I pointed behind him, and he turned and jogged after him. The poor man was not up to running after that guy. There was no way he’d catch up to him, especially after being hit on the head like that.
Glancing down, I saw a folded piece of paper lying on the ground that hadn’t been there before, and suspecting my attacker must have dropped it, I bent down. The wind blew it forward several feet, and I ran after it, sensing it was important. I finally caught up to it and grabbed it before it disappeared. I opened up the paper to find a list of addresses, all in California, but I wasn’t sure what it was exactly.
A couple of bystanders reached me by that time, and I assured them I was okay. I recovered my unused pepper-spray and Larry returned a few minutes later, stating that the man got away.
Larry called the police and a different officer took my report this time. His name was Officer Hill, and he was a young guy appearing to be in his twenties. I used my phone to snap a picture of the printout and handed it over as possible evidence.
“Ma’am, do you have somewhere else you can stay tonight?” he asked. “Two incidents in one evening… You shouldn’t be alone in case either of those guys know where you live.”
“Yes, I can stay with my parents. They live in Orange County.”
“Good. We’ll check surveillance for both situations and give you a call as soon as we have something.”
“Thank you.” My stomach gurgled in a not-so-nice way, and I grimaced. I really needed to go to bed. Even so, I was sure I wouldn’t get any sleep tonight after what happened.
***
Two days later, the police called and said they found surveillance of Gene, the guy who pushed himself on me in my dressing room. The outside cameras caught him jumping into his car and leaving. They were able to view his license plate in the video and tracked him down. Coincidentally, he got a ticket within ten minutes of when I was attacked in the parking lot, so it definitely wasn’t him the second time around. Turned out Gene had a track record for stalking female singers. He had a warrant out for his arrest for violating a restraining order and a few other infractions. They took him in, and he would probably go to jail. As far as the man wearing the mask, they were still working on finding identifying information but didn’t have anything yet.
Both incidents seemed like random occurrences and didn’t seem connected, so I left my parents’ home and reluctantly returned to my own apartment. It was highly unlikely that someone was out to get me. My parents were worried, but I told them I’d check in with them on a regular basis.
Honestly, though, they worried about me all the time. Daniel’s death had delivered a wound to my heart that would never go away. It was the kind of thing that marred you forever. Changed you on the inside. And the fear… The fear had been all consuming at times, overpowering and debilitating. I found ways to deal with it. Tried not to think about the past. Carried pepper-spray. Memorized Bible verses to keep my thoughts on track. Met with a therapist to work through the grief and the aftermath of such an event. Eventually, I was able to cope again. I wouldn’t say I got over it, but I learned to put the pieces of my life back together.
I glanced out the window and then turned to my friend, Robert. It was evening, and he had stopped by to check on me after work. It had been a while since we’d been in touch. A year ago, he confessed that he had feelings for me, but I’d expressed that my heart still belonged to Daniel and didn’t see that changing anytime soon. I hadn’t even gotten rid of Daniel’s clothes yet. I’d tried once, but I just couldn’t follow through. I always told myself I’d do it one day, but that day had never come.
Robert was hurt, understandably, and I had to distance myself for a while so he’d have the chance to move on. I wanted him to find someone who returned his feelings. He deserved that. To my knowledge, he never dated anyone, but a few weeks ago, he called and said he missed my friendship. I’d seen him a few times since then, and he’d acted completely normal, so I knew he was over his little crush on me.
We had an interesting history, Robert and I. We’d met eight years ago, back when Daniel and I had just started dating. Robert managed a tight-knit group of financial planners who often socialized throughout the week. After he hired Daniel, I was introduced to him one evening when everyone from the office stopped at a local restaurant for dinner.
I still remembered the way he’d looked at me that night. He had an intense look on his face, and he’d held onto my hand like he didn’t want to let go. Daniel told me later he thought Robert was blown away by my beauty. I didn’t buy that, but we had a running joke that his boss had the hots for me. Neither of us really believed it. It was just Daniel wanting to tease me.
Robert was always respectful after that, and I soon learned that he went out of his way for his friends. When Daniel announced our engagement, he threw us a huge party. He was there at our wedding, showing his support. When I found out he’d purchased all the pieces of a china set I wanted as a wedding gift, I was shocked. Daniel said that was just the kind of guy he was. The day Daniel told him we wanted to get pregnant, he actually ran to the store and returned with a baby rattle. It was cute, but more than that, it was thoughtful. He was a steady friend throughout our three year marriage, always offering help when he could.
When Daniel died, Robert took it really hard. He promised he would look out for me, and he’d kept that promise ever since.
“I can’t believe that happened to you again,” Robert said, running a hand over this thinning hair. He stood a little over five foot nine with a thin, wiry frame and a confident air about him. He looked extremely concerned, and I could tell my news had affected him. “I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.”
“It was my big break, but I’m starting to wonder if I chose the wrong career path. Being in the public eye draws the unstable types.”
