Forever Alexa (Book Four In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series)

by Beauman, Cate

  Exhausted after another night of fitful snatches of sleep, she attempted a sunny smile as she sat down. “Good morning.”

  Carol slid a steaming cup under Alexa’s nose. “I made you the hazelnut decaf you like so much—a spoonful of sugar and a splash of milk included.”

  Touched, she smiled fully this time as she breathed in the heavenly aroma. “Thank you, Car… Mom. I can’t believe you remembered.”

  “Of course, sweetie.” Carol placed a huge platter of her freshly baked homemade cinnamon rolls on the table—Alexa’s favorite. “I remember all sorts of things. My heart broke when you and Jackson decided to go your separate ways.”

  Nodding, Alexa bit her tongue. She wanted to remind Carol the decision to end their relationship had been Jack’s alone, but what purpose would that serve? “Is Jack still in bed?” She picked up her mug and cupped her hands around the warmth.

  “Good grief, no, honey. He was up and out of the house at sunrise.”

  Alexa frowned as she set down her cup. “Jack left? Where’d he go?”

  “He said something about meeting up with someone or other.” George snagged a cinnamon roll and met his wife’s stare as he put the icing-laden bread on a plate. “One roll isn’t going to kill me, Carol.”

  Her brow shot in the air. “Let’s hope not.” She turned her attention to Alexa. “George’s cholesterol was a little high at his last doctor’s visit.”

  Alexa studied Jack’s father. Five-foot eleven and health-club fit; light brown hair going gray at the temples; handsome, ruddy complexion; blue eyes friendly and alert—he appeared healthy to her. George looked better than most men half his age, and he was still shy of sixty. “You look wonderful.”

  “See now, Carol? I look wonderful.” He winked at Alexa and grinned. Jack had his father’s smile, great sense of humor, and outgoing personality. So did Livy.

  “Besides, Livy wants to share some of Grampy’s breakfast, doesn’t she?” He pulled another plate from the small stack and set it in front of his granddaughter.

  “Yes, I do. You can have a bite, Grampy. I will eat the rest.”

  Laughing, George hugged Livy tight. “Now, that’s my girl. A hearty appetite’s a fine thing.”

  Alexa chuckled and sampled her coffee, savoring the rich flavor. “Cinnamon rolls are a special treat, but Livy’s definitely not picky, are you, pumpkin?”

  “I like lots and lots of food. I try new things,” she preened.

  “Yes you do.” Alexa kissed her finger and touched it to the tip of Livy’s nose before she glanced at the digital clock on the stove. Seven-thirty. Why didn’t Jack tell her he had a meeting this morning? “Did Jack mention what time he thought he might be back?”

  “No. He mostly grunted his way through breakfast.” Carol grabbed her own cinnamon roll. “He was grumpy as two constipated bears. I don’t think he slept well.”

  Alexa sipped her coffee again and made a sound in her throat. Did last night’s conversation keep him up, too? She was trying so hard not to get her hopes up about the new lead Jack had stumbled on, but it was difficult. This one actually seemed like it could go somewhere. She had every intention of being by Jack’s side when he left tonight, even if he was dead set against the idea. She was as determined to go as he was that she stay behind. Abby’s terrified whispers still echoed through her mind, breaking her heart. She wouldn’t sit back and do nothing while her sister suffered. She had yet to work out exactly how she was going to bring Jack around, but she would.

  “So, Jackson said you’re teaching first grade.”

  Alexa snapped back to attention and looked at George. “Uh, yes. I do. I love it. The kids are so much fun, and the hours are perfect for Livy and me.”

  “You’re wonderful with children. You’ve done an excellent job with Olivia. You must be a very special teacher,” Carol added.

  Alexa smiled. “That’s quite a compliment coming from a veteran. You’re still teaching math?”

  “Can’t imagine doing anything else.”

  “And the drama club? Do you still do that?”

  “Drama club,” she scoffed. “High school is a drama club, but yes, I’m still involved with Maryland’s brightest actors—head of the department now. I have boxfuls of supplies in the den from our last competition—didn’t get around to bringing them back yet.” She shrugged. “I have all summer.”

