Gabriel (Guardian Defenders Book 1)

by Kris Michaels

  “You’d be guessing correctly. As soon as we finish, find Ms. Harriger. I believe she will be in the primary’s apartment and assist her in getting her belongings transferred from her hotel. Now, where do we stand on the earpieces and radio coms?”

  “They are on their way. The Secret Service was very cordial. We should have them by tomorrow afternoon at the latest.”

  “Excellent. Get Ms. Harriger settled and then come back. I want to know where the blind spots are in the surveillance we’ve put up, and we need to determine if there is a workaround available.”

  “Roger that, sir.”

  “Also, get me the figures on that airlift acquisition package from the home office. I’m going to ask Mr. Xavier to pull the trigger on the surplus transport planes the Department of Defense has been asking us to purchase.”

  “Hot damn, about time. We’ve gotten big enough that having our own fleet makes sense. I’m sure if you ran the numbers, it will show owning and maintaining our own aircraft will save us money over the charters we’ve been contracting.”

  “I agree. I still want to run those numbers again before I contact Mr. Xavier.”

  “Smart move. The boss deserves our best. God knows it will take forever to process through the DoD, but getting those aircraft would be a huge boon.”

  Graham St. James spun to leave, but Gabriel caught him. “Graham, before you go, I need you to do me one favor. Off the books and between us.”

  The man smiled widely. “Anything. You name it.”

  “Find out what ingredients are in chicken and dumplings and make sure they are stocked in Ms. Harriger’s kitchen.”

  “Just that?”

  He reached into his pocket and extracted three one-hundred-dollar bills. “Food, wine, and flowers. If you can make it happen before she heads down to her apartment for the night, there is a two-week vacation for you and your wife. On me. To anywhere.”

  “Hot damn. She wants to see the Louvre.”

  “Consider it done if you can make those things appear before she’s off for the day.”

  “Oh, ye of little faith. Theresa is going to be so happy and very appreciative when I get home.” Graham spun around and launched from his office.

  He stared sightlessly at his messages. A mental picture of Anna Harriger’s tight body formed in his mind. Those scrubs might have been made for comfort and ease of movement, but the way the thin pink cotton clung to her hips and ass made him decidedly uncomfortable. He rubbed a thumb across his jaw. He typically avoided distractions like Anna. He’d identified her as one hell of a distraction six years ago, but that hadn’t stopped him. He had told himself she would be a one-time indulgence, only to see her grow into a minor obsession. For the last six years, she’d stayed in his mind’s eye and held his curiosity.

  Like a comet in the night’s sky, she was brilliant and blinding, but solitary and alone.

  He smiled and gazed out the window to stare at the brilliant blue New Orleans sky. There was something unique about the way Anna affected him. Although he doubted many could see through her bravado, the woman hid in plain sight. She danced behind words, shape-shifted through perceptions, and led people to see what she wanted them to see. He wondered how many really knew Anna. How many saw the things he’d seen in her eyes. Did anyone besides him witness the goodness in her heart and understand the echo of loneliness that drifted in the wake of each selfless deed?

  “You’re doing what?”

  Graham St. James laughed, and his smile lit up his face. “I’m Guardian Security’s logistician. It is my responsibility to ensure you get moved into your new apartment and that you have everything you need.”

  Really? Huh… wait… “Does everyone get this service or just me?”

  “Honestly, ma’am, I have six apartments to coordinate. You’re on the list just like everyone else.”

  “Are you getting everyone else’s possessions from their hotels?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes. It is part of my responsibilities. I can have your clothes in your apartment by the time you get done with work tonight. If you want me to hang them up or put them in the dresser, that will cost you.”

  “Cost me?”

  “Yup. According to my wife, I’m pathetic at it, and you will probably lose a sweater or something. Happens every time.” The guy laughed, and it was contagious.

  “Well, Mr. St. James–”

  “Graham.”

  “Graham, here is the key to my hotel room. Leave my stuff in my suitcase. I don’t want to lose any sweaters, not that I brought any to New Orleans.”

