The guard approached them and asked for their ID, even though he was the guard who had spoken to them yesterday morning and given Red his visitor badge. “Can’t be too thorough right now.”
“Thanks,” Kate replied. “I appreciate you doing your job.”
The guard smiled wryly. “Not everyone is of that opinion this morning.”
“I can imagine.” Kate gave him a sympathetic smile as the guard waved to his colleague and the barrier lifted up, allowing them in.
Red drove to Kate’s allocated parking space and switched off the engine. Before she had a chance to open the door and get out, the director approached, his expression grim. “How are you, Kate? I can’t imagine what you must have gone through last night.”
“I’m okay.” She put a brave smile on her face, although being back here made her queasy with nerves. “I’m just worried about my mom.”
“Of course, you are. And that’s where you should be, at your mom’s bedside.” As Sam spoke, Carter came across and joined them. “With the damage done to the set, and the police investigation into what happened, filming is postponed for the next five to seven days.”
“I suggested we all go back to my house in Bear Creek where we can rehearse our scenes,” Carter added.
“Carter has assured me he will employ a private security team to keep you all safe.” Sam glanced sideways at Carter and looked as if he was about to say more but then stopped. “The studio has agreed to cover all costs incurred.”
“Thank you, Sam. And I’m so sorry this has happened.” Kate was back to blaming herself once more.
“There could be any number of reasons this happened,” Sam said. “You could have brought the stalker with you or they could have surfaced because of this movie. Space Monkeys attracts a few of the more...enthusiastic fans.”
Kate took comfort in Sam’s support. “I’ll do whatever it takes to find out who is behind this and make sure the movie still gets made. I want this to be a success.”
“It will be,” Carter said. “And we will find out who is responsible. Right now, the police are working with the studio's security team to unite over the identity of the person who attacked your mom.”
“They also want to interview her.” Sam gave Kate a sympathetic smile. “You should be there when they do.”
Kate nodded. “We should go. If you’re sure?”
“Yes, absolutely. The police can interview you at the same time as your mom.”
“I hoped your mom would be well enough to come and stay with me in Bear Creek, too.” Carter’s invitation was very sweet.
“She’d like that, I’m sure.” It might also be the perfect opportunity to change her mom’s mind about Space Monkeys.
“If you’ll excuse me, I should go and make sure the police have all the information they need.” Sam walked away.
“Let’s all go to Bear Creek and rehearse our scenes?” Red asked Carter, after Sam had moved out of earshot.
Carter looked a little sheepish. “It was my suggestion. If this is an inside job, we expect them to make a move again. If we go to Bear Creek, it’s going to be easier to figure out who it is. It’s like being on home territory. Whereas here, they were working in a place they knew well. That had to be why they evaded the security cameras.”
“Do you think someone wants me off the movie?” Kate asked.
“I’m not sure.” Carter didn’t meet her eyes.
“Really? You don’t think this is personal to me?” Kate asked.
“It could be some disgruntled fan doesn’t want you on the movie, or it could be some disgruntled fan doesn’t want the movie made at all and you were just a way to make that happen. That’s why Sam agreed to a break in filming, so we can figure this all out.”
“And lure the person responsible to Bear Creek,” Red said. “I’m not happy about it, but I agree we should lure them out in a controlled way. With us in control.”
“If whoever is responsible follows us.”
“I’ve come across this type of fan before. Believe me, they will follow us. We just need to make sure they follow the breadcrumb trail to where we are heading.” Carter pulled out his phone and tapped his screen. “Which is why I’m going to announce it on Twitter.”
Chapter Sixteen – Red
“Breadcrumb trail? I think half the world’s population knows we’re heading to Bear Creek,” Red complained as they pulled into town. Bear Creek often saw an influx of tourists in the summer, but in early fall the town became quieter, with only a few visitors on weekends. Those visitors were often hikers, or shifters from out of town, who shared a common love for the wide-open spaces the mountain offered. But the people milling around the streets through town at present were not likely to ever set foot on a mountain.
