daughter?”

  Ben jerked at the name. “How do you know Albert?”

  “Oh, come on. How do you think he had your name to give to Carlie? It wasn't just coincidence.” His laugh was raspy. “I helped her father long before you were even born.”

  “Mom said you were always traveling for work . . .”

  His dad winked. “She never said what I did, right? She didn't like my job. Never approved of it. She's probably rolling in her grave knowing you've taken up my business.”

  Ben picked up a book on the table, trying to process what he'd just learned. His dad had done the same thing. And all these years Ben had resented him for leaving his mom. He couldn't process it.

  “I loved your Mom, Ben. More than anything. She just couldn't handle the work. Didn't want you to have to live without a dad.”

  “But I did anyway.” The words were bitter on his tongue. “Why couldn't you just do like she'd asked?”

  Dad leaned forward. “Could you?”

  “Of course . . .” But could he? The look of disappointment on Dee's face still tore at him, but he knew that as soon as he left this apartment, he'd still head back to the hotel to help Carlie. And he'd keep doing it because he was good at what he did. Because he loved it.

  “I thought so.” His dad stood and went through a few drawers before he found what he was looking for. “Here's my list of contacts if you ever find yourself in trouble. Most have retired by now so only use them if you absolutely need to. And Ben? Be careful.”

  Ben stood. His mind was still spinning from everything he'd just learned, but the weight on his shoulders seemed just a little lighter after talking to his dad. He pulled him into a hug. “Thank you, Dad.”

  “No, thank you. I was afraid I wouldn't see you again.”

  Ben paused at the door. “I almost didn't come. But I'm glad I did. Night.”

 
He checked his phone as he headed down the stairs and was surprised to find a call from Carlie. She should have been on the plane. He clicked on the voicemail.

  “Hey, the flight was delayed for maintenance. We need you to check and see if there's another option for a flight.”

  He cursed under his breath and pulled up flights. Nothing. He dialed her number and left the building. “Hey, I'm not seeing anything. What's up with the flight?”

  “We're not sure. The announcement just said it would be another hour. We've gotta get out of here.”

  “I'll check flights for the other airports in the area. Give me a few minutes.” He hailed a taxi and waited for one to stop.

  “Ben?”

  He whipped around to see Deirdre standing at the curb. “What are you doing here?”

  “I had dinner at a pub and the singer they had there was amazing. Time got away from me.” Dee dug through her purse. “Mind if we take the same taxi?”

  “Where are you staying?” Ben held a hand up again.

  “Hilton. Not too far from the museum.” Deirdre wouldn't meet his eyes.

  Ben opened the door to the taxi that had just pulled up. “Perfect. That's where I'm headed as well.”

  The cab was silent until they made it to the hotel. Ben paid for the fare, then followed Deirdre inside, unsure of what to say. Ben checked his phone again and cursed. He pushed the button on the elevator.

  “What's going on?” Deirdre asked.

  “It's fine.” He shook his head. He needed to stop lying to her. “Carlie said they just delayed her flight even more.”

  Deirdre raised an eyebrow. “Why'd she tell you that and not me?”

  Ben pushed the button again. “I diverted a flight. You don't think I can do something about it?”

  “Good point.”

  The elevator finally opened, and Ben pushed the button to his floor. It seemed to take an eternity to get to the eleventh floor. He jogged down the hall to his room and was surprised when he heard someone behind him. He whipped around to see Deirdre standing there, looking sheepish.

  “Did you need something?” He held the door open for them.

  “You don't think I'm just going to let you help my best friend without me, do you?” Deirdre walked into the room and stopped. “Whoa.”

  Two computers sat in the corner and papers were scattered all over one of the beds. “Did you move in here or what?”

  Ben walked past the beds and sat down. “I have to be ready for anything.”

  He tapped a few keys and pulled up all of the flights in the area. Most were already full, so they wouldn't work. Others were in the morning, which meant the flight they were waiting for would get there sooner.

  But what about . . .? He typed in Newark's information, then dialed a number on his phone. “Hey, Al? Do you still have your helicopter?”

  Ben sighed in relief as Carlie and Braden finally took off from Newark. The helicopter had barely made it in time, but they were now on their way to England.

  Well done, Ed. Thank you!

  Carlie's text was enough to tell him they were okay. He stood and went to the small sink to get a drink of water. Now it was time to sleep so he could be up when they landed.

  Deirdre stood to leave. “Thanks for getting the cab. And for helping Carlie.”

  “It's what I do.” Ben filled another glass with water and handed it to Dee. “I'm sorry for being so rude after our date. I shouldn't have ignored you.”

  Deirdre took the water and stared down at it. “I understand why you did. I just wish you hadn't. But it's not even that.”

  Ben tipped her chin up to look at him. “Do you think I would have kept this—” he gestured to the computers in the room, “from you if I'd known you were Carlie's friend? I had no idea. And I wasn't sure I could trust you.”

  Deirdre met his eyes. “And I'm sure it probably didn't help when I jumped out of the car that night.”

  “No, not really. But then I probably should have figured out you were friends with Carlie right then. She would have done the same thing.”

  “Yes she would have.” Deirdre drank the water and set the glass on the counter. “Dani set up a few tours for the next few days for us before she had to cancel, so I'd better head to bed. Thanks for the water.”

