Secret Bond (Jamie Bond Mysteries)

by Gemma Halliday

  "Don't worry, what I need is surveillance. I'm staking out a-"

  I froze mid-sentence as the passenger side window of my car suddenly shattered, glass flying onto the seat.

  I screamed, instinctually ducking. The wheel swerved in my hand, sending the car into a zigzag pattern on the road.

  "Jamie? Are you okay?" I heard Danny yell.

  I took a deep breath, righting the wheel just in time to avoid an oncoming car.

  "Yeah, I'm . . . I'm fine." I glanced in the rearview mirror. Behind me was a black car, sedan, average looking. No plates.

  A deafening pop sounded, causing me to jump, and something whooshed by my ear, exploding into my windshield. More glass shattered.

  "Jamie, what's going on?"

  What was going on was that someone was shooting at me.

  I darted and weaved down Highway 1, trying to not get hit as I attempted to put the top on the car up. With it down, I was a sitting duck. The hydraulics screamed. The wind tore at the fabric. It stopped midway, so all I could make out in the rearview was blackness. I glanced down at the speedometer. Eighty-three-ish. At this speed, with the turn ahead, I'd likely end up in the ocean if a bullet didn't take out a tire first. Or my head.

  A metallic taste entered my mouth. Blood. I must've bitten my lip. Please let that be the only bleeding I do today.

  "Jamie?!"

  I eased off the gas and managed the turn, just as another shot fired.

  It had to be Brumhill. Who else? I'd known I'd rattled him, but I hadn't expected him to make his move this quickly. Part of me was thrilled—his bullets were leaving evidence of an attempted murder all over my car. Of course the other part of me, the one that wanted to live through this moment, was a little less happy at the number of bullets.

  Another bullet pinged off my rear bumper. I sped into oncoming traffic. Horns blared. Brakes screeched. A couple of vehicles swerved onto the shoulder.

  "Dammit, Jamie, answer me!" I heard Danny yell.

  As I jumped the shoulder, my hands flying off the steering wheel. I may have even squeezed my eyes shut for a second, because everything turned black. When I opened them, I was careening toward Tito's Crab Shack. I barely missed sideswiping a jag parked in the lot before my tires screeched to a halt. I blinked, watching the sedan speed past me on the road.

  "Danny," I said, my voice shaky and sounding nothing like my own.

  "Jamie! You alright? What's going on there?"

  "Call 911. Someone just tried to kill me."

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  By the time my heartbeat returned to normal speed, two cruisers and Sam's Cherokee were in the parking lot. After I'd reassured Danny at least a dozen times that I did not need him to come rushing out from the Beverly Hilton to play my white knight, he'd insisted on calling Sam. And while I didn't necessarily want to drag her into this, the thought of having a friendly face among the officers was too tempting to pass up. Besides, I had a feeling if I refused, Danny have would ignored my protests and come charging out himself anyway. And I couldn't deal with the testosterone at the moment.

  Sam sat beside me on the curb by the Crab Shack's doors and handed me another bottle of water. I'd downed the first one, only to puke it up three seconds later in a nearby trash can. My nerves were shot, and I was sweating.

  "Only a few sips. You don't want to shock your system again."

  I did as instructed and watched the police officers inspect my car. They pointed to and stared at each of three bullets holes, never touching them, while waiting for their crime lab techs. Three holes! It would cost a near fortune to fill them in, and for a new paint job. Not to mention the damage I'd done while trying to put up the top at eighty miles per hour. No matter how well the agency was doing, this wasn't a part of my budget.

  As I contemplated the fate of my poor roadster, I saw a black SUV turn into the parking lot.

  I held my breath. Crap. It was Aiden.

  He was the last person I needed here right now, picking and prodding through the events. I had hoped to give my statement to a nice anonymous detective, who would then head back up the 1 with a shiny pair of handcuffs for Brumhill and arrest him for attempted murder. I had hoped to avoid having to tell anyone else that I'd basically been bait to get that arrest.

  Aiden parked along the side of the lot and stepped out quickly. But then he just stood there for a second and took in the scene.

