by Jill Snow
“Can you call me back? I think there’s something wrong with my cell.”
“Sure thing.” Carrie did and it worked fine. “What’s up?”
“Nothing, Carrie, just that someone said they couldn’t get hold of me.”
They chatted for a few minutes about the business. She was amazed she kept her voice calm and reasonable when she wanted to cry. Just what was Conor Dunne playing at? Avoiding her last night and now again at lunch. Well, if he was sending out a message, she was receiving it. Loud and clear.
Conor arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes late. There was no sign of Emily but Jude was waiting for him. ..
“Thanks Conor, you saved my life. Is your lunch date here yet?.”
“Em, no. I have to meet a friend.” Thankfully Jude hadn’t seen Emily. He didn’t want to face an inquisition from his lawyer right now over what was happening between them.
“Oh, right. Mac is always late. I should know that by now. Do you want to join me for a drink while we wait?”
He didn’t, but to say no would appear rude. He went inside and ordered a water. The time passed with no sign of Emily. He checked his cell but there were no calls. He tried to call but it went straight to voicemail.
Mac didn’t turn up either, so he and Jude had lunch. He couldn’t very well leave the man to eat alone when it was obvious they had both been left waiting. By the time lunch was over, he was fuming. He didn’t play games with people and wasn’t about to let Emily start with him.
He went back to work in such a bad mood even Crystal didn’t approach him. When he got back to the apartment, Emily was nowhere to be seen. Gertie was watching the TV. There was no dinner ready for him. Gertie stood up and said goodnight when he walked in.
“Something I said?” he asked her, gaining a look of disgust in response.
“I thought you were a gentleman, Conor Dunne. I am very disappointed in you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? It was Emily who stood me up. I am sure she is too busy with her new date to bother showing up for lunch.”
“I have no idea about a date, but I know she was due to meet you for lunch today. She was worried you were working too hard. But you didn’t even have the decency to call her to let her know you couldn’t make it. Some man told her, I can’t remember his name.”
“What are you talking about? I was there, she wasn’t. What man? ” He tried to modulate his tone, torn between wanting to scream at someone and good manners. Gertie was older than him and didn’t deserve to be spoken to disrespectfully.
Gertie looked at him for a few minutes.
“Gertie, I swear I was at the restaurant. I was a few minutes late arriving but not more than five. Got caught in traffic. There was no sign of Emily. I tried to call her but it went straight to voicemail. I have no missed calls on my cell all day.”
“You and Emily need to speak. It’s obvious there’s some misunderstanding between you. Talk to her, Conor. The sooner the better.”
“I will.”
But he didn’t get a chance. When he got up the next morning, she was still in bed. She hadn’t surfaced by the time he left. He had an important meeting. He would swing by her apartment on his way home and collect the stuff she needed. Then they would talk.
Chapter 34
The day flew by with back-to-back meetings. Conor didn’t get a chance to call Emily and had no missed calls. He pulled up outside Emily’s apartment, reminding him of the last time they had been there on the day she moved into his place. He couldn’t believe it had only been two weeks. It seemed like a lifetime ago.
He parked the car and hit the elevator button. Emily and Gertie were like family now. Every evening, he found himself hurrying home instead of spending hours at the office, like he had in the past. Crystal teased him about his domesticated lifestyle. He told everyone it was temporary, that Emily and Gertie would soon leave. It was a day he dreaded.
Despite seeing Emily every day, the impulse to pull her into his arms for a kiss wouldn’t go away. He was learning the meaning of the word restraint. She had trusted him with her story and he wanted to show her he wasn’t a bit like Greg Nielsen. He thought she may have started to trust him. He caught her glancing at him but when he looked at her, she just turned a cute shade of pink and looked away.
At least he had until the last couple of days. What if Gertie was right and her standing him up at lunch was just a mistake. Maybe he should trust her more. He would talk to her when he got back home tonight. Maybe tell her straight out how he felt about her and hoped she returned his feelings.
