Deadly Peril_Military Romantic Suspense

by Emily Jane Trent

  Although Thaddeus couldn’t imagine there was any issue. In the months he’d worked for the client, the assignment had gone well. The few incidents that had arisen had been quickly handled. As far as Thaddeus knew, there were no outstanding threats against the client and security was tight.

  So why the change of bodyguard?

  Thaddeus didn’t overthink it. His mind didn’t work that way. He followed orders and did his job. If he was given a different client, that was okay. Stealth Security protected celebrities, sports figures, and VIPs of all sorts, including several billionaires.

  What mattered was the safety of the clients. His boss was a family man with a wife and two daughters. He worked from the office, managing the team of bodyguards at Stealth Security. The guy was sharp, fair, and a good businessman.

  All the guys at Stealth were former SEALs, and that suited Thaddeus. He’d found his place in life in the Navy and hadn’t envisioned fitting in with civilian life. Yet an issue with his eyesight had forced him out of the service. It didn’t impair his ability as a bodyguard, but the physical abilities required of a SEAL exceeded normal standards. If not for that impairment, he might have stayed in until he’d keeled over.

  Protection was what Thaddeus did. It was what he knew, where he was comfortable. He wasn’t cut out to enjoy the good life, but he was capable of keeping others safe, so that they could enjoy it. One of his buddies had hooked him up at Stealth. Thus, at the age of thirty-three, he’d embarked upon a new career.

  That had been a good move, and Thaddeus had acclimated to working for civilian clients. It was still protection, an activity he knew well. Bodyguarding had its dangers, but was less stressful than deployment. And it paid well.

  Thaddeus figured he’d scored by getting hired at the company. He was loyal to Travis and the guys. If he was needed on a different assignment, then so be it. He followed instructions and took care of business. He didn’t have a wife and family, and nor did he see that in his future.

  He was free to take any assignment for a client or travel to any locale, as directed. There was nothing tying him down. That was as it should be. It was his path, the destiny he followed. Some men made good husbands and could get the hang of relationships.

  Not so for Thaddeus. He preferred to keep to himself. Whatever it was that a woman wanted from a man she married, he didn’t have it. Some things he was sure of, and that was one of them. He was married to the job, and that was fine.

  Thaddeus cruised through the doors of the security company and went on a search for the office manager. Tessa Pate ran the daily operations and didn’t take any backtalk, one of the things he liked about her. She was tough, witty, and didn’t take any guff from a team of former military. Not many women could claim that.

  Reception was quiet, so Thaddeus went to her office. That was empty. Next was the conference room, where he found Tessa giving instructions to Gunner Cantrell. He looked like his name sounded: broad-shouldered, beefy, but all muscle. He took special assignments that required an intimidating bodyguard. Sometimes that was what it took to make a perpetrator think twice about a plan to mess with the client. One look at Gunner would back off any guy with half a brain.

  Gunner was also a bit of a genius. He knew computers like he’d invented the equipment and could get data out of them that Thaddeus couldn’t fathom. Since their team security analyst Rip McConnell had moved to Texas to be with his new wife, he worked remotely. Gunner had helped fill in for their local needs.

  Tessa didn’t look up, and Gunner just nodded.

  “What’s the deal?” Thaddeus said. “Why did you text for me to come in?”

  Tessa’s long hair was up in a ponytail. She looked a bit worn, like she’d pulled an all-nighter. “Thad, cool your jets. I’ll get to you in a second. Can’t you see I’m with Gunner right now?” Then she turned back to business, shoving some paperwork across the table.

  There was no sense hanging around and waiting. Thaddeus left and headed for Cooper Brennan’s office. He was the techy guy of the bunch. Since a new assignment was in the works, it made sense to be sure the wrap-up of the last one was in order.

  Thaddeus still didn’t see why he’d been replaced by Garrett Flynn, even though he was a solid teammate and as capable as any. His wife Marlene had taken some time off from her acting career, so they could start a family. That was all good, because Garrett tended to worry about her when she was in the public eye.