  “Smart woman. It is going to get hot down here.”

  “Going to get?” Anna glanced out at the blazing sun.

  “Yes, ma’am. I predict people around here are going to get really hot.”

  “You’re a weatherman, too?” She followed him to the elevator.

  He got in and hit the button. “No, ma’am. Just observant. Oh, red or white wine?”

  “Red, but why?” she stammered as the doors closed.

  “Checklist, ma’am. Checklist.” He lifted his clipboard and smiled as the doors slid shut.

  Anna stared at the door for a moment before she shook her head. She was totally disjointed today. She meandered back to Jackie’s room and cracked the door. Her friend’s head turned to her as she entered.

  “Hey, you.” Anna slipped in and shut the door behind her.

  “Hi. Where’s Deacon?” Jackie struggled to sit up in the bed.

  Anna helped her sit and propped pillows behind her back before lowering her back into a reclining position. Jackie groaned as she lowered.

  “Working in his den. It is about time for another pain pill.”

  “Can I not? I want to talk to Deacon first. I’ve been avoiding it, hiding from the past and…” Jacqueline let out a breath and sniffed. “I need to be able to think. The drugs make me feel…”

  “Hey, I get it. How about this. I’ll go get Deacon and give him your meds. When you get done talking, he can give them to you.”

  “Thank you, but before you go, I need a shower.”

  “No can do, sweets, a shower is out of the question. You’ve got a cast on your leg and stitches in your scalp that can’t get wet, but we can do a quick bath. I’ll wash your hair the best I can while keeping those stitches dry.” Anna stood and put her hands on her hips. “Only all that movement will make you hurt like crazy, and you’re not taking your pain pills.”

  “Maybe I can help?” Deacon stood in the doorway.

  Anna clapped her hands together. “Yes! Perfect. You two talk. I’m going to go into the bathroom and run you a bath. When you get done in here, you can carry her into the bathroom. I’ll wash her up, and afterward, you two can visit until Jackie’s meds kick in.

  Anna placed the three pills Jackie needed to take in a small plastic cup and set it on the nightstand next to where Deacon was standing. “You can lie down on that side of the bed, you know. Just don’t jostle her too much. Towering over her isn’t going to help the conversation. Just saying.”

  She headed toward the bathroom and prayed like crazy there was a magazine or something to read. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. By the time Deacon came into the bathroom, she had memorized the ingredients on the labels on the mouthwash, shampoo, toothpaste, and some sort of cleaner under the sink. After reading that one, though, she was pretty sure she needed gloves made of lead. Toxic waste had fewer chemicals.

  She glanced up from the lip of the tub where she’d been adding more warm water to the bath. “Whoa, hard convo, huh?” Deacon’s red-rimmed, puffy eyes told a story she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear.

  He scrubbed his hand over his five o’clock shadow. “I don’t know how to deal with this.”

  “This?” Anna watched as he leaned against the vanity. His body seemed to fold in on itself.

  He shook his head. “She’s been through so damn much.”

  “Yeah… and?” Anna didn’t like the way Deacon was
acting. “You know she needs you, right?”

  A humorless chuff of air resembling a laugh pushed out of him. “And yet I wasn’t able to protect her from this bastard.”

  “When did you get it?” Anna stood up and walked over to the big guy.

  His brow furrowed. “Get what?”

  “The crystal ball?”

  He snorted dismissively and crossed his arms. “You don’t understand. I’m supposed to take care of her.”

  “Right, that I get. What I don’t understand is how you thought you could have prevented an attack that even the federal government couldn’t predict.”

  “She should never have been out there alone.”

  “Oh, so you’re going to take all her freedom away.”

  “No, I didn’t say that.”

  “Yes, you did. Seriously, let’s take a step away from the bark of the tree your are slamming your face into so we can look at the forest. First, no one knew this guy was still out there. Second, even if the cops knew he was around, could anyone even conceive that he’d be in New Orleans? That he’d happen to see Jackie? That he’d go after her again? No. You are not God. You don’t know the beginning and the end. You were dropped into the middle of a puzzle, and you didn’t have all the pieces. Let me tell you something, Mr. Football Player, what you do now, with all the information you do have? That, my friend, will be how you’re remembered in this situation. That will make or break your relationship with that woman, and as far as I can see, you’ve got all the bases covered. You have your building locked down. You have a security firm running around like crazy, and I know Gabriel is doing everything he can to catch this guy.”