Dan wasn’t on duty at the door. Conor waved to the doorman but the man was too interested in his paper to reply. Irritated, Conor wanted to remind him that the occupants of the building paid him to do his job. But he stayed quiet. It was none of his business. He had to collect a few items for Emily and then he would be gone.
Emily. The threats, while fewer, had turned nastier and more personal in content. Emily’s stalker appeared irritated by her radio silence. The police office and Conor’s security team suggested it could make the stalker sloppy. He would make a mistake and then they would catch him.
Steven. Conor thrust his chest forward, standing straighter appearing taller in his reflection on the metal doors of the elevator. His security guy would be furious if he heard Conor had come here alone. But he was an adult who could fend for himself. And besides, only those with a key and known to the staff could get into the apartment. Although today’s doorman hadn’t challenged him.
He put the key in the door, surprised to see the double lock wasn’t on. He pushed the door open and called, “Hello”. His voice appeared to echo off the walls. Laughing at himself, he kicked the door shut behind him. There was no mail lying on the floor. Dan had kept all mail at the desk and one of Steven’s men picked it up on a regular basis. Emily trusted Dan implicitly, but the police had advised that nobody know where she was staying. As much for their safety as for Emily’s.
Conor took his phone out to look at the list of items Emily wanted. It was kind of weird gathering some of her personal things together. She'd insisted she needed her suits if she was going to attend the industry awards at the end of the month. Steven and the police officer were against her going but Emily was stubborn. And fed up. Living in a glass cage, no matter how luxurious, seemed to make her feel cramped. Conor couldn’t blame her. Even Gertie was missing her old home and given the state of the retirement home, that was saying something.
Something caught Conor’s attention. Listening intently, only silence greeted his ears. He must be imagining things. He pushed the door of the kitchen open. Nothing looked out of place. He moved on to the bathroom and picked up Emily’s robe from the back of the door. Her scent wafted toward him. He hoped she might return his feelings. He wasn’t quite sure if being forced together had created the emotional intimacy between them. He’d told her things he’d never told anyone. All they had done was kiss yet their relationship seemed deeper than any he had before.
Conor heard the lock on Emily’s front door open. He shoved the phone in his pocket. Holding his breath, he waited.
Heavy footsteps walked across the hall into the living room. The intruder wasn’t trying to hide, but Conor gathered there would be few people in the apartment floor now. The occupants would be out at work. He waited to see what the intruder would do, wishing he had his gun. He rarely carried but this would have been the right time to take the gun from the safe in his car. Looking around the room, there was nothing obvious he could use as a weapon. He took out his phone to call for backup but let it fall. He reached for it just as the door opened.
A shot went off. The impact sent Conor flying backwards. He hit the bed before tumbling to the floor.
Chapter 35
Nana, I need to go out for a walk, get a coffee or something.”
“Emily, you need to speak to Conor. He says he was at the restaurant. I believe him.”
“I am not sure I can do tha
t Nana. He’s been acting weird since I told him some stuff. I don’t think he wants me around. He is just being nice letting us stay here.”
“That’s nonsense. Conor Dunne is mad about you. You can tell that by watching him. He wants to keep you safe. He likes having you here.”
"For how long? I'm a prisoner. I want to go home and back to work. Whoever is stalking me is winning,” Emily snapped. “Sorry, Nana, that wasn’t fair. You’re in the same boat and you did nothing.”
“Neither did you, Emily. I am proud of the stand you took. Now, what about showing me the latest parts you have been working on. I’m getting quite good at this now.”
Emily did as requested. Her grandmother had shown an unusual talent for the game, especially the sleuthing part.
“Nana, you must miss your friends a lot.”
“I do, darling, but it has been nice getting to know Conor. He is a special young man who is head over heels in love with you.”
“He is not.” At her grandmother’s raised eyes, Emily flushed. “How do you know how he feels?”
