Alicia frowned, not following. “But surely that’s a good thing. Did he give them a description of Morley?”
“The guy gave a description all right, but it wasn’t Thomas Morley. The accent was all wrong too, but since he’s a dialect coach, that doesn’t give us much.”
“What about the description I gave?” Jack asked.
Alicia looked at him - he hadn’t mentioned giving a description of his attacker. “You remembered his face?”
“No, not really. But the more I dream about him, the more details come back. His hair colour, physical build, that kind of thing.”
“And,” Alicia prompted, looking at Brad.
“And the description doesn’t match either person.”
“So we’re either looking for three people, or a master of disguise.”
Kel walked forward and smiled down at her. “We’re working on it. It isn’t as bad as it sounds. Now that we have more information we can look into people within the industry – those with the skills to pull this off.”
“I appreciate that.” Her eyes were starting to blur. She had to fight to keep them open.
“I know that’s the logical explanation, but it doesn’t seem possible that someone we know wants to hurt her,” Jack said. “She wouldn’t harm a fly.”
Brad stepped forward. “It doesn’t work that way. This guy has a twisted kind of logic so it’s likely something beyond your control. He’s convinced you have to pay for that.”
“That sounds dangerous,” she said quietly, trying to control the beating of her heart.
“It is. But we’re here to protect you and you can trust us with the job.”
Alicia looked from Brad to Kelvin and back again. “I know that. Thank you.”
“Miss Gladstone needs some rest now, gentlemen.” The nurse’s tone was authoritative as she poked her head into the room. “You can come back later.”
“Hang in there, Alicia.” Kelvin was gone before she could react.
The nurse disappeared with him. On a wave of relief she closed her eyes, only half present when Jack assured her he’d be back. She could feel Brad, so she knew he was still in the room. It wasn’t necessary to open her eyes to be sure he was there somewhere. Instead, she gave in to the fatigue spreading through her body and allowed sleep to claim her once more.
***
Alicia drifted in and out of a fitful sleep. She was awake long before her visitors started to arrive. Greg was the first. He entered the room carrying a bunch of long-stemmed roses.
“Hi, sweetheart.” He laid the flowers on the table at the foot of her bed.
“Hi, Greg, it’s good to see you.”
“Stuart and Sarah are right behind me. They’re talking to Brad and his team.”
“I can’t wait to see the nurse’s reaction. Have they taken over the visitors lounge?”
“Pretty much.” He took her hand in his. “But enough about them. How are you feeling? And I don’t mean physically. That much is obvious.”
“Scared, especially since he stepped things up - it’s one thing to hide in the shadows, but to try something in broad daylight with all those people...” Her voice trailed off.
Greg rubbed her cheek gently. “I’m so sorry this is happening. If I could get my hands on-”
“Join the queue,” Stuart said from the doorway, making them both smile.
“Hi, Stuart.” She looked over his shoulder for Sarah who appeared in a flurry of activity and rushed towards the bed. “Easy, hon,” she choked out when Sarah squeezed her fiercely.
“This shouldn’t have happened,” Stuart said, stepping a little closer.
Greg slapped him on the shoulder. “Not on your watch, eh, Stu?”
He ignored him, moving to perch on the end of the bed. “I’m beginning to think this project is cursed.”
“The Gladstone curse!” Alicia worked up a laugh, though it was slightly subdued.
“Don’t say that. I don’t want to hear that rubbish.” Sarah was a mite superstitious when it came to mysterious events on set.
Stuart barely registered the interaction. “I want you to come and stay with me at Burton House,” he said, looking geared up for a fight.
“I’d like that. Thanks.”
Greg shook his head as though trying to clear it. “Did I just hear you agree without a fuss?”
“Oh, come on. I’m not that difficult.”
“I was going to invite Jack and Becky too. But Detective Potts doesn’t think you should be in the same place.”
