01

by Unknown

  “I see that doesn’t surprise you, yet still, here you are. So, are you going to do something about it?” She nodded toward Guy and Adira.

  “What do you suggest? It would be improper for me to cut in.”

  “Improper? Isn’t he worth fighting for?” She studied me and seemed to come to a decision. “Sometimes new blood is exactly what an organization needs.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  At the same time Hisoka said, “I’ll do it,” and strode onto the dance floor. It was the proper and honorable thing to do. Guy was left standing alone as dancers twirled around him. He caught my eye and made his way across the room.

  “Keep him close,” Beatrice whispered in my ear.

  “I owe him one!” Guy said. He smiled at Aimee. “I wasn’t sure how to get out of that one without causing a scene.”

  “You were already causing a scene,” said his mother. “I didn’t raise you to be a pushover. You’re in line to take over the company. Buck up!”

  Guy’s jaw tensed. He grabbed my hand and led me to the small stage where a five-man orchestra played a merry tune. He jumped up, removed the microphone from its stand and hopped back down. Then he walked directly to the center of the dance floor and left me staring after him. The music stopped.

  What? Now? Like this?

  Guy smiled at me. People turned to look. I glanced around and took a deep breath. My palms grew sweaty. Guy held out his hand, and I joined him.

  He spoke into the microphone so his voice rang out loud and clear. “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like you all to take part in this memorable occasion.” He dropped to one knee and reached into his right jacket pocket for a small box. He flipped it open and held it toward me. Then he simply said, “Will you?”

  I do believe I played my part well. I felt heat rush to my cheeks, and I brought my hands up to cover my mouth. I’m sure my eyes sparkled. “I will!” I reached out my left hand, and Guy slid the ring onto my finger. He stood, gathered me in his arms and kissed me in front of everyone.

  The orchestra struck up a romantic melody, and we danced. I heard the applause but kept my eyes focused on Guy’s face. We continued to dance until dinner was officially announced.

  As the newly elected head of the RFO, Beatrice stood to give the official welcome.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. As many of you know, this cause is dear to my heart. Many of you have children of your own. You recognize how important they are for the future of Tkaron. Indeed, for all of Terene. We are raising the next generation of leaders and can only do that with your help. Please, enjoy dinner, and then take some time to become familiar with the auction items.”

  We’d chosen to sit at a fairly large round table. Hisoka and Aimee were to my right, and Guy was to my left. I didn’t know the other two couples who’d chosen to sit with us, one older and one younger.

  The older woman smiled at me. “What a romantic proposal. May I see the ring?”

  I smiled and blushed but held out my left hand. The other three women at the table leaned in for a closer look.

  “It’s beautiful!” the younger woman said. “It looks antique. Doesn’t that make it worth more, Mom?” She turned to the older woman who nodded.

  “Yes, it does. Is it antique, Richard? A family heirloom perhaps?”

  “It is.” He smiled. “It belonged to my maternal grandmother and before that to her grandmother and so on.”

  I pulled my hand back and studied the ring. “I’ll treasure it! Always!”

  “I know you will.” He responded quietly but not so quietly that the others couldn’t hear. “That’s why I gave it to you.”

  “You must be glad you moved to Tkaron.” Hisoka stared at me.

  “Yes, everyone’s been so friendly and helpful,” I said. The other two couples smiled in my direction.

  “Tell us about Vanover,” Hisoka continued. “Aren’t the people there friendly and helpful too?”

  “Yes, of course they are. But after my parents’ accident…” My breathing became ragged, and I hung my head. I thought about my parents and welcomed the pain. Tears began to fall. I lifted my napkin from my lap and dabbed at my eyes. “I’m sorry, it’s still too fresh. Excuse me.”

  Aimee joined me in the ladies’ room a minute later. She found me at the sink, rinsing my face with cool water. “Are you alright?”

  “What the hell is he doing?” I shook off my hands and reached for a small white towel on the countertop.

