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“Joe.” Hailey rose from the arm of the couch and rubbed his back. “Let Marten do it his way.”
“While he plays games and puts your life in danger? Why should I?”
“Because he might just disappear, like Trace said, and then we’ll have nothing.”
Joe wagged his finger in Trace’s face. “Tell him to hurry up or he’s going to have another enemy after him.”
“On it. I’m on it.” Trace’s gaze dropped to his crutch on the floor.
Hailey dipped down and retrieved it, tucking it beneath his arm. Then she swept the hat from her head and handed it to Trace. “Anything else? Would you like to take some food with you?”
“I could use a beer.”
“Out.” Joe pointed at the doorway.
Trace grinned and swung around, using his crutch as a pivot.
“And, Trace?” Hailey called after him.
“Yeah?”
“Tell Marten I’m glad he’s alive.”
When he hobbled out of the house, Hailey brushed her bangs back from her face. “I am glad he’s alive, but I can’t believe he staged that whole ferry accident. He knew what I’d think.”
“Maybe that was his way of protecting you. If he were dead, then there’s no way he could’ve told you what he knew about the setup of Denver.” Joe stroked his chin. “What do you think he has planned?”
“I don’t know, but he’d better speak up soon or this danger will continue to hang over us both.”
Hailey packed a bag, including her toiletries and her evening gown for the fund-raiser.
* * *
WHEN JOE SAW the long dress draped over her bag, he swore. “In all the excitement, I forgot to pick up my tux.”
“All taken care of. I called Tony when you were at your hotel, and he’s having it delivered to the Pacific Rim. If you need him for a fitting, he’ll be happy to come over to the hotel.”
“The fit of my tux is the last thing on my mind.” He pounded a fist against his chest. “As long as there’s room for my shoulder holster.”
“That request must’ve driven Tony nuts. It will definitely ruin the drape of the suit.”
“Do you want your bodyguard to keep you safe or look good in his tux?”
She ran her hands across his chest. “Lucky me, I don’t have to make that choice.”
They loaded their bags in the trunk of the Jag and drove to the hotel.
As soon as Hailey checked in, her assistant, Gretchen Reynolds, appeared at her side. “I can’t believe you’re going through with this after what happened at the Pacific Heights house.”
“Great to see you, too, Gretchen. This is Joe McVie. Joe, my assistant, Gretchen.”
As they shook hands, Gretchen gave Joe the once-over. “He’d better be here to protect you.”
“I am.” Joe leaned close to Gretchen. “And I’m not the only one here in that capacity.”
Gretchen’s eyes bugged out. “Is the SFPD ramping up security because of what happened at the house?”
“Yes.” Hailey patted Gretchen’s hand. “Don’t worry. Everything is under control, and you did a beautiful job. We’re going to raise lots of money.”
When they got up to the suite, Hailey slid open the closet door. “Tux is here. Do you want to try it on?”
“I’m sure it’s fine, Hailey.” Joe collapsed on the bed. “You wanna give me the lowdown on the festivities tonight?”
“I’ll take you to the ballroom where it’s being held so you can look around.” She hung up her dress in the closet. “At seven o’clock cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A few speeches—none by Nurse Ayala Khan—buffet dinner, and then dancing and more cocktails.”
“That’s all you have planned, anyway, but what’s planned for you?”
“Whatever it is, I’m sure you and the SFPD and maybe even Agent Porter will take care of it. Ayala has been outed.”
“She’s just the face we know. What about all the other faces we don’t know? I’m sure there are others like her—outwardly dedicated to one cause and secretly supporting another.”