  There was a story behind that, and Garrett had told him the highlights. It had been quite the hair-raising few weeks. But it had ended well. With his wife safe at home, Garrett could travel around with the billionaire client. But Thaddeus could too.

  What was the deal with the replacement?

  Thaddeus strode into the office. “Hey, Coop.”

  Cooper raised one hand, then continued typing. When he finished, he pushed his chair back and looked up. “Thad, I heard you’re off that Dylan Scott case.”

  “Yeah, I heard that too,” Thaddeus said. He could have asked why, but if that info could be shared, his buddy would volunteer it.

  “What can I do for you?”

  “Since Garrett is taking over, I completed any unfinished business and emailed a report. I just want to make sure you got it, and I didn’t overlook anything.” Thaddeus didn’t need to check that in person, but it was a good way to waste a few minutes while waiting for his next assignment.

  “It all looked good.” Cooper shuffled some paper on the desk. He appeared calm, on top of things, and maybe happier than usual.

  Dealing with situations while on deployment had honed a skill for Thaddeus. It was vital to read people, to tell their real intent, and interpret expressions. Sometimes, lives depended on it. His buddy’s mood sent a clear signal.

  Cooper leaned back in the chair and glanced at the photo on his desk. It was a picture of him with Sara and her daughter Amy.

  “Is she doing okay?”

  Some of the guys had hooked up, even married. Cooper hadn’t married yet, but he’d been out of the service for over five years. The way the story went, one of his close buddies had been killed on a mission. Coop had come home and taken care of the guy’s wife and daughter.

  He’d seen to their needs financially and provided emotional support. But he’d fallen for Sara, and who could blame him? His cheerful mood was likely because she’d accepted his proposal of marriage. For so many years, Cooper had been her friend. It was appropriate that she’d chosen him to spend her life with.

  “Sara is great,” Cooper said. “She’s consumed with planning the wedding. And Amy is excited, too. She already calls me Daddy.” He shifted in his seat. “Well, back to business. If Tessa is busy, check with the boss. He’s around.”

  Thaddeus exited and strolled down the hall toward the conference center then stepped inside. Gunner was just leaving.

  Tessa looked up. “Oh, Thad, sorry I can’t fill you in right now. I have a lunch date.”

  “With Hunter?”

  “You guessed it, and it’s a rare treat when he’s not out on a job during the day,” Tessa said. “We’ll have to catch up later. But Travis is in. He can tell you what you need to know.”

  Thaddeus wasn’t sure he liked that twinkle in her eye. Something was up. “Okay, enjoy your lunch.” Then he headed for the boss’s office.

  Voices echoed down the hall; one was a woman’s. It wasn’t one Thaddeus recognized, so it must be a new client.

  “Are those your daughters?” the woman said.

  “Yes, twins, Abigail and Brianna,” Travis said. “They are hitting the teen years, and I don’t know that I’m prepared. It’s rough being a father.” He chuckled. “And that’s my wife Melanie.”

  Thaddeus could hear the pride in his voice and could easily imagine the gleam in Travis’s eyes. He had a wonderful family and an enviable life. He had people who cared about him; what more could a man ask for?

  “The bodyguard who will suit my needs…what’s his name?” the woman sa
id.

  “Thaddeus Jonsson, and he should be in soon. I had a message sent to him after your phone call,” Travis said.

  That was interesting. At the mention of his name, it seemed appropriate for Thaddeus to announce his presence. He took a step forward so that he was in front of the open door.

  The woman turned to look him over. She had an unmistakable presence about her. Grandmotherly for sure, so not the type of client the company usually worked for. She had striking blond hair and green eyes that pierced into him, as if to determine if he was worthy.

  “Mrs. Tomasson, let me introduce Thaddeus.”

  She didn’t smile or relax but extended a hand. “You may call me Eva.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Eva.”

