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“She’s in the hospital right now. And her dad is worried as hell that the next time this guy gets to her she’s going to end up in the morgue. He’s the one who’s footing the bill for her protection and money is no object. He wants the best to take care of his little girl. And we both know that’s you.”
My heart sinks a little bit when I think about a young woman being hurt by a bigger, stronger stranger bent on taking something from her. That cold feeling invades my chest like it always does and I rub at my dress shirt.
“I know you hate this kind of stuff but she really does need you. And her dad specifically requested my best man.”
“Who is her father?”
“Carson McDermott. Of McDermott Industries.”
“Isn’t he…?”
“The guy who had some run-in with the mob not too long ago. Yeah, that’s him.”
“You think it’s the mob and not a stalker?” I ask, stiffening, watching his eyes for any sign of unease.
“No. I don’t. From what I was told, she described a strange man who was talking to her. Then he tried to grab her. And I guess there had been some other strange things going on as well.”
“Like what?”
“She felt like she was being watched a few times. And she saw a strange car following her a couple of times. A dark sedan.”
“That could still be the mob.”
“I just have a feeling.”
I nod my head. If he says that his gut is saying something other than the mob, I believe him. He’s been in the business as long as I have and he’s had just as much experience with the darker side of human nature as I have.
“Okay. I’ll keep that in mind.”
He cautions me. “Don’t come to any preconceived notions. You know how that can fuck up your thinking and your job.”
I nod my head. I do know. We all do. Sometimes you learn that shit the hard way. We did.
“Now. He wants to meet you.” Jefferson steps around me and over to the door, watching me carefully. “You good with that?”
I eye him ruefully. “I don’t really have much choice, do I? He’s probably right outside the door.”
Jefferson chuckles and slaps me on the back. “Sorry, old man. I know this isn’t what you wanted to get sucked into. These cases bring back bad stuff and I hate to do it to you.”
I wave him off and sigh. “It’s part of the job. I know it, you know it. I’ll deal with it.”
“Alright. But just watch it. This guy is…intense.” He opens the door and a tall, silver-haired man steps into the room, his crystal-blue eyes flashing sapphire fire.
“It’s about time,” he growls. “What took so damn long? I’ve been waiting out there for at least half an hour.”
I roll my eyes. It has been ten minutes at the most. Jeez! This guy is gonna be a pain in my ass.
“I saw that! I don’t really give a shit how you feel about me but this is about my daughter. It’s fucking important.” He stalks up to me and his perfectly-manicured finger pokes me in the chest. “And don’t you forget it!”
I narrow my eyes at him and Jefferson grimaces. “Let’s all step back for a minute. We had to go over the last case he just finished. Nobody meant to make you wait but there is a protocol that we follow at this company.”
He nods his head grudgingly. “I get that. I’m sorry. I’m just worried about Azalea. She’s still not awake. That’s why I didn’t want to leave yet. But I’ve got one of my best men staying with her until I get back.”
“It wasn’t really necessary for you to meet me here,” I growl, stalking to the seat by the desk. I need space and this guy keeps getting in my face. I don’t like it. But he’s no different than any other super-rich boss that thinks he can push me around. I don’t know why it’s bugging me so much this time.
He nods his head but his eyes flash angrily. “Maybe it wasn’t necessary. But this is my daughter. Even though she’s gone off on her own and refuses to follow my advice…hell, she refuses to listen to me about anything! Even so, I don’t want anything to happen to her. I love her. So this is damn important to me. So if I want to come meet the cold-hearted bastard who’s going to keep my baby safe…well, you’ll have to forgive my presumptions but I’m gonna fucking do it!” His voice is harsh and grating.
But I get it. Probably more than he thinks I do.