  “Competition? I always thought of drama club as school plays.”

  “Oh, it is, but it also means hitting the road to do small skits for nursing homes, hospitals, and competition.”

  “Very interesting.”

  “And time consuming, but I figure while George is busy selling his insurance, I might as well stay occupied too. Now that the boys are grown and so far away, I have the extra time. The students are very talented. We win quite often. Helps keep us in wigs and greasepaint.”

  Alexa reached for a roll and stopped. “Wigs?”

  “Oh, all kinds. Blond, redhead, you name it. The kids are wild about their fake hair. They say it helps them immerse themselves in their roles.” Carol rolled her eyes and smiled.

  Alexa grabbed the gooey, cinnamon-y bread as an idea started to take hold. “Do you have wigs in your boxes in the den?”

  Carol frowned. “Sure, sweetie.”

  “Huh. Will it bother you if I take a look?”

  Carol stared at Alexa as if she’d lost her mind. “Be my guest.”

  Restless, thoughts whirling, Alexa got up, went to the fridge, and poured Livy a glass of milk. Then she grabbed the Tupperware container filled to the brim with green grapes. “I may have to go out later this evening—after Livy’s in bed. Would you be willing to keep an eye on her if I do?”

  “Of course, but I thought you and Livy were staying close to the home front for the next little while.”

  “Mmm.” She walked back to the table. “Livy, have some milk and fruit with your roll, sweetie.”

  Alexa ran the hem under the needle one final time and snipped the bobbin thread as she freed her new skirt from the sewing machine’s arm. She nibbled her lip and eyed the denim, scrutinized the length before she pulled it on, snapped the button, and zipped.

  She hurried over to the three-sided mirror in Carol’s beautiful sewing space, which had a view of the bay, and swallowed as she studied her appearance. Abby was the designer in the family but she hadn’t done half bad. The clinging white tank top with a plunging neckline left nothing to the imagination. Her tight jean skirt stopped three inches below her ass cheeks. She’d used a heavy hand with the eyeliner and mascara, giving her lake-blue eyes a large, sooty look to play up the dark blond wig and add to the party-girl effect.

  “Hopefully this works,” she muttered. While Olivia had taken her afternoon nap, Alexa studied pictures on Google Images, trying to determine what women wore out for a night of bar hopping and clubbing. She’d never done either. While her college roommates had partied, she’d busted her butt to keep her scholarships and worked at the library to send what money she could home for Gran’s constant stream of medical bills.

  She slid on her sandal-heels and scrutinized her face. There was no way she could be mistaken for Abby looking like this. She opened the door, peeked in the hall, and made a dash for the room she and Livy shared, closing herself in. She smiled down at her exhausted daughter and smoothed the sheet over her sprawled, sleeping form.

  Bedtime had never been easier after the excitement of the day. Livy was typically a night owl, but not this evening. The afternoon boat ride had been a thrill for both of them. Alexa forgot how much she missed the wind in her face as the powerboat glided along the choppy water. Watching Olivia help Grampy steer the sweet watercraft had been such a special moment.

  And the soft shell crab… Livy had her first taste when they docked at a local din
ing spot a few miles from the house. Alexa chuckled as she remembered how Livy’s nose had wrinkled with her dislike, but the grilled hot dog and chocolate ice cream had gone down just fine.

  Although their lives had been turned upside down, Alexa couldn’t be sorry Livy was getting the opportunity to get to know the rest of her family. The Matthews were such good people.

  A light knock sounded at the door. Alexa kissed Livy on the forehead and tucked her daughter’s beloved stuffed frog back under her arm, then she grabbed her purse and turned. She took a deep breath as she smoothed down her skintight clothing and walked to the door. “Here goes nothing,” she muttered and twisted the knob.

  “I’m going to head…” Jack’s eyes went huge as he looked her up and down. “What the hell are you wearing?”

  If she wasn’t in for the fight of her life, she would’ve laughed at his shocked expression. “My clubbing outfit.”

