Storm Redemption

by Magda Alexander

  He whooshes out a breath. “I have only a couple more days at this assignment. And then I can turn my attention to her. Is she in Brazil?”

  “Yes. I’ll send you the coordinates.”

  “I know the damn coordinates, Storm. I designed the security for the blasted place.”

  “Whatever salary you want, I’ll pay you.”

  “I don’t want your damn money.” He spits out. Probably gritting his teeth as well.

  “You bloody well will take it.” Way to mend fences, Storm.

  “Can’t. I may have to do things an employee wouldn’t do.”

  “Such as?”

  I’m met with silence from his end.

  “Fine. Have it your way. Recalling the information the foreman revealed about Brianna’s state of mind, I speak in a softer tone. “She’s fraying at the edges, Jake. So whatever you do, don’t hurt her.”

  He laughs. “You don’t know your sister very well, Storm.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask. But he’s already rung off.

  Chapter 27

  ______________

  Gabriel

  SEVERAL DAYS LATER I’m at the office when Samuel phones. Hopefully, he’s calling with news about the body at Winterleagh. “Yes.”

  “Mr. Storm. I thought you’d like to be present when I talk to Julio, the bellhop from the Londoner hotel. Do you have time to come down to the security office?”

  “Yes, of course.” I tell Amita where I’m going and ride the elevator down to the security suite where a team of operators monitor cameras and security equipment throughout Storm Tower. Nothing happens in the public spaces of the building that they don’t know about. The Brighton and Winterleagh Castle have their own security command centers. The Brighton’s located in the co-op’s basement and Winterleagh’s in the castle’s former dungeon.

  When I arrive in the suite, Samuel stands and Julio follows suit.

  “Mr. Storm. Julio Gonzalez, the bellhop from the Londoner. I believe you’ve already met.”

  “Hello, Julio. Good to see you again.” During those times I stayed at the hotel, I sought him out when I required an extra service or two. He always performed admirably with a ready smile.

  “Hey, Mr. S.” He’s always called me that. A street smart kid from the streets of New York, he’d followed his girlfriend across the pond and landed a job at one of the most exclusive hotels in the city.

  “Do you understand why we asked you to come in?”

  “Mr. Taylor said somebody took something from your suite last summer. It wasn’t me. Just so you know.” His shoulders twist in a defensive maneuver. From our conversations, I know he trains as a pugilist during his off hours.

  “I don’t suspect you, Julio. You wouldn’t do such a thing.”

  “Got that right, Mr. S. You’ve been real good to me. You tip real nice.” With a ready smile, he holds out a closed hand to me, and we bump fists.

  “Glad to hear it. We just have a couple of questions.”

  “Shoot.” He drops back against the seat. His body posture tells me he’s got nothing to hide.

  “Last year when I stayed at the hotel did you notice anything out of the ordinary?”

  “Yeah, I did. One of the other porters flashed a whole bunch of cash right around then. More cash than he usually had. He bragged he’d gotten a real nice tip from one of the guests. Don’t know about that. He never took pride in his work.” He taps his chest. “Not like I do. He usually did the least he could get away with. So that big tip? Didn’t make no sense.”

  “Did you ask him about it?”

  “No. Summer is our busiest time. So I chucked it off to him actually doing some work for a change. Only reason he got the job is because his uncle, the maitre d’, put in a good word for him.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Russell Maull.”

  “Does he still work at the hotel?”

  “No. He was let go a couple of months back. A detective paid him to take pictures of some guests. Apparently, the woman was married and the husband hired the private dick to find proof she was balling another man. Excuse the language, Mr. S.”

  I grin. “It’s fine. Go on.”

  “Russell hid in the closet, but he sneezed and the man hauled him out. He was fired on the spot.”

  “And where is he now? Do you know?”

  “Nah, he and me were never tight, you know.”

  “Thank you, Julio. You’ve been very kind to come here.” I shake his hand. “If you ever need a job outside of the hotel business, let me know. I can always use a loyal employee.”

