by Hart, Lea
“Thank you, I have to figure out what I am going to say to Bob today.” She went to the table, opened her computer and started going through her schedule. She needed to decide what she would need to do before she left the company.
He came back and sat down, “Don’t read your emails yet. I want to give you some Intel before you do.” She stared at him with worried eyes. He hated to have to do this, but she needed to know. Maybe it was his years in the service, maybe it was a soldier’s gift – to see what was. If you couldn’t see reality, no matter how unpalatable, you were dead. She closed her computer and waited to hear the bad news. You would think she’d be used to it by now, but she wasn’t.
“Let’s talk about the security system we put in your house. First, all windows and doors are secure with new locks and alarms. We have cameras up on all doors as well, and there is audio on the front door and patio doors.” He watched her as he filled her in and she seemed calm. “I will be with you until we catch this guy, so that takes care of your security detail.” He watched her eyes widen and then her mouth open and close. “The last thing is that we have placed a GPS device that we will monitor and have taken off the tracker. We scrambled it so it will appear like a malfunction; not likes it’s been taken off.”
“Are you going to tell me about the emails that I’m not supposed to read?”
“That’s next. It looks like my visit to your office worked like magic. You received an email last night, and it came from a computer somewhere at the corporate offices. It appears the person was not too happy to hear or see you’re with a man. The guy made his feeling quite clear in the email he sent you.” He watched her pale for a second and then sit up and open her computer.
“Well too bad for him, he can just suck it.” She started going through emails and found the one that Max was telling her about. As she read it, her heart sped up and she felt hot. “I want to get a gun today and I want you to show me how to use it. If you don’t, then I will do it myself.” She started to shake a little, it was both fear and anger that were fueling her current state. “I do not care to start my day this way anymore. Let’s go to my office and make out in the hallway. I want this person to come out of hiding so I can take him out.”
He started laughing, “I will make out with you anywhere you want. But let’s think this through and figure out a plan that will be the most effective.” The sun slanted through the patio window and it lit up Rory’s face. He had protected his country for fifteen years and he was going to bring everything he learned during that time to protect the woman he was falling for. “I will get you a gun, but you have to practice first at the firing range. It will take a couple of days for you to get a license, so we can practice until it comes in. In the meantime, I will give you some things to use when we get to my office later on.”
She gave him an assessing look, “All right, as long as you don’t forget. Is there anything else I need to know before I go to Bob’s office and give him my notice?”
“Don’t forget we are stuck together like glue until we find this guy.” She waved her hand and motioned for him to go on. “We have narrowed it down to three people who we believe are responsible for making your life miserable. We also found out some interesting things about Jackson that don’t add up. I don’t think he’s the one sending you the emails, but he’s involved somehow.”
“What do you mean by that? I have always felt uncomfortable around him but I couldn’t tell you why specifically. My creep o meter pings when I am around him. I could attribute it to several different things and at the same time nothing at all. His behavior is just this side of a sociopath. He has never formed any real attachments to people and he’s volatile and prone to fits of rage. All in all a really fun guy to work with.”
“I knew you felt uncomfortable yesterday when we were in his office. I wondered if he’d ever done anything overt or if it was just your instincts?”
“How could you tell? I felt like I was doing an amazing acting job.”
“You were holding my hand very tightly and standing slightly behind me. Since I met you, I’ve seen you face the world head on. Then you put your arm around my waist and settled under my arm, as if you wanted my protection. It just means you have great instincts. You were getting close to the thing, you knew would protect you.” He took her hand, “I knew you were not consciously aware of what you were doing which means that you have great intuition. Keep paying attention to that.”
“Wow, they taught you that in SEAL School? Your spidy senses must be amazing, to pick up on all of that.”
“I have well developed spidy senses. How do you think I survived fifteen years as a SEAL?”
“Tell me more about what you found out about Jackson. I always felt like he was up to something, but I could never figure it out.”
“Derick and Laird have been running their computers since yesterday researching the business of the hotels and the names I gave them. They have also taken a serious and thorough look at Jackson, and his bank accounts don’t add up. The initial research suggests that he has a separate business going on. Something that has made him a lot of cash. I don’t know if it is legal or if his Dad knows about it. It has to do with suppliers for the hotels. He could be laundering money for someone and taking a cut. That’s our best guess, right now.”
He watched her working over all of the possibilities. “This is probably why you feel uncomfortable around him. He most likely has been watching you, not wanting you to mess up whatever he has going on. This could be a totally separate issue from the stalker or it could be connected somehow.”
“I wonder how much Bob is aware of, and why none of his people have found out before this. When you say research, you mean hack into files …. right?”
It’s pretty much the same thing. We simply access the sites that we need, to insure that we are finding everything we need.”
