Linked

by Barbara Huffert

  “I may take you up on that venting part if you don’t find them real soon,” Tori blurted before she could stop herself.

  Todd chuckled. “Anytime and I honestly mean that. If I thought he would listen I’d offer to have a talk with him but since I already made him give his word that he’d let the rest of us do our jobs I doubt that I’d get as far as you will if you point out his less than endearing behavior.”

  Tori rolled her eyes. “Better to save my breath.”

  “I know you don’t need me to make excuses for him but he really does know what he’s doing. He simply can’t stop himself even though I’m sure he tries to.”

  “That makes one of us.”

  “If you say so. One more thing before I go see if he has any mind left after the way this is driving him crazy. Today is going to be stressful for all of us but even more so for you. Guy will attempt all sorts of things to distract you and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if some of them are too bizarre to tell anyone because they’re too unbelievable for words. I won’t be asking you for details by the way. If you have the slightest interest in whatever he comes up with please go along with it. It’s getting to all of us that we’re going to know when we’re out of time and watching you hurt without being able to do anything about it is going to be extremely hard for him.”

  “I do know you’re doing everything you can.”

  “Thank you but that isn’t going to mean a thing if we fail.”

  “You said if. Not when.”

  “I don’t want to give you any false hopes but we have a chance as long as they’re alive. Granted we’re rapidly approaching the miracle stage but personally, I still believe in them no matter how rare they are.”

  “If you can do that after all the things I’m guessing you’ve seen then I’ll try to too. I think I used to but I haven’t for almost as long as I can remember.” Tori was amazed that she’d said that. “I already made a copy of what I wrote down for you. Let me grab it while you get Guy so I don’t hold you up any longer. I shouldn’t have let you talk to me today.”

  “Stop it. Don’t even let that thought form. Our discussion was extremely necessary and important. If I had stayed in the office I’d have spent the last half-hour bouncing off the walls and looking over everybody’s shoulders. My team is very capable and efficient. They are thorough in all aspects of their jobs whether I’m present or not. I’m overseeing this one, Tori. That means I coordinate and suggest options instead of doing the nitty-gritty searching that’s been going on as soon as you gave us the names Kimmie and Sam.”

  “Okay then. I won’t feel guilty for keeping you from your work even though I don’t agree this was at all necessary. I do appreciate what you were trying to do though and I guess I should thank you for that.”

  “Thank me by getting to know Guy after we have these two in custody.” Tori frowned. “Just a suggestion, Tori. No pressure. And, for the record, you certainly don’t have to be polite and thank me for giving out unwanted advice. You don’t have to pretend that you’re not thinking I just made a nuisance of myself by poking my nose in where it doesn’t belong. I’m not someone you ever need to pretend with, Tori, and not just where Guy is concerned. Friends, no matter how recently they met, don’t do that sort of thing with each other.”

  “Okay, fine, friend,” Tori’s tone was sarcastic as she glared at him. “I do know you mean well but our friendship will have much better chance if you stick with reality and don’t start seeing things that aren’t there. You need to butt out unless,” she gasped at her outburst. “Oh my God, I’m—”

  “Don’t you dare apologize,” Todd cut her off. “Fact is I’m proud of you for speaking up. Shows you know you can be open with me without worrying that I’ll run away just because you expressed yourself.”

  “Yeah, especially since you’re as stuck with me as Guy is for now,” Tori snorted. “Go get him before he turns into a total Neanderthal and drags me around by the hair for the rest of the day.” Tori went to the copier that Ned had set up in her dining room for her convenience during their investigation.

  Seconds later when Todd waved Guy back inside, Tori was busy filling a thermos with the rest of the coffee. She put it on the table next to the copy of her dream and the bag of sandwiches that Guy had made for Todd.

  Todd smiled at her kind gesture. “You didn’t have to do this but I sure do appreciate it.”

