The Soldier's Seduction

by Jane Godman

  “We’ve met. I’m surprised you’ve forgotten the circumstances of our last meeting already, Mr. Sullivan.” Cameron regarded her in surprise as she strode into his office. She paused in front of his desk and held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mayor Delaney. I’m Steffi Grantham.”

  She was aware of a silent communication taking place between the two brothers. It was something she had never witnessed between two people before. The bond between them must be truly remarkable. Whatever he saw in Bryce’s eyes must have convinced Cameron to go along with Steffi. Looking away from his brother, he shook her hand.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Grantham. Won’t you take a seat? Mr. Sullivan and I are just finalizing the details of a charity fund-raising gala that’s being held in the memorial hall in this building tomorrow night.”

  “We’re not staying.” Bryce intervened before she could speak. “We have some people we need to meet. But I guess you—” he kept his eyes on Walter’s face “—already know that.”

  “Didn’t you have something for me?” Some of the smoothness had gone from Walter’s tone. He appeared bewildered by Steffi’s unruffled manner. Unruffled on the outside. You have no idea of the ruffles going on inside me. “You can hand it over right now.”

  “No.” She looked him in the eye. Those disconcertingly dark eyes. “We need to talk before I hand anything over.”

  “That was not our deal.”

  Although his expression hardened, his voice remained conversational. Steffi guessed she had the presence of Stillwater’s mayor to thank for that. Bryce had been right. Walter wasn’t going to risk showing his true colors in front of other people. Not unless he was pushed to his limits. Steffi had no idea what Walter’s limits were, but he clearly hadn’t reached them yet. She wanted to test his boundaries. Wanted him to feel some of the things he had put her and Greg through. To experience a fear so intense it actually felt like it was flowing alongside the blood in his veins. She wanted to force him to survive on adrenaline and instinct, glancing over his shoulder every few minutes just to check who was there and what was happening. She would never be able to make Walter pay for what he had done to her family, and she knew that seeking revenge would damage her as much as him, but he didn’t need to know that.

  She leaned closer. “You were quick to claim you made me, Walter. Be proud of your creation.”

  Bryce caught hold of her hand. “Cam, we’ll be at Dino’s. When you finish up here, meet us there.” He nodded at Walter. “We’ll talk soon.”

  His voice was cordial, but his eyes conveyed the threat he had been looking forward to issuing. Walter’s color rose and Bryce smiled. Walter was an arrogant bully. It must be hell sitting there, keeping his temper in check, when last time they’d met, Bryce had knocked him out and set fire to his elegant dining room.

  When he answered, Walter’s jaw was rigid. “You can count on it.”

  They left Cameron’s office and, dodging the outraged secretary, made their way down the stairs, through the double doors and into the central lobby. Because there were a number of services located within the building, this area was busy. Putting into practice his plan to make sure they weren’t alone and vulnerable, Bryce moved up close to the central reception desk.

  “What next?” Steffi pulled her hat down lower and adjusted her dark glasses as she cast a nervous glance around. She was reassured when she observed that no one was looking their way.

  “As soon as Walter leaves Cameron’s office, he’ll call Alexei. For all we know, he already has.” Bryce withdrew his cell phone from his pocket. “We need to get to Dino’s without any problems from the tattooed gorillas.”

  “Who are you calling?” Steffi’s gaze remained fixed on the staircase they had come down. Her heart was in her mouth as she waited for the moment when Walter would emerge.

  “Vincente.” Bryce held up a finger to indicate that his brother had answered the call. “Are you in your office?” Bryce didn’t have time for pleasantries. “Good. Get into one of the trucks and come down to city hall. No, I haven’t finally gone crazy. Just do it as fast as you can.”

  As Bryce ended the call a woman’s voice hailed him. Watching his face as he turned to greet the woman with an attempt at an “everything’s normal” smile, Steffi could tell he was experiencing a feeling of dread. Whoever this woman was, her sharp blue eyes scanned him behind a bright smile. They took in his crumpled clothing, two-day-old stubble and bloodshot eyes before moving on to study Steffi. A slight crease pulled her brows together.

