The autopsy was scheduled, so it wouldn’t be long before her attorney would have the results. Lori was conflicted. She had gone ahead with the process, having no other choice. The outcome was crucial, but she wasn’t sure how she’d deal with it.
Before Lori could contemplate that scenario, Jess called. “Any news yet?”
“I might have the results this week sometime.” Then Lori told Jess everything. She poured her heart out, sparing no detail, including the fright of nearly being run over.
“My God,” Jess said, “I can’t believe it. Are you sure you’re okay?”
Lori didn’t hesitate; she told Jess about Gunner and how she felt. He was her guardian, her protector, her friend. But Lori had a crush on him a mile wide, and who wouldn’t? “He’s caring, strong, and sexy as hell.”
“I don’t know how you’ve resisted this long.”
“Barely, that’s how,” Lori said. “But it could be selfish of me. Gunner’s not really my type, if you know what I mean?”
“What are you talking about?”
“He’s more…physical.”
“And that’s a problem?” Jess said. “I would think that’s exactly what you want.”
“No, not that. Of course I want him,” Lori said. “But I’m so different; I work in a medical clinic. I don’t rock-climb or camp out. I stay in five-star hotels.”
“You have lost it, girl,” Jess said. “What does rock climbing have to do with anything? You need to admit that you want Gunner. Shred your list of reasons why it won’t work. Since when do you need a list before you fall in love?”
That gave Lori pause. What was she thinking? “You’re right, I’m a mess. It doesn’t matter anyway, because I have much more pressing problems.”
“I get that,” Jess said. “Once you know about your father, you’ll be able to move on.”
Lori hoped so, but she feared it might not be that simple.
After the call, Lori went to deal with another matter that nagged at her. She met with Sarah to get an update on the medical supply records. The inconsistencies had continued, even after Matt had been made aware of the situation. Sarah had kept track of all orders that were excessive, and of items that had arrived but couldn’t be located.
“I haven’t mentioned any of this to Matt,” Sarah said.
“You did the right thing,” Lori said. “I’ll deal with this. I appreciate you watching and reporting.”
When Sarah left, Lori sat at the desk. On the weekend, the other administrative personnel were off duty. That gave her a chance to look around. She lost track of time as she plowed through the records. If Matt had made improvements, it wasn’t readily apparent.
Then Lori noticed something strange. Numbers didn’t add up as they should, but there was a new slant on the process. Lori wasn’t an accountant, but she could swear that the records she accessed were only part of the picture. She wondered if there was another set of books with the real set with actual numbers and complete tallies.
Lori didn’t hear Matt enter, but when she looked up, he was standing over her. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“It’s good that you’re here,” Lori said. “I need to talk to you.”
“I’m sick of you meddling,” Matt said, then slammed his fist on the metal desk.
Lori jumped, then rolled the chair back to get out of his way. “Meddling? Have you lost your mind?”
“It’s my department, and I told you that I’d take care of it.”
“Well, you haven’t,” Lori said. “It’s hard to decipher all of this, but it looks to me like the books are an effort to hide what’s really going on.”
Matt’s eyes flared with anger, making Lori flinch. “What are you accusing me of?”
“You have to admit that this is incriminating.”
When Matt stepped closer, Lori stood up and moved back. She didn’t like the look in his eyes. “This is unprofessional.”
“I’ll tell you what’s unprofessional,” Matt said, stabbing a finger at her. “You and your behavior, that’s what. I resent you looking over my shoulder and digging through the records in my department.”
“You…work for me,” Lori said.
Matt moved so fast that Lori didn’t see him coming. He had his hand around her neck as he thrust her against the wall. “You’ll learn who you’re dealing with. I’ll show you…”
Lori gasped, and Matt released her. “Don’t touch me ever again.”
Matt stepped in front of her. “Or what?”
“Move aside,” Lori said, trying to sound confident. “I will get to the bottom of this, whether you like it or not.”