  “Great but Guy did it, not me. All I did was pour the coffee that I should have offered when you got here,” Tori answered flatly, avoiding looking at both men.

  “Then I’ll change that to a joint thank you.” Todd met Guy’s eyes behind her back and saw his frustration. “And now, unless either of you needs me for anything, I should be going.”

  Tori nodded her goodbye and ignored him as Guy walked him to the door. “Todd,” she stopped him as he was about to leave. “You will call? If you find them, um, before…”

  “Absolutely,” Todd promised, holding her eyes for an extended minute. “And if you think of something else, no matter how insignificant it seems, you call me.”

  Tori nodded and retreated to the sink.

  “Hey, Todd?” Guy snagged him around the shoulders. “I know you want to get right back but why don’t you take five minutes and swing by your house?”

  “I look that bad, do I?”

  “No, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t make it home last night. Don’t forget I know you. Go kiss your wife and let that little one kick against your hand a few times. You could even make an exception and drive Sarah to school today instead of her taking the bus,” he suggested quietly.

  “Damn, you do know me,” Todd sighed and glanced at his watch. “Time’s about right. Think I’ll make that detour since I don’t have to stop to pick up breakfast.” He gestured toward Tori. “Hang in there and don’t pay attention to most of what’s said today since it’ll just be the stress talking.”

  “I know. Not that it helps but I do know. I’ll check in later.”

  “Do that. Time to let me know when you go out too,” Todd stated, more to remind Tori than Guy, hoping to prevent a scene when Guy did as he’d been instructed to.

  Guy watched until Todd’s car disappeared before turning from the door. When he did, Tori was still occupied in the kitchen.

  “You okay, Tori? I didn’t know Todd was going to do that. I’m sorry if he said anything that made you uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, please.” Tori rolled her eyes. “I admit I’d rather not be alone when Russ and Stan show up but, contrary to what you think, I am capable of surviving a conversation with someone I already know has no interest in harming me in my own kitchen without you standing guard. I took care of myself the first twenty-four years just fine and I bet I can handle the next twenty-four too.”

  “You are extremely capable and I shouldn’t have made it sound like I doubted you.”

  Tori shrugged and continued to take the dishes from the dishwasher.

  “Want to go to the library today? I have some work to do on my laptop but I can do that anywhere.”

  “No, thanks.”

  “We could take a drive. Do some talking along the way.”

  “You just finished saying you had work to do. I’m a big girl, Guy. I can entertain myself,” she stated sharply. “Sorry. I don’t mean to snap at you but I’m still a little too tired to be social this morning. If you don’t mind I think I’d rather spend some time reading.”

  “No problem,” he answered even though she’d already grabbed a book from an end table and settled into one of the chairs in the living room. “Any objections to me using your washer since we’re not going anywhere? Be happy to do your laundry too while I’m at it.”

  Tori stared suspiciously. “Yeah, whatever. Basket’s in the bathroom and I won’t bother saying you don’t have to do mine since you’re going to do what you want anyway,” she mumbled the last part loud enough for him to hear it.

  “All right, then I’ll leave y
ou to your book.”

  Five minutes later Guy returned with their laundry and his laptop. After he had the first load started, he took a seat in the kitchen. As he opened his computer, he pretended he wasn’t aware of Tori watching him.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, slamming her book closed.

  “Laundry and the work I mentioned. I thought I’d bring it down here so I didn’t bother you when it was time to switch loads.”

  “Fine,” Tori said and stomped up to her bedroom.

  Guy put in the second load when Tori reappeared. She clearly expected him to say something and was surprised when he didn’t.

  “I need a different book,” she explained with her back to him as she poked through the bookcase in the living room. “The other one’s good but I don’t feel like it today. I do that sometimes, read more than one at a time, depending on what I’m in the mood for.”

  “That’s fine, Tori,” Guy said pleasantly, looking up briefly before returning to his computer.

  Again, she stomped upstairs but muttered as she went. She continued to grumble for the next half-hour before returning noisily.

