by Lexy Timms
Dani winced; she glanced uneasily at Luke, who still hadn’t moved.
Still, this man was definitely in charge. It was an air he had, a simple statement of fact. Wherever he was, became his territory; he was in charge. Where Benny had been all bluster and noise to ensure that everyone listened to him, this person had no need to establish the pecking order. It was simple and indisputable. He was in charge.
Luke had skidded to a complete stop, his hand in hers going stiff and his breathing seeming to stop.
“Luke?” Dani looked from the man to Luke and back again. “Do you know this guy?”
Luke wasn’t there and that scared her, more than anything had ever scared her in her entire life. And she’d grown up around the mafia. Luke’s eyes showed a healthy display of horror as well.
“LUKE!” Dani hissed, and yanked his arm. His head swiveled around that he might look at her, even if his eyes didn’t seem to register her presence. He could have been staring at the man, or at the open gates of hell for that matter. It was all the same. She waved a hand in front of his face until he blinked, and awareness crept back into his eyes. “Who. Is. That?”
He looked back at the cluster in the distance. Marcus had arrived to turn the trio into a quartet, and he was obviously being introduced.
“My father.” Luke croaked out the words, as though through a dry and rough throat. He tried to clear his throat and ended up coughing instead.
Dani patted his back, not sure what else to do. “I thought he was dead,” she murmured, darting glances between him and the stranger, seeing the resemblances between them now.
“Wishful thinking,” Luke muttered, and shook his head.
His father chose that moment to look past the people on the driveway, straight at him and Dani. He smiled a bright, charming smile that warmed Dani’s heart, and set her into fantasies about what Luke would look like at that age, picturing him as a gentleman rogue, the inveterate ladies’ man. It was a strange and heady thought, and not for the first time Dani wanted to make this engagement real. The idea of growing old with this man at her side was the stuff of fantasies.
I wonder...
Then the stranger turned those eyes on her.
Now it was she who couldn’t breathe. She’d seen men with that kind of look in their eyes before. She found herself reaching again for Luke’s hand, pressing a little closer, though she knew she was being ridiculous. She was standing on a Florida sidewalk in broad daylight. There was absolutely nothing to fear. Yet she had an inkling of how dangerous this man could be. There was something calculating in that gaze that said he knew absolutely everything about her. She felt naked and exposed, and wondered how many people had fallen for that surface charm that captivated from a hundred feet away.
“Well?” his father called. “Are you going to join us, or have you decided to wait there until I’ve left?”
“I’m considering it,” Luke called back, and she felt the tension in his arm, in his hand. She pressed against him a little closer, trying to remind him that she was still there. She could no longer feel her fingers, he was clutching her hand so tight.
If his mother frustrated him, his father left him absolutely enraged.
“Luke...”
Her soft whisper seemed to soothe him. He darted a glance at her, and his hand unclenched marginally. Her fingers tingled as her blood fought to circulate again.
“Well, consider it over a steak, boy—I’m hungry!” The man made a grand, sweeping gesture to a limo down the road, that pulled forward in obedience to his wishes. A man in a suit and cap jumped out to open the back door. Under his close supervision, he handed Elaina into the back, bowing as Edwin and Marcus clambered in after. When had Marcus gotten to the house? She hadn’t even been paying attention.
The driver closed the door on the passenger side of the car and opened the other side, the side facing the street where Luke and Dani waited on the sidewalk, watching.
“Come on, boy!” his father called, though the façade was cracking. His voice had a hint of growing impatience, of dissatisfaction that his wishes weren’t being seen to quickly. “I want to meet this girl of yours! Tell her embarrassing things about you a child. And as an adult. It’s the only joy old people have, embarrassing their children.”
Dani looked up at Luke, whose face was still unreadable. Wordlessly, he stepped off the curb. Thankfully, no cars were coming. Dani wasn’t sure he would have noticed if they were. Luke’s feet seemed to move on their own, or maybe he was walking in a fog, but Dani was sure he wasn’t there for a moment as he crossed the street and entered the car as ordered.