  “When did you get back from your—” those searching eyes seemed to let Bryce know she wasn’t going to be fobbed off “—what did you call it? Much needed vacation? I hate to say this, but you don’t look very refreshed.”

  Behind her glasses Steffi’s gaze fastened on one thing. Bryce’s companion was dressed smartly in black pants and a matching blazer over a crisp white blouse. And her Stillwater Police Department badge was prominently displayed on one lapel.

  “Oh, you know. Traveling can be hell. And we just got back.”

  The woman turned her attention to Steffi. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Laurie Delaney... Bryce’s sister-in-law.”

  Steffi didn’t answer. Her thoughts were working overtime. If she told Laurie her name and Bryce’s suspicious sister-in-law checked her out—which she was likely to do—then Steffi’s cover was blown.

  At that moment Walter came through the double doors at the bottom of the stairs. He paused as he took in the scene. From where he stood, only one thing was obvious. Bryce and Steffi were talking to a police officer. His expression was a mask of fury as he stared across the lobby at them. Then he stalked out of the building.

  Steffi followed his progress, watching through the glass doors as Walter made his way down the steps and into a waiting car. She caught a glimpse of the driver’s bald head before the vehicle pulled away. Seconds later a black truck emblazoned with the red Delaney Transportation logo drew up in its place.

  “We can’t stay and chat.” Bryce turned to Laurie, who had been watching the brief exchange of glances closely. “Our ride has just arrived.”

  * * *

  During the three months she had lived in Stillwater, Steffi had learned that Dino’s was the place to eat. The place for everything, really. Meeting friends, hanging out, hearing the gossip. The restaurant in the center of Main Street was the essence of Stillwater.

  Her need for privacy meant she had never tried it herself, of course. Now she was arriving in the least private manner possible. In the cab of a huge truck, sandwiched between two of the Delaney brothers.

  Vincente’s initial incredulity had turned to anger when, on the drive over from city hall, Bryce had given him an abbreviated version of the events of the past few days. Now, as he brought the truck to a halt in front of Dino’s, there was a glint of amusement in his expression.

  “So, until you can confront Walter Sullivan and get the answers to your questions, your plan is to stay highly visible?”

  Bryce nodded. “That about sums it up. We’re vulnerable if his goons can get us alone. As long as we make sure we have people around us or we draw attention to ourselves, we stay safe.” He gripped Steffi’s hand. “It won’t be for long.”

  “Isn’t that dangerous, given that Steffi needs to hide her identity?” Vincente asked.

  “Since everyone is searching for a beautiful actress, I’m doing my best to look different.” Steffi grimaced as she tugged at her two-day-old T-shirt.

  “And what’s my role in this part of the story?” Vincente followed them into the restaurant.

  “When the guys with the tattooed hands show up, you make it clear you’re watching their every move,” Bryce said.

  Even in the middle of the afternoon, Dino’s was busy. The restaurant had captured everything that was best about Stillwat
er. With windows that provided panoramic views of the mountains, it was laid-back and comfortable, hinting at the town’s cowboy history and Western charm without being tacky. Bryce and Vincente, who were regular customers, were greeted with smiles by the hostess.

  “We need two tables.” Bryce pointed out which ones, in full view of the door and the rest of the restaurant. They needed privacy so he and Steffi could talk to June and Todd without being overheard, but he also wanted Vincente—and Cameron, when he arrived—close enough so Walter’s men would see they were together.

  They had taken their seats and ordered coffee when a voice behind her startled Steffi. “Bryce Delaney. I thought you’d died...or found somewhere else to eat.”

  “I’ve been out of town, Dino.” Although Bryce smiled, his jaw was tight, betraying his nerves. “You know I can never stay away from your steaks for long.”