She looked at him, surprised he’d passed up the chance for some light-hearted teasing. Her brow furrowed in concern, and then in pain for using so many facial muscles at once. “That sounds ominous.”
“It sounds bloody scary to me.” Sarah threw up her hands. “If this were a movie they’d probably take this as a chance to draw him out.”
“It does feel like I’m stuck in one of my own creations.”
“Well I’m glad that’s not true - you write some scary shit!”
“Gee, thanks.” She rolled her eyes, figuring that was safer.
“You know what I mean. And from one loon to the other...” She walked over to a table by the door and retrieved a package. “This is from Josh.”
“I’ve missed these.” Alicia could barely contain her excitement. “Do you guys mind if I open it now?”
Greg laughed. “Of course not. The old man and I will go find ourselves something to drink. Have fun.”
Alicia would normally tear into the packaging. Her hand shook in anticipation as Sarah helped to prop her up. The emotion, mixed with humour, bubbled in her throat when she opened the box and saw the t-shirt neatly folded on top with the words ‘CRASH DUMMY’ written in bold letters across the front. Underneath that, in smaller print, were the words ‘I do this for a living!’
She lifted it out and laid it on the bed. “How does he manage to organise things so soon?” she said to Sarah who was chuckling softly at their friend’s sense of humour.
“The man has a gift.”
“And he shared it with me.” Alicia discovered eight in total. It was like dipping into a bottomless handbag. In addition to the t-shirt she found Italian chocolates, luxury bubble bath, a face mask, scented candles, a romance novel, a bottle of Italian wine, and a DVD with the words ‘PLAY ME’ typed across it.
“That’s pretty tame for Josh,” Sarah said. “Maybe he’s going easy on you.” She took the DVD over to the entertainment unit at the foot of the bed.
“I love his comfort packages. They’re the best kind.”
“The verdict’s still out on that one. Let’s see what he has to say for himself.”
‘Hi, Alicia. And if I know our dear friend, hello to you too, Sarah.’ Josh’s face appeared on screen and they laughed in delight. He didn’t let a little thing like a few thousand miles get in the way.
‘You know I‘d be there if I could, so I’m hoping the box of goodies makes up for it. Go on, be honest, you’re probably glad that I felt the need to make up for not being there in person.’ Alicia nodded, grinning like an idiot, even though he couldn’t see her. ‘Stop agreeing. You’re supposed to prefer the real thing!’
Sarah nudged her. “He knows you too well.”
‘Stuart told me you’re staying at his pad - oh God, I hope you’ve agreed. Anyway, I thought I’d supply the goodies. All right, so I thought it might encourage you to rest a little, because I know you’re itching to get out of that bed. Never mind what the doctor ordered, this is what Josh orders: get some R&R while you can…kick back and rejuvenate by totally pampering yourself, courtesy of your friend, Josh ‘pretty-fantastic’ Burton.’
Sarah leaned closer to Alicia, as though Josh could actually hear what she said. “I wonder how long he practised that.”
‘Forgive me for the t-shirt. I couldn’t resist. One of the stunt guys was wearing one and it just seemed perfect. It wasn’t easy to organise from here, but as you can see I managed to work something
out. I’m thinking of you, and I’ll buzz you tonight. Big bear hug coming your way. Bye, hon. Bye, Sarah, and just so you know… this is my first take. Arrivederci, i miei amici.’
“Show off,” Sarah said to the screen.
Alicia smiled as Josh gave a brief salute and disappeared from view. “It seems I’m not the only one he knows pretty well.”
“That was just a lucky guess.”
“No. It was Josh’s knack of winding you up, even when he’s a thousand miles away.”
Sarah didn’t dispute it. There was no point. She picked up the t-shirt and held it against her. “It’s kinda cute.” She started to twirl, dancing at the foot of the bed in a graceful lone waltz. She stopped abruptly when she noticed Brad in the doorway.
His eyebrows shot up in question. “Nice t-shirt.”