  Ben wanted to beg her to stay a little longer, but he just nodded. “Maybe I'll see you around. Either here or when we get back to Arizona.”

  “Sounds perfect to me.” Deirdre smiled and left his room.

  Ben went back to the computer to watch the progress of the plane while he typed up the news story. He wanted to get it to his editor before morning. His mind drifted back to Dee and her smile as she left his room. Could he give up everything if she asked him? Maybe. But would she ever actually ask him to? Probably not. And the thought made him whistle as he put the final touches on the article and hit send. Now he just had to figure out how to run into her again before they left New York.

  Dee held her hand up to knock for the fourth time but couldn't seem to actually do it. If Ben didn't think she was a stalker before this, he would now. A couple walked past and gave her a strange look. They'd already been by. And she was still standing there.

  She grumbled to herself and finally knocked, cringing. What if he was at breakfast? Had she read his expression wrong last night? He'd seemed just as interested as she was. But she wasn't always known for her judgment of character. She had a list of ex-boyfriends that proved that true.

  The door opened and a very tired-looking Ben stood there in a T-shirt and boxers. His eyes widened. “Sorry! One sec.”

  Dee could have sunk into the floor. She should have just texted. That would have at least given him time to get dressed before she came down. If he was even interested. She needed Dani or Carlie here to tell her to get a grip. But no, one was back in Arizona and the other one was off in . . . Europe somewhere.

  The door opened again, and Ben stood there dressed and his hair slicked back. “Sorry about that. It was a long night. What's up?”

  “I . . . Well, Dani set all these things up for me to do and I just didn't . . . never mind. You can go back to bed.” Dee turned, her face burning.

  “Wait.”

  Dee stopped and turned. “Yeah?”

  “What did you have in mind?” Ben slid his jacket on and slipped his wallet and key card in his pocket.

  “Well, I had a couple of tours, a show tonight, and a list of restaurants I was supposed to try so I could allow her to live vicariously through me.” Dee smirked at the words that Dani had used when she handed Dee the list. “If you have newspaper stuff to do, I understand.”

  Ben laughed. “She packed your day full, didn't she?”

  “Yes. She's supposed to try to come this weekend, and she wants to know all the best places before she comes so we can have our day planned.”

  “So I take it she's the reasonable one of the group?” He pushed the button to the elevator.

  Dee laughed. “She says she's the tethers keeping Carlie and I from floating away. I'm just not so sure it's working for Carlie.”

  “I'm thinking it'll take more than a tether to keep Carlie from floating away.”

  “For sure.” Dee stepped into the elevator and hit the button for the main floor. “Did she land safely?”

  Ben shook his head. “They've got another hour or so before they land. I probably won't hear for a bit after that, though.”

  Dee lifted an eyebrow. “You mean you don't have the place bugged so you know the second they land?”

  “Oh, I do. But I have a couple of people there waiting to make sure they're not intercepted.”

  “Nice.” Dee pulled out her phone. “I assume you didn't have breakfast yet?”

  “Well, I was just about to get up and order room service, but someone knocked on my door.” Ben grinned.

  Dee laughed. “Sorry again. I should have realized not all people are morning people like me. There's a diner around here that Dani wants me to try out.
Ready for some waffles and bacon?”

  “You're speaking my language. Lead the way.”

  They left the hotel and turned right. She had to use the directions from her phone, but she got them there eventually. The diner had a vintage look to it, complete with a jukebox in the corner. Waitresses wore old-fashioned uniforms, and Dee knew immediately why Dani picked this place. It was right up her alley for the atmosphere.

  A teenager with a bored expression showed them to their booth, then went to help other customers.

  “This place is amazing.” Dee picked up the menu and her stomach growled in anticipation. Hopefully Ben hadn't heard it.

  “Did Dani have recommendations for what to order too?” Ben set his menu down and folded his hands on the table.

  Dee shook her head. “We have completely different tastes in food, so she wouldn't dare. Mostly she wanted to know how cute this place actually was.”

  “Ah. So she goes for ambiance.”

  “You got it.” Dee smiled up at the older woman who came to the table with a pad and paper.

  “What can I get you two—Benny?” The woman gasped.

  Ben stood and hugged the woman. “Hey, Dorothy. How are you?”

  Dee stared at the two of them in stunned silence. The mystery around Ben just kept getting bigger and bigger.

  “Deirdre, this is Dorothy. She's a good friend of my mom's.”

  “It's nice to meet you.” Dee smiled and took Dorothy's hand.

  Dorothy beamed. “It's nice to meet you too. Oh, Benny, she's a beauty. You did well.”

  Ben's face burned, and Dee was pretty sure her face was the same shade of red. “Thanks, Dorothy. We're not . . . I mean . . .”

  “We're here as friends,” Dee added.

  “That's too bad. You two are so adorable together.” Dorothy patted Ben on the shoulder. “Now, what can I get you two?”

  Dee handed her the menu. “I'll have waffles and bacon with some hot chocolate.”

  “Sounds good to me. I'll have what she's having. Oh, and some pancakes and toast.”

  Dorothy chuckled. “Still have the same appetite, I see. All right. I get this out to you.”