“At least the local businesses are going to have a real boost.” Kate looked tense as she sat in the passenger seat of his old truck. For a woman used to red carpets and limousines, she looked quite at home.
“I’m sure every room in town is booked.” Red slowed to a stop. He’d never seen the traffic so snarled up.
“And we’re certain the person responsible will follow?” Kate still didn’t sound too sure.
“Yes. Carter is right, we aren’t dealing with a normal person. I mean not someone who thinks normally. Fanatics see things differently. And if we’re right, the person behind the attacks will not like you, or the movie, getting this kind of publicity.” Red sure didn’t like the situation, but he wanted an end to the threat hanging over Kate and he was certain Carter’s plan would force the person out into the light and expose them to the world.
Man or woman. He still cursed himself for not being more aware that night in the park. His senses were so overwhelmed by the nearness of Kate that for the first time ever they had failed him. His possessive side had taken over. The nearness of a male shifter had meant he hadn’t been aware of the woman wearing gardenia and violet perfume.
“I didn’t realize Space Monkeys was such a big movie,” her mom admitted from the back seat of Red’s truck where she was resting after being discharged from the hospital. Kate had insisted she would only travel to Carter’s house if Marylin came, too.
Kate glanced in the rearview mirror. “Thanks for not saying I told you so, Mom.”
“Why would I?” Marylin. asked
“You always told me to avoid big movies.” Kate was still being hard on herself and it hurt him to hear her blaming herself.
Apparently, so did her mom. “What do I know?” Marylin answered. “This is your life, you must make your own decisions. No one, and I mean no one, should make them for you.”
Red was certain Marylin was trying to ensure Red had not taken control of her daughter’s destiny. Yet in some ways he had. Or at least he had taken control of her heart. But the other decisions she made, particularly about her career, were not something he planned to interfere with. Kate knew what she wanted from life, and he would always be here for her if she wanted to talk things through. After all, his job was to support her. No matter what, because that’s what true mates did.
“I agree, Kate is her own woman. And no one has the right to tell you what to do or enforce their views or preferences on you. The director chose you for the part, Carter thinks you are perfect for it. That should be good enough for everyone.” His voice rose as he struggled to contain his anger. No one had the right to dent Kate’s confidence in such a way. It was as if someone wanted to rip the heart out of her.
I’d rip the head off someone’s shoulders when we figure out who is responsible for hurting our mate, his bear said.
You’ll have to wait in line, Red replied, as he followed the directions to Carter’s house. They turned off the main road and drove toward the edge of town, then they took a left and kept going until they saw the mansion on their right.
“Carter sure has a nice house,” Kate said absently as she ducked her head and looked through the window.
“It would have to be huge to fit all
the people from the movie set inside.” From the entrance of the property, Red could see a large collection of vehicles parked outside the mansion. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes. The sun reflected off the paintwork of cars and trucks, some old, some new, as they stood crammed together, just as their owners must be crammed together inside the house. Red was not sure he was going to enjoy this at all. “Carter wasn’t joking when he said he planned to get as many people here as possible.”
“Wow, this looks like quite a party going on,” Marylin said, leaning forward and looking more like her old self as she surveyed the scene. “You never know, I might meet a new man myself.”
“I hope you do, Mom,” Kate told her mom.
“You wouldn’t feel as if I was abandoning you?” Marylin answered.
“No, of course not, Mom,” Kate protested, her tone conveying her surprise at her mom’s question. “I want you to be as happy as I am. As we are.” She reached out and placed her hand on Red’s.
In the back seat of the truck, Marylin sniffed loudly and it was a moment before she said, “You really are happy, aren’t you?”
“Yes, we are. Happier than I ever imagined I could be. At least, I always hoped one day I would find the man of my dreams, but I didn’t expect it to happen so suddenly. Or so completely.” Kate looked at Red and his need for her intensified. He didn’t want to share her with anyone else, he simply wanted to grab hold of her hand and lead her into the mountains where he would show her just how much he needed her.