Matt grabbed Lori’s shoulders and shoved. She staggered backward and fell against metal shelves, hitting the back of her head on a sharp corner. She put her hand at the base of her skull and pulled back blood.
Lori stared at Matt, but he didn’t make another move.
“You pushed me too far,” Matt said, then spun around and left the room.
Lori put her hand over her chest and tried to steady her breathing. Then she went to the nurses’ station to treat her injury. Whatever Matt was up to, it wasn’t good. He had been many things, but he hadn’t been violent before. He would have to go.
Chapter 12
Gunner had dropped Lori at work reluctantly. He wanted to keep her close, but that wasn’t realistic. She had a job to do and so did he, but he was more focused on Lori than wrapping up any cases at Stealth.
While he dealt with a few things, he thought of Daniel and tried not to focus on the things he might have done differently. He couldn’t undo the past, but since Rebecca had moved away, there might be a chance of strengthening his relationship with his son.
Daniel attended L.A. City College in West Hollywood, so it wouldn’t be difficult to see him. The barrier to overcome was his son’s desire to reunite. Gunner hadn’t abandoned his son. Over the years he had provided support and had paid for college.
His son was smart and capable. Gunner was proud of him. He couldn’t envision Daniel in the military, as his interests were science and biology. Whatever Daniel did, Gunner would support him. If only he could see his son more often than every few years.
A text arrived from Daniel, which brightened Gunner’s day. Thank you for remembering. That was all it said. Gunner had struggled to come up with an appropriate gift. It hadn’t been easy, since he wasn’t around Daniel much.
Clothes weren’t an option, since Gunner wasn’t sure of Daniel’s size. And he didn’t want to send gift cards or cash. He wanted a gift that showed he had put some thought into it. Tessa bailed Gunner out, seeming to have a sixth sense about what young people wanted.
Gunner sent a high-quality portable charger, so that Daniel’s phone or laptop wouldn’t run out of charge. He didn’t want his son stranded with nowhere to charge the devices. He wasn’t sure the gift was personal enough to show that he cared, but Tessa had assured him that it was a gift any college student would appreciate.
It made Gunner feel good that Daniel had responded. Maybe Lori was right that there was still hope. Maybe his son wasn’t confident about reaching out any more than Gunner was. Gunner decided to communicate more, even see Daniel if possible, and do his best to be a good father.
For a while, Gunner was immersed in investigative work. Later that afternoon, Lori texted that she was leaving the clinic early, so Gunner ended his tasks and went to pick her up. It was fine with him that she could get away earlier in the day. He would be able to see her that much sooner.
When Gunner found Lori in her office, he didn’t like the look on her face. She frowned and touched a white bandage on her neck.
“What happened?”
“Let’s go and I’ll tell you on the way,” Lori said.
While walking to the car, Gunner stuck close. He was anxious to hear how Lori had been injured.
When he started the engine, Lori said, “How about coffee? I could use a double espresso.”
Th
ere was a coffee roaster not far from the clinic. The place had a covered patio, a good place to drink and talk. Gunner was impatient to hear about Lori’s trauma. The barista filled their drink orders, then they found a table outside.
Lori took a sip of her drink. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad to be away from the clinic.”
Gunner held his coffee, waiting for her to tell him why.
“Matt got rough.” Lori told him the sordid tale of the encounter in the supply room. She assured him that her injury was minor, and that wasn’t what concerned her.
“Matt has crossed the line,” Gunner said.
“It’s heartbreaking, really,” Lori said. “How could I have been involved with a man like that? And he has a major role in running the clinic. I have enough on my hands. I can’t do his job, too. Plus, I’ll need to find someone qualified to take his place.”
Gunner knew one thing for sure: he had to keep Matt away from Lori. “I’m just glad it wasn’t worse. A guy with pent-up rage like that is dangerous. When you are in the clinic, ensure that you aren’t alone. Have Adam nearby, or at least a nurse.”
While drinking coffee, Gunner tried to reassure Lori. He hated the idea of some idiot pushing her around, or worse, harming her. He was furious but kept his emotions under wraps. The best thing was to calm Lori down and make sure that she was okay.
