“Sure thing,” he said, then released her. “If you need anything… anything at all, you know where to find me.”
Her skin suddenly felt colder, and every cell in her body screamed for her to sink into his protective arms again. But she pushed her wild thoughts aside with a stern admonition. No way could she reveal her story to just anyone, especially not a man who’d been little more than a new face in the crowd, a future client.
“I’m fine.” Or I will be once I talk to Mom. She’ll keep tabs on Vance for me in Atlanta. “Thanks for your help.”
He nodded. “The offer for more of the same still stands,” he said before stepping away from her and her friends.
“Okay kids, the show’s over,” Allie said, waving off the guests. “Grab some drinks and go toast the happy couple.”
“Let’s roll,” Hannah said after she picked up Claire’s cell phone and handed it to her. “Guest suite’s down the hall.”
The phone seemed to burn the skin on her palm as if every word of her mother’s text message had flamed to life. “You don’t need to stay with me,” she said, grabbing her clutch and sticking the cell phone inside. “I’ll freshen up and head out. No big deal.”
“No way,” Hannah said, flanking her side while Allie nabbed a bottle of chilled white wine from a server along with more glasses. “You’re one of my favorite people so I refuse to let you leave on your own. Not until I know you’re okay.” Walking with purpose, Hannah guided her away from the living room.
“Yeah, you’ve got a room full of bodyguards out there, a couple of grizzled ranch hands, and a navy SEAL who’s determined to protect you no matter what you say,” Allie added as they entered the bedroom. “You think any of them will let you out of their sight now?”
“No, I suppose not.” She sank into the couch in the adjoining sitting area. “God. What a mess.”
“No crying over spilled champagne.” Allie continued pouring wine, then gave Claire her glass. “Drink first. Then we’ll discuss what’s troubling you.”
She sipped the chardonnay, letting the buttery flavored vintage glide down her dry tight throat. Closing her eyes, she swallowed another sip, and slowly, very slowly, her heart rate returned to normal and the pressure building at the base of her neck eased.
“Better?” Hannah asked.
“Much.”
“Now tell us what’s got you spooked,” Allie said, patting her thigh. “And take as long as you need.”
Inhaling a deep breath, Claire struggled to find a way to start her story. A sorry one, but one from which she’d emerged as more than a survivor.
“Before you hired me, I told you I wanted to make this move to get away from the heat in Atlanta… the traffic and congestion… I loved the idea of being somewhere pure and clean with all four seasons, but…,” she paused, sipped some more wine. “That’s all true, but I wanted to be as far away as possible from the man I sent to prison fourteen years ago.”
Allie squeezed her leg slightly, and Hannah inched over to put her arm around Claire’s shoulders. “I gather you’ve learned he’s out.”
“Yes,” Claire said. “I’d hoped for more time to build a life here. But he got an early release for good behavior. And I… I thought I could handle the news, especially since he can’t leave the Atlanta area until he serves his parole, but…”
“The reality is a lot harder to take than you imagined.”
She lowered her head, glanced at her wine, hot tears pressing behind her eyes. “Yes,” Claire whispered. “My mother’s been begging the District Attorney to stop the release, but not only is he out, he’s out on a Saturday. That means he doesn’t even have to report to his parole officer until Monday.”
“Do you think he might come after you?”
“I don’t know,” Claire said. “He blamed me for the accident that killed the other girls in the van because…” God. The truth lodged like a ball in her throat. Coach Riley’s ugly lies on the witness stand had the defense twisting the events inside out until she’d almost believed them herself.
Sometimes she still did. But then when it came to his kind of crimes, most people judged the victims first. “He’d been drinking. But I didn’t realize it until I smelled the beer on his breath. Then… then he tried to get his hand down my track pants.”
“Damn,” Hannah hissed. “What a bastard.”
