Sarah let out a small chuckle, leaning forward to address Brad directly. “It’s interesting that you picked up on that small detail when Abe just told you there was a security breach.”
“I already know the answers to the rest. Abe feels responsible for the breach because that’s who he is.” Brad threw his friend a knowing smile. “You’re here to employ our team as close personal protection to Miss Gladstone. The fact that we’ll agree is a given because that’s what we do, and what I’m certain of. What I don’t know, is why Miss Gladstone would be using a trailer when Lundwood has state of the art facilities.”
“It wasn’t a criticism, Mr Morgan, I like you and I have great respect for your team. I know exactly why you asked the question, I was just pointing out that it wasn’t an obvious one.”
Susannah whooped with laughter and threw Sarah an appreciative wink. “No way out of that one, sugar.”
“I forgot to mention that Sarah is Alicia’s personal assistant.” Abe was amused by the dynamics around the table. “Don’t be misled by the title, she basically runs the show, a lot like you, Suez.”
“Then we’ll get on like a box office hit on its opening weekend.”
“Perhaps we should have dealt with things directly and let them know the plan of attack,” Sarah whispered to Susannah, earning appreciation from everyone around the table.
“Why don’t you fill us in on what we need to know?” Brad asked, more interested than he wanted to be.
“Okay, but first I’d like to say that Alicia has her own reasons for staying in the mobile home, and if you really want to know, you’ll have to ask her. It’s a mystery to me – always has been.” She pointed to a row of buildings on the plans. “These are mostly dressing rooms; each of the high end rooms includes en-suite facilities. If you decide to take the job, you’ll stay there. There are also hair and make-up studios, restaurants, conference suites, offices, etc.”
“Is there a working theory on why she’s a target?” Kelvin asked.
“There are a few. Alicia owns the production company Gray’s Films, so sabotage is one possible angle, especially since Jack was harmed.” Sarah didn’t believe that particular theory.
Abe shook his head as though reading her thoughts. “That doesn’t feel right. There are other ways to stall filming, and taking out the competition seems a little extreme at this stage.”
“Whatever the reason, the people closest to Miss Gladstone could still be in danger,” Kelvin put in. It was something they had to consider.
“You’re right, and we’re taking precautions. But right now our main concern is Alicia. We’d like to assign twenty-four hour protection for the duration of the investigation.”
“And you’d like us to take care of that,” Brad said, already deciding he didn’t want lead on this particular case.
“Yes, we’d like you to facilitate Alicia’s personal safety. I will continue to manage overall security for the site and coordinate from that end.” Abe leaned back in his seat. “I brought Sarah with me today so she could meet the team. She deals with Alicia’s affairs personally and she’d like an input.”
“I want you to be part of the security team,” Sarah said, directing her gaze at Brad.
“Can I ask a question?” Susannah cut in, giving Brad a few moments to recover. He was connected in a way they probably weren’t aware of. Alicia’s biological mother was also his step-mother.
“It’s not that I don’t appreciate the team mentality, and we are the best of the best. But personal protection is what you do, Abe, so why not cover things in-house, especially when you have the contract?”
“You said it yourself, because you’re the best. I have men I’d...” He held up his hands when Susannah made a face at him. “I have men and woman I’d trust with the job, but I’m working to capacity. Besides, Sarah did a little research and she liked what she found out about Morgan and Fairchild.”
Kelvin let out a low whistle. “She is like you, Suez. Exactly how much research are we talking about?” he asked her, not doubting her resources.
“I have your service records and details about some of your recent cases. You come highly recommended.” She smiled, letting her eyes fall on each of them before coming to rest on Brad. “So, will you be the one?”
Brad felt himself squirm in his chair. She had a direct and oddly flirtatious way about her. He didn’t dislike it, it just made him uneasy. “I think Kelvin is more suited to this particular job, but I’ll be second in command – his back-up, so to speak.”
“Here’s the Intel you’ll need.” Abe picked up a file. “I’m sure Suez can fill in any blanks. We need you to start as soon as...I have a team covering until you’re on board.”
Kelvin reached for the file and pushed it purposefully towards Brad. It was his way of saying he wasn’t going to accept Brad’s reservations about the case. Kelvin had an uncanny way of communicating without saying a word.
Sarah pushed a stack of business cards across the table. “I’m available on that number should you have any questions.” She turned to Abe. “I need to get back. I have a meeting in less than an hour.”
***
Brad pinned the last photograph to the assignment board and stepped back to survey the scene. Focusing helped him to bury the doubts he had about accepting the assignment.
His eyes slid to their client, the infamous Alicia Gladstone. Her startling blue eyes stared out at him mockingly – they were more vivid than her mothers. The shade was a dark, slate blue, full of shadows and a curious light. They weren’t the only striking thing about her. She had an exotic look; her dark hair worked to accentuate those eyes, and her mouth was full and expressive.
The connection to Helen Fairfax was the obvious reason for his reluctance to lead the case. Though it was also what won him over in the end. Someone was targeting Alicia, seemingly because of her mother – a woman she’d never really known. It was that fact alone, the irony of it, which swayed his decision.
