by Mia Dymond
“Yes,” he answered honestly. “We’ve had this discussion.”
“I agreed to cooperate,” she reminded him. “It had nothing to do with your ultimatum.”
Rebel wiped a hand across his brow. “We just want to keep you alive, Kat.”
Sophie cleared her throat and glared at her fiancé.
“I don’t think we should dwell on the alive factor,” Liv suggested. “Safe is sufficient.”
“Doesn’t matter what we call it – alive or safe or whatever – just follow directions.” Thunder laid down the law in his usual no nonsense manner and three people in the room didn’t argue.
Four, however, had something to say.
“Thunder,” Liv chided, “you really need to work on your delivery.”
Chaos just about fell out of his chair when Thunder opened his mouth to speak and then snapped it shut.
“Holy shit,” Rebel mumbled.
“We want Kat to be safe too,” Carley added, “but you can’t disrupt her life to do it.”
“Murder is disruptive,” he drawled.
“Chaos,” Ace hissed through gritted teeth.
“What? It’s the truth.”
Kat unfolded her arms and approached his chair. “You and I have an agreement and you better hold up your end of the deal.”
“I’m a man of my word.”
“Good, because I can be difficult if you make me.”
“Now that we’ve assured everyone’s cooperation,” Sophie interrupted, “there’s one more think we need to talk about. The fundraiser.”
Chaos frowned. “What fundraiser?”
“Kat is the chairwoman for Hope for the Hungry,” Sophie explained. “The organization raises money for the food pantries in Everglade Springs.”
He glanced at Kat. “You didn’t mention it.”
“Slipped my mind.” She shrugged. “We’re hosting Girls’ Night Out on Friday.”
“Friday?”
“Yes, three days from now.”
“No.”
“Yes. In three days, on Friday night, I will attend Girls’ Night Out, with or without you.”
“With him,” Sophie interrupted. “In fact, with all of them.”
Carley’s lips split into a smile that Chaos couldn’t immediately interpret. “Great idea, Sophie!”
He shifted his weight to one hip and glanced at Sophie. “What exactly is Girls’ Night Out?”
“Women in the community buy tickets to attend a catered dinner with live entertainment.”
“What kind of entertainment?”
“Men.”
Suddenly, Girls’ Night Out sounded like a code name for Girls Gone Wild. “Come again?”
“Men from the community volunteer to act as waiters for the dinner.”
“How is that entertainment?”
“That depends. Each waiter works to make his table happy so that he earns large tips for the charity. The waiter who earns the most money gets the title of head waiter until next year’s event.”
“Talk about a security nightmare,” Thunder mumbled.
Sophie gave him a wide smile identical to Carley’s. “Not if you participate.”
“Hell, no.”
“Wait a minute.” Chaos swallowed hard as the captain glared. “She may have a good idea. Recon may be a whole lot easier if we’re in the mix.”
Thunder narrowed his eyes, a move that Chaos knew meant the captain was still very skeptical of the whole mission. “All we have to do is serve food?”
Sophie nodded in the affirmative.
“Doesn’t sound difficult.”
“In a tuxedo,” Liv added.
“No.” Thunder repeated his earlier denial.
Liv rolled her eyes and steamrolled right over the other man’s refusal. “Stop being difficult. It’s for a good cause and Chaos is right. Mingling with these women may give you some insight.” Chaos grinned at Liv’s expert use of her eyelashes as she continued. “Besides, I have the feeling you don’t get out much.”
“The judge said the caller was male,” Thunder pointed out.
“Nice try, Captain,” Ace muttered, “but we all know that doesn’t mean anything. We have basically no information and for all we know, a woman could very well be involved. This shindig might give us some Intel.”
“I doubt that any of the women who attend this function would dirty their hands with murder,” Kat drawled. “I would think it would be way too messy.”
Ace shook his head. “When you watch people as long as I have, you wouldn’t be surprised at the things they do.”
Chaos silently agreed. Even though Ace was the one who spent hours watching targets through the crosshairs of his sniper’s rifle, Chaos had witnessed the same thing. Nobody was above suspicion in his book.
“I’ll call Dan,” Liv added. “He’ll expect you tomorrow for a fitting.”
Thunder lifted an eyebrow. “Who the hell is Dan?”
“A tailor,” Liv explained patiently. “You’ll need to be measured so that the correct cut can be ordered.”
“You can arrange that in less than twenty–four hours?”
“Lucky for you, yes,” Liv answered as she pulled her cellphone from the bag on her shoulder and pressed buttons. “Dan will fit you for a tuxedo and I’ll deliver your ties before dinner begins.”
Thunder glanced at him and winced. “Lucky for us.”
Although a little unnerved about cramming himself into a tuxedo, he pushed that annoyance to the side. “Where is this event going to be held?”
“At the hospital in the cafeteria.”
“So, I hate to steer the conversation back to murder,” Rebel said as he glanced at Sophie and shrugged. “But we need strategy.”