  There was a gleam in her eye, as though she’d settled on some decision. “You may sit.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Thaddeus caught his boss suppressing a grin. It seemed the client had taken charge.

  Even when he was seated, Eva had to tip her head up to look at him. At six three, Thaddeus was taller than most. Her scrutiny made him glad that he’d showered and dressed properly before coming in. And had tied his long blond hair back. He’d even trimmed his beard.

  Hopefully, he was making a good impression. Although he wasn’t sure why he cared. It was a job and she’d hire him, or she wouldn’t. It was still a mystery why he was the man of the hour. There were thirty other bodyguards on the team, plenty to choose from. It made no sense to call him back from an assignment.

  Eva placed her hands in her lap. “Where are you from, Mr. Jonsson?”

  “Please call me Thad. There’s no need to be formal.” After a brief hesitation, he said, “I’ve been overseas a lot, but I live in Los Angeles now, not far from the office.” He wasn’t sure what she was getting at.

  “No, I mean, where were you born?”

  Travis shrugged. “She wants to hear it from you.”

  “I was born in New Jersey but came to California when I joined the Navy.”

  Eva narrowed her eyes. “And where are your parents from?”

  “My parents were born in Iceland, on the outskirts of Reykjavik.” The answer seemed to please Eva.

  “You have the blond hair and blue eyes as testimony to that.” Eva smiled.

  Thaddeus looked over at his boss. “Am I missing something here?”

  “Eva and I spoke on the phone before this appointment,” Travis said. “She conveyed her need to hire protection, and I offered a choice of several qualified staff.” He took a breath. “But she particularly wanted a man with Icelandic heritage.”

  “You weren’t easy to find,” Eva said. “I contacted numerous security companies throughout the state. Do you know how many bodyguards have parents, or even grandparents, from Iceland?”

  Thaddeus studied her, trying to figure out her angle. “No, I can’t say that I do.”

  “I’ll tell you how many,” Eva said. “One. You are the only man I could find.”

  “I’m honored.” Thaddeus liked the woman, though he couldn’t say why. “And what sort of protection do you need? What is your situation?”

  Eva waved her hand. “Oh, it’s not for me.”

  Thaddeus raised his brows. “You are handling the hiring for…”

  “My granddaughter,” Eva said. “She won’t do it herself. She swears that she doesn’t need protection.”

  “But you feel that she does?”

  “Oh, she does. There’s no question about that.” A look of distress crossed Eva’s face. “Some maniac shot at her.”

  Thaddeus furrowed his brow. “I’m certainly available, if you wish to hire my services.” He hesitated about how to phrase his question. “If violence occurred, wouldn’t it be wise to report it to the police?”

  “The police are useless,” Eva said with a huff.

  Thaddeus hid a smile.

  “And that wasn’t an isolated incident, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  Thaddeus was curious now. “There’s been more than one incident?”

  “The situation has been building up to that,” Eva said. “My granddaughter Jana has received threatening letters and texts. I wish she had told me sooner. But she didn’t want me to overreact.” She held up her hand. “I know you probably think the same thing, that I should butt out.”

  “I don’t think anything of the kind. It’s wise to take precautions.”

  “I agree, but I daresay that Jana will be annoyed that I’ve come here.”

  Thaddeus leaned forward. “She doesn’t know that you intend to hire security?”

  “Of course not. She would tell me not to bother,” Eva said. “She thinks she can handle things. That’s her nature, very independent.”

  “And you think I can help?”

  “I’m certain of it, which is why I searched you out.” Eva looked directly at him. “I need a man who can deal with her. She’s Icelandic, you know.”

  Thaddeus might have guessed that.

  Eva squinted. “I take it you’ve been to Iceland?”

  “Many times,” Thaddeus said. “I’m first-generation American, but my family lived back home. Visits were regular, something I looked forward to.”

  “Then you know that women with Icelandic blood are…high-spirited?” Eva waited for a reply.