  “I don’t know, but I think he’ll stop. Everyone else is giving him a hard time about it.

  How can you do that?”

  “Do what?” I looked at her in surprise.

  “The tears. They seemed so real.”

  “It’s easy. I just think about Mom and Dad.” I turned back to the mirror.

  “Oh.”

  I reached into my purse for my makeup and began to fix the damage. Just then the door opened. It was Adira. She walked right past Aimee and stood to my left. She studied her reflection in the mirror.

  “What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be happy?” she asked.

  I pointedly ignored her as I finished with my mascara. I returned it to my purse and pulled out a tube of lipstick. Aimee followed suit.

  “Is Richard cheating on you already?” Adira said.

  I gritted my teeth.

  “He will, you know. Being engaged and then married, especially to someone like you.

  It will add an extra element to playing the field. It makes the game more exciting.” Her eyes flashed.

  I turned toward her and exploded. “What is your problem?”

  “I’m just looking out for my good friend, Richard. I’ve known him much longer than you have, and simply put, I don’t think you’re his type.”

  “And you are?”

  “I didn’t say that. We just like to, play.” She smiled wistfully.

  I was rapidly losing control. It would be so easy to…and she was Elite anyway. I could find good reason and make it look like an accident. Aimee grabbed my arm and pulled me away. The door swung closed behind us.

  “Don’t!” she whispered.

  “You’re right. It would look suspicious.”

  “Not to mention that it’s just plain wrong. Don’t you get that?”

  I clenched and unclenched my right hand, trying to relax. In our absence, our salad plates had been removed. Everyone else had already moved onto the main course. The conversation stalled as we approached. I sat and looked at my plate. The steak and green beans looked and smelled delicious, but I could only pick at it. I noticed Aimee was doing the same.

  Once the conversation started up again, Hisoka leaned behind Aimee and spoke

  quietly. “I’m sorry. For the record, your reaction looked real.”

  “It was real, you bastard!” I whispered back.

  His eyes widened.

  After dinner, Beatrice gave another speech. I wasn’t paying much attention. Mostly, I was still fuming, but then I heard my name, and Guy nudged me.

  “Sometimes the best ideas come from new sources.” Mrs. Burke was looking directly at me. Why is she doing that? “Miss James. We talked about your brilliant idea all through dinner.” What idea? “And we’d like to announce a new ad hoc committee.” The crowd hung onto her every word.

  I leaned over to Guy. “What does that mean?”

  “It means it’s a temporary committee, at least for now,” he said.

  “One that will be responsible for directing a portion of our funding to orphanages. The first amount will come from our auction here tonight. It’s not often that Elite children are sent to orphanages, but it does happen on occasion. And Miss James is absolutely right.

  Those children need just as much help, more in fact, than their counterparts being cared for by extended family and in foster homes. We simply cannot afford to neglect them any longer.”

  I looked around the room. People nodded in approval. They smiled in my direction.<
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  “Thank you, Kendra, for bringing this to our attention. We’d be ever so grateful if you would head the new committee. Will you accept?”

  I didn’t know how to respond. Guy squeezed my hand and leaned over. “If you accept, just stand up and say so.”

  I pushed back my chair and stood. “I’m honored. I accept.”

  During the drive home later that evening, I expressed my reservations. “What am I supposed to do now? It’s not like I could have said no, not with everyone staring like that and now I’m stuck.”

  Guy rested his arm across my shoulders and leaned his head against mine. “Why do you feel stuck exactly? You’ll be able to do so much good!”

  “Yeah, for the Elite, but other children need help too.”

  The driver eyed me curiously in the rear view mirror.

  When we arrived back at the apartment, there was not a reporter in sight. I grinned.

  “Walk me in?”

  But Guy wasn’t smiling. He whispered, “They’re watching.”

  My eyes grew wide. “Are you sure? That’s just creepy.”