  “I still feel utterly useless.” He closed his eyes.

  “Well, then big boy, nothing I’m going to say is going to change your opinion of yourself, but let me share something I was just reminded of by your security guy. This isn’t about you. None of this is about you or me. Sure, your feelings are yours, you’ll have to deal with them, but at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is Jackie making it through the shit show that is her life right now.”

  Deacon blinked at her and then shook his head. “You’re right.”

  “Nah, Gabriel was right. I was smack dab in your shoes, not more than an hour ago. He handed me my shorts.” Anna leaned against the vanity next to him and crossed her arms over her chest, mimicking his stance.

  “You met him last time?”

  She nodded. Met, talked until the bar closed, and then slept with… meh, who was keeping score?

  “Everyone I talk to says his company is the best.” Deacon stared at his shoes as he spoke.

  “Trust that. Gabriel wants this guy.” She elbowed him, and his eyes made their way to hers. “Let’s get her cleaned up and start focusing on what is important.”

  “Jacqueline.”

  Anna nodded. “And you. You’re essential for her recovery. Don’t miss that fact, okay? She needs you as much as she needs medical care. Probably more. Give her yourself, but while you are doing that, I’m going to be taking care of you, too.”

  “You know, you really are a force of nature.” Deacon unexpectedly nudged her with his elbow, and she slid off the side of the vanity. He caught her, and they both laughed.

  She moved to the door and grabbed the handle. “Hasn’t Nathan ever told you my nickname?”

  “No. Jackie did.”

  Anna’s mouth dropped open. She opened the door and stared at the bed. Jackie’s head rolled toward her. “You told your man my nickname?”

  A smile split her swollen face. “Maybe?”

  “Oh, girl, just you wait. One of these days I’m going to pay you back. When you least expect it–expect it.”

  “I’m not worried.” Jackie laughed and clutched her ribs.

  “Oh, really? Do not underestimate this hick from the sticks!” She waved at Deacon. “Come use those muscles, Mr. Football Player.”

  She watched as Deacon gently lifted Jackie out of the ocean-sized bed. The silent communication between the two was beautiful, and the tangible emotion brought tears to her eyes. She spun on her heel and race walked to the bathroom. Finding love like that was something she’d always dreamed of, but Jackie paid a high price to know that special love. Anna glanced over her shoulder as Deacon tenderly kissed Jackie.

  Anna helped Jackie undress. It took every shred of professionalism she could muster not to react to the black contusions littering her friend’s body. It was easier to point out where she wasn’t damaged. Deacon’s jaw was cranked so tight she was sure several teeth were going to crack. She wet a towel in the warm water and laid it against the back of the tub. Deacon took charge of the washcloth and the soap, and Anna focused on cleaning Jackie’s long blonde hair. They recycled the cooler water several times, keeping it warm and clean. Jackie closed her eyes. Anna couldn’t blame her. She’d be morbidly embarrassed if she were placed in the same situation, but hopefully, Jackie’s anti-anxiety meds and pain killers were doing their job and numbing her.

  When Deacon finally carried Jackie back to bed, they were all exhausted. Anna made sure Jackie settled into the bed comfortably and set up her next doses of medication. She slipped out of the room, leaving the two lovers alone. It was obviously the first time Deacon had seen the full extent of Jackie’s injuries, and he needed to hold her.

  She hurried down the hall and found a bare corner in the massive living room. Her back hit the wall, and she slid down with a thump and sat on her ass. The ceiling-to-floor windows provided a panoramic view of the bridge and river, but she didn't see any of it. Images of her friend and her boyfriend, of Deacon’s utter adoration as he cared for Jackie, raced through her mind.

