Gunning for the Groom

by Debra Webb

  “No,” she said, her brief laugh tinged with exhaustion. “I was just startled by how many things sitting around were from our previous homes.” She scowled.

  “You weren’t thinking about floor safes and security systems?”

  “Only a little.” She twisted the diamond ring on her finger. “Do you think she did the painting and other stuff just to impress me?”

  “I doubt it.” He wasn’t sure Frankie wanted his opinion right now. From his vantage point, Sophia was fully devoted to repairing her relationship with her daughter.

  “Nice work buying your way in to a highly competitive job for the small investment of an engagement ring.”

  “Small investment?” He faked indignation. “I would’ve gotten the job, anyway. Interviewers love me.” Though he was teasing, he felt her focus on him and he struggled not to fidget under that steady examination.

  “I bet they do,” she said. “The flowers were a nice touch.”

  Another compliment. It gave him hope for surviving the situation. “It pleases me that you’re pleased.” He flashed her a grin.

  She gave him one of those scoffing snorts. “Do you think her partner, Paul, will start us in the mail room?”

  “She’s surely discussing the options with him already. She’s been on the phone since she pulled out of the driveway.”

  “I noticed.” Frankie’s hands tensed up again. “What sort of position does she think you’re qualified for?”

  “I can hardly say. I’m former Interpol. The agency loaded my résumé with fitness and combat training expertise. Self-defense, hand-to-hand, various firearms.”

  “Nice.”

  He felt his chest swell that she was impressed. “And you?”

  “At the end of the day, I’m an analyst like my mom.”

  She didn’t sound happy about the comparison. “You’re far more than that,” he said automatically.

  Frankie shrugged one shoulder. “She could fit me in as a trainer, but she won’t. I don’t think she’ll ever let go of how weak I was right after those early surgeries.”

  Surgeries, plural? He wanted her to volunteer more information about her injury and recovery so he could avoid an invasion of her medical privacy. “You look perfectly fit to me.”

  “Is that a sincere compliment?” She was staring at him again.

  “Yes.” He shot her a smile. “Did you think the things I said in front of your mother weren’t sincere?”

  “No other conclusion.” Frankie didn’t sound the least perturbed. “You don’t know me.”

  Every word he’d said in front of her mom, he believed. Unfortunately, he couldn’t give Frankie an answer she’d accept, so he changed the subject. “What do you know about Paul Sterling?”

  “Only what we looked at last night.” She shifted in the seat. “Did you get the impression there’s a personal connection?”

  “I hope not.” Anything personal between Paul and Sophia threw a wrench into his assessment of the investigation. Bad enough he might have to anticipate how Sophia would rank her relationship with her daughter amid her commitments to the company. A lover only increased the twists exponentially, not to mention how Frankie would react. The last thing she needed was more pain. “We’ll know soon enough,” he said, taking the last turn into an industrial park near the airport.

  They followed Sophia past the security guard at the gate and parked in a space behind the one reserved with her name on it. He caught Frankie’s hand before she could get out of the car. “You’re doing great,” he said, his gaze locked with hers. “And you’re not alone.”

  She shocked him with a quick kiss on his lips and a hot smile. “Game on.”

  Knowing this was all show for her mother, Aidan felt frustrated that his immediate reaction had nothing to do with the case. The kick in his pulse, the flash of heat under his skin were all about the woman. He watched her stride up to join her mom and wondered if his attraction was as one-sided as it felt.

  “Paul’s waiting for us in my office,” Sophia announced.

  Another warning that the man’s purpose went beyond business.

  Like Frankie, Aidan was cataloging every detail as they walked into the lobby. The information placard showed Leo Solutions had offices listed on the top two floors and one lower level of the seven-story building, with other companies scattered in between. The place was quiet, the furnishings expensive and understated. A tall vase exploding with fresh flowers spanned the space between the banks of elevators. He imagined clients felt safe and reassured doing business here.

  “Do you always work on Saturdays?” he asked, when the three of them stepped into an elevator.

  “Not always,” Sophia replied. “We have a new client we’re courting.” Her eyes sparkled as her gaze danced between the two of them.

  Aidan took Frankie’s hand in his, a casual gesture of affection that Sophia noticed.

  “Paul pulled your résumé, Aidan. I know some people might see it as favoritism, but I’m glad you told me you’d applied.” She held the door open when they reached her floor. “Welcome to Leo Solutions.”

  Frankie’s fingers tightened around his hand. He gave them a reassuring squeeze.

  “We have offices on this floor and the next floor up. And a fully equipped gym and training space on the first sublevel.”

  “Is there anywhere in Seattle that doesn’t have a great view?” Aidan asked as they strolled by a bank of windows.

  “The views, the weather and the recreational variety were the things we enjoyed most as a family. Right, Frankie?”

  “I remember.”

  “I just couldn’t see planting the business anywhere else. Your father and I even looked at this building together.”

  “Really?”

  “Really.” Sophia’s reply was a whispered echo, her gaze locked on the view beyond the wide windows running the length of the far wall. “Let’s not keep Paul waiting. He’s eager to meet you both.”