  “Your—your what?”

  “Shh.” She glanced over her shoulder, afraid they were going to wake Livy. She opened the bedroom door fully so George and Carol would hear Olivia if she called. Then she grabbed Jack’s hand, pulling him down the hall as she continued. “My clubbing outfit. I’m coming with you.”

  He stopped short. “No, you’re not. We’ve talked about this.”

  “You told me I wasn’t going because Abby and I look too much alike. We don’t anymore. I’m coming to help find my sister.”

  “I also said this was too damn dangerous. It’s not happening.”

  Her brows winged high. It was time for the big guns. “You take me or I go myself.”

  He smirked at the challenge. “You don’t know where I’m going.”

  Damn. She hadn’t thought of that. The argument was supposed to have ended with her threat. Now what? She shrugged, then began to rifle through her purse, searching for her phone. “Where’s my phone?”

  He pulled her cell from his back pocket. “I took it with me today—had the lab boys see if they could get a trace on the call from yesterday.”

  “Did they?”

  “No. Abby must’ve called from another burn phone.”

  She swallowed the familiar taste of disappointment as she reached for her cell, more determined than ever to tag along.

  Jack held it out of reach. “Why do you want this?”

  “Because I pay the bill.” She made another grab, but Jack moved again. “Give me my phone, Jack.”

  “Why?”

  She steamed out a breath and glared. This was not going the way she planned. “Because I’m calling a cab.”

  Eyes hot, he shoved the cell in his back pocket and leaned close to her face. “No fucking way.” He spaced out each word on a dangerous whisper.

  “Don’t talk to me like that.” She shoved him. “Get out of my way.” She stormed down the stairs.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’ll use one of the landlines. I’m sure if I ask a cabbie to take me to a strip club in Baltimore, I’ll end up where I want to be.” Her stomach fluttered with unease. She didn’t want to go without Jack, but pride pushed her on.

  “Damn it, Alex. Why do you have to be so stubborn?” He followed behind.

  A smug smile spread across her lips as she continued down the steps. Maybe all wasn’t lost. She hurried in the den, and her smile disappeared when Carol gasped. Alexa wrinkled her nose as she looked at Jack’s stunned and staring parents snuggled on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, a movie playing on the TV.

  “Honey, what on earth?”

  “Alex, wait a minute.” Jack hurried in after her. “Excuse us,” he said as he pulled her into the living room. “I want you to stay here.”

  She shook her head and brushed at the strands of dark blond that stuck to her glossy lips. “I can’t.”

  “Yes, you can. Go change into…clothes. Watch a movie with my parents.”

  “I want to help, Jack. I need to.”

  “I get that, but this is nowhere near safe. I’ve been straight with you from day one, and I’m telling you this is dangerous.”

  “No more dangerous for me than you.”

  Brow raised, he looked her up and down. “You’re playing with fire going anywhere dressed like that.”

  “I’ll fit right in. I researched my outfit online.”

  “You—” His eyes softened as he smiled. “You researched?”

  She saw her opening and took his hand. “Please, Jack. Please. I have to help Abby. I’m going crazy sitting here waiting for someone else to rescue my sister. I need to be able to tell myself each and every day that I’ve done something to try to bring her home. Would you be able to sit patiently by if someone had Will? Wouldn’t you do anything for your brother?”

  He closed his eyes and sighed. “Low blow.”

  “Whatever it takes, Jack. Please take me with you tonight.”

  He stared at her, jaw clenched, breath steaming from his nose. “You have to stay with me.”

  Detecting a glimmer of hope, she yanked him into a hug. “Thank you.”

  He eased her back and ran his hands down her arms. “I’m serious, Alex, right with me.”

  “I’ll be stuck like glue.” She hugged him again, her relief huge as she stared at him, eyes level in her heels. “See? Like Elmer’s.”

  He grinned. “I’m thinking more like Krazy Glue.”

  She wrapped her arms tighter and hooked a leg around his jean-clad hip. “This would probably draw too much attention.” She grinned back as he chuckled.

