The waiter reappeared with their glasses of wine. Ward took a sip and sighed.
Lauren took a sip of her own wine. “So what’s it like working with one of the world’s most famous actors? I heard about his kidnapping and that he was in some kind of shootout with the mob. You never talk about that case.”
“It was a tough one. Turned out okay though,” Ward answered.
They sipped their wine and shared details of what they’d both been up to for the past few weeks. The food came and they both lapsed into silence as they ate.
“So, what’s his story?” Lauren asked, starting on her second glass of wine.
“Brogan?”
“Yeah, Brogan. How many other celebrities you know, Ward?” Lauren asked, her eyes twinkling.
Ward paused a moment as they both finished their last bite of steak. “I really don’t know him that well, Lauren. Why this sudden interest?” he asked in a warning tone.
“Just curious, that’s all. If I’m going to help you on this case I need to know as much as possible about the people involved.”
Ward sighed, knowing he was fighting a losing battle. Once Lauren’s mind was locked onto something, she wouldn’t let it go. “My team really didn’t have much to do with solving the kidnapping, he escaped himself after killing two of his captors. He was pretty banged up and a woman in rural Colorado, whom he later started dating, found him wandering around in the forest. After he told us what happened we went after the guy behind the kidnapping, Alexander Sloan.” He paused, he didn’t really like talking about his cases, especially ones like this one, that didn’t go according to plan.
“We didn’t have enough evidence to go after Sloan directly, until he killed his wife, but by then he had disappeared. He went underground, managed to get some guys together, with his father’s connections of course, to go after Lash again.”
“That’s right,” Lauren said, remembering some of the stories, “Alexander Sloan, the New York Mafia’s LA representative.”
“They got inside, there was a gunfight at Lash’s ranch, Lash got shot, but all the bad guys ended up dead before we even got there.”
“So, he’s killed people more than once,” Lauren remarked, fascinated.
Ward could see the interest on his sister’s face. “Get it out of your head Lauren, he’s not someone you want to get involved with.”
“Why’s that?” she asked, playing with her empty wine glass.
“Do I have to explain? He has a tendency to get involved in violent situations, not to mention the fact that he’s been in rehab.”
“I didn’t say I wanted to date him, Ward, he just sounds like an interesting person.”
“Stay away from him, Lauren,” he said in his sternest big brother tone.
Lauren brushed him off and reached for the check.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Ward asked.
“I make more than you do.”
“Don’t remind me,” Ward said and rolled his eyes.
16
When Guy announced the location change on the set, that they would be filming in the city of Pueblo instead of the desert for the next several weeks, a collective sigh went up. This meant real air conditioning, pools, room service, in room spa treatments. In short, all the perks that came with being part of a major motion picture. It would give everyone a much needed break.
Lash took ten minutes to pack what he needed from his trailer, then got in the back of his limo for the drive into Pueblo. Andy had been wanting to come out again, despite Lash’s assurances that everything was going fine. He figured this was as good a time as any and hit speed dial.
After letting the leading man sleep in the next morning, Andy met Lash for coffee a few blocks from the hotel.
Andy sat down and took one look at Lash across the table. “You fuckin’ did the scene on the ledge didn’t you?” No pre-ambles. No hey, how you doin’s. Straight to what was on his mind.
Lash gave his best straight face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Bullshit. What did I tell you about starting to use stunt doubles?”
Lash waved his concerns off. “I want my acting to be as real as possible and that includes doing my own stunts. That’s the way I’ve always done it and that’s the way it will stay.”
“Lash, I understand, but from a business and liability standpoint . . .”
“Ah, man, don’t start that shit. When I’m hired to do a job, I do it to the best of my ability. My work is authentic, it’s all me, and I will not compromise any part of it.” He stabbed at his pastry. “And believe me, the audience can tell the difference.”
This wasn’t the first time they’d had this conversation and Andy knew it wouldn’t be the last. He also knew he wouldn’t change Lash’s mind, but still felt an obligation to try. “I give up. Just be careful, for God’s sake.”
Lash grinned. “Always.”
Andy studied his friend. Lash looked relaxed and happy despite the chaos around them. And there was only one thing that made Lash Brogan look like that.
A woman.
He wondered who it was. But he wouldn’t ask. Not yet. Losing Justine had nearly killed Lash. If there was someone new, Andy would find out in good time.
The city was still asleep when Ward left the hotel, the only sounds he heard were the steady in and out of his breath and the thud of his feet hitting the pavement. Hopefully he’d be able to clear his head, at least for a little while.
He hadn’t even made it a mile when he heard footsteps coming up fast behind him. He slowed his pace slightly and turned right at the next corner and waited, wishing he had his gun with him.
A few seconds later, Lauren rounded the corner at full speed, nearly colliding with him. “Christ,” he said as she came to a stop. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
She put her hands on her knees and caught her breath before speaking. “I stopped by your room, and I figured there was only one thing you’d be doing this early in the morning. I thought you might want some company.” She paused. “I’m impressed, I had to work hard to catch up with you.”
“Not exactly marathon form anymore, but I try.”