“That is an interesting distinction, and one I should remember if I ever want to use it as it relates to you.” She got up, opened one of her drawers and started straightening it up. The napkins were out of order and not folded properly. She pulled them out and put them on the island and started refolding them.
He watched her and realized she was on overload, because she was folding napkins with the concentration of a nuclear scientist. He walked over and wrapped his hands around her waist. She didn’t stop, but did lean against him for a moment. “When you’re done with that drawer can you come sit down and we can make a plan for the day.” He kissed her neck and ran his nose up against her skin… if he could inhale her he would. She shuddered and turned around in his arms and kissed his chest.
“I’ll call my Mom and see what Bob’s schedule is, and then I can meet with him. What are you doing today?”
“I am sticking with you.”
“Don’t you have an empire to run? I’ve been fine so far; I will just be extra alert all day.”
“Did you read that email all the way through? There are some very clear threats implied. The guy left nothing to the imagination. I will not be taking any chances when it comes to your safety.”
“Fine, but don’t forget I want a gun.”
“We can get the process started, but you’re not getting one today.” He let her go and went back to the table and sat down.
She stuck her tongue out and finished folding napkins. “Sweetheart, don’t stick your tongue out at me, unless you plan on using it.”
“What? How did you see that? Do you have eyes in the back of your head?”
“I saw you in the reflection of the sliding glass door - basic situational awareness 101.” He heard her mutter, Whatever. He watched her walk over and sit down next to him, “I know you don’t like this.”
“That is an understatement. I am at sixes and sevens and I don’t like it. I like my routine and my quiet life. Well, my old quiet life. Can you get it back for me?”
“I would do anything for you, but I think your old life is gone. Let’s make a new one together.”
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“That is not making me feel calm, that’s freaking me out.”
“I think it’s time for you to embrace the suck, and move forward. You can do whatever you want; the whole world is open to you.”
“I do not want to embrace the suck, I’m not a SEAL. The only thing I embrace is a new pair of shoes, my friends and family. I do not embrace the suck, whatever that means. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she let out a big breath.
He took her hand and kissed her head. “One day at a time, let’s just do this one day at a time. It might be easier for you to handle if you think of it that way.”
“All right, one day at a time. I can do that.”
He gently placed his hand on her face and turned her towards him, “I’m here, so let me carry the weight for a while.”
Tipping her head up, she kissed him lightly and nodded her head. “I’m going to allow you to use your very impressive muscles and shoulder this burden for a while. Thank you.”
He kissed her back and let the feelings he was developing for her pour into his kiss. He felt her lean into him. That’s it baby, lean in, I got you.
She pulled back before she lost her resolve. “I’m going to call Mom and figure out when I can meet with Bob.”
He nodded, sat up and adjusted himself. I need this woman to let me in. She went and got her phone and must have reached her because she began a very animated conversation in Italian. He hadn’t studied the language in over ten years and was only able to catch a couple of phrases. He decided to work on his computer and wait for her to finish.
She came back into the dining room about an hour later, sat down and looked shocked. “Are you all right baby? Is everything ok with your Mom?”
“You’re not going to believe this - Bob is selling his company!”
“He was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s about six months ago. Apparently the doctors feel he has many years before it becomes completely debilitating. He started with medication and has experienced some improvements, so he decide this was the right time to sell. The sale is almost complete. Jackson is going to lose his mind… he always said his Father was going to leave the business to him.”
“I wonder if he knows.”
“Mom says Bob has kept the deal quiet, because there is a confidentiality clause in the sale.”
“He apparently doesn’t trust his son with the information, which suggests Bob’s relationship with Jackson is not good at all.”
“Mom invited us over for dinner tonight. She told me I could talk to Bob then and she wants to meet you. She’s been very worried and wants to meet the person who is protecting me. I didn’t tell her everything, because I did not want her to freak out. She would’ve insisted that I move to Italy and then would have enlisted certain family members to protect me.”
“I would love to meet your Mom. It will give me an idea what my wife is going to look like in thirty years.”
“Ha, Ha, very funny.”
The thing was, he wasn’t joking. “What else do you need to do today? Can you work out of my office today?”
“I think so, but I’m not sure what I need to do. My head is spinning with this information about the sale. Mom swore me to secrecy, so I don’t want to do anything to tip anyone off. I have to decide what to work on, and be careful not to tip my hand.”
“Let’s go then, and you can figure it out on the way.” They gathered their things and headed out to the ASI offices.
CHAPTER FIVE
He walked back into his office after finishing the meeting in the conference room. He smiled at the woman sitting on the couch and admired how pretty she looked. They acquired a new client that was going to be hugely profitable for the company. The business was at the point of needing a COO and he had a good idea of who he wanted to hire. Sitting on his couch was his future wife and COO. “Hi sweetheart, how are you doing?”
She looked up and felt her tummy swoop as she caught his smile. He was starting to have that effect on her regularly now and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. In or out. Stay or go. Resist or not.