He had been nine years old when his father married Helen. He hadn’t known about Alicia then, nor had his father. They were completely taken in by the person Helen portrayed at the time. The characters changed considerably based on her mood. For almost ten years, she had made his life hell and enjoyed it immensely.
Becoming a marine and serving his country turned out to be a way of escaping her. Being part of a unit, doing something he believed in, had saved the boy by turning him into a man.
His partner, Kelvin Fairchild, played a part. He couldn’t hide anything from Kelvin, especially the doubts about his objectivity. They had built Morgan and Fairchild into a reputable security agency, one Brad was proud of. He couldn’t let his team down. They were family – the only one he wanted.
The fact that the Gladstone case was high profile wouldn’t hurt the business, but on that too he had his reservations. He preferred to stay in the background, which would be near impossible now. Alicia was what he liked to consider a screen idol – she was loved and hated in equal measure. It was a challenge.
Still, as his eyes travelled to the other photographs, the people in Alicia’s life, he couldn’t help wanting to delegate his responsibility. There were eight in their unit, Brad had served with four of them, but he trusted them all with his life.
“Shouldn’t you be on your way instead of brooding over the details?” Kelvin walked into the room with an easy swagger, and came to rest next to Brad. “Nice board, by the way, it’ll come in handy.”
“What can I say? I like to stick and paste.”
Kelvin ignored the sarcasm and nodded towards Alicia. “She’s a beaut, isn’t she – there has to be twenty pictures up there but she demands all the attention.”
“Being demanding is probably one of her better qualities.” He was not in the mood for Kelvin’s chipper observations.
“With an attitude like that, she’s going to love you. She may be petite, but I hear she eats cynics like you for breakfast.”
“Damn yo
u,” Brad said, forcing out a laugh. “I’m mad with you for signing us up for this, so don’t try to make light of my hang-ups.”
“Then snap out of it, big man. You don’t need to study this anymore than you need me to tell you you’ll handle it.” Kelvin slapped him on the shoulder. “You had this information memorised hours ago.”
“Okay, you’ve made your point.” His eyes flicked to a copy of the letter. “It bothers me how matter of fact his threat is. I think he’s planning something big.”
Kelvin’s eyebrows shot up. “He - why have you decided the author is male?”
“The tone, vocabulary, the feel of it; take your pick.”
“Those are factors, but they’re only indicators. You can’t know for sure.” He studied Brad’s face for a moment. “What’s the other reason?”
“Call it a gut instinct. The scary thing is, in another life, this could have been written by me.” Brad sighed when he saw the doubt flicker across Kelvin’s face. “Don’t give me that look, I’m not saying it’s how I feel, there’s just a voice inside my head telling me things are going to get ugly.”
“Which is why she needs us.”
“I’m not sure she needs me. Hell, even I’m not entirely convinced I can leave my baggage at the door. It’s a conflict of interest.”
“If Sarah did as much research as she led us to believe then they already know – talk to her about it. This assignment is about protecting her from an unknown threat and there’s nobody better.”
“Then you’re lucky I’m around.”
“Yeah, remind me of that sometime.” Kelvin swept his hand across the board. “You have the information here to help you decide if anyone in her life poses a threat. So instead of standing here busting my balls, why don’t you get to work?”
“You’re right.” He gave the board one last look. “I’d better head out.”
Kelvin walked in step beside him as they left the office. “Do me a favour?”
“If you say get Alicia’s autograph I may not be responsible for my actions.”
Kelvin threw his head back and roared with laughter. “I was going to say bury Helen in the past where she belongs. But now you come to mention it...”
Brad didn’t dignify the comment with a response. He strode out of the office without looking back; Kelvin’s laughter followed him out of the building. It lightened his mood a little. Their conversation also drove home that he had to take a step back from his personal feelings on the case.
He worked on that as he descended the steps to their small underground garage. The spaces were empty apart from the RV they used for a mobile command, and his own vehicle. Kelvin’s jeep was probably parked on the smaller lot, used for temporary pit-stops. The fact that he found the garage creepy was a great source of amusement.
Chapter 5
Alicia looked at the new machine they’d installed in the gym and grimaced. Her muscles already ached from the forty-minute workout – now her whole body screamed in protest at the prospect of more abuse.
“Come on, ten minutes on that baby and we’re home free,” Sarah said, grinning up at her from the exercise mat.
The room was set out so that all the bigger machines were backed against a wall; appropriate to muscle group. There were exercise mats in the centre, like a runway to the torture zone. A series of treadmills headed up the room, pointed in the direction of a plasma TV. So far, they hadn’t even switched it on.
Alicia looked towards the wall of mirrors and met her friend’s eyes with renewed determination. “Okay, but only because you’ve already tamed the beast.”
Sarah chuckled as she continued to stretch out. “You’re just annoyed Stu set the schedule back, otherwise you’d have dodged our ritual sweat session.”
“Maybe, but I still don’t understand why we have to wait for the security guy. There’re enough people around.”