  I tried to not notice how good he looked in faded jeans and a light button-down shirt. He looked like he'd been interrupted in a rare casual moment. I wondered what off-duty activity my 911 had pulled him away from.

  Aiden's sneakers made soft slapping sounds against the pavement. They were muffled by the police scanner, traffic, and chatter of those in the area, but I heard each one. Clear and precise. He walked over to the officers, but his eyes went to me as one of the responding officers filled him in on what happened. The officer even pointed to the trash can where my breakfast had landed. Oh, my God, how embarrassing.

  "How are you feeling?" Sam stared at the bottle in my hands.

  I glanced down and realized the water was gently sloshing from side to side. I was shaking. "Better." I gave a light chuckle.

  Aiden stepped forward, headed straight for me, using his courtroom expression—unreadable.

  My stomach churned.

  He squatted before me and took my hand in his. His grip was warm and tender. His eyes were bloodshot and there were circles under them. Was he not sleeping? Did it have anything to do with me? Good.

  He smiled. It was warm and made my insides instantly melt. He rubbed his thumb along the inside of my wrist. "Are you okay?"

  My shaking stopped, and I suddenly wanted to throw myself into his arms and burst into tears. I refrained though. Barely.

  I took a deep, cleansing breath instead. "Yes."

  "Good." He smiled again. Reassuring. Confident.

  He looked to Sam and asked, "When did you get here?"

  "Danny called me right away."

  It might have been my imagination, but I thought I saw Aiden tense a little at the mention of Danny's name. While their paths didn't cross often, there was an unspoken mutual distrust between the two. Danny thought Aiden was too squeaky clean, and Aiden was pretty sure Danny had a little dirt in his past. Both were probably right.

  Aiden turned to me. "Can you tell me everything that happened? Start at the beginning."

  Sam glanced at her watch.

  Aiden noticed. "Do you need to be somewhere?"

  Sam shook her head. "Julio's getting out of school, but I can have my mom pick him up."

  "Go. I'll make sure Jamie gets home safely."

  Sam shot me a tentative look.

  I nodded. "I'll be fine."

  "You're sure?"

  I leaned over and wrapped my arms around her neck, giving her a gentle squeeze. "Thank you."

  "Okay, Julio has a sleepover tonight, so if you need me later, just call." She stood and stared down at Aiden. "Take care of my girl." It came out as a demand.

  He smirked. "Yes, ma'am."

  She waved then hurried to her car.

  Aiden stood and held out his hand. "Let's go to my car. It has A/C, and the seats aren't made of cement."

  I hesitated, then placed my hand in his and allowed him to help me to my feet. Inside his vehicle, I silently thanked the heavens. Just as he promised, the seats were plush, and the interior was considerably cooler. He turned the ignition and put the air on low. Then he turned toward me and asked me to tell everything.

  Maybe it was the A/C, maybe the adrenalin still coursing through my system, or maybe just the way his eyes looked so affectionate and sincere. But I did, spilling everything. I started with today's events, but backtracked all the way to the first day when he told me about Brady's gun a week ago. Had it really been only a week? It seemed my life had gotten out of control in too short a period of time.

  When I was done, he let out a long breath of air, as if he'd been holding
it. "This is not good, Jamie."

  "No kidding."

  "I'm not joking." And the stern tone in his voice told me he really wasn't. "You could've been killed. What the hell were you thinking confronting Brumhill like that?"

  "You think he shot at me?" I asked, hoping he ran with that train of thought.

  Aiden shook his head. "No. I don't believe our ex-mayor took three pot-shots at you on the 1." He sighed. "But, it's possible he had someone else do it."

  My mind immediately went to the friendly gardeners. Maybe they weren't so friendly after all. "So what do we do now?"

  "We don't do anything," he told me. "You go home and rest. I wait for CSU to bring me something tangible that I can connect back to Brumhill. Until then, there's nothing I can do to keep you safe." His voice tightened on that last word.

  While the sentiment had tears backing up in my throat, I shoved them down, putting on my Big Girl face. "It's okay. I can keep myself safe."

  He cocked an eyebrow at me.