“I fought him off. He lost control of the van and crashed into the median. Three other girls were sleeping in the back and they didn’t make it.” Claire inhaled a long breath. Even now she saw their bodies in the mangled wreck, heard their screams. “I made it out alive, but it took me months of physical therapy to regain my strength and agility. I never played soccer again, but the accident led to my career in physical therapy.”
“You turned a huge negative into a positive,” Hannah said. “For which I am grateful. I assume they went after him for manslaughter?”
“You assume right. He was convicted on three counts of manslaughter, a DUI, and endangering the life of a minor.”
“What about the attempted molestation?” Allie asked.
Her vision clouded and blood thundered in her ears. Even now, the state’s refusal to charge him reignited her anger… their decision another betrayal of her trust. “The DA didn’t pursue it,” Claire said. “But Coach Riley’s defense centered around my pursuing him aggressively. They tried to pin the entire thing on me, but the forensics and the breathalyzer administered at the scene backed up my claims on the witness stand.”
“Bet he hated that. No wonder you’re freaked out.”
“Intellectually, I’ve been telling myself Vance Riley can’t find me here or hurt me again, but I can’t believe he weaseled his way out of his twenty-five-year sentence. He’s only served fourteen years.”
“Fourteen?” Allie gasped. “Oh my God, Claire. You were just a kid. I can’t even imagine…”
“No, you can’t,” Claire said. “But I wouldn’t want anyone to go through this nightmare. And I stopped him. But I wish my friends hadn’t been killed as a consequence.” She gave them a small, wavering smile.
“I’m talking to Hank,” Allie said. “He might have someone who can watch over you to give you some peace of mind until the news settles down.”
“No. It’s not necessary. He’s got a lot of guys out on assignments, and Ethan’s going on his honeymoon,” Claire said. “Besides, I can’t afford a bodyguard. And Coach Riley has to stay in Georgia or he’ll get sent straight back to jail. So you see, you’ve already helped me by hiring me and getting me out of Atlanta and listening to me.” She babbled when she wanted to sound calm and reasonable.
“Like that’ll stop the jerk if he’s been nursing a grudge,” Allie said.
“But why would he? Surely, he’s moved on… it’s been so long…,” she couldn’t finish when the possibility of Vance Riley breaching his parole crawled along her spine, the icy fingers of fear gripping every vertebra.
“Claire,” Allie said insistently. “I truly hope you’re right.”
“I have to be.” She clutched her glass stem so hard that some wine spilled out and splashed her hands. “Mom’s in Atlanta…” She set the glass down on the small coffee table in front of her. “She’s got a friend who works for the police department who said he’d keep tabs on Vance. Plus, it’s not like I sent him my forwarding address.”
“Anyone with an Internet connection and patience can find someone if they’re not in a witness protection program,” Hannah said. “Please promise you’ll come to us for help if the situation changes.”
“I promise.”
“Would it be all right for me to give Hank the heads-up?” Allie asked. “Just in case you do need his help?”
Her chest tightened and her ears felt unbearably hot. She fiddled with her locket for a moment. “Sure, but please don’t tell him everything. You know… about… at least not today and not here.”
“You’ve got a deal.”
“Now go. This is
supposed to be a happy day, not a sad one,” Claire said. “I’ll freshen up, gather my wits, and leave after I say goodbye to Delaney and Ethan.”
Now that she’d opened up about this horrible chapter, she wanted to move on more than ever. She didn’t want pity. She wanted to live the life she deserved. One filled with love and joy. One she once had when she’d been young—before her world shattered with her father’s death. And even then, even with the devastating loss of her father still bringing waves of grief today, nothing had prepared her for the loss of her innocence.
But she’d be damned if she let anyone take her newfound happiness from her now, especially not Vance Riley… somehow she’d discover a way to let the girl she barely remembered flourish in Montana where her heart had started to take root.
Jacob stood near the hallway, leaning against the wall while keeping an eye out for the women to return to the reception. They’d been gone for at least twenty minutes when Hannah and Allie finally emerged.
“How’s Claire?” he asked.