“Don’t push yourself too hard,” she said, her voice edged with concern.
“Lauren, I’m fine. Almost back to a hundred percent.”
She cocked her head to the side. “So, you ready to go, or what?”
Ward took off at a jog again. “Next time, let’s coordinate a little better.”
Lauren just smiled and strode ahead of him. Ward easily caught up with her and they settled into a comfortable pace, matching each other step for step. Ward let his mind drift. He liked running with his sister. They’d run the Chicago and New York marathons together. She’d always been a good match for him. Her being here might be just what he needed. It might be just what the case needed. He felt optimistic about their chances for the first time since arriving in Colorado.
Ward had started holding weekly update meetings with Lauren, Guy, Bob, and some of the security personnel. Unfortunately, the time that worked the best was 6 a.m., which was usually early enough to get everyone together before filming started for the day.
He refilled his coffee mug and sat down. “Okay, let’s get started.” He opened a folder and passed around papers.
“Today I wanted to go over this list of actors who didn’t get parts in Redemption. So take a minute to look it over, then give me your thoughts.”
He drank his coffee and waited as everyone read through the list. “Any names that stand out?” he asked. “Anyone who was upset about being passed over?”
Bob rattled off the names of two actors who were currently filming other roles.
“Adam Bishop doesn’t seem too upset about not getting the part,” Lauren said, holding up the latest People magazine showing Adam at a party at the Playboy Mansion, two playmates wrapped all over him.
There was brief discussion about some of the other actors, but
nothing that struck Ward as a motive.
“Okay,” he said, looking at his watch. “Thaler and Maroney, keep researching everyone on the list and let me know when the background checks are complete.” He sighed and looked down at his own list where he’d crossed off most of the names.
Adam Bishop looked out the window from his plush first class seat. He sipped his glass of champagne and reclined the seat back. The travel was necessary and also allowed him a brief escape from the exhausting plotting his latest masterpiece required.
His body still felt the effects of his night with the Playboy bunnies. What a pathetic threesome they’d turned out to be. No challenge, they’d just smiled and done whatever he’d asked of them.
Nothing like Tabitha.
He smiled and felt himself harden at the thought of his first love. His first kill. The one who’d awakened the deepest, darkest, most alive part of him.
17
The rain started early in the morning. A gentle misting just before dawn. It was a welcome change from the heat and the dust of the desert. Everyone seemed refreshed. It added a new element to the scenes shot outside.
By noon, it was a downpour. The dust turned to mud.
By four p.m. shooting was postponed. Everyone packed up and caravanned to the hotel.
The next day was worse. The winds had picked up and visibility was next to zero. The forecast was not promising. Guy started worrying about more delays they couldn’t afford.
Lash opened the blinds and stared blankly outside. The rain was still coming down hard and the sky was filled with dark angry clouds. He wondered when it would end. Filming had been shut down for two days now and everyone was on edge. Being cooped up in a hotel room was only making it worse. He sighed and closed the blinds. He absentmindedly rubbed his knee, feeling the familiar ache that intensified in weather like this. A little souvenir left over from the beatings he received when he was held prisoner in Colorado. He tried to push aside the memories that accompanied the pain. He needed to get out of this room.
After phoning Hoyt, he stepped out into the hall. The security guards immediately came to attention, ready to follow wherever he went. He didn’t speak as they escorted him down to the lobby.
Twenty minutes later, his limo pulled to a stop in front of Rumours bar and Lash got out, not caring if he got wet or not. He walked inside, Hoyt one step behind.
Most of the cast and some of the crew were already there and from the number of bottles and glasses on the tables, some of them had been there quite a while.
Calhoun and Agent Thaler were in a corner booth with Guy and Lauren.
“Brogan, what the fuck took you so long man?” Mark yelled across the room. Lash got a whiskey from the bar and took a seat next to Mark.
Everyone at Ward’s table was tired and irritable, drinking more than they were saying. Tempers were getting short.
Ward turned towards his sister. “Maybe now would be a good time for you to go home. I’m sure your practice needs you.”
Lauren waited a moment before responding. She felt close to breaking the case and would be damned if she left now. Ward had uncharacteristically had more than a few beers and the last thing she needed from him right now was a lecture. She stood up to leave.
“Oh, come on Lauren. This isn’t your real job.”
“I don’t have to take this shit from you Ward. I’m here trying to help you. You could at least show a little gratitude.”
Out of the corner of his eye Lash saw her turn on her heel and walk outside into the rain. What the hell was that all about?
Calhoun sighed, stood, and walked over to the bar.
A moment later Lash joined him. “Lauren okay?”
Calhoun sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I don’t know. This case is just getting to everyone. I know she means well and she is the best person for the job. We’ve solved cases together before and we make a good team, but she’s my sister. I said some stupid shit because I want her back home where she’s safe. I guess I’m a little protective of her.”
“Makes sense. But she seems determined to stay. I think between the two of you, you’ll solve this thing. Then we can all get on with our lives.”