  "Okay, I didn't do a spectacular job of that today, but I'm in one piece, see?"

  A hint of a smile played at his lips. "I'm serious, Jamie."

  I rolled my eyes. "Again with this serious thing. Why does everything have to be so serious with you?"

  The smile died. He knew I wasn't just talking about today.

  "Look," I quickly covered, "I'm not some damsel in distress. I'm a licensed PI. I carry a gun. I know how to use it. I can take care of myself."

  "Fine," he said, the half smile returning. "I just can't stand the idea of you getting hurt." He rubbed the back of his hand against my cheek. "So be careful."

  I smiled. "I will."

  * * *

  After the police let me go, Aiden drove me to the office so I could get him the flash drive and pictures I'd swiped from Derek. If they could help lead a straight line to Brumhill, I knew Aiden would follow it. When I arrived, Caleigh and Maya pounced on me.

  "Are you alright?" Caleigh said.

  I frowned. "News travels fast," I mumbled.

  "Sam told me. I'm sorry I wasn't available. I had – was busy."

  I patted her shoulder. "I'm fine. Really. Do we have any coffee?" I could use a major shot of caffeine.

  Maya grabbed her purse and ran around her desk. "I'll make a quick run. I hadn't heard anything until Caleigh came in, and I'd already told Mr. Fleming he could stop by. Do you want me to call him and reschedule?"

  "No. It's fine."

  "Okay, I'll be right back." She ran out.

  I led Aiden into my office and unlocked the bottom left drawer, handing over the evidence. "Derek says he has more copies somewhere. You'll have to ask him."

  "I will. You think he'll cooperate?"

  I shrugged. "You never know with Derek. He finally came clean to me last night."

  "Okay." He paused. "You sure you're alright?" Worry dug into the corners of his mouth.

  "Yes. I am now. Thank you."

  We stared at one another for a few seconds that felt like hours. Then he said a quick good-bye and left.

  Caleigh immediately ran into my office. "So, fill me in. That old kook tried to kill you?"

  I assumed she was referring to Brumhill. "I'm not sure, but that's my guess. Unless I suddenly looked like a deer. Driving a red sports car."

  I sat at my desk and opened my laptop. In its reflection I noticed the crazy disarray of my hair. "Great. I look like hell."

  She waved a hand. "Not that bad."

  I gave her a hard stare then patted the left side of my hair with my hand. She was totally lying.

  "Hold on." Caleigh ran out then came back with a brush and a bottle of hairspray. "So spill."

  I repeated my eventful afternoon and she was my most captive audience yet—oohing and ahhing at the appropriate moments. It was rather comical. Leave it to Caleigh to help me take the edge off.

  Maya rushed in with four Styrofoam cups in a tray. "What'd I miss?" she asked handing me a heavenly caramel macchiato.

  "Hello?" A male voice said from the lobby.

  Maya shoved the drinks at Caleigh and left to greet our guest. "Mr. Fleming, hello," I heard from the lobby

  Caleigh grabbed her coffee and winked, stepping toward the door. "I'll fill her in. We'll be out there if you need us."

  As she walked out, Craig stepped in. He looked flushed and delighted, wearing a huge smile across his face. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he'd been crying. I imagined they'd been happy tears.

  "So, you've spoken to Phillip."

  He laid both hands over his heart. "About the fact that we're going to be parents? You already know?"

  "Yes, we learned about it this afternoon."

  He squealed. "Isn't it the most wonderful news? I've always wanted to be a father. Before I met Phillip, I even looked into surrogates. But Philip was so young, I figured . . . well, I never thought he shared my desire for a family, too."

  "Well, I'm very happy for you."

  "Thank you. I never should have doubted him."

  "It's perfectly understandable." From the corner of my eye, I spotted Danny hovering near the door. I hadn't heard the girls greet him.

  Craig held out his hand. "Thank you so much."

  I placed my hand in his and pumped my arm. The shake faltered mid-step.

  Lines creased between his brows. "There wasn't anything else, right?"

  "No. He's perfectly faithful. We had one of our best men test him."

  Craig thanked me again and went up front to settle payment with Maya.