  Tori flopped into the chair across from Guy and tapped her fingers on the table until she had his attention. “What’s up with you? Some kind of new game or something? I don’t get it.”

  “Excuse me?” he sounded confused.

  “You didn’t seem to like the way Todd chased you out of here. You apologized in case he made me nervous. But you still haven’t asked what he wanted. I thought you’d do that as soon as he walked out the door.”

  “I considered it but I trust Todd. If he wanted me involved he wouldn’t have asked for privacy so he must have his reasons. I invited you to talk but you said no. I won’t deny how pushy I am with you but I told you I’d back off so I am. I figure you’ll tell me if you want me to know and don’t want me to pry if you don’t.”

  “Oh,” she sounded suspicious. “Okay. Thanks.” When Guy didn’t speak, she abandoned her spot and left him alone again.

  Tori came back as he put their folded clothes in the basket. “Are you hungry yet? What can I get you?”

  “What the hell is wrong with you? You’re like a Stepford clone.”

  “Excuse me?” He used the same calm tone as he had previously.

  “Would you stop already!”

  “Stop what?”

  “Being like that!”

  “I’m afraid I don’t understand what you think I’m doing.”

  “Knock it off, Guy! I’m not kidding around here.”

  “Tori.”

  “Now! I mean it or I swear I won’t be responsible when you make me smack you upside the head.”

  Guy studied her as she glared with her chest heaving like she truly was as furious as she sounded. “That’s it. Time to go.”

  “Go? Go where?” Tori demanded as Guy dragged her with him.

  “You need some sweats and a T-shirt. A sports bra might be good if you have one.”

  “What for?”

  Instead of explaining, Guy pulled out his phone. “It’s me, Todd. Tori and I are heading for the gym by way of my place. She has the need to beat the shit out of me and I prefer to be wearing some pads while she does it. And no, you can’t come watch this time. Maybe next time after I see what I’m up against. I’ll let you know when we get there. Yeah, good idea.”

  “You son of a bitch,” Tori growled, throwing the clothes she’d collected while he was on the phone.

  “Grab your keys too. Todd suggested that you should drive so you don’t pop me in the car.”

  “French asshole,” Tori muttered but stalked from the house without waiting for him to open the door.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sitting on the locker room bench, Tori fumed even though she knew her anger was totally unjustified. She was the one acting like an asshole, not Guy. She was the one being completely unreasonable. Yes, she was definitely the one so far out of control she felt like a train wreck waiting to happen. And she was positive she would get much worse before it was all said and done.

  “Coward,” Tori sniped at herself as she yanked her clothes from the bag Guy had tucked them in when they stopped at his apartment. “Who are you trying to fool, Banks? Once a wimp, always a wimp. What a fucking joke,” she snorted as she balled up her shirt and threw it in an open locker. “You’re so strong. So brave to set out on your own and make such a nice life for yourself,” she exaggerated Guy’s accent. “Yeah, real brave, walking away without even a word. Takes a lot of guts to run instead of standing up for yourself.”

  She struggled into the old sports bra she used to wear when she waitressed because the snug fit helped to avoid some of the unwanted attention she drew without it. “He must think I’m brain damaged after the way I acted this morning,” she huffed. “Don’t you wish. Better that than proving you really are the Beverly Hills drama queen he thought you were.”

  Tori berated herself until she was dressed. She stared mutely at the locker door before glancing around the rest of the room. With a groan, she let out a humorless laugh. “Figures,” she said, shaking her head and leaning back against the lockers. She wanted to crawl inside one and never come out but forced herself to face the woman watching her warily. “I guess you’re my baby-sitter for the day. You must be since you didn’t run out screaming about the nutcase having a mental breakdown in here,” Tori paused but the woman remained silent.