Thankfully, Thunder took the cue. “We’ve already established that Chaos will work from the inside. Ace will comb the spa to ensure safety here. I’ll get with Judge Abbott to identify suspects.”
“I’ll check out the hospital,” Rebel added.
“What about Kat’s customers?”
He wasn’t surprised when Kat answered Thunder immediately. “What about them?”
“We’ll need a list of regulars.”
“Why?”
“Everyone’s a suspect until we know differently.”
He watched a variety of emotions cross her beautiful face – everything from relief to amusement – until he saw the one he knew best take charge. Defiance.
“We’ll be discreet, Kat,” he said quietly, hoping to hell he could defuse the ticking time bomb of her temper. “We don’t want anyone to be aware of the threat on your life.”
“Fine,” she mumbled. “As long as you don’t harass them.”
Grossly relieved, he found himself again on guard when Ace asked the next question. “Solitary?”
“No,” he answered immediately. “No need for that yet. We’ll stay at her house.”
“It’s all settled then.” Liv tossed her phone back into her bag. “You’ve outlined your strategy and I’ve arranged for all of you to be measured tomorrow.” Thunder’s grunt beneath his breath did little to dissuade her. “I’ll send Dan to your office.”
Carley pulled Kat into a deep hug. “Promise me you’ll do as he says.”
“Of course.” She gave him a cheeky grin over Carley’s shoulder.
Sophie giggled and enveloped her next. “I’m only a phone call away.”
“Me too,” Liv told her. “And if you need anything else for the party, please let me know.”
Kat gave Liv’s hand a squeeze as soon as Sophie released her. “Thanks, but I think you’ve got your hands full.”
“Nonsense.” Liv dismissed Kat with a wave of her hand. “I’ll have the four of them dressed to the nines in no time.”
Carley turned and gave him a smile. “Take care of her, Chaos.”
Chaos nodded, knowing full well there was an or else in there somewhere and that he would deeply regret the consequences if he didn’t follow through. Observation to
ld him that the fierce loyalty between the four women was just as strong as the force between Alpha Four members.
He waited until everyone else left the room before he finally spoke. “Are you ready to call it a night?”
“Definitely.”
“Show me how you secure the building and then I need to run by my house for my gear.”
After taking him through the maze of rooms and switching off lights, she led him into her office and pointed at a control panel on one wall. “All the lights are green so that means all doors are shut and the system is ready to be armed. I just punch in the code and go.”
“Cameras?”
“Yes, in each room except the massage rooms.”
“Do they record for twenty four hours?”
She nodded and lifted a hand, poised to set the alarm.
“How often do you change the disc?”
“Every morning when I open.”
“You change it yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Do you archive the discs?”
She lowered her hand and smirked. “Good grief 007, yes I archive them. And the security company picks them up on Friday afternoon.”
“Where are the monitors?”
“There are two behind the partition that circles the front desk and two in my office.”
“How many people have access to the alarm code?”
“Seven or eight.” She shrugged. “Can I enter the code now?”
He nodded. “Change it, and don’t tell anyone else other than me.”
Impressed that he didn’t get an argument, he watched her punch a series of numbers into the keypad and then turn to him. “What’s your birthdate?”
“050983.”
Several more keystrokes later, a series of staccato beeps filled the silence.
“We have one minute to exit,” she told him.
Once they stood outside the front door in the dark of the night, the hair stood on the back of his neck as Kat poked her key into the lock and snapped it into place. He knew from experience that dark and murder went hand–in–hand. He quickly grasped her elbow and urged her toward his truck.
“I’m parked at the curb.”
He quickly pressed the button on his remote, somewhat relieved when the headlights flashed twice. He moved his gaze around the truck one last time before he opened the passenger door and motioned her inside with one hand. Once she sat safely behind tinted glass, he rounded the vehicle and entered the driver’s door, his anxiety still in high gear.
“Do you need directions?”
He smirked and lifted an eyebrow as he plugged the key into the ignition and brought the engine to life. “Your father didn’t tell you much about me, did he?”
She shook her head. “Obviously he left the details to you.”
As soon as her words crossed his eardrums, a warm rush of heat traveled the length of his body, threatening to break him out in a full sweat. Yes, Judge Abbott depended on him to convince his daughter of the impending danger; however, she hadn’t hesitated to trust him and for that, she had his utmost respect.
“I know where you live.”
“Google Earth,” she mumbled.
“It won’t take long to grab my gear.” He checked the rearview mirror and then steered into the traffic–free street. “It’s packed and ready to go.”
“Are you sure this is necessary?”
“Absolutely,” he answered without hesitation. “You’re not?”
“It’s not that I don’t think it’s necessary, I’ve just been through this a few times.”
He gave her a quick glance and frowned before he turned his attention back out the windshield. “You’ve been threatened before?”
“Not me personally, but like I mentioned earlier, Judge Abbott doesn’t always make the most popular decision.”
“Yet, you live alone.”
“I do.” She released a long sigh. “My father and I agree on the importance of independence.”