  Aidan hoped she wasn’t putting words into her business partner’s mouth. He hadn’t been able to get through the company finances or the partnership agreement, so he didn’t know if Paul would see Frankie as a threat or an asset. Although Sophia’s warm welcome gave him the impression Frankie, as her only family, would be a beneficiary at the very least, it was too soon to know for sure.

  Sophia led them down a hallway framed by cubicles on one side and small offices on the other. Her office suite was preceded by a receptionist’s desk and double doors, currently standing open. Paul, seeing them, walked over from the seating area near the corner window. He smiled as Sophia made the introductions, but Aidan didn’t feel any warmth in the expression.

  “It’s good to meet you,” Paul said to Frankie as they settled into the seating area. “You mean the world to your mother. She’s missed you.” He took a seat at one end of a long couch and Sophia sat next to him.

  Mentally, Aidan swore. There was a romantic liaison between the business partners. As he and Frankie took the chairs opposite the older couple, he noticed the way she eased her body into hers. That cautious transition from standing to sitting was the only allowance he’d seen her make for her injury. He wasn’t about to jeopardize any progress he’d made by mentioning it to her.

  “Sophia tells me we need to find positions within Leo Solutions.” Paul cocked an eyebrow at Aidan. “For both of you.”

  “Only if it’s convenient,” he answered. “I’m happy to look for work elsewhere.”

  “Nonsense. You’ll be family soon.” Sophia’s sharp gaze slid to her partner. “Aidan has the background and qualities we prefer.”

  He gave Paul his best easygoing smile. “I don’t intend to force my way in.”

  Paul tapped the closed tablet balanced on the arm of the couch. “I’d flagged your résumé for an
interview before Sophia called.”

  Aidan pretended to believe him.

  “We didn’t come out to insert ourselves into your business,” Frankie interjected quietly as she reached for Aidan’s hand. “I’m sure you know things were rough between Mom and me, but when Aidan proposed, I knew I wanted to tell her in person.”

  “She’s willing to stay, Paul,” Sophia said, her voice catching. “You know we could use her skills.”

  He nodded. “Would you rather work a desk or be in the field? I’m sure Sophia’s told you we have three divisions offering cyber security, property security and personal protection solutions.”

  “A desk,” Frankie replied, avoiding her mother’s gaze.

  Aidan saw the tension fall from Sophia’s shoulders. It was such a typical, caring, maternal reaction. If he’d suffered Frankie’s injuries, his mother would do the same thing. He’d reviewed the bulk of what Frankie labeled as evidence against her mother and he didn’t have enough to verify the documentation as real. Still, he wasn’t seeing any of the cold animosity Frankie insisted lurked under Sophia’s reserved and polished surface.

  “Based on your record with the navy and the Savannah Police Department, we can add you as an analyst.”

  Aidan listened as intently as Frankie while Paul outlined the details of the position.

  “You’d be working closely with me, as well,” Sophia added.

  Aidan was sure that was a mistake, but Frankie managed a smile. “Sounds good.”

  “My only concern,” Paul continued, holding up a hand, “is your status at the Savannah PD. Your supervisor isn’t aware you’re job hunting. He believes you’re out here on extended leave.”

  If she was going to falter and blow their cover, this would be the moment. “I told him I needed some personal time,” Frankie said. “And I agreed to continue consulting on cases as needed.” She looked hard at Sophia. “I wasn’t sure how things would go here.”

  “That’s perfectly understandable,” her mother said.

  “Is it?” Paul countered. “We’re in the midst of a major client pitch. I’d like to know the team is focused on that primary goal.”

  Frankie scooted to the edge of her chair. “I’ll call in and give my notice on Monday. I’ll do it now if you’d prefer.”

  Aidan watched as a wealth of information passed, unspoken, between the older couple. “Frankie and I don’t mean to put you in a tough position,” he said. “We have other options in the area and we can always just call this a vacation.”

  “This is home.” Sophia pressed her lips together. “At least I want it to be.” Her tender, pleading gaze moved to Frankie. “Give us six months. Please.”

  Frankie looked to Paul. “Will that work for you?”

  He agreed with a nod. “Now, Aidan.” His salt-and-pepper eyebrows dipped low. “We have a vacancy in the training division for our personal security team. You’d be overseeing everything from hand-to-hand combat to weapons proficiency.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “You’re not afraid of paperwork, are you?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Are you willing to venture into the field occasionally to help with planning and assessment?”

  “Of course.”

  Paul stood and extended his hand. “Then welcome to Leo Solutions. We’ll get the paperwork sorted on Monday.”

  The older man was friendly enough, appearing open and content with the new arrivals. Aidan had yet to pinpoint what bothered him about Sophia’s business partner. Polite, not quite slick, Paul seemed to be hiding a cold, hard center. The man ran a security company; suspicions went with the job. Maybe he had painted himself as the protector here, of Sophia and the firm. Considering how and when the business had launched, it made some sense. It would’ve made more sense if Sophia exhibited any sign of weakness.

  Like mother, like daughter, Aidan thought, knowing he’d never dare say so in front of Frankie.