“Brad Morgan is a personal protection specialist. He is the best of the best. Would you like me to give a rundown of his qualifications for the job?”
“You have his resume memorised?”
“That’s just insulting, but I’ll forgive you because you’re going to suffer on our new friend.” She motioned to the machine and raised her brows in silent question – prompting Alicia’s reluctant movement towards it. “Brad Morgan is a former Royal Marine. As is his partner, Kelvin Fairchild. Together, with six other comrades, they make up Morgan and Fairchild.”
Alicia was trying to work through the pain and found Sarah’s professional tone distracting. “Tell me about their background,” she said, hoping it would pass the few minutes she needed to break her stride.
“Well, we have three green berets. Let’s start with Brad. He served for twelve years, enlisting when he was eighteen and working his way to the top. He has some serious recommendations, and from what I hear he’s an all round good egg - a competent one at that.” She paused when Alicia laughed at the expression. “Then we have his partner, whose honours match Brad’s, as does his career path.”
Alicia clenched her teeth as the exertion threatened to beat back her control. “Okay, I get it, they’re good.”
“I haven’t finished.” Sarah could see her plan was working – Alicia only had a few more reps to go. “The third marine served as a sniper. He sounds interesting; made me want to dig a little deeper, but I resisted. It didn’t seem polite.”
“You saw his picture then?” Alicia snorted. She was feeling mean; the pain did that.
“My, you are slow today. Please try to keep up. I met them, all of them, yesterday afternoon.”
That earned her an exasperated glance from Alicia. “So, you’ve met the team and all you give me are their career stats? Come on, hon, I need a little more than that.”
“Okay, let me tell you about Susannah. She heads up their little unit, but pretends to give control to the men. She has military in the blood; practically her whole family have served at some point or another. She was a Royal Engineer, specialised in communications, and she organises them like she’s manoeuvring troops on a battle field. It’s scary stuff, but totally cool. Talking of scary, one of the other female members was a Troop Commander in the Royal Artillery.”
“Let me guess - the other was recently commended for taking out her enemies single-handed?” Alicia slid bonelessly to the floor after her last rep, missing her friends’ narrow-eyed stare.
“That machine makes you bitchy, no wait... that’s just you.”
Alicia was surprised she still had the energy to laugh. “I love you too.”
“Sure, I love your bitchiness when I’m trying to ease your mind.” But she was smiling down at Alicia – even spared her a look of sympathy. “The third female member of the team is different to the others purely because she never served. I’m not sure where her area of expertise lies, but they all listen to her. The last member is unique too – a Marine Engineer in the Territorial’s, has engineering qualifications coming out of his ears but he chose to join their little gang.”
A sly expression came into Alicia’s eyes. “You’re going to have so much fun getting to know them and their little secrets, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely. This job has to have some perks, and hanging around with men who’ve spent most of their adult lives in uniform doesn’t hurt any.”
They both laughed when their eyes met; sparring felt good at any time of the day, but it was the most fun when they worked out. Without waiting to be asked, Sarah locked her knees and bent to pull Alicia to her feet.
“Go get a shower. The day will start soon enough,” she said, taking a long swig of her water. “I have to go into the office. I have back to back meetings all day.”
Alicia looked at her friend more closely. “You look tired. I bet you’ve slept less than I have. Why don’t you stay in the city tonight and take it easy for once?”
“I might take you up on that.” Sarah swung a casual arm around her. “Dad is still in town so I may pay him a visit.”
; They walked out of the gym together, grateful for the familiar sights around them. The set was a hive of activity – it meant that things were going back to normal, as normal as they could. It was a good sign.
***
Alicia ducked out of her trailer and blinked rapidly under the sun’s strong rays. They were running almost two hours behind schedule. She’d all but paced a tread in her trailer floor; she imagined Stuart was probably doing the same thing.
As she walked towards his office, she spotted Joshua Burton. Her face spread into a smile of genuine pleasure. He looked handsome in khakis and a navy t-shirt, the trade-mark mop of brown hair covered by a baseball cap. His intense blue eyes looked back at her soberly, making her feel off balance.
She pulled a face and was relieved to see him laugh. It was obvious he was worried about her – she couldn’t blame him for that. If Stuart and Greg had stepped up to the plate and were competing for father of the year, Josh was her adopted brother. The one she could turn to and usually did.
"How's my favourite lady?" he asked, hugging her with affection.
"Better now you’re here, I’ve missed you.”
"I missed you too. How's Jack?" He was watching her face intently.
"He’s finally awake. It’s been a tough few days, but he’s doing really well."
"And Becky?"
"Oh, she's great."
He draped an arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner. Let's grab a coffee and catch up a little."
Alicia led him in the direction of her trailer. "How long are you back?”
“Unfortunately, it’s just a flying visit. My next stop is the hospital, but I thought I’d watch the action for awhile. There’s nothing quite like a free preview.”
“You could be in for a long wait. At the moment, we’re waiting for my bodyguard to get here. It’s not enough that I’m being escorted everywhere, Stu had to make it official.”
Sins of the Father Page 4