  “Thank you, Mr. S. I may take you up on that.”

  Samuel slips him an envelope. “Here’s something for your time.”

  “Thank you.” Julio takes the envelope, slips it into his jacket, fist bumps me again before he leaves. He’ll be nicely surprised when he finds the 500 pounds inside.

  “We’ll need to find this Russell Maull.” I tell Samuel.

  He nods while typing into his laptop. “Already on it, Mr. Storm.”

  “When you do, let me know. I’d like to be there as well.”

  “Yes, Sir. One more thing. The coroner who examined the body found in the cave at Winterleagh confirmed the body was that of Bernard Simmons.”

  Thank God. One less thing to worry about. Satisfied with the progress of our document theft investigation, I head back up to my office. When I walk in, Amita reminds me about my two o’clock appointment, something I’ve noted on my calendar with the initials CL. My fifth session with Chris Langenfeld. Of course, my administrative assistant doesn’t know who I’m meeting. I don’t exactly want it prattled about that I’m seeing a therapist.

  After I eat a quick lunch at my desk, Travis drives me to the doctor’s office. He knows the address but not the purpose for my visit.

  “Pick me up in an hour, Travis.”

  “Yes, Mr. Storm.”

  I ride the elevator to the 12th floor. After I sign in, I only have a few minutes to wait.

  “Good afternoon, Gabriel,” Dr. Langenfeld greets me as soon as I walk in the door.

  “Chris.” I smooth down my tie as I take my usual seat.

  “Chocolate?” She waves a box in front of me.

  “What are they?”

  “Caramels. My favorite.”

  A huge bouquet of red roses presides over her desk.

  Caramels and roses. Her significant other probably sent them to her. “Anniversary?”

  “Uh huh, six months.” She mumbles while chewing one of the caramels.

  “So it’s serious then.” I’d never been in a relationship. Until Elizabeth came along. So I’d missed the celebratory dance of flowers and candy.

  She shrugs, but a small smile accompanies the gesture. “Maybe.”

  “The flowers and candy suggests it’s serious. At least at his end.”

  She covers the box of chocolates, turns on her recorder, and picks up her pad. “How is everything?”

  Okay. I get it. She doesn’t want to talk about it. Fair enough. “Things are going well.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  As I talk about the latest progress in my relationship with Elizabeth, I’m happy at how far we’ve come. But we’re not home free yet. Not by a long shot.

  Chapter 28

  ______________

  Elizabeth

  I CAN’T GET OVER THE IDYLLIC EXISTENCE we’re living. Everything is working out for the best. But I know it won’t last. Both he and I have too many demons to vanquish. The biggest one of all is his reluctance to accept my future at Payne Industries. The work is much more stimulating than the one I’d performed at Smith Cannon. It truly challenges my intellect, and it’s something I’d love to do once I graduate.

  A week after our zoo trip, I walk into my office looking forward to the project Trevor has assigned me. Another in depth financial analysis of a projected purchase. I’m beginning to learn the ins and outs of British property law. Since American law is
based on its justice system, there are many similarities, but also a fair number of differences. The trick is to reconcile the two so that everyone gets what they want.

  I’m up to my ears in economic modeling when there’s a knock on my door. I look up to find an unwelcome sight. Brian Sullivan.

  “May I come in?”

  “What do you want, Brian?”

  “Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

  “You’re not my friend.”

  His eyes flash with emotion. He steps into the room and closes the door behind him. Shit. My hand hovers over my office telephone. My secretary is only a buzz away.”

  “She’s away from her desk. And so is every other secretary in the place. Staff luncheon.”

  Not only that but most everyone goes to lunch at the same time, so the chances of somebody being close by are not good. “I’ll call the receptionist.”

  “And tell her what? I haven’t done anything.”

  It’s true. He hasn’t. Still. “What do you want?” I ask again.

  “Nothing. I come bearing gifts.” He slides over a folder.