“It’s a little joke from Josh. You just missed the main show.” She bowed, still holding the shirt.
Alicia indicated the stuff spread out across the bed. “It’s his way of making up for the fact he can’t be here.”
Sarah began to pack everything back into the box. “Alicia and Josh have a little competition going, though they deny it. They try to outdo one another with the most outlandish gift – hence the t-shirt.”
“Sounds like fun.” He turned to Alicia. “I came to let you know that JJ and Tommy are right outside. I’ll be back soon.”
She nodded, taking in his ruffled hair. He’d clearly spent too much time raking his fingers through it. She allowed herself a moment to imagine running her own through the grooves he’d made. “Thanks. Make sure you get some rest too.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but closed it again when he spotted a nurse hovering – she had a determined look in her eye. Her gaze shot to him. “If you could give Miss Gladstone a little privacy, the doctor is on his way.”
He backed out of the room with his hands in the air, communicating his departure with one glance in Alicia’s direction. Their eyes met and held – more passed between them in that moment than all the words spoken. Sarah didn’t miss it. She’d noticed the way they looked at each other, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.
“You’ve got some explaining to do,” she said when they were alone.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You know better than to play the ignorance card. You’re going to tell me what just happened...” She broke off when the doctor entered, smiling at him before turning back to Alicia. “As soon as you’ve spoken to Dr. Hottie over there.”
The doctor moved forward, sidestepping Sarah when she made room. Alicia caught the small smile on his face, though he didn’t show any other indication that he’d heard Sarah’s comment.
As he checked through her chart and answered Sarah’s questions, Alicia tried to prolong his visit as long as she could. She wasn’t ready to discuss her growing feelings for Brad. She’d avoided thinking about it herself, so to analyse it with her best friend was a little too much like acting on them.
Chapter 16
Brad spent the better part of an hour at Lundwood Studios with the investigating team. He gathered all the information he could, walked himself through Morley’s plan, and spent a little time in the guy’s head.
He walked the route another CPO had taken on the quad, hearing the buzz of the engine in his memory. The back of Lundwood boasted a conservation site, land they shared with the local authority. The area made up Lundwood Forest and incorporated the impressive Narrow Edge Lake. The jointly sanctioned park, on wasteland at the opposite side of the lake, drew thousands of visitors every year.
For that reason there was an additional security team stationed at the rear gate to prevent people gaining access to a restricted area. The nature path, which was part of the conservation project, took up part of the land belonging to the studio. Two large security gates prevented any visitors from crossing between the boundaries.
Brad checked everything twice. By the time he walked into Abe’s office he was beginning to suspect they had underestimated Thomas Morley, or whoever the hell he was.
“This guy is really starting to piss me off,” Abe said without preamble.
“Unfortunately, my friend, I think he’s just getting started.”
There were twelve men around the long conference table, including Alvin and Frank. Brad took the only remaining seat.
“So what have you got for us, big man?”
He smiled, prepared to play ball. “I’m sure you already have a preliminary report, but I’ll sum things up for you. First, our guy is a regular boy scout, and he came prepared. He had equipment attached to a buoy on our side of the dam wall, where he stored a grappling hook to get him across to a boat he had anchored at the other side. Once on land he chose a path into the forest where he’d stored another bag with a change of identity.”
“Which is where my men found evidence of his character Thomas Morley.” Abe sat back in his chair, waving for Brad to continue.
“That’s where we lost him. Several eyewitnesses saw a jogger cutting through the park at roughly the same time, which indicates that he opted for an easy cover – baseball cap pulled low over his face, tracksuit and runners. The cap would have covered most of his hair and any moisture would be put down to physical exertion.”
“So we have squat,” Frank said, looking like he desperately wanted to crush something.
“I’m sure forensics will pull something out of the bag. In the meantime we need to discuss security detail.”
Abe pushed a piece of paper across the table. “I’m way ahead of you.” He grinned. “Well, okay, I’m something on a par, but I’m sure you’ll agree with the new plan.”