Gunner was supposed to protect Lori. He hadn’t foreseen the threat from Matt, but that didn’t excuse anything. “Until you’re safe, I should stay at your place…as your bodyguard, of course.”
Lori appeared to think that over. “You’re a friend. Of course you can stay with me, as long as you don’t lurk in the hallways in a black uniform.”
Gunner smiled.
“You can stay with me as my guest,” Lori said.
Gunner was relieved that she didn’t fight him on that. As an extra precaution, he would ask Travis to have her home security system upgraded. Stealth had a company they used for that.
After coffee, they went to Gunner’s house so he could pack what he would need for a week or so. They hung around there for a bit and talked about everything except the danger Lori was in. It was great to see Lori feeling better. Her look of despair had vanished, which inspired Gunner to keep the good mood going.
“It’s nice to hang out, do other stuff,” Lori said. “That’s what I need, a vacation from my life.”
“I have an idea,” Gunner said.
Even before she heard his suggestion, Lori grinned. “What do you want to do?”
“Let’s go to the movies,” Gunner said. “There is no better place to escape. And a double feature is playing downtown at the rooftop cinema.”
“How do you know there’s a double feature?” Lori said with a sparkle in her eyes.
“There’s always a double feature.” Gunner liked the thought of sitting in the dark next to Lori all evening. Also, it was a good place to stay safe. On a rooftop, he could observe people going in or out, and from that height, no one was likely to sneak up on them.
The unique theater had food and a full bar. And during the feature, bottomless popcorn, candy, and snacks were available. Gunner and Lori arrived early to participate in games offered before the movies started. Connect Four was Lori’s first pick. She beat Gunner then challenged him to a game of Jenga.
Lori’s dexterity gave her a clear advantage. She stacked the blocks expertly, smiling and laughing the entire time. When Gunner made his best effort at taking a block out by tapping the short side of it, the tower came tumbling down.
It was worth losing to see Lori giggle when her creation fell over, spilling blocks across that table. “Rematch?” she said.
“You won’t beat me again.” That time Gunner got the hang of gently moving the blocks and managed to keep pace with Lori. But she still won.
“What will you have to drink?” Gunner said.
Lori chose a specialty cocktail and Gunner had a Coke. The rooftop was filled with rows of deckchairs, so Gunner picked seats in the back. He wanted a good vantage point, and sitting up front he wouldn’t have a good view of the area. From where they sat in the back row, he could observe all the activity.
Wireless headphones were provided, and the screen was high, so any seat offered a clear view of the movie. Gunner much preferred the setup to a crowded neighborhood theater. The outdoor patio was surrounded by the view of the L.A. skyline.
Gunner was happy cuddling next to Lori under the stars. It was a romantic setting, and to add to the atmosphere, the cinema played two classic films starring Cary Grant. At intermission, Gunner bought hot dogs and piled them with mustard and relish.
Lori looked like a college girl with her blond hair in a ponytail, wearing jeans and a denim jacket. She got mustard all over her face while eating her hot dog, so Gunner dabbed at her cheeks with a napkin. When she ate the last bite, her murmur of satisfaction made Gunner want to kiss her silly.
“You’re beautiful,” Gunner said, then touched her cheek.
Lori nestled into him again for the second feature, and Gunner kept his arm around her. He couldn’t recall when he’d had more fun. For a while, he could relax, certain that Lori was safe with him.
“That was great,” Lori said. “We’ll definitely have to do this again.”
It wouldn’t be soon enough to suit Gunner. He liked seeing Lori in good spirits, and it felt good having her by his side. The sooner he could handle her situation, the better. He thought about dating Lori, and even contemplated a more permanent relationship.
Yet Gunner held back. It wasn’t the time for letting down barriers. His duty was to protect her, not give her more problems. He hadn’t forgotten that he wasn’t a desirable prospect for a long-term relationship. And Lori’s happiness was what mattered, not Gunner’s desire—no matter how overpowering his craving for her.