“Well, for a start, how many men would share their home with two strangers and expect nothing in return? You’re not sharing his bed.”
“Nana!”
“What? I am too old to mind my words. I’m not trying to embarrass you, darling. But think about it. Why would Conor do all of this if he didn’t care for you?”
“Because he is kind and nice.”
“He is both those things, but he could have paid for a hotel or rented an apartment. Instead, he invited you into his private life.”
“You as well, Nana.”
“I know it’s not me who has caught his eye, although maybe if I were forty years younger. And besides, you love him, too.”
Emily stared open-mouthed at her grandmother. Did she love Conor? She thought him kind, caring, sexy and passionate. He made her feel safe and protected. Most of all he made her laugh. But love?
“I don’t have time for love, Nana. I want the stalker caught so I can get back to work and rebuild what’s left of my career.”
“Your career isn’t going to keep you warm at night.”
“Nana! What did you eat this morning? I can’t talk about stuff like that with you.”
“Why not? I may be old but those urges don’t die. I am not in the ground yet.”
Emily stood up and put her arms around her grandmother. She hadn’t meant to hurt or offend her. “Sorry, Nana, I’m feeling snarky today. Let me make some coffee in Conor’s fancy machine thing—it tastes as good as the stuff you get from a fancy coffee shop.”
“Look around you, Emily. If you and Conor got together you would never want for anything again.”
“Nana, I’m not interested in his money. I don’t care whether he is rich or penniless.”
"You would love him the same.”
"You tricked me. That was mean!” Emily huffed.
"Sorry, darling, but you walked into that one. Now, when are you going to tell Conor how you feel?”
Emily busied herself with the coffee. She wasn’t going to tell Conor. It was the man’s place to make the first move, wasn’t it?
“If you tell me it’s up to the man to tell you he loves you, I will shake you.” Gertie moved closer to Emily. “I can see how he feels by the way he looks at you. He touches you on the hand or the arm at every opportunity and he is so protective. He is waiting for a sign from you, Emily. You don’t have to tell him in words. Show him. Take things slow, but give the poor man a hint. Put him out of his misery.”
Emily looked at her grandmother with amusement. “Conor miserable? I don’t think so. He said he is having more fun at work than he had in ages.”
“Whose fault is that?”
Emily glanced away.
“Emily, darling, your new friend has taken everything you said to him seriously. He is making so many changes to that company, Crystal doesn’t know if she’s coming or going.”
“Crystal? How do you know?” Emily asked. Crystal had come over to the apartment a few times and played cards with her grandmother. They had tried teaching Emily Bridge, but she found the game too complicated. Which was weird, as she was good at math. Crystal told her it was because she had no patience.
“I like Crystal. We speak a lot.”
Emily wasn’t surprised her grandmother got along well with Crystal. Her nana liked everyone and the feeling was usually mutual. She wondered if Crystal had an opinion on her and Conor, but she wasn’t about to ask. Nana had enough theories of her own and she wasn’t going to encourage her to gossip about Conor with his secretary.
“Now, where is Conor? I thought he said he was coming back here for a late lunch today?” Gertie asked.
“I guess he got delayed. What are you cooking?”
“Lasagna and green salad. I like making things, it keeps my mind busy.”
“Nana, your mind is busy enough. But I love your lasagna,” Emily added quickly.
Chapter 36
The police had insisted she take a back seat from the foundation and maintain contact only with Carrie. Conor had sent over some of his staff to learn from Jason and the other staff at the foundation. Carrie had messaged to say she was in seventh Heaven surrounded by all the hot guys who spoke her language. “Whoever thought gaming was for nerds should come into my office today. I swear, I can’t decide on who to take with me to the Bahamas.”
Emily giggled at her friend’s antics. Carrie had insisted she would need a vacation when the stress of the stalker was all over. Carrie had only been joking, trying to keep Emily’s spirits up, but Conor had taken her at her word. He had promised her a week at whichever hotel she wanted.