  “That’s a good description. I can deal with resistance,” Thaddeus said. “It won’t scare me off, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “Jana will give in. Once you’re there, she’ll have to accept the protection. I’m her grandmother. If I want you there, then that’s where you’ll be.”

  Thaddeus smiled, then took a more serious view. “And do you have any idea why the harassment began?”

  “I’m not positive, and Jana is confused by it. She’s a wonderful woman. There is no motive for murder that I’m aware of.”

  “So, you are certain that shot was meant to kill? Was she injured?”

  “Not that time, but I’d rather not give the shooter another opportunity.” Eva said. “When can you start?”

  Thaddeus raised his hands. “I’m at your service.”

  Eva stood and sealed the deal with a handshake. “I have a plane to catch. Your boss can give you all the particulars.” She grinned. “You’re hired.”

  After Eva left, Travis leaned forward with his elbows on the desk. “She’s quite a woman, isn’t she?”

  “You could say that. I wonder if her granddaughter is anything like her?”

  “I wouldn’t doubt it,” Travis said. “You’ll have your hands full.”

  “No problem. Why is it the grandmother and not her parents who are concerned?”

  “Jana Tomasson was born in Iceland, but her parents died in a fishing accident when she was four years old. Her grandparents raised her. The family moved to the United States for business reasons. Tomasson Ski Equipment has done well in the resort areas of Northern California.”

  “I’ve heard of that company. That is her family?”

  “I verified the background, and it is,” Travis said. “I received an initial report from Cooper. A few years ago, when the grandfather passed away, Jana took over the business. It appears she’s quite competent…graduated from the California Institute of Technology with a degree in engineering.”

  “Not the bio of a woman being stalked.”

  “Usually not, but there’s more than meets the eye.”

  Travis opened a folder and shoved a photo across the desk. It was a woman in ski gear holding a rifle. There were a couple of other pictures. One was a closeup of Jana holding her skis. She had long brown hair and green eyes like Eva’s. Her stance conveyed confidence and pride. “That’s Jana Tomasson.”

  “It seems she knows how to use a rifle; she could defend herself.”

  “True, but that’s for sport. She competed in the biathlon, nearly made it into the Olympics.”

  “But she didn’t?”

  “Records show that she missed making the team by
a narrow margin,” Travis said. “And Eva mentioned something interesting. It seems her granddaughter has been working on a secret project.”

  “Secret…how?”

  “She doesn’t want word to get out until she has the patent. I don’t understand the sport well enough to enlighten you. But in a nutshell: the competitors ski cross-country, stopping at intervals to take a rifle off their back, get in position, and shoot at a target.”

  “I’m familiar with the sport. It’s rugged.”

  “Exactly, and it seems that the key to getting an edge over your competition…is to control your heartbeat.”

  Thaddeus was interested. He’d done similar stuff on deployment, when even breathing might have given away his position.

  “The trick is to go from aerobic cross-country skiing to the stillness required to aim a rifle properly. The heart is pounding from the exertion, then the competitor shifts into a quiet mode, in order to shoot. Stilling the heart is a developed skill, I suppose.”

  “And Jana has some invention that will aid in training?”

  “Eva described it that way. You’ll need to find out more.”

  “If that’s true…”

  “Yes, my thought as well,” Travis said. “That is a tool that others would want.”

  “Enough to kill for?”

  “I’ll leave that to you to find out. But keep your eyes open. I don’t recommend you take Eva’s warnings lightly. Even if Jana isn’t keen on the idea of you watching over her, stick around anyway.” Travis handed the folder with the assignment details across the desk. “I have a feeling about this.”

  Chapter 3

  It had been two days since an unseen attacker had shot at Jana. Her nerves were still frazzled, but not so much because she’d become the target of some idiot. Expert at handling a rifle, she could defend herself. Yet it was unnerving to be in mystery about who was after her—if anyone was.

  The police hadn’t been helpful. Jana had dragged her feet about reporting the incident, but Coley had insisted. It hadn’t been worth the effort. The officer had taken the report, but implied that it had probably been a stray bullet.