  I flipped back the lid on my cup and took a long drink of my coffee. "Are you just going to stand there?"

  Danny stepped into the room. "Best man, huh? I'm the only man."

  "And you're the best."

  He grinned. Then his expression immediately turned serious. "You okay?"

  As much as the concern around me was touching, I was getting a little tired of answering that question. "I'm fine. Really."

  He shook his head. "Damn, you scared the crap out of me, Jamie. I thought for sure-"

  "James!" A booming voice came from the lobby, interrupting that thought.

  I flinched.

  Derek.

  Fab.

  He filled my doorframe like a bull, looking larger and stockier than normal. "What the hell were you thinking?"

  I shot Danny a death look. "You called Derek?"

  Wisely, he didn't answer, instead sidestepping Derek and slipping out of the room.

  Derek slammed the door shut behind him. "Brumhill tried to kill my daughter? Shooting me wasn't enough, now he's going after my baby?" he boomed.

  "Shh!" I told him. Though if it wasn't for his flared nostrils and new eggplant-infused complexion, making it look like his head might pop off at any moment, it could've been a rather touching moment. He still thought of me as his baby.

  "I filled Aiden in on everything. I gave him the video." That I stole from your boat. "He's processing my car, and once the evidence connects all of the dots, he'll prosecute. That's it. We're done."

  Derek shot me a hard look. "You really believe that?"

  "That Aiden will prosecute? Yes."

  "With what?" Derek leaned in. "All we have is a guy handing the mayor a stack of money. Could be a campaign contribution. Could be he was paying off a loan. Could be a million different things that Brumhill has spent the last three years covering up. You really think there's anything that Aiden's going to find now?"

  Put like that? No. "He shot at me today, Derek. On the 1. There's no way he didn't leave evidence behind."

  "If he did it."

  I paused. "He was behind it."

  "He's been behind a lot of things. I haven't seen him in a courtroom yet, have you?"

  Derek's words about Brumhill greasing the wheels of the court system came back to me. Was it possible he still had friends in high enough places to slip through the cracks on this one, too?

  "If Brumhill knows that the authorities now have everything that you did, you
're no longer a threat to him. The target's off our backs," I argued, even though it came out with less conviction than I'd hoped.

  "This isn't over, Jamie," Derek said, rising from the chair. "I thought I could bury it, but I was wrong. It's not going to be over until Brumhill gets a taste of his own medicine."

  "What do you mean?" I asked. I didn't like the look on his face. It was hard, dark, and as unreadable as the one he'd given me when I'd first confronted him about Brady.

  "I gotta go," he mumbled.

  "Derek?"

  But he didn't answer me. Instead, he threw the door to my office open and stalked across the lobby.

  "Derek!"

  He ignored me, pushing through the glass doors and disappearing down the hallway.

  I bit my lip as Maya and Danny stood by.

  "Everything okay?" Danny asked.

  I shook my head. "I don't know. He . . . " I trailed off, gesturing after Derek.

  How stupid would he be? Stupid enough to take matters into his own hands? To go after Brumhill himself?

  I closed my eyes and thought a really bad word. Of course he was! This was Derek we were talking about.

  "Danny!" I called, popping my eyes open.

  "Yeah?" He was at my side in an instant.

  "I need your van."

  "What's going on?" he asked, concern lacing his expression.

  "I think my dad's going to shoot Brumhill."

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  We lost Derek along the freeway, but it didn't matter much as I already had a pretty clear idea where he was going.

  "You really think he'll kill the guy?" Danny asked as he hung a sharp left onto the exit.

  It was all I'd thought about on the ride over. I had no clue. Derek was from a different generation of PI's, one that was inherently wary of the police. And, I supposed if Brady had been my drinking buddy, I might agree with good reason. But whether or not Brumhill ever saw the inside of a courtroom over the video Derek had taken, it was unlikely he could make another move for the rest of his life without the DA's office watching him.

  Not that Derek felt any justice in that.

  Danny pulled his van through the gates and up the front drive of Brumhill's estate. I immediately saw Derek's Bonneville in front of the house. The driver side door was open, the keys dangling in the ignition.