Conor. He was so caring to everyone. He was a tough boss and expected a lot from his people. Crystal had been clear on that front, but he was also fair and loyal. If one of his people got into trouble, Conor would help them out.
Crystal had told her of the time a staff member’s child needed a kidney donor but the parents were too broke to pay the extra after the insurance covered the basics. Not only had Conor paid the hospital bills, but he had also arranged for both parents to get paid time off. He’d even secured an apartment for them near their son’s hospital. Crystal wasn’t supposed to tell people, but she had obviously thought Emily should know.
Emily jumped as the buzzer rang. They weren’t expecting anyone apart from Conor, and he had a key. Exchanging a look with her grandmother, she walked over to the intercom.
“Hello.”
“Miss Williams, it’s Steven. Can you buzz me up?”
“Steven, is there something wrong?”
“Let me in, please.”
Emily pressed the button, her heart beating so fast it was hard to breathe. Her grandmother stood at the kitchen door, her expression suggesting she shared Emily’s fears.
Steven pushed the door open, a grim look on his face.
“What’s wrong? Is it Conor?”
“Conor is in the hospital. He’s been shot.”
“Shot? Who would want to shoot him?” Nana asked.
Emily couldn’t speak. Her vision narrowed and the sounds around her became muffled. She stared at Steven as her grandmother asked the questions.
“We don’t know who. Not yet. I think you should get your coat and I’ll take you both to see him.”
“Us?” Emily muttered.
“Yes, Ms. Williams. I think the boss would like to see you.”
“But what about his family?” she blurted out before she could think better of it.
Steven didn’t meet her gaze but looked at the floor.
“Come on, Emily, coats on. I’m sure Steven wants to get back.”
Emily let her grandmother dress her as if she were a child. When she’d steeled herself as much as possible, she asked the question that had been on her mind since Steven arrived. “How bad?”
“He will be fine. He’s in surgery – the bullet hit him in the leg. He won’t be hitting the gym anytime soon.”
Emily’s knees buckled but Steven had her before she fell. “Come on, Emily, you’ll feel better when you are near him. Are you all right, Mrs. Williams?”
“Call me Gertie, Steven. And yes, I’m right behind you. Just getting the keys.”
Emily moved away from Steven. Now wasn’t the time to fall apart. She had to be strong. For Conor.
They took the elevator to the parking garage in silence. Only once they were on route to the hospital did Emily speak again.
“Where was he when he was shot? Did the shooter get away? Why didn’t he take you with him?”
“One question at a time, Emily, darling. Steven will tell us as much as he knows.”
Emily glanced at Steven’s face. Her grandmother was mistaken. This man would only tell them what he thought they needed to know.
“I told him not to go to your apartment alone, but he didn’t listen.”
“He was shot at my place? By whom? Oh, my goodness, he was there for me. I asked him to go there. I didn’t mean to put him in danger. Why didn’t you tell me you thought it was dangerous?”
“I wanted to, but Conor said not to. He said you had enough to cope with.”
“Oh, that darn, stubborn man.”
“He was protecting you, Emily,” Gertie said. “He was doing what he thought was best.”
“He got himself shot, Nana. How is that protecting me?”
Gertie didn’t respond.
“Do the police have any clues?” she asked Steven.
“They’re waiting to see if Conor knows anything,” he said.
“You mean he hasn’t spoken?”
Steven shook his head. Emily bit on her knuckles as she forced herself to look out the window. Of all the things to happen. What if he died before she got a chance to tell him that she loved him?
She didn’t remember her walk from the car, or how she managed the maze of hallways that led to his unit, the whole thing was surreal. Before she knew it, they were waiting at the reception desk. Steven told them to take a seat before he found a doctor. She sat down and her grandmother took her hand, but she was too numb to say or do anything. She saw Steven talking to the doctor just before she spotted the policeman. She realized he must be waiting to speak to Conor.