  “I’m certain. They wouldn’t miss this, not tonight.” He looked around. “There!” He pointed. “And there!” Around the corner of the building and up on the roof across the street.

  At least two vid’recorders were trained on the limo right now.

  “I’ll walk you to the front door, and that’s where I’ll say goodnight.” Guy leaned in and softly pressed his lips against mine. I returned his affections and wound my arms around his shoulders in a gentle hug. Then he opened the door and helped me out of the limo.

  -Aimee-

  A Wolf on the Prowl

  The corners of Hisoka’s deep brown eyes crinkled when he smiled. I laughed as his fingers trailed down to my waist. He picked me up and spun me around and around as the music slowed. I held tight to his shoulders but needn’t have worried because Hisoka lowered me slowly and gently until my feet touched solid ground.

  Rather than stop completely, the orchestra skillfully moved into the next piece. We continued to sway in time to a new rhythm, his hands still at my waist. I wrapped my arms behind his neck and leaned my head against his shoulder. With Hisoka’s arms wrapped around me, I felt safe and warm, comfortable. Normal. When I finally lifted my head, I noticed that many of the guests had left.

  Hisoka smiled down at me. “Are you about ready to go?”

  I shook my head. “No, but it’s probably time.”

  His hands dropped from my waist, and we returned to the table.

  “Did you have a nice time?” Hisoka gently placed my green wrap around my shoulders.

  We strolled through the lobby and out into the cool night air.

  “Yes. Wasn’t the proposal amazing?”

  “It certainly was. Kendra seemed surprised.”

  “Well, of course she was!”

  The valet drove up with Hisoka’s car. Once we were settled, Hisoka said, “I wish you’d asked me to donate one of my paintings for the auction. Those artists brought in a nice sum for the cause.”

  “Yes, they did.”

  “Why didn’t you, if I may ask?”

  “Why didn’t I?”

  “Ask me to donate one of my paintings or sketches?” Hisoka said.

  “I don’t know. I guess I was too busy trying to figure out a way to ask you to come with me.” I stared out the window and our conversation stalled.

  By the time we arrived at my apartment building, the vidcrews were long gone. The car settled into silence. As I waited for Hisoka to open my door, the image of a wolf on the prowl suddenly sprang to mind. I hugged myself and tried to quell the goosebumps that formed on my arms. Cold fingers of trepidation wormed their way around my heart as we neared the front door. Hisoka placed his right hand on the back of my neck and gently pulled me toward him. I tensed and pulled away. A small scream escaped my lips.

  Hisoka tilted his head. The crinkles by his eyes replaced by furrows on his brow.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s nothing. I’m fine.” It took all my concentration to keep my breathing steady.

  He stared at me intently. I didn’t break eye contact. Other than that small stunt at dinner with Keira, Hisoka had been a perfect gentleman, so what was I worried about?

  Again, he leaned in for a goodnight kiss. A fraction of a second before his lips met mine, I turned my head to the side. A chaste kiss landed on my cheek. What was wrong with me? We’d been much more intimate on the dance floor. That’s when I realized…Mr.

  Beckett had never danced with me.

  -Brody-

  Freelancers for Hire

  I sat in the outer office next to the main conference room and watched the secretary pick at her bright pink nails. It was more interesting than staring at the cream colored carpet or the oak paneled walls.

  Then the door opened.

  “I’ll keep you posted, but it’s possible we’re wrong about this one too.” I recognized Hisoka Watanabe’s voice before he moved into view.

  Prime Minister Armstrong clasped hands with Mr. Watanabe, then turned his attention to me. “Come in, Mr. Delaney. We’re ready for you.”

  Hisoka turned and smiled before walking away. I stood and picked up my briefcase in one fluid motion.

  In the main conference room, seven men in business suits lounged around a large oblong table, in cushy black leather chairs. Another leaned over and gathered some photos. In addition to a handful of people I didn’t recognize, were three familiar wanted posters as well as a couple of photos of Aimee in a formal green gown and one of Keira wearing a black and white dress and an engagement ring.