  “Do me a favor, okay? I already lost the end of my rope and am too stupid to realize I’m holding on to thin air so please don’t give me some fancy song and dance about how you have no idea what I’m talking about. I saw you getting in your car at Guy’s and I noticed it out in the lot. Even if I hadn’t the fact that Guy let me come in here alone is a dead giveaway. I expected him to drag me into the men’s locker room with him, with his hand over my eyes while he chased everyone else out. Jeez, he barely lets me out of his sight in my own home, no way would he do it here unless he already had someone waiting for me.” Tori took a deep breath and hid her face for a moment. “Hey, I’m sorry. I’m being a mega-bitch and taking out my bad mood on you when you’re going out of your way to do your job and keep me safe. Just ignore me. I’ll keep my mouth shut if you’ll tell me your name.”

  The woman smiled warmly and moved to Tori with her hand outstretched. “Lita.”

  “Thank you, Lita.” Tori bit her lip to hold back the sudden urge to cry. “Is it against the rules to ask you if you work with Guy or Todd?”

  “Normally, yes, but I’m also supposed to remain anonymously in the background. I’m with the Bureau but not part of Todd’s team.”

  “Oh. So what do you usually do when you’re not riding shotgun on a spoiled brat basket case?”

  Lita laughed. “Riding shotgun with a different one. I’m part of the security unit that is responsible for individual personal safety for various reasons such protecting key witnesses, judges who might draw a threat, visiting dignitaries.”

  “Oh, goody, a professional guard dog to go with the mongrel I already have,” Tori groaned. “Damn, I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “Forget it.” Lita squeezed her arm. “I was briefed on your situation and I promise not to take anything you say personally. I’m actually glad to be here. I try not to stereotype assignments but if I did you wouldn’t be at all what I’d expect.”

  “Um, thanks, I think. What are my chances of slipping out the door that I’m assuming would eventually get me outside?”

  “Zilch.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Guess you won’t let me hide in here all day either?”

  “I wish I could but you know that’s impossible.”

  Tori stomped her foot in frustration. “I am so ready to scream! I hate this! Don’t tell me it’s for my own good either because I’m so sick of having someone breathing down my neck all the time I think I’d rather take my chances with Russ and Stan.”

  “You don’t really mean that and I would apprecia
te it if you hold off on that scream until we’re out there. I’m scheduled to escort the governor’s wife to a luncheon where she’s speaking next week and my boss would not be at all happy if he has to find a replacement because he loaned me to another team and I got shot by their leader’s brother-in-law.”

  “You’re joking, right?”

  “Mostly. I prefer not to find out. Especially since I might be unable to avoid drawing my gun and shooting Guy in the arm if he came in here intending to shoot first and ask questions later.”

  “He wouldn’t!”

  “He might. Again, I don’t think we should test him.”

  “No.” Tori shivered. “I don’t even know what we’re doing here since he’s so paranoid about public places.”

  “Hmm, how can I break this to you gently so you don’t scream?”

  “Oh God, what?”

  “After school, weekends and in the summer, this gym is used by the Police Athletic League. During the day or when PAL doesn’t have anything scheduled it’s available to off-duty cops and those in rehab programs.”

  Tori rolled her eyes. “Well, gee, at least now I don’t have to be embarrassed that you’re here to watch me. Yes, I feel so much better knowing that I’m the only one here who isn’t a cop. Oh yeah, so much better.” Tori scowled and shoved open the door.

  “Have you two met?” Tori asked sarcastically, confronting Guy just outside the locker room where he stood waiting for her.

  “Not yet.” Lita grinned at Guy’s stunned expression. “Don’t look so surprised. I couldn’t lie when Tori told me she figured out my purpose since she saw me at your apartment and recognized my car when you got here.”

  “Tori,” Guy began.

  “Don’t bother. I get it. I don’t like it but I get it. Now where was I? Oh yeah. Lita, professional watchdog, meet Guy, Alpha mongrel. You two going to play nice or is there some sort of pissing contest you have to get out of the way first?”