  Paul turned toward Sophia. “In the meantime, I’m sure you have plenty of catching up in mind.”

  “I do.” She was as delighted as any adoring mother to have her child home, within arm’s reach. “We’ll start with a company tour, and then I’ll take them over to the apartment,” she said, leaning close to kiss Paul’s cheek. “I’ll be back soon to finish that proposal.”

  Chapter Seven

  Sunday, April 10, 12:45 p.m.

  Frankie’s gaze moved from her empty suitcase to the nearly empty closet in the bedroom of the corporate apartment leased by Leo Solutions. She was wearing the only dress she’d thought to pack, a last-minute item she’d tossed in. Her half of the closet held two pairs of jeans, an assortment of shirts, one pair of khaki slacks and only two pairs of shoes in addition to her runners.

  “Problem?” Aidan paused just behind her. “We can always go shopping or have a friend send you whatever you forgot.”

  “That’s not it.” She shoved her suitcase into the closet and closed the door. “I guess we’re all moved in.”

  Her limited wardrobe was the least of her troubles. Currently at the top of her list of problems was the one bedroom apartment. They’d had more space—possibly more privacy—at the hotel suite. Aidan had made a valid argument when she tried to back out again: they had to make it look as if they were meeting Sophia halfway.

  As they were wrapping up brunch, Sophia had invited them once more to stay at the house. Again Frankie refused. Though she’d appreciated Aidan’s diplomatic backup, she wasn’t as enamored with his small touches, his chivalrous manners and the occasional chaste kiss.

  Sophia, however, was overjoyed with every gesture that affirmed Frankie and Aidan were happy together. Unfortunately, while he played the doting-fiancé role like an expert, she struggled against an urge to skitter away. Or worse, burrow into him.

  She had to focus, to stay angry with Sophia, but she was losing her grip on that bitter edge. Sophia had always been vibrant and outgoing, and being drenched in her mother’s warmth made something deep inside Frankie long for the way things once were. The life she’d worked toward, dreamed of and enjoyed so fleetingly had been ripped apart and scattered.

  Her family would never be the same, and not just because the Leones numbered two now instead of three. Frankie believed her mother bore the blame. She’d come all this way to prove it.

  Except they weren’t finding anything conclusive. She knew Aidan wasn’t working against her, precisely. It just didn’t feel as though he was working with her. Her mother’s passports were bogus and he kept casting doubts over the source of the statement and documentation on the flash drive.

  Now they were living together in an apartment that might very well be bugged. They couldn’t speak freely and couldn’t jam a signal without blowing their cover. They would go to the office each day and come back here. The engagement was working, giving them a reason to be together, yet Frankie felt trapped by her own scheme. She finally understood what he’d said on the plane about lying to each other in public.

  “I didn’t think this through,” she said, just in case the bugs were live. “Six months will be an exercise in restraint.” She sneered at the closet. “At least we’ll have the company gear for work.” Bags of Leo Solutions shirts and workout gear had been lined up on the corner of the furnished sofa when they walked in.

  “Why don’t we head out and see about stocking the kitchen?” he suggested.

  “Great idea.” She grabbed her purse, her smallest knife tucked inside. While they were out they’d have a chance to talk freely. Of course, that also gave their opponent time to search the apartment. On missions like this one, Frankie knew every choice came with a calculated risk.

  It made her feel marginally better when Aidan planted a wireless camera to catch anyone who might enter the apartment. When they were clear of the buildi
ng, she caught him watching for a tail, because she was doing it, too. “We’re a pair,” she said with a short laugh.

  “A good pair.” He took her hand and drew her close to his side, playing his role to perfection once more.

  “You don’t have to fawn over me all the time.”

  He only grinned. “Relax. I know you’re not big on public displays of affection.”

  “I’m affectionate,” she argued.

  He laughed as they crossed the street. “Sure you are. Just keep following my lead.”

  His assessment gave her pause. “Do you think my mom suspects we’re pretending?” That could put an end to her best chance to know the truth.

  “No, she’s seeing what we want her to see right now.”

  “Why do I feel slimy?” The moment the words were out, Frankie regretted them. Aidan tensed, just a subtle flex of muscle in his arm, and she chattered to cover the gaffe. “I know this approach was my idea. I stand by it,” she insisted. “You said yourself it’s working. She’s distracted by wedding brain. We’ll be able to get what we came for before she knows what happened.”

  “At this rate you’ll be telling her you’re pregnant by Friday,” he said, his voice cool.

  Frankie considered and dismissed the idea as too soon. “The corporate apartment can work for us, too.”

  “How? You think the doorman knows something?”

  “No.” Her patience had stretched thin during brunch, but she couldn’t let it snap. Aidan was her only ally. She needed him to see the real Sophia under the social sophistication and perfect-mother image. “We’ll uncover the truth.”

  They walked down the block toward the waterfront, admiring the blend of historic and new architecture spiking up around them. Aidan asked her questions about the city and she answered, trying to decide if this was part of the cover. A pleasant breeze toyed with the hem of her skirt. “Are you pleased or disappointed we don’t have a tail?” she asked, getting the conversation back to safe ground.