“I’m fine, how was your meeting? Did you land the big fish?”
“I did! We officially have too much business and too few resources. I want you to come work for the company, I need your help.”
“I have not officially quit my current job. I can’t think about anything new yet. I will run an operational analysis and give you my suggestions, but I can’t come work for you.”
You will be working with me, not for me. I don’t believe in prenuptial agreements, so you’re going to own part of the business anyway. I think you’re still going to want a salary. But either way is fine with me.”
“I think before we get married, we should go out on a couple of dates. I like to date… before I get married. I know it sounds a little crazy, but that’s just me. Also I have to sleep with you, and see if we are compatible. I don’t want to have bad sex for the next fifty years.”
“OK. Dates and sex and then we get married. Perfect.”
“You understand that I am being ironic…. right?”
“You can think that, but I know you’re warming to the idea.”
“Max we’ve known each other for three days and you’re coming on a little strong. Is this what you usually do?”
“No, this is the first time I’ve felt this way. I saw you and that was it. The more time I spend with you, the surer I am. I’m hungry for you, there’s no shame in that.” He leaned over and kissed her hard. “Can we consider dinner at your Mom’s a date? Then we can go home and have sex.”
“As romantic as that sounds, I’m going to go with a no. A date is where you plan something fun to do and then you ask me if I’m available. Then you wear something nice, pick me up and we go out. We can make out on the first date, and I may let you feel me up. It all depends on how much fun I have on the date.”
“Can I take you to the firing range for a date this afternoon? You said you wanted a gun. This would be me giving you something you want. I will even buy you lunch after and then we can make out.”
She studied him, “I’m not usually available on such short notice. But given the circumstances, I will make an exception. Men usually have to call me several days ahead, but since we’re living together, I will go with you today.”
“Thank you sweetheart, I appreciate it.”
She nodded her head, and gave him a smile worthy of a queen. She decided she was going to play hard to get for as long as she could. Otherwise she was going to find herself married by next week. Why was this the second time that thought popped into her head?
“I have about an hour of work to finish, then I can go. Does that work for you?”
“Yes, I’m at a standstill right now. After I give my notice to Bob tonight, I can move forward on some final projects. I’m planning on staying for two weeks and then I will be done.”
“Then you can come here and work. We can share this office and make out whenever we want.”
“If … I decide to consult for your company, I will need my own office. There will be no making out during office hours.”
“Fine, as long as I can have lunch with you every day.”
“I’m not going to eat with you every day.
“Why not?”
“Because, I will need a break from you. You may not be aware of this, but you’re overwhelming and take up a lot of space.” She watched his face fall - maybe she shouldn’t have been that honest. “I like you Max, but you’re a big man with a lot of intensity, and it’s going to take me a while to get used to that.”
“Those are all things that have served me well my whole life. I don’t know how much I am going to change.”
“I don’t want you to change, I just need to get used to it. It’s daunting to be on the receiving end of your focus. I feel like I’m a mission to you and I bet you’ve never failed a mission.”
“That’s true. I will try and dial it down a little. I can be laid back and
relaxed - just you wait and see.”
“Thank you. Finish up and then we can go to the gun range and you can show me how to shoot.” He leaned down, gently laid his hand on her cheek and dropped his lips to hers and proceeded to kiss the hell out of her. Maybe they could do a little kissing during the day.
***
They laid on the couch after they got home from dinner at her Mom’s house. “I had fun tonight, Bob seems to be holding it together.” He shifted a little and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “You can see the love that they have for one another. He’s a lucky man. I understand why he sold now, he wanted to make the deal before he felt compromised. Jackson is going to lose his mind, so we’re going to have to keep a close eye on him.”
“I had no idea that Jackson battled drug addiction. By the time I met him, he had his act together. Well… as much as a sociopath can have their act together.” She rested her hand on his chest and felt the massive wall of muscle under his shirt. “I didn’t realize he was using again. I wonder how Bob found out?”
“He told me that he has had someone keep an eye out for him for the last two years. He suspected that he was hanging out with the wrong crowd and was afraid that he was going to give into his addiction again.” He felt her hand slip under his shirt as she ran her hand over his chest. He tried not to react because he didn’t want her to stop. He wondered how conscious she was of what she was doing. “He told me that he was always worried about his son and he wanted to do everything he could to help him remain sober. He also realized that it was ultimately up to him.”
She felt his hand slip under her t shirt and he kept it right under the swell of her breast. I guess that’s fair – I have my hand under his shirt. “I always thought he suffered from narcissism, but I think it’s more. Jackson isn’t able to feel remorse for his actions or have any guilt. Despite all of that, I always thought he was the heir apparent, but evidently his Dad had other ideas.”
“It’s interesting that the forensic accountants found out about Jackson’s shenanigans so quickly. I always thought that took some time.”