  The Prime Minister stopped the man who was collecting the pictures. He nodded at the one on top, the one of Keira. “She’s still new in town. It won’t hurt to keep an eye on her.”

  Then he gestured to an empty chair before sitting at the head of the table.

  I nodded my thanks but rolled it aside. During the formal part of my presentation, I would stand. I removed an infochip from my briefcase and slid it into the dock in front of me. The vidscreen on the wall lit up, and I began the presentation without further ado. These men were busy, and I wasn’t about to waste their time.

  “As you can see, over the past month, I’ve hired a dozen Freelancers to break into this very building. All came highly recommended. Each was given information about the previous failures so they could adapt accordingly. None have succeeded.”

  I looked around. A few of the ministers were smiling. I pushed another button and advanced to the next slide.

  “Clearly, the methods we’re using are working, a combination of highly advanced techno security backed up by military guards. I’ll continue to personally deliver updated security codes on a monthly basis for as long as you’d like.” I sat down.

  “I’m glad to hear that our assets our secure,” Prime Minister Armstrong said, and the others nodded in agreement.

  “What shall we do with the Freelancers in custody?” Minister Brackaby asked.

  The Prime Minister looked at me. “Mr. Delaney, bring up the information about the Freelancers you hired.”

  I did so.

  “Why didn’t you hire Keira Maddock? We’ve heard she’s one of the best.”

  “I’ve heard the same,” I said. “If any of you know her whereabouts, I’ll be happy to put her to the test.” I looked around. No one responded.

  Prime Minister Armstrong once again addressed the ministers. “Take a good look at this list. I know some of you are partial to certain individuals currently in custody. Please make note of those you would like to see released.”

  “And the others?” said Minister Brackaby.

  “If they agree to work with us, they’ll be given the treatment and initiated into the program. If not…well, they are criminals.” He shrugged.

  The others nodded and began typing on keypads embedded in the tabletop. While they worked, the Prime Minister returned his attention to me.


  “Thank you, Mr. Delaney. You and CalTech have been a tremendous help. The second portion of your fee will be deposited directly, as promised.”

  As I made my way down the front steps of the Justice Center, I contacted Guy at Burke Investments. It was time for another lunch meeting. Then I called Miss Ellis and directed her to have our meal delivered. But first, a detour.

  Thankfully, no one appeared to be following me. I pulled over to the curb and hastily removed a pen and an empty envelope from my briefcase. Then I walked the last two blocks to Art Fantastique. At the corner, I froze and watched as Hisoka Watanabe entered the gallery. He was carrying a wooden box.

  Trying to think up a logical excuse for my presence, I peered through the main window and pretended to look at the artwork. Hisoka had disappeared. In fact, I didn’t see anyone.

  No, wait. There was movement as someone entered the main room from the back.

  Bells jangled when I opened the front door. Keira opened her mouth to speak but stopped when I shook my head. I handed her the note. She read it silently before directing me behind a partition. Paintings surrounded me on three sides, and a small wooden sculpture stood on a display stand in the middle. Keira knocked on the door to the back room.

  “Excuse me, Aimee? Could I bother you for a signature?”

  Footsteps moved toward the sales counter. “What is this? Are you sure?” I was close enough to hear their entire conversation. “Who wrote this?”

  “Brody.”

  “But I thought you didn’t trust him.”

  “Remember what Guy said.” It was Keira’s voice again.

  “You said that he told you we could trust both of them! Keira, who am I supposed to believe when you’re telling me something different every other day?”

  “I’ve always said to be careful. That’s never changed.”

  More footsteps approached and papers were shuffled.

  “Are you done with that signature?” Mr. Watanabe asked.

  “Yes. Is everything ready?”

  After they’d retreated to the back room, and the door had closed once again, Keira appeared at my side.

  “Thank you. I’m sorry you had to hear that.”