  “Probably.” He clutched his hand on her thigh, keeping her in place. Heat replaced the humor in his gaze. “You’re bound to cause a riot dressed the way you are.”

  Her heart kicked into high gear as his thumb stroked lazy circles against her sensitive skin, making her shiver. His hungry stare held her captive. How many times had he looked at her in just that way while they made love? “Whatever it takes,” she murmured.

  He fingered the golden strands of her chin-length wig, and his palm brushed her jaw. “I’m going to miss running my fingers through your hair tonight.”

  Need tugged and pulled at her center. His mouth was an inch from hers. She was desperate to taste him. “I…”

  “We need to go.” He let go of her leg and stepped away.

  “I—Yes.” Her brain had turned to mush as her hormones raged. “Okay.”

  He took her hand and walked with her back to the den where his parents sat, once again tuned into their movie. “Mom, Dad, we’re going to head into Baltimore.”

  “Can you still watch Livy?” Alexa struggled not to squirm as George and Carol stared.

  “Of course, but sweetie, why in the world are you dressed like—like that?”

  “I’m…immersing myself in my role.”

  “Dougie Masterson gave me a couple of places to check out in the city—Abby’s case.”

  “Honey, I don’t think it’s safe to be going out like that.”

  Alexa pressed her lips together. “Typically I would agree one hundred percent, but tonight I’ll blend in.”

  “It seems dangerous.”

  Carol sounded just like her son. “I need to find my sister, Mom. I have to try. I’ll have Jack close by to keep me safe. Abby has no one. We might find her.”

  “We could,” Jack squeezed her hand. “But more than likely not, Alex. I don’t want you getting your hopes up.”

  She met his gaze. “I stopped getting my hopes up several days ago.”

  Jack pulled her against his side and kissed her forehead. “Let’s go see what we can dig up.”

  She closed her eyes, trying to block out the comfort his habitual gesture brought, but not before noting George and Carol’s quick glance at each other. She eased herself away from Jack. “I�
��ll have my phone on me.” She plucked her cellphone from Jack’s back pocket and tossed it in her purse. “If you need anything or have any questions, don’t hesitate.”

  “Livy will be fine. You two be careful.”

  Jackson drove north toward the bright lights of Baltimore and glanced at Alex’s smooth, toned legs—again. How the hell was he supposed to concentrate on anything with that killer body of hers distracting him?

  “You know, I’m actually feeling pretty good about tonight.” She smiled.

  He loved seeing her bright eyes and warm smile without the strain, but she was getting her hopes up. “I want you to keep in mind that this is a first step. Surveillance takes time.”

  “But it’s a step, right? You even said so last night.”

  “Yeah, but—”

  “Shh.” She pressed her finger to his lips. “I’m not getting my hopes up. I know how you think. It just feels good to be doing something that might help.”

  He swallowed as a swift punch of desire clutched his stomach. Those eyes—so big, so dark and sexy. He could stare into them for days. He wanted to yank off that horrible wig and run his fingers through her hair. And her smooth, silky skin; he needed to touch her everywhere. She was hardly wearing anything. He could pull over and have her naked before he took his next breath.

  She’d churned him up, and her barely-there clothes didn’t have a damn thing to do with it. When she’d held him close with her leg wrapped around him, he’d seen glimpses of the past. She’d grinned at him, for him, while they joked. He wanted that back, craving the fun and lightness they used to share so long ago. Alex was twisting him up.

  Clenching his jaw, he stared ahead and took the exit for downtown. They were minutes from their first stop, Club Jerhico—a strictly nightclub atmosphere. He planned to ease Alex in to the night slowly. She had no idea what she was in for. Some of the spots they would visit were little more than skeezy pits of naked, strung-out women. For that alone he’d wanted her to stay home. Alex had done thorough research on the hellish conditions her sister was more than likely living in, but pictures on a computer and printed police documents were a far cry from actually experiencing it firsthand. After tonight, there would be no way to protect her from Abby’s grim reality. “Did Abby ever go clubbing?”