“Better, but she might need a bodyguard,” Hannah said as Allie continued walking toward the doors leading to the deck.
His scalp prickled. Something bad had to be up if Allie needed to enlist Hank’s help. “What kind of trouble is she in?”
“None of her own making,” Hannah said. “And we’re not sure any is heading her way. I’d like to make sure the Brotherhood Protectors are aware of her situation. Though she thinks she’ll be okay now that she’s calmed down.”
“Who’s after her?” he asked. “An ex?”
“No. He’s someone far worse.” Hannah tilted toward Hank and Allie who stood talking to each other on the deck. “I won’t lie. I’m worried about her. And there’s the clinic’s staff and clients to consider too.”
Every hair on the back of his neck stood at attention. He’d be at Brighter Side in two days and if the person threatening Claire turned up, she’d need someone to step in immediately. “I’m one of her clients as of Monday,” he said. “I can keep an eye on her for you until you’re sure she’s not in danger.”
“Great idea,” she said as they walked together toward Hank and his sister. “I know Hank’s tapped out with all the guys on assignment and Ethan going on his honeymoon for a week, but I’d love someone to watch over her until we’re positive she’s okay.”
The breeze picked up and added to the chill crawling up his spine. As did the look of concern clouding Hank’s green eyes when he and Hannah reached the former SEAL. “I don’t know who’s after Claire,” Jacob said. “But if this guy comes after her, it might be too late for the Brotherhood Protectors to intervene.”
“Agreed.” Hank nodded. “Unfortunately, I’m short on resources and the city cut the sheriff’s budget again so he hasn’t got the manpower to drive by unless an actual threat occurs.”
Hell. He didn’t want Claire to deal with this situation alone. “I know I’m not a member of your force, but I have a legit excuse to be around her starting Monday,” he said. “I can keep tabs on her if the jerk shows up and goes after her.”
“You’re on leave,” Allie said.
“Technically, yes. But it’s a medical leave until I can get my damn shoulder problem fixed.” He grabbed a beer from a passing server before continuing. “Found out today she’s my physical therapist. I’ve got appointments with Claire three times a week until I return to Coronado. Means I can keep an eye on the clinic too.”
“True. How long are you staying in Eagle Rock?” Hank asked.
“Three weeks, then I’ve got to return to the base for my next military physical. See if I’m cleared for duty.”
“Your idea has merit,” Hank said. “Buys me time to get someone else in position should she need protection.”
“She’s told us she can’t afford one of your bodyguards,” Allie said.
“We’ve got additional financial resources to take on pro bono cases thanks to a special fund Sadie set up,” Hank said. “The money will kick in once you head back to Coronado should the need arise. I doubt Claire will let pride get in the way of receiving our services.”
“Excellent,” Jacob said. “This bastard. How dangerous is he?”
“We said we’d talk to Hank because he runs Brotherhood Protectors…” Allie huffed out a breath. “Technically you’re not working for Hank. I don’t think we should break her confidence.”
Jacob clenched his jaw. He couldn’t give Claire decent cover if they didn’t confide in him. “I’m doing her a favor because I’ve got the time and you need me,” he said without giving away the other reason—she intrigued him and he’d be damned if anyone touched a hair on her gorgeous head. “I need the facts. Period.” Protecting Claire might not be a military assignment, but he’d treat it like one.
“Consider Jacob her temporary Brotherhood Protector,” Hank said. “Tell him what he needs to know.”
Allie nodded. “Her former coach got released early from prison,” she said. “Vance Riley’s been locked up for fourteen years for an accident that left three teenagers dead and Claire fighting for her life. She was the star witness against him. Her testimony got him thrown into the Federal Penitentiary. He accused her of causing the accident and promised to make her pay for her lies before they hauled him out of court.”
“Damn. He get sent to the one in Georgia?”
“Yes,” Hannah said.
Jacob scrubbed his face and pushed his fingers through his hair. “He can’t leave the state, but nothing will stop him if he still blames her for the accident.”