“You have too much talent to let it go to waste.” He stepped closer and put a comforting hand on my shoulder, the scent of peppermint wafting over. He was always sucking on a piece of candy because he worried about bad breath.
“I appreciate your support. You know that, right?”
There was a smile in his eyes as he gazed down at me with a look of admiration. “Of course, and I’ll continue to be there for you. I’m not going anywhere.”
“What would I do without you, Robert?”
He laughed. “If I can help it, you’ll never have to find out.” He licked his lips and moved a little closer, crossing into my personal space.
I instinctively retreated, putting distance between us. It had nothing to do with him. I just… couldn’t be that close to a man who wasn’t my husband or father. Not after what happened. I also didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. He seemed over his crush on me, but I wanted to be careful not to give him hope and put us right back where we were before. He was a great guy, but I would always see him as just a friend. Maybe it was the age difference—he was fifteen years older than me—or maybe I couldn’t stop thinking of him as Daniel’s boss.
He frowned, a look of dismay washing over his features, and I instantly felt guilty. He cleared his throat, and there was a vulnerability about him that hadn’t been there before. “I would never do anything to hurt you.”
I hurried to speak, not wanting to offend him. “I know. It’s not you. Please don’t take it personally. I just can’t be close to anyone like that.”
He nodded, appearing sad. “I hoped that after all this time you would trust me.”
“I do trust you. You know I do.”
“You’re so skittish at times.”
“Can you really blame me after what happened?”
He shook his head. “No, but I thought after therapy you’d…” He trailed off, looking thoughtful, and then he forced a smile. “Time heals all wounds. I truly believe that.”
I nodded grimly, but wasn’t so sure I believed it. If I disagreed, we would spend the next twenty minutes discussing my hesitation, and I didn’t want to go down that rabbit trail, so I kep
t my mouth shut.
He reached down and took my hand. Holding it securely, he gave it a squeeze. “I’ll take care of you. The first thing on the agenda is to hire a bodyguard. I don’t like the idea of you going out in public after those incidents, and I have a contact who can help. He owns a security company.”
My eyebrows flew up. “A bodyguard? You can’t be serious.”
“I’m completely serious.”
I blinked. “Isn’t that expensive? I don’t have that kind of money.”
“I would never ask you to pay for it.” He squeezed my hand again, looking pleased with himself. “This is for my peace of mind. I have to go out of town for a few days, and I don’t like the idea of you being alone. Don’t worry about the cost.”
I stepped back and pulled my hand away. “I can’t let you do that. It’s too much.”
He set his jaw with a look of determination, and I had a feeling he wasn’t going to change his mind. “I have the money, and it’s what I want to do.”
“It’s not just the money, though. It’s taken this long for me to feel safe again. I don’t want to go back to being scared of my shadow. That’s what will happen if I make a big deal out of this.”
“How can you feel safe after what just happened?”
“God will take care of me. The Lord has my life in His hands.” My faith hadn’t always been that strong. It took a serious trial for me to grow in that way.
“Trusting God doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the worst.”
I shook my head. “I don’t like the idea of someone following me around.”
“It won’t be for long. Just until all of this blows over.”
I pictured some guy two steps behind me wherever I went and the thought was suffocating. There would be no privacy at all. It seemed like Robert was overreacting. That probably wasn’t the most gracious way to think considering how caring he’d been towards me, but I really didn’t like this.
“I appreciate your help, but I have to say no.”
His brows creased, and he almost looked angry at my refusal. “I wish you cared about your safety as much as I do.” His cell phone rang, and he looked at the screen. “Sorry, it’s work. I need to take this.”
While he talked on the phone, I sat on the couch and leaned my arms on my knees. Lord, am I being stubborn here? I don’t want a bodyguard, but maybe I should consider it. Help me to know what to do.
A few minutes later, my landline rang, and I got up to answer it. “Hello.”
“Kayla Keller.” The man’s voice was deep and rough.
“Yes, this is Kayla.”
“You don’t have a prayer.”
I froze and chills spread down my spine. I had heard that phrase used once before, and it was the worst day of my life. “Who is this?” I asked in a panicked tone.
“You know who it is.”
My heart thudded in my chest as I held the phone closer to my ear. “What do you want?”
The line went dead, and I dropped the phone. It couldn’t be. It couldn’t be him. Four years had passed, and I never thought I would hear from him after all this time.
“Kayla, what just happened?” Robert rushed over to me and put a hand on my arm. “Are you okay?”
I felt the blood rush from my face, and my skin tingled all over like I was going into shock. “He said I don’t have a prayer.”
“Did he sound similar to the guy in the parking lot?”
“I don’t know. That man never spoke.” I tried to take in a breath, my throat constricting. Adrenaline shot through me, and I rushed over to the open window and glanced outside, looking for anyone who might be watching me. There was no one. I quickly shut the window and closed the blinds.
“Kayla, you’re scaring me. Do you have any idea who it was?”
“No, but it was the same phrase the man used right before he shot Daniel.”
His jaw tightened. “Are you sure?”