Lori was quiet during the ride home, and Gunner had no need to talk. It was nice just to be together without the need for conversation. Once he parked and took Lori inside, he checked the house then set the security system.
It was late, but Gunner had dessert, grateful for every minute he could spend with Lori. She served peppermint ice cream, which wasn’t all that bad.
“That’s my favorite,” Lori said. “I didn’t know I was going to have company.”
Jazz tunes played on the music system while they finished the ice cream. Lori was next to Gunner, and after setting her bowl on the table, she put her hand on his knee. Her touch was his undoing. Gunner wrapped his arm around her and drew her close.
Lori closed her eyes, then Gunner kissed her. She was so sweet, and her lips were so soft. When she leaned into him, Gunner deepened the kiss. He dipped his tongue into her mouth and felt the heat deep into his core.
Then the doorbell rang, followed by loud pounding. Lori looked surprised. “I’m not expecting anyone.”
“It’s too late for visitors,” Gunner said. “I’ll go look.” He stood to the side of the door, an old habit to avoid injury in case some idiot shot a bullet through the front door. Then he leaned over to see through the peephole.
“It’s your brother.” Gunner opened the door.
Lori came over. “Nick, what are you doing here so late?”
Gunner noticed that Nick seemed agitated. He looked around at nothing in particular. He shifted from one foot to the other and rubbed his arms. “I couldn’t sleep,” he said. “I’m not sure if anyone followed me.”
Nick paced in the entryway. “It’s just…you know I’m upset about…everything.”
“Come and sit down,” Lori said. “You’re not making sense.”
Nick fidgeted with his jacket but didn’t move toward the living room. “No, I can’t stay. I have business. I mean I had a nightmare. It was about Dad. I wish…”
“Nick, please. You don’t look well.”
Nick dragged his sleeve under his runny nose. Gunner recognized cocaine addiction when he saw it, but he didn’t want to call the police.
/> “You’re my sister,” Nick said. “Why won’t you help me? I need money. I just need some money. You’re the only one I can go to this late.”
Lori touched her brother’s sleeve. “I thought you were done with all this, Nick.”
“What? I told you I’m fine,” Nick said. “I only need a couple of hundred bucks. That’s not much.” Then he looked at Gunner, as if he might offer the funds.
“I’ll have someone take you home,” Gunner said.
Nick raked a hand through his unkempt hair. “I’m not going home.”
While Lori tried to settle Nick down, Gunner called Travis, explained the situation, and asked for a couple of guys from the team. His request was granted without hesitation.
“I have friends on the way over,” Gunner said. “You shouldn’t drive right now. One of them will take your car home, and the other will give you a ride then stick around until you come through this.”
Lori gave Gunner a look of gratitude, but Nick staggered to the living room. He sank onto the sofa, only to get up again. He walked across the room, still asking for money, although Lori didn’t respond to his pleas.
It wasn’t long before Gunner’s teammates showed up. They were newer hires at Stealth, qualified but not overloaded with clients yet. Aware of the situation, the guys took control and escorted their new charge out. Gunner didn’t know whether Nick had lost weight recently, but he was rail thin. It was easy to usher him out.
After locking the door behind them, Lori leaned against Gunner and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m sorry he caused a scene. He swore that he wasn’t back on drugs.”
Gunner wasn’t pleased that Nick was out of control. That was one more reason to stay close to Lori.
“It was a wonderful evening,” Lori said. “I’m just really exhausted, though.”
“Of course,” Gunner said. “You’ve been through a lot. I’ve got things covered, so go to bed and get some rest.”
Lori touched his cheek, then went to her room and shut the door. Gunner made another check of the house before going to bed. He only partially undressed, in case he needed to spring into action. It paid to be ready. When he closed his eyes, thoughts of Lori filled his mind. She didn’t deserve all the problems that had been dumped on her. Gunner would protect her, sparing no effort in handling the danger that surrounded her.
Savage Peril: Military Romantic Suspense (Stealth Security Book 6) Page 11