Words could never express how much it meant to Red when Kate told Marylin how happy she was to have him in her life. It proved to him the mating bond between them was true, and that fate had gotten it right. Not that he doubted it for one moment. Red had seen his friends, such as Jamie and Caroline, settle down and enjoy blissful happiness, often against all odds. He was a believer in fate long before he met Kate.
“Okay. Let’s go.” Red put his foot on the gas and the truck began the last part of the journey, rolling up the long driveway toward the house. His old truck looked out of place against the backdrop of the mansion and the gardens surrounding it. The house was magnificent and the gardens immediately surrounding the house were filled with colorful flowers and stately trees.
What interested Red more was the rows and rows of hops on the left side of the driveway. His bear licked his lips. If the hops are grown here, does that mean the honey is, too?
Red licked his lips, too. After the long drive, he wouldn’t mind a nice cold glass of Bear Creek Honey Beer, once they were settled in at the mansion. Although, he also had to stay focused and aware of what was happening around Kate. This was no vacation. For Red, this was a business trip. One which might include a little pleasure, too. And not just beer. He planned to spend time alone with Kate and show her his favorite places in Bear Creek. Places they could be alone.
Slowing to a halt, Red parked his old truck next to a sporty Jeep that he recognized from the parking lot of the studio. He had no idea who it belonged to. Neither did he know who any of the other vehicles belonged to. But there were plenty of them. “How many people did Carter invite?”
“I have no idea,” Kate said as she got out of the truck and waved at Carter as he approached.
“I feel like we’re in a murder mystery movie. All the suspects have been assembled and we are waiting for the bad guy, or girl, to be revealed.” Carter kissed Kate on both cheeks and took hold of her hand. “I promise there will be no murder.”
“I’m relieved to hear it.” Red’s voice held a hint of warning. He was not happy about the situation in so many ways, but he also knew this was the best way to flush out their enemy. And make no mistake, whoever was doing this was the enemy. Both of Kate and Red, they were joined now, their lives deeply entwined.
“Don’t worry, Red, Guy and Flint, who run Bear Creek Protectors, have organized an army of undercover bodyguards to keep Kate safe.” Carter grinned. “They are so undercover even I don’t know who they all are.” He cleared his throat. “I’d better be on my best behavior.”
“Aren’t you always?” Caroline came up behind him, her footsteps near silent. Carter winked at Red and Kate. He knew she was approaching, of course, he did, she was his mate.
“What do you think, my love?” Carter asked sweetly.
“I think you are bored and trying to spar with me, but unfortunately with so many guests, you can forget it. We have to put on a united front.” Caroline kissed Carter on the cheek and linked arms with him possessively. “Or are you hoping to cause an argument, so you can go off with one of the many fans hanging around town? So many pretty women.”
Carter’s expression sobered. “You know you are the only one for me. You also know I would never give one of my fans the wrong idea.”
“I do. I’m sorry I joked about it.” Caroline turned her attention to Red and Kate. “Shall we go inside? I’ve saved you a room. A good room.”
“We could always crash at my place,” Red suggested. “It might not be as grand as this house, but it’s comfortable enough.”
“I’d like that. But we’re here to lure out the enemy,” Kate told him, as she took hold of his hand. Warmth flooded through him and Red could see his own need to be alone, just the two of them, mirrored in her expression. “Maybe when this is over you can show me your place.” She turned around and looked at the mountains in the near distance. “And I really want to go take a look at those.”
“Once this is over.” Carter and Caroline turned back toward the house. “I’m certain whoever chased you in the park and then tried to hurt Marylin has followed you here.” Carter glanced over his shoulder at Marylin who was hanging back. “We’ve got a nice quiet room for you, too, Marylin. It’s in the back of the house. Furthest away from the noise.”