“He won’t be able to get here until tomorrow at the earliest—if he decides to be an asshole and blows his parole,” Hank said, then took another swig of his beer. “And acts on his threats, then we’ll let Claire know she’s got protection.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jacob said.
Hannah touched Jacob’s arm. “Thanks for stepping in to help.”
“No big deal.”
“It is to me. You’re a good guy.”
“You just have a soft spot for SEALs. And speaking of them, here comes Taz. You’ll want to bring him up to speed about Claire.” Jacob turned to Hank. “I’ve got your cell number programmed into mine. I’ll touch base with you tomorrow.”
“I’ll text the sheriff and give him the heads up. He’ll have access to the case via his communication channels.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Jacob saw Claire slip back into the living room, then make her way to the doors leading to the deck where she stopped to talk to Delaney and Ethan. Within minutes, she extricated herself from the small gathering of people and made her way down the steps to the additional parking area for spillover cars.
“Looks like she’s ready to roll,” he said, tipping his longneck beer bottle toward her retreating back.
Allie sighed. “I wish this hadn’t happened,” she said. “I’ll grab Swede and head out. Her place is on the way to ours. It’ll make me feel better if I see her walk into her house.”
“Good idea,” Jacob said. “I’ve got brother-of-the-bride duty while the reception’s going strong, but zip me her address. I’ll drive by tomorrow after Ethan and Delaney leave for their honeymoon.”
“Sure thing.” Allie pulled her cell phone out of her clutch and texted Jacob the information. “Okay. I’m out of here.”
She left, then Hannah said her goodbyes and Hank went to the lower deck to hook up with his family. Alone, Jacob scoped out the room, the music sounding like tin in his ears and his stomach tight. He’d liked the pretty physical therapist from the get-go. And might have even tried to get her to relax her professional stance if she’d sent him a signal that gave him the go-ahead.
But now everything was different. He didn’t dare tease a date out of her now. Not while surreptitiously guarding her, and protecting her if necessary. He’d hold his attraction for her at bay. After all, having a guy make the moves on her was probably the last thing she needed at the moment. He just hoped his body got the memo to
stand down by the time he started physical therapy on Monday.
Chapter 3
Jacob walked into the Brighter Side Rehab office, stopping at the front desk to sign in. “Hey Dorie,” he said while scribbling his name with a fake flower tipped pen. “How’s everything going?”
She flashed him a smile which brought a sparkle of mischief to her eyes. “Oh, you know, the usual rigmarole. Wrangling teenagers and getting the husband to stick to his diet… again,” she said and passed him a clipboard with paperwork attached to it. “Take a seat and fill out these forms, then we’ll get you set up for your first therapy session.”
He glanced into the open area room. Someone lay on a treatment table with an ice pack on her lower back while Claire stood beside it and adjusted dials on a machine attached to electrodes.
She looked his way. “After you’re finished filling out your paperwork, start pedaling on the stationary bike next to Al’s. Get your muscles warmed up.”
“Roger that.” He sat in one of the five seats facing the window, then used the same froufrou pen to scratch his info onto the papers. Pain level? Scale of one to ten? How about a thousand? His shoulder had gotten worse over the weekend—he couldn’t lift it higher than to his ribs and the pain had kept him up half the night on Sunday. Probably a good thing considering whenever he did fall asleep he had crazy-ass dreams about Claire.
And none of them were G-rated. How in the hell would he keep his brain on point if he kept thinking about her and imagining her with him, getting down and dirty?
A honk had him glancing at the street. Not too busy. Just the usual parade of big trucks and SUVs rolling down Main Street. Nothing strange or out of the ordinary. He hoped things stayed that way.
He finished filling out the forms, then moved to where Claire had indicated. Al pedaled slowly while Jacob popped into his seat, adjusting the position until his legs were properly extended.
“Prepare to be tortured.” Al pointed to Claire. “She’s mean.”
Brotherhood Protectors: Falling for Her Temporary Bodyguard (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 2