  “Is this something about the Smith Cannon representation?”

  “No. This”— He taps a finger on the folder — “is personal. Just for you. Go ahead. Open it.” His smile tells I’m not going to find anything I like inside.

  I flip open the folder and photos of Gabriel and a blonde woman, a quite stunning woman, spill out. He’s holding the door open for her as she slips into his car. “Who is she?”

  “Dr. Chris Langenfeld. He goes to see her twice a week at her office. She’s a psychotherapist.”

  “A psychotherapist?”

  “Yes. Can’t see the mighty Gabriel Storm seeing a shrink. So whatever they’re doing in her office has to be personal.”

  Could he be cheating on me? I study the photo of the woman. She’s everything I’m not—slim, tall, blonde, precisely the kind of woman he used to date. Except she’s a professional.

  “She’s single in case you’re wondering.”

  Yeah, I am. As far as I know Gabriel never got involved with married women, but then neither has Sebastian and he confessed to being tempted by me. My stomach churns. I’m going to be sick. But not in front of this son of a bitch.

  “Get out. And if you ever come near me again, I will retaliate.”

  “How? You won’t have your husband’s protection any more. Not once he kicks you to the curb.”

  “If you don’t leave, I will scream, and I don’t care who hears me.”

  “Fine. I’m leaving.” He slides a piece of paper toward me. “My cell number, in case you need anything. I still want you, Elizabeth.”

  “Go to hell.”

  As soon as he steps out, I lock the door. Bile rises in my stomach, chills run up and down my spine. I cover my mouth and will back the sickness. Somehow I manage not to throw up. Once I’m sure the nausea has passed, I head for the bathroom, throw some cold water on my face. That’s where Charlie finds me.

  “Are you okay, ducks? You’re looking a bit pale.”

  “I think I ate something that didn’t agree with me.”

  “Better go home and have a bit of a lie down then.”

  “Yes, I think I better.” It’s time for me to leave anyway. So I grab my things and head out the door.

  Jonathan, who’s waiting for me in the lobby, takes one look at me and squints. “Anything wrong, Mrs. Storm?”

  “Upset stomach, that’s all.”

  When I get home, rather than feed Andrew, I tell Nanny I’m feeling out of sorts and would she mind taking over the next feeding. “Of course not, m’lady.”

  I tear off my clothes and sink into a bath. Could it be true? Is Gabriel cheating on me? I can’t believe he’d do such a thing. Not now when things are going so well. But are they really? There’s been so much drama in our lives. Maybe he longs for a bit of peace. And maybe, just maybe, that’s something that this woman can provide. Tired of my thoughts, I lay down to rest, and somehow end up falling asleep. Hours later, I am awakened. By Gabriel.

  “What’s wrong? Nanny said you weren’t feeling well.”

  Ask him about Chris Langenfeld. Now. But I don’t because I’m afraid of the answer he’ll give. “I think I ate some bad tuna fish for lunch.”

  He sweeps a hand through my hair. “My poor darling. How are you feeling now?”

  “Better.”

  “Good.”

  “Gabriel.” I twist the sheet between my fingers. “You’d tell me if there was anything wrong. Between us I mean.”

  “There’s nothing wrong between us, love.” He curls his hand around the nape of my neck, kisses me. “Now, what brought this on? Do you need more reassurance? Because I’d be more than happy to give it to you.” His lips quirk into that crooked smile I love so much.

  Reassurance. Code word for sex. I’d sought it from him that day Brian had called into question my fitness as a peer’s wife. Like an idiot, I’d believed him. Gabriel has no concerns in that regard as he’s proved time and time since then. There has to be a logical explanation for Gabriel visiting Chris Langenfeld. Maybe he has engaged her professional services, although I can’t quite see that. Guess I’ll just have to wait it out and hope that he’ll share it with me.

  “No. I don’t need reassurance. But I do want my dinner.” I jump out of bed, slip into my slippers.