“Of course, I’m sure.” My breathing was so shallow I was afraid I might hyperventilate. “I can’t go through this again.”
Robert pressed his lips together in a thin line, concern showing in his eyes as he put a hand on my arm. “Now are you willing to listen to me? You need a bodyguard.”
“Yes. I’m starting to realize how serious this is.” I glanced at him, worried. “I’ll pay you back.”
“No. You’ll let me help you, and I don’t want your money. It’s the least I can do.”
Chapter 5
Troy
Glancing around at all the boxes cluttering the floor in the new office space, I sighed. I seriously needed an assistant to help me get situated, considering how chaotic it was in here. I knew how to operate the copy and fax machines, but there was a lot of other work that had to be done as well. Until I hired a crew, I would have to do everything on my own.
The office supply store had delivered desks and computers, along with a couch for the lobby. It would take a while to organize the place, but a feeling of anticipation washed over me, filling me with a sense of pride. I was finally head of the new division, and I had worked hard to get here. Once I got things in order, I would start the hiring process, and I knew exactly who I wanted on my team. Well, one or two guys at least.
My phone rang, and I saw it was Will at the corporate office. “Hey, Will.”
“How are you settling in?”
“It’s crazy right now, but I’ve got it handled.”
“Good, because I need a favor.”
“Sure, what’s up?”
He chuckled. “You won’t sound so gung-ho when you hear what it is.”
I sat on top of a desk and leaned back on one arm, blowing out a breath. “What is it?”
“We need you to take on a client—”
“Hold on. You promised I’d have time to get situated and hire new employees. How am I supposed to be the manager of this office if I’m assigned to a case?”
“It’s only for a few weeks. Burt was initially assigned, but he hurt himself and now he needs a knee replacement. He’ll be taking some time off.”
Burt was ex-military like me. He was a big guy in his fifties with a sturdy frame and an easygoing disposition. I’d asked him to be on my team when I first found out I would get this promotion, but he didn’t want to move, and I understood that. His kids were settled in their schools and he had to do what was best for them.
“Isn’t there someone else who can do it?”
“Nope. This came straight from the top. Ansel Williams said if Burt can’t provide the service, he wants you.”
Ansel Williams was the CEO of Bad Boy Bodyguards, and if he was ordering me to do this, there was no getting out of it. “I see.”
“He knows the client from a business conference and wants to make sure he has the best. He knew you’d be tied up so he scheduled Burt, but now that Burt can’t do it…”
“There are other capable men and women able to provide—”
“The most experienced have other clients right now. It’ll only be for a little while until someone else is available.”
I grit my teeth and closed my eyes, frustration racing through me. Every time I took a step forward, there was always something in the way, sending me back to square one. It had taken a while for the company to gather funds to start a new division and even longer for me to get the promotion.
“All right. What do I need to know?”
He spent a few minutes giving me the details and then hung up. I shook my head and clenched my jaw. I was supposed to guard some country singer. Apparently, she wasn’t a notable celebrity yet, but she had a situation with a crazed fan that had shaken her up. Will promised to send the intake info once I set up my computer, and that would need to happen today. I wasn’t excited about taking on a client right now, but I figured patience was a virtue. God was obviously teaching me to wait.
My cell phone rang, and I smiled when I saw it was my friend, Shane. “Hey, bro, thanks for calling me back.”
“No problem. I always have time for a friend. Went surfing this morning and now I’m lying on the beach, catching some rays.”
“Nice. When do you think you’ll be back? I want to hire you.” I grinned because we’d already had this conversation before, and Shane wasn’t in a hurry to return.
Shane let out an easygoing laugh. “Man, stop trying to get me to work. I’m taking it easy.”
Shane’s family came from money, so he didn’t have to work if he didn’t want to. We were in the Marines together years ago and bonded over some crazy stuff overseas. He was in the FBI for a while, but he recently left the agency so he could travel the world. There was no one I wanted more on my team, but I would have to convince him to leave Bali first, and that might take a while.
“Get it out of your system so you can come work for me.”
Shane laughed. “We’ll see.” He paused, and I heard the sound of the breeze in the background. It made me want to pull out a towel and lay by the beach. He cleared his throat. “You have a girlfriend yet?”
“What do you think?”
He snickered. “I’m guessing that’s a no. You’d better get with it if you ever want to start a family.”
“I know. Just haven’t found the right woman yet.”
“That’s what you always say.”
“What about you? When was the last time you dated anyone?”
“We’re not talking about me.”
I grinned. “That means you don’t have anyone either.”
“Don’t have time.”
“Looks like you have all the time in the world at the moment.”
We both laughed at that because it was true, but Shane’s biggest roadblock was his family. They wanted him to marry for money, and he wanted to marry for love, so, in the meantime, he was in a holding position.
“I’d love to talk more, but I have to go,” I said. “They assigned me to a new client, and I’m leaving to meet her in a few minutes. Call me when you get back.”
“Will do. Talk later, bro.”
Protected By The Bad Boy (Bad Boy Bodyguards Book 1) Page 3