Brad scanned the schedule. He noticed that in the interest of shared resources, Abe had set aside personnel to be at Kelvin’s disposal. Brad was assigned lead officer for the residential team at Burton House, and Abe had increased the detail to incorporate the added risk.
“That about covers it,” he said, pushing the paper back across the table. “But I want Susannah in the loop. She can’t be beaten on coordination and I need her onboard.”
“Of course - she is the oracle, after all.”
Brad squinted at him, trying to figure out what he was hiding. “She’s been here, hasn’t she?”
“Not in a physical sense. But she’s been the voice in my head for a few hours.” Abe laughed heartily, taking in his team with a sweeping glance. “That’s it for now, gentlemen. I’ll see you for the next hoo-ha.”
Frank turned to Brad with a sardonic expression. “It’s his new word. We keep trying to tell him it doesn’t quite fit what we do here. But he likes the sound of it, so what can you do?”
Brad’s grin was quick and genuine. “There’ve been many occasions when Abe’s colourful language has brightened a somewhat difficult situation.” He turned to Abe. “But I’m not sure about that term, friend, it reminds me of-”
“Lady parts?” Abe winked; completely unfazed by the turn in conversation.
Alvin roared with laughter at Brad’s expression. “And this from our fearless leader – it’s tough to beat that level of maturity.”
“All right, get out of here,” Abe said, flicking something across the table that looked like a peanut.
Brad shook his head, aiming for derision, but only managing reverence. There had been a time when he’d almost joined forces with AD Securities. Abe had a team of over one hundred CPOs. They were allocated to ten senior officers, each responsible for their own team. AD Securities held most of the major contracts. He’d served with Abe at the start of his career, and owed him his life. Not that Abe saw it that way.
When he was discharged from the marines, and Brad toyed with the idea of security work, Abe wanted to bring him on board. In the end, he’d established his own unit – his family. AD Securities had trained most of their reserves. They were like an extended family that Morgan and Fairchild got to bank on from time to time. There were also the occasions when Abe requested their se
rvices specifically. It wasn’t usual practice for agencies to combine forces, but then there was nothing typical about Abe Donovan. He was one of the best men Brad knew, and he’d known some great men.
Their alliance was one they both counted on, one that couldn’t be broken by politics or circumstance. They were in the job for the same reasons, no matter which organisation they worked for - their ultimate goal was to protect and to serve.
“What’re you thinking about, big man?”
He blinked and looked across at Abe. The rest of his crew were starting to pack up and move out. “Just that it’s good to be sharing the field again.”
A sly expression crossed Abe’s face. “We could join forces permanently. It might be fun.”
“I’m sure it would be. But I said I enjoyed working together. I didn’t say I wanted to see your sorry ass every day.”
“Okay, we’ll break you in gently. What about joining the training team?”
Brad snorted, only slightly impressed that Abe had managed to guide him down this road.
“You there, sugar?”
He held up a hand when Susannah spoke in his ear. “Give me a minute, Suez. I’m just finishing up with Abe.” Brad shrugged when one of Abe’s eyebrows rose. “I guess we’ll have to continue this discussion another time. I’ll keep in touch,” he said, tapping his earpiece.
They stood in unison. “Talk to Kel,” Abe said, extending his hand for an age-old ritual Brad had all but forgotten.
He shook his head. “We haven’t done that for years.”
“You were the one to get all misty-eyed thinking about the past.”
“I did not go misty-eyed.”
“Humour me - for old-time’s sake.”
Brad chuckled softly and put his hand into Abe’s, following through with a handshake he hadn’t practiced in over fifteen years, but somehow remembered. He was still shaking his head when he walked out of the office.
“Talk to Kel,” Abe shouted after him. He raised his hand in acknowledgement, half expecting an echo of the request in his ear. All was silent so he took that as a good sign and caught up with Susannah as he headed back to the hospital.
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