Dani was helped into the car last, the driver offering his hand to her as she folded into the vehicle. He smelled like shaving cream and air freshener. It wasn’t bad, but it was very strong.
The door closed again. The interior was every bit as spacious as Dani had expected it would be. Elaina sat in the corner and seemed to avoid her son’s eyes, for once silenced by this chain of events. Dani found she missed Elaina’s chatter... No, she missed Elaina being Elaina, and found herself disliking their suave and genial host all the more. She wasn’t alone in her dislike. Her own father tried not glare at the newcomer, and Marcus... Dani knew that look. Marcus was sizing up possible opponents. Whether that assessment was aimed at the father or his driver, it was impossible to say. Knowing him, he meant it for both. It had been easy, these past few days, to forget the fact that Marcus had put a bullet between Katie’s eyes without a moment’s hesitation. Now Dani was reminded that he was hired muscle, a confirmed killer with very little compunction when it came to killing on Edwin’s orders.
And Edwin was jealous.
Dani shot a glance at her father, wondering just how far he would take his petty jealousies and whether she would need to intervene. Her own training had left her more than capable of assessing the risks, as much as Marcus, even if she maybe didn’t have the years of experience that her father’s bodyguard had. But she had youth on her side, and she trusted that the situation couldn’t get too far out of control. Besides, she had Luke, right? And he was a highly-trained federal agent. If it came down to it, it would be them two against... well, whatever individual decided to press his agenda. Two against one, then. Good odds.
Except Luke was gone, lost in his own agenda. His expression ranged from comic to tragic, and Dani didn’t know which way to jump.
Yeah. Two against one.
She was screwed.
She sighed and reached for Luke’s hand, pressing his palm to let him know she was there. No matter what, she would not leave him again. He’d been abandoned before. She’d take on the world all by herself if that’s what it took to save him.
Not knowing what else to do in the meantime Dani found herself focusing on Elaina, who huddled across from her, trying to disappear into the upholstery. She seemed to be ashamed. Embarrassed? Mortified? Something. There was a feeling of resentment mixed in, too. The play of emotions across her face was unguarded, open, raising more questions than they answered.
Dani glanced again at Luke. Man, did they need to talk.
The only one who seemed to be enjoying himself was Luke’s father. He caught Dani’s eye and extended a hand to her. His handshake was strong. Firm. “Since no one is bothering to be civil,” he said, “allow me to introduce myself. I am William McConnell, at your service.”
Dani glanced down at his hand in hers. He wore a ring, gold, with a brilliant ruby set in the top. His watch was an expensive Swiss import that Benny had been drooling over but never got for himself. It had been too pricey for even him.
This, then, was the source of the artwork. This was the source of Elaina’s money. And since Luke had been FBI, that meant that his father had passed Luke’s background check. All this money was legit. As much as any large sum of money could be said to be obtained legitimately.
“And what is it you do, Mr. McConnell?” she asked as sweetly as she was able as she drew her hand back to cover the other
still firmly in Luke’s grasp.
“Currently, I am a... special liaison,” he said with that charming smile. “Meaning I have a cushy government job that pays well and that no one truly understands... especially me.”
“Dad’s an ambassador,” Luke said suddenly, color returning to his face.
“Not for some time, my boy!” William contradicted jovially. “I haven’t done that for years now. I’ve gone on to other prospects.”
“Why now?”
Dani smiled. Her special agent was, in fact, pulling himself back together. It’s about time.
William cocked his head. “I thought I could offer my son a hand,” he enthused, beaming magnanimously, “and meet my new daughter.” His smile was now for Dani’s benefit alone. It was creepy, like staring down a crocodile. “And her family, of course!” He turned to Edwin and bestowed a smile there, too, despite the odd look her father was giving him.
“How much?” Luke asked.
“Luke!” Elaina’s head came up sharply, her eyebrows meeting her hairline, the picture of mortification.