  Dino moved into view, casting an interested glance over Steffi. She could almost read his thoughts. What was the legendary Stillwater stud doing with this sorry specimen? She wondered how many other women Bryce had been here with and was annoyed at the thought. It should hardly be uppermost in her mind right now.

  With a touch of resignation, Bryce said, “Dino, this is my friend Steffi.”

  “Always happy to welcome a new customer. Although why you’ve chosen to eat in such poor company is beyond me.” Dino looked across at the table where Vincente was seated alone. “You two fallen out again?” At that moment Cameron entered the restaurant and made his way toward them. “What is this? A Delaney brothers’ reunion?”

  “Dino, stop searching for gossip at this table. Go find yourself some other customers to insult.”

  “See what I mean?” Dino turned to Steffi with a sorrowful shake of his head. “Poor company.”

  He walked away, pausing to talk to other diners as he made his way toward the kitchen. “Is he always like that?” Steffi asked.

  “That was mild,” Bryce assured her. “His rudeness is legendary.” He looked up as Cameron approached, and she thought again how alike, and how close, the two brothers were. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Do I get to find out what this is all about?” Cameron’s expression held a hint of exasperation and a lot of concern. “Walter Sullivan was not a happy man when he left my office, and now I find one of our trucks out front taking up most of the parking lot.”

  “Vincente will fill you in on what he knows, and we’ll talk more at your place tonight.” Bryce looked at Steffi. “Okay?”

  She nodded. “Okay.” He was right. One way or another, they had to bring this to an end. Speaking of which... “June and Todd have just walked in.”

  * * *

  June Grantham must once have been very pretty. Now her looks had faded, and she had a nervous manner that left her with the air of a frightened bird. Bryce didn’t know, of course, whether that was always the case or if the circumstances of this meeting had increased her anxiety. Her husband appeared seriously on edge. Todd Grantham was tall and so thin he appeared skeletal. Bryce would not have been surprised to learn he was suffering from a life-threatening illness. Todd’s graying skin was stretched tight across his cheekbones, and his whole body was coiled tight with tension.

  Whatever was going on with Steffi’s adoptive parents, they were not people who were at ease. That might be explained by the fact that their daughter was on the run from the law, wanted for a double murder. Bryce got the feeling that, from their physical appearance, their troubles might be more long-standing than Steffi’s recent problems. But what did he know? Psychoanalysis in seconds? It was hardly his strong point.

  “Steffi, you look awful.” June slid into the seat next to her daughter.

  “That’s sort of the idea.” Steffi’s mouth lifted into what looked like a smile. Bryce wondered if June and Todd were fooled. He wasn’t. No one could see her eyes behind her glasses, and her mouth did a passable curve. But he noticed the faint tremor in the muscles along her jawline, and knew the effort it was taking her to stay in control of her emotions. He wanted to haul her up out of her chair and hold her until he had injected some of his own strength into her. “I’m in disguise.”

  “Why did we need to come here?” Todd looked around him as though Dino’s was the worst kind of hellhole. “Why this town?”

  “Because this is where your friend Walter Sullivan lives. He killed Greg and the girl he was with, and now he’s threatening me.” Even Bryce was taken aback by the way Steffi just went for it. No gentle lead-in, no background information. Straight to the point.

  Todd swallowed so hard Bryce heard the noise even above the sounds of the busy restaurant. Twin spots of color flared on his cheeks. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  June leaned over the table and took his hand. “It’s time to tell her the truth, honey.”

  Before Todd could say any more, the waiter came to their table and normality took over for a few minutes as they ordered drinks and, in Bryce’s case, food. He almost felt the need to apologize that his appetite had resurfaced with a vengeance during such a crucial moment. Figuring he would need his strength to deal with any Walter-related confrontations, he quashed his guilt and requested a sandwich.

  A glance around showed him there was no sign of Walter’s men. At his brothers’ table, Cameron and Vincente were deep in conversation. From Cameron’s stunned expression, he guessed Vincente was doing a pretty good job of recounting the story so far.