“Yeah.” Calhoun agreed half-heartedly. This was his life. It was all he had. But that was the way he had chosen it to be, he reminded himself. He’d have to apologize to Lauren tomorrow, after she’d had a chance to cool down.
“Hey, you want to go sit down?” he asked Lash.
“Nah. I think I’ll head back to the hotel. Maybe I’ll actually get to do some work tomorrow.”
Hoyt had a good idea what was going on when he saw Lash leave, but a lot of the players he was interested in were still in the bar and he wasn’t ready to go just yet. Rafe looked at him questioningly across the room. They’d mastered the art of nonverbal communication long ago. Hoyt nodded towards the door and Rafe left to trail Lash.
Lash walked through the hotel lobby lost in thought. The alcohol and gloomy weather had put him in a foul mood. He was here to work and he just wanted to get this film done and move on to something else while he was still in one piece. He stopped and looked inside the hotel bar. Lauren was sitting on one of the barstools. It was definitely her, he’d recognize that shiny raven black hair anywhere. Against his better judgment, he walked in and sat down next to her.
“Tough day?” he asked.
Lauren didn’t answer, just stared into her nearly empty drink.
Lash ordered a whiskey for himself and another glass of wine for Lauren.
“You know I hardly ever drink like this, but damn, he can be exasperating,” she said.
“Family can be like that.”
She looked up at him at last. “You have any brothers or sisters?”
“Nope. Only child.”
“I thought so.”
“Why? Because I’m such a spoiled brat?” He smiled at her.
“Something like that.” God, he had a great smile, she thought. Kind of lopsided, it gave an almost childlike vulnerability to his slightly rough face. She couldn’t help but smile back at him.
“Was that a smile? I knew my charms wouldn’t fail.”
“You are a spoiled brat. And an egotistical one at that.”
“Ouch. That hurt.” His face grew serious. “I do know firsthand what a pain in the ass your brother can be. But he’s good. If you two can’t figure this mess out, no one can.”
Another drink later, Lash knew he was in trouble. Lauren was too easy to talk to and all he could think about was how she would look out of those clothes. He tried to blame his thoughts on the alcohol, knowing it had lowered his inhibitions, but he was beyond rational thought now. Her knee brushed against his under the bar and before he could stop it, his hand had slid underneath her skirt and up the smooth warm skin of her thigh.
Lauren’s eyes went wide in surprise, but she didn’t push his hand away. A moment later, her lips parted and she let out a small moan of pleasure. Lash downed the rest of his whiskey, then stood up, pulling her against him. Without a word, he led her out of the bar.
As soon as the elevator doors closed, his hands were all over her again. They jerked to a stop on the top floor and he grabbed her hand and led her down the hall, fumbling with his keycard.
“Lash, I don’t . . .”
His lips came down hard on hers stopping her protest as he pulled her into the room. He roughly ripped off her blouse as they stumbled towards the bed.
Lauren knew it was a mistake, knew she’d probably regret it in the morning, but she didn’t care. Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe she just wanted to be screwed by a famous movie star. Hell, maybe she was just horny. But none of that mattered as Lash pushed her down on the bed and stripped off his own clothes.
18
Lash sat up and leaned against the headboard in the gray pre-dawn light, looking down at Lauren. Her silky hair spread out on the pillow, the sheet just barely covering the curves of her body. God, she was beautiful. And dangerous. Lash h
ad been with a lot of women before Justine and he’d been with a few after, but he hadn’t allowed any of them to get close. Lauren deserved better than that. She deserved better than last night. What the hell had come over him? He’d acted like an ass, not caring about her, just taking what he wanted.
“What are you thinking?” Lauren asked quietly, propping herself up on an elbow. She hadn’t slept well and one look at Lash told her that he hadn’t either.
Lash ran his fingers through his hair, causing some of his curls to stand up and sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually like this. I shouldn’t have let this happen.”
“Let it happen? As I recall, it took both of us to make this happen.”
“I didn’t mean . . . God, I’m just not good at this.” He leaned his head back against the headboard. She moved closer to him and ran her hand along his broad chest and well-toned stomach, pausing at the scar. As soon as she touched it, she felt his whole body tense.
“You want to talk about it?” she asked, her voice softening into her work voice without her even being aware of the change.
“There’s nothing to talk about. I got shot.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
Lash felt something shift in his chest and for the first time in nearly two years, he wanted to talk about it. And he wanted to talk about it with her. He lifted his head and looked at her.
“I don’t know how much your brother told you about my case, but after the shooting, I went through a pretty rough time. I was taking pills for the pain. Vicodin. I started taking a lot of them. I pushed everyone I cared about away.” He paused. “After I got out of rehab, I started putting my life back together. I started working again. And then . . .” He stopped, unable to continue. Lauren gently squeezed his hand.
“And then, the woman I was going to marry was killed. A stupid accident . . .” His throat tightened and he felt tears sting his eyes. “Maybe if I’d been there, instead of away filming . . .” His voice hitched, then stopped. He tried to turn away but Lauren wouldn’t let him. She pulled his head down onto her chest and held him. Ward hadn’t told her that part.
Redemption (Fateful Justice Book 2) Page 7