  “Then you’re in luck because Jorge has fixed your favorite—chicken with rice.”

  “Yum.” Stepping into him, I slide my hand up the lapel of his jacket and nibble his bottom lip. “The decorators are almost finished with the dining nook.”

  “Are they?”

  “Uh huh. And then we’ll have to properly christen it.”

  “Anything special in mind?”

  “Oh, yes.”

  His eyes light up. “Can’t wait.”

  During dinner, I encourage him to tell me about his week. He tells me about Julio, the porter at the hotel. And how Samuel’s following that lead. But not once does he mention a visit to Chris Langenfeld.

  Chapter 29

  ______________

  Elizabeth

  FOR THE LAST WEEK, I’ve had trouble concentrating on the smallest of tasks as images of Gabriel in bed with the stunning blonde pop into my head. I keep thinking of his body surging over hers. Gabriel whispering all those words he whispers to me.

  I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. At work I’ve had to dig deep to focus on the simplest of tasks, meeting my deadlines by sheer will. My reaction stuns me for I’ve never been the jealous type. But then I never cared about any other man the way I care about Gabriel. Care. Such a mild word for the way I feel about him. I’m crazy in love with him. Have been for a long time. And it’s taken this to make me realize the depth of my love for him.

  The rational side of me tells me to let it go, that it’s just Brian yanking my chain. But the thing is I can’t come up with a logical reason for Gabriel visiting Dr. Langenfeld. I’ve researched her. She’s exactly what Brian said. A psychotherapist. But Gabriel would never pour his heart out to a shrink, especially a woman. So he’s seeing her for another reason, one that has nothing to do with her profession.

  To add to this turmoil, my school back home is pressing me for answers. Having received my letter of acceptance into the dual program for both schools I should have accepted and wired a deposit. But I haven’t. I need to decide whether to go to D.C. or stay in London and focus on the King’s College program. If I do the latter, I will not be licensed as an attorney in the United States which means I would not be able to work as the head of legal in Payne Industries-New York. Given the state of events between Gabriel and me, it might be best if I go.

  But the thought of leaving Andrew behind sickens me. Wherever I go, my baby will go with me. So after arriving home from work, I plan my strategy on the best approach to take with Gabriel. Tonight’s our date night. Dinner and the musical Jersey Boys. But I can’t bring up this subject in public. Not when
the discussion is bound to get heated. Best do it while he’s dressing for our evening out.

  After a shower, I slip into a cocktail gown—a black, bare shoulder affair that clings to my curves while revealing little skin. When I walk into Gabriel’s dressing room, his gaze roams appreciatively over my figure. I suppose I should find comfort in that, but then he’s always reacted physically to me.

  Parker is attaching cufflinks into Gabriel’s snowy white cuffs, reminding me of the first time we met.

  “Why are you smiling?” Gabriel asks.

  “The first day we met. On the elevator at Smith Cannon. The first thing I noticed about you was your cuff. You stopped the door from closing so I could jump in.” In one short elevator ride, I’d fallen in lust with this man and haven’t recovered since.

  His aquamarine gaze, mesmerizing as ever, finds mine. “I remember.” He shakes down the sleeve, and Parker tugs to get it to lie right. Once his valet slips the jacket over Gabriel’s broad shoulders and makes a couple of minute adjustments, Gabriel says. “Thank you, Parker. I’ll take it from here.”

  “Yes, m’lord.” Polite as ever, Parker nods and slips out the door

  Gabriel’s wearing a black business suit. To match me, I suppose. He grabs the tie from where Parker placed it, slips it around his neck. Is there anything than gets my motor running more than watching him dress? Well, undressing Gabriel takes the top spot, but watching him dress takes a close second. Nothing I’d like better than to run my tongue along that chiseled jawline of his, suck his bottom lip into my mouth, savor the intoxicating taste of him.

  “You keep looking at me like that, and I fear you won’t get your dinner.”

  I uncurl from the chair and stride up to him. “I’ll just have to snack on you then.”