“Thank you, Carter. It’s very kind of you.” Marylin followed them, her hand gripped tightly around the strap of her purse. She was quiet, hardly entering the conversation. Red didn’t know if this was normal behavior for Marylin or if she was feeling unwell. Or perhaps she was overawed by the crowded mansion. If so, she had his sympathy, crowds were not his favorite thing. You never knew what or who was hiding in a crowd. A suicide bomber, a man with a gun… He reminded himself neither of those things were likely here in Bear Creek.
“Don’t mention it. My sole goal for the next few days is to make you change your mind about Space Monkeys,” Carter told Marylin.
“I can’t promise that will happen,” Marylin told their host. “But I am grateful for what you are all doing for Kate.”
“This is for you, too.” Caroline hung back and walked by Marylin’s side. “You are as much a victim of this as Kate.”
“Thank you, Caroline,” Marylin’s voice choked with emotion.
“We’re all in this together,” Red added. Caroline was correct, Marylin was part of his family, his to protect, and if needed, provide for. Next to their mate, family was the most important thing to a shifter.
“We always protect our own.” Caroline sighed and climbed the steps into her house, which was filled with strangers. “Welcome to our home.”
“Where is everyone sleeping?” Kate asked as they glimpsed a couple of dozen people in the downstairs rooms.
“The studio hired some trailers for most of the guests. They are parked in the lower meadow. Although when they agreed to do so, I don’t believe they knew how many people were coming.” Caroline looked disapprovingly at her guests. “I think someone mentioned free liquor.”
“And food,” Carter said amiably.
“It’s a good thing I love you and this is for a good cause,” Caroline told her husband.
“You know that’s the only reason I made it an open house.” Carter slipped his arm around Caroline’s waist. “You also know how much I love the peace and quiet of living here, just you, me, and the children.”
She leaned on his shoulder. “I do.”
“So let’s get this mystery solved and go back to our quiet, boring life.”
Carter grinned, his good looks and infectious enthusiasm had no effect on his wife.
Caroline inhaled deeply as if strengthening her resolve. “I’ll get someone to take your luggage up to your room.”
“I can do that. It’s no trouble,” Red insisted.
“It’s okay, you should go with Carter and meet with Guy and Flint. They want to talk a few things over with you,” Caroline said and then walked off, leaving them with a bemused Carter.
“Aren’t you joining us?” Carter asked as he watched her walk away.
“I’ll catch up with you later. I want to go and call Dani to check that the kids are okay. At least they have been spared this madness,” she said over her shoulder as she walked down the hallway, leaving Carter to guide them into another room which looked like a study.
Books lined the wall, and a large desk stood in the window, which had views down to an ornamental pond. Along the edge of the room, two large comfortable sofas were stationed.
“Hello.” The younger of two men turned to greet them, his hand extended toward Kate. “I’m Guy, it’s good to meet you, I only wish the circumstances were better.”
“Me, too.” Kate shook Guy’s hand.
“This is Flint,” Carter introduced the older man, who had silver hair at his temples, but a steely look in his eye and a well-toned body of a man half his age.
“Good to meet you all. Red, Jamie has told me a lot of good things about you. Welcome to the team.” Flint shook Red’s hand and then said hello to Kate and Marylin. “I also wish circumstances were different, but we have to work with what we have.”
“It’s good to meet you both,” Red said respectfully. “I appreciate your help.”
“No problem, Red. Since you are joining us, we have to protect you and your family. It also provides a good chance for us to work together as a team,” Guy replied.
“Think of it as on-the-job training,” Flint said with a gravelly voice. “Now, we should get down to business and let you know what we have planned.”
“We are fairly certain the person who is causing these problems is here. Or will arrive here over the next couple of days.” Guy looked down at the notes in his hand. “We believe that even if they plan to stay away, they won’t be able to. If this had been one random attack, things might be different, but we believe we are dealing with someone a little more…fanatical.”
Bodyguard Bear (Bear Creek Protectors Book 1) Page 13