  What would it be like to love so deeply? What would that type of emotion look like in her life? She dropped her head against the wall and focused on a white cloud on the horizon. Would she ever love anyone with the depth she’d just witnessed? Was love a random shot in the dark, or was some force at work driving souls together?

  Her experience told her the fairy tale type of love was a roll of the dice. She was almost thirty, and she’d never found a magic arrow lodged in her heart. Then again, perhaps some people were meant to be alone. She dropped her eyes to her blunt fingernails. It stood to reason not everyone would grow up, find true love, and get married. Some people were probably put on this earth to serve others, and it seemed like that was where her lot had been cast.

  “What in the hell are you doing?”

  McNair’s voice snapped her head to the right. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m taking a break. Why are you up here again?” The ‘asshole’ was left unsaid, but McNair had to have heard it in her voice.

  “That is none of your business.”

  Anna clearly heard the ‘bitch’ that was implied. She pushed with her legs and slipped back up the wall. “It is my business if it involves Deacon or Jackie.”

  The man laughed at her. It was a vile kind of laugh. One that dismissed her and told her exactly what he thought of her without the use of words. She watched as he moved through the room. He disappeared into the kitchen, and she followed.

  Mistake. As soon as the door closed, he pushed her against the wall and held her there by shoving his forearm against her upper chest, just under her collarbone. “Listen to me and listen well. I don’t know what you are trying to pull, but this maneuvering of yours isn’t going to work. Do you understand me?”

  Anna narrowed her eyes at the man. What in the hell was he talking about? She shoved at his arm. It was as effective as a flyswatter against gnats. It didn’t do a damn thing. “Let me go.” She ground the words between her teeth.

  His arm pushed harder, hurting her as his heavy bulk pressed against her.

  “Ouch, you asshole!” Anna slammed her knee up. The guy was quick, but not quick enough. She tagged at least one of his balls with her knee. She felt it compress. He bent forward, and she shoved him off of her. “If you ever touch me again, I’ll show you something us
cowgirls grew up doing. I’ll castrate you, and fry your balls in oil, Rocky Mountain oyster-style, asshole.”

  He reached out, still bent in half, his arm grasping hers. “Stay away from him. Do you hear me? Stay away.”

  “Just who am I supposed to stay away from? Let go!” She pulled away from the crazy man, but his grip held firm. She hissed at the twist of her skin under his clenched fist.

  “Gabriel.” McNair forced the word out between clenched teeth.

  Anna wrenched her arm from his grip. The tight hold left red marks around her forearm, marks that would bruise. She rubbed her arm and hurried away from the man. Who knew what the hell he’d do next? She wasn’t going to risk being his punching bag. “You know what, you’re insane. Take your craziness out of here before I go tell your boss what a freak you are.”

  McNair was almost vertical now, so she hadn’t ruptured his testicle. Damn it. His face, however, was purplish-red. She could pray for an aneurism. He lifted his finger and pointed at her. “There is nothing I won’t do for that man; you have no chance with him. You have no idea what is going on.”

  “What in the hell are you talking about? You know what? I don’t care. We are done here.”

  “This isn’t close to being finished.” He stepped forward.

  “Oh, hell, yes, it is.” Anna lifted her middle finger and flew a beautiful bird his direction as she walked out of the kitchen. She made it to the guest bath and shut the door, locking it before she dropped onto the toilet, shaking, her thoughts whirling like debris caught in a tornado. What in the world was that all about? Stay away from Gabriel? Like she even knew he was here before she ran into him today.

  Popping up onto her feet, she paced back and forth across the small space. She’d had lunch with the man. Lunch! Okay, she’d had mind-blowing, life-altering, sex with him six years ago, but seriously, who knew about that? Dropping her head to her hands, she concentrated on breathing in and out as she walked, turned, walked, and turned. Her first official day on the job and she’d made an enemy. And not just any old run of the mill, I-don’t-like-you-types of enemies… oh no, she had to go and piss off the guy who looked like Mr. Clean. Stay away from Gabriel. That was so not going to be a problem, after all, she’d had to guilt him into lunch.