“No, no... it’s quite all right.” William leaned over and patted her arm. Edwin positively bristled. “My boy has a right to be suspicious. As it happens,” he said, turning to Luke, his smile gone, “I do have an ulterior motive, one I am sure that you won’t mind in the least.”
“Oh?” Luke’s eyes were narrowing dangerously. “And what might that be?”
“That USB stick,” William said, his smile benign, like he’d asked for something simple. Like a drink of water. “I want it.”
Chapter Six
He wants the USB? How the hell... Luke sighed, and turned his head. Why should I be surprised?
The restaurant, like everything else in that area, was tastefully hidden among the greenery, set back away from the road. The parking lot was the only real indication it was a place of business at all.
“How the hell do you find anything out here?” William looked around, his lip curling in dissatisfaction. “All I see are plants; it’s like some...” he searched for a comparison, “like elves trying to go commercial.” He was obviously not satisfied with that analogy but Dani nodded solemnly, as if she agreed.
Luke said nothing. He was still looking out the window, trying to pretend this entire nightmare wasn’t happening. Not only did he not get time alone with Dani, despite the five-dollar investment, but to have his father suddenly show up, now of all times, was...
Is there a word to suggest you’re disappointed that someone isn’t dead? Is there a word stronger than “hate”?
Problem was, Luke didn’t hate his father, not anymore. There was a time when hate would have been the perfect description, but that was years ago. It was also the last time he’d shown up in Luke’s life.
They piled out of the limo onto the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Dani chatted with Elaina, her hand on her arm. Making sure she was okay, Luke realized. His mother had no idea about the USB stick, yet she hadn’t said anything. Just pretended to disappear inside the limo, like he pretty much had. Why did it surprise him that his pretend fiancée could be sensitive like that? Of course, she would have realized that going out to dinner with your ex-husband might be a stressful event. Something that maybe her son should have realized.
Not liking himself very much right now, Luke didn’t wait for the driver. He got out on the driver’s side and left the door open. It was petty, making the driver go around just to spite the man’s employer, but Luke wasn’t feeling particularly generous right now.
“They’re closed,” Edwin announced, pointing to the sign on the door. William’s driver excused himself as he snuck between them. He knocked once and waved to someone inside. The door unlocked and a gentleman in black pants, white shirt, bow tie, and a crisp clean apron opened the door. He bowed low and swept his arm out in a flourish.
“Ladies,” he said in a rumbling basso voice, “gentlemen, please enter. Your table’s prepared.”
Of course, it is.
Why his father couldn’t do anything, well, normal was beyond him. Even celebrities ate in restaurants without closing them to the public first. This was just for show. The question was, who was his father trying to impress? Him? His ex-wife? Whoever he thought had that damn USB stick?
Luke saw Dani look up at him, but he could only shrug. What was there to say? This was his father’s show, and whatever he’d arranged they were going to have to see it through.
As they filed into the restaurant only William looked at ease, though Elaina did roll her eyes from time to time at the ostentatiousness of the place. It was, in essence, a steak house. It was a decent place, but the kind frequented by average nine-to-five workers looking for a nice meal out.
Under William’s influence, it became a palace. The rows and rows of tables had been stripped and pushed back to the sides of the room, entirely out of the way. Only one long table with six places lay within the circle of the heart of the dining area. This was in the middle of the restaurant, in space you had to step down two steps to get to, under a buffalo head and several pieces of what someone considered Texas memorabilia, though what washboards and spittoons had to do with steak, Luke couldn’t guess. The table was draped with a cloth so smooth and soft, it had to be an expensive linen. Even Dani, whose childhood had been spent in the lap of luxury, was impressed. Luke could see it in her expression and in the way she stroked the cloth. For a moment his heart stopped, and he found himself wanting to buy her every fine fabric in the world, just to create that look of soft bliss upon her face. He resolved then and there to make some calls when this was over. To treat her to cashmere and silk.