  “Let me make this easier for you.” When the waiter had gone, Steffi spoke quietly to Todd. “I know you were part of the legal team that got Walter off when he faced huge fines because workers died in one of his factories twenty-five years ago.”

  “That was the worst day of my life.” Todd’s attempt at a smile was even less successful than Steffi’s. “But I guess we don’t know which way this one is going to turn out yet, do we?”

  The worst day of his life? There was still a lot of explaining to do, but so far Todd wasn’t sounding like Walter’s biggest fan.

  “Before we continue, I want to introduce you to Bryce Delaney. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be alive to meet with you today,” Steffi said.

  “Don’t talk that way.” June shuddered.

  “Mrs. Grantham, it’s the truth. Don’t underestimate what Walter Sullivan is capable of.” Bryce spoke gently but firmly. “Twenty-two years ago he killed Steffi’s parents. Three months ago he had her brother and his girlfriend murdered. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill any one of us if we stood in his way.”

  “I’m not sure that’s true.” Todd’s voice was more resolute this time. “But let me tell the whole story before I explain my reasons for saying that.”

  Bryce had been keeping one eye on the restaurant door the whole time. As Todd was speaking, he caught a glimpse of two new arrivals. Alexei cast a swift glance around as he was waiting to be seated. When he caught sight of Bryce, he nudged his companion. Erik’s trapezius muscles were so huge, they didn’t allow him to turn his neck easily. Instead, he swiveled his upper body in the direction Alexei indicated. A grim smile crossed Erik’s face as he caught sight of Bryce.

  At the same time, Cameron called Dino over. Bryce didn’t know what his brother said to the restaurant owner, who was one of Cameron’s oldest friends, but the exchange was brief. Just as the hostess was about to escort Alexei and Erik to a table, Dino made his way to the greeting station. Although he couldn’t hear the conversation, Dino’s message was clear. Removing the menus the hostess had been about to hand Alexei and Erik, Dino shook his head and held open the door. Alexei’s expression was instantly outraged. He pointed to several empty tables. Dino shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest. Erik took a step forward, but Alexei placed a hand on his arm and jerked a thumb toward the door.

  As they left, Alexei cast a glance over his shoulder in Bryce’s direction. H
is expression told its own story. The Big Guy isn’t going to be happy.

  He turned his attention back to what Todd was saying. “The death of those workers was not straightforward negligence. In my opinion, it was murder. Walter was repeatedly warned that conditions were unsafe. There were memos dating back several years from managers in his company, and the health and safety records were abysmal. I worked for the legal firm Walter used. When the case came to court, there was a mountain of evidence to plow through. I was responsible for taking depositions from witnesses. I couldn’t see any way we could win this one. Although the fines imposed were unlikely to ruin him, the subsequent awards to the families of those killed, and of the injured workers who could no longer work, could do so.” Todd’s expression tightened. “When I read what happened that day, and how it could have been avoided, I wanted those families to take Walter for every dime he had.”

  “But you defended him anyway?” Bryce asked.

  “That was my job.” Todd turned to look at him. “There aren’t too many law firms in Sheridan. I couldn’t afford to throw away a job on a principle.”

  “That’s not all of it.” June’s voice was quietly dignified. “I had just found out I had cervical cancer. We had medical bills to pay.”

  Todd gripped her hand across the table. “By the time we got to court, I realized we weren’t dealing with an ordinary client. The depositions I had taken had been altered beyond recognition after I submitted them. Key witnesses had either changed their stories or gone missing. Those memos expressing concerns about worker safety? Not one of them could be found. Walter walked into that courtroom looking like a paragon of health and safety. He walked out with a mild rebuke from the judge. The incident was written off as an accident that could never have been foreseen.”

  Although Bryce didn’t know this man, he could see the effect the memories were having on him. Todd’s emotions were close to the surface, churning up inside him, ready to explode at any moment. Had it been this way for the last twenty-five years? Was this the legacy Walter had left him?