“Understood.”
He slowed to make a right turn and then followed a winding two–lane road to an out–of–the–way cul–de–sac lined by a canopy of palm trees.
“I didn’t realize this neighborhood was back here.”
“Not many people do.” Bright, white light from spotlights over his driveway invaded the darkness as he parked, showcasing the modest, gray–stone, two–story home in front of them. “I enjoy the peace and quiet.”
“The house is beautiful from the outside.”
“Thank you.” He grasped the keys and then glanced into the side view mirror to assure they were alone and then turned to gesture at her door with his head. “Once I come around, we walk quickly to the front door.” He unsnapped his phone case at his hip, pulled out his cell and then punched several numbers to disable the security alarm and unlock the house. “We have thirty seconds to enter.”
***
As she walked next to Chaos in the murky darkness, Kat waited for the cold fingers of fear to grip the tops of her shoulders. As badly as she hated to admit it, she had become a target for a madman – no sense of independence could change that. Yet, warmth from the hot–blooded male beside her invaded her skin and dared her to be scared. The night was warm in itself, but it had nothing on her body temperature.
“You do live alone, don’t you?”
His hearty chuckle only made the night warmer. “You just now thought to ask?”
“Like you said, I don’t know much about you.”
His hand at the small of her back urged her closer to the door. “Yes, I live alone.”
She snuck a peek at him from the corner of her eyes, his long, slender legs still covering the distance to the front door in long steps with a definite purpose. And his thighs, muscled as well, stretched the denim of his jeans with his every move. But another area of his body had her full attention; the treasure between his legs left little to the imagination as it tested the strength of his zipper.
Why in the name of everything holy did this strong, virile man live alone? Better yet, what woman in her right mind would allow it?
“You haven’t asked about my personal life,” she said as they stood outside the front door.
That arrogant, but oh–so–sexy smile separated his lips once again as their gazes met. “I already know things about you that you probably wish I didn’t.”
“You could still ask,” she mumbled.
He turned the doorknob and pushed open the door. “You have a beautiful pout.”
“I don’t pout.”
“Yes, you do.” He gestured her inside with one hand.
Just to spite him, she pursed her lips and gave him her best sultry stare as she stepped into the house. Except, the feigned pout fell from her face when she raised her gaze and took in the unexpected sight before her.
Tall, cathedral ceilings took her breath away as her eyes moved over the tall, open space and then down the pristine white walls into what she interpreted to be the formal living area. Several frames made of dark, rich wood showcased abstract art while hung on the walls. Two large sofas, both deep, emerald green in color, sat across from each other with large, oversized pillows positioned along each sofa’s back. Two wingback chairs, both covered in tan fabric with a green strip completed the seating area. Beneath her feet, soft, tan carpet covered the floor.
She turned to him and raised an eyebrow. “Should I take off my shoes?”
“No.” He frowned. “Why would you do that?”
She returned his frown, confused by his question. “Seriously? This is obviously a no–touching zone.”
Still, he stood silent with the frown firmly in place. Obviously, he expected an explanation.
“The place shines like a shiny new penny, Chaos. I’m afraid to step on the carpet for fear of leaving footprints.”
He gave her a smirk while he shook his head, reached to close the door behind them, and then punch a series of numbers into the pad next to the door. “If you make a break, the s
iren will give you away.”
“Are you holding me hostage?”
“Hardly.” He pointed at one sofa and then handed her his cell phone. “Make yourself comfortable and check in with the judge. I’ll only be a few minutes.”
She raised an eyebrow and frowned at the phone. “I have my phone.”
“Mine will disguise our location.”
As badly as she wanted to, she couldn’t argue his logic and graciously accepted the device as she watched him ascend the stairs two at a time, a seemingly effortless task for his long legs.
She wasted no time in sitting on the vacant cushions and relaxing back against the welcoming pillows. Nestled against them, she melted in to the comfort while a sense of security enveloped her. She rolled her head to one side and gazed around the room. Although the epitome of class, the area was remarkably comfortable.
And clean.
Not one pillow was out of place. The tables next to each sofa were spotless and the room’s corners were clear of cobwebs. The carpet looked like it had been rolled right off the bolt with not one fiber squished by foot traffic. She gave a mental snort. She shouldn’t be surprised. Chaos probably moved through the house in his usual smooth, jaguar–like manner, sneaking from room to room without a sound. His feet most likely barely even touched the floor.
From her vantage point, the kitchen occupied the next room and like the living room, everything she could see appeared in place. Shiny pots and pans hung above a large island situated in the middle of the room, the countertops sparkled and the tile on the floor practically glistened in the dim light cast upon it by the table lamps. She got the distinct feeling he must not spend much time at home. That, or someone picked up after him. Suddenly she wasn’t so sure how he defined alone.
She released a heavy sigh and directed her thoughts back to her father as she dialed the phone.
“Hi, Dad,” she said as he answered.
“Kat?”
“Yes, Chaos insisted I use his phone.”