The group stood uncertainly around the table, exchanging comments in low murmurs. The place settings were a showpiece from a Thanksgiving photo spread. This was the sort of china that might induce a person to buy a house, just to have a decent place to show off the plates. It was probably some sort of special make, but Luke wasn’t familiar enough with the different types to judge it. The plates seemed thin, and held no pattern save a band of gold around the edges. He had no doubt that gold was real. Knowing his father, it was easy to take that leap in logic and assume that the plates cost more than the steak the restaurant would normally serve upon it.
The goblets were crystal, the napkins too luxurious to use, and the cutlery was probably real silver. It was just his father’s way. The whole experience was surreal, and Luke had to look around to make sure they were still in the steakhouse. Sure enough, crossed branding irons graced the wall over the booths, and cheerful signs about not shooting the bartender proclaimed that, indeed, they were still in someone’s idea of the Old West. Looking between broken saddles and a table set for royalty was like walking into an empty warehouse and finding Versailles.
William, ever the expansive host, entreated his guests to sit. He took the chair on the end, the head of the table. Edwin held a chair for Elaina and sat beside her; Luke did the same with Dani, though he disliked leaving her at his father’s left, though Luke supposed that having that much distance between himself and the old man was probably safest for all involved. This left Marcus to sit at the foot of the table.
“I wasn’t sure if your man was going to join us or stand guard,” William admitted, flashing a winning smile at Marcus. “I see I picked the correct one.”
“Marcus is...” Edwin said slowly, “... not exactly in my employ at the moment. My funds are somewhat insolvent until certain other matters are resolved. He’s here in his own capacity in the meantime.”
Dani glanced at Marcus, her eyebrows raised. “Friendship is important, too,” she said, and bestowed a bright smile on the former guard.
Marcus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, as if he would have been more comfortable standing guard after all. Knowing what he did about the man, even if they hadn’t truly had a real conversation, Luke didn’t doubt it was true. Hell, even he would prefer guard duty to eating with the old man.
“It doesn’t change the ess
ence of what I do,” Marcus said finally, opening his napkin and placing it on his lap. “I am still here to assure Mr. Rhinehart is able to complete his business.”
“Ah yes.” William smiled and nodded. “Business. His... business, and that is what we need to discuss, is it not? Mr. Rhinehart’s business? Who runs Markland Enterprises? You’ve stepped down, your son and presumptive heir is currently... undergoing treatment, and your biggest investor seems to have fallen to his death from a helicopter while eluding police. That can’t be easy on a company.”
“We’re...” Edwin took a deep breath, his eyes hard. Calculating. His hands clenched and unclenched. Luke reflected how it was a wonder anyone had entrusted Edwin with a steak knife. “... restructuring.”
“I imagi—”
“William!” Elaina hissed.
“I do beg your pardon if I caused offense, Edwin. May I call you Edwin? Please, you must call me William; we can’t afford formalities. We’re very nearly family now.”
“Dad, what the hell kind of game is this?” Luke growled. Dani put a restraining hand on his arm. It was so like the one his mother had on his father’s arm that Luke swallowed the rest of his retort.
“No game!” William insisted, and three waiters and two waitresses appeared with trays bearing dome-covered plates. The plates were placed on the plates already on the table, turning the fine china into overpriced chargers as wine was served to each member of the party.
Then, as quickly as the servers had arrived they vanished again, disappearing through the swinging door into the kitchen as noiselessly as they had appeared. It was eerie. If it hadn’t been for the smell of something absolutely mouthwatering wafting from under the lid over his plate, Luke might have thought the whole thing was some strange illusion.
William cleared his throat, drawing attention to himself. Rising, he raised his glass, the ebullient host. Luke had the image of a ringmaster at a circus, and almost looked up to see if there were acrobats concealed in the antler chandeliers. “I do hope I was able to choose correctly; if not, I’m fairly confident that you will, at least, enjoy what I have set before you.”
