Escaping Christmas (14 page)

“How do you know?”

“I hired a private investigator after the snowmobile incident. I thought Banks was behind it, but I guess his only guilt is being a coward.” He didn’t tell her he had someone watching her after she asked him to leave.
A lot of good that did
. “Tell me what the attacker said to you.”

“Just to stay away from Owen, not to mention his marriage and finish my book…I think. I was so scared, Zach. I’m not sure.”

“Do you know what he looked like?”

“He wore all black and a ski mask. It doesn’t matter. I’ll finish the book and I have no intention of having anything to do with Owen.”

“You don’t?”

“I’ve been trying to call you. I made a mistake. I should have never asked you to leave. I was afraid to feel again. I’m not now.”

He hugged her close, kissing the top of her head. “We can’t let this person get away with this, Lexie. As much as I hate to say this, Owen’s being blackmailed and that’s not right. Look what they did to you. How desperate are they to go to this much trouble? They have to be stopped.”

“I won’t jeopardize your safety for my own.”

“That’s not up to you to decide. Call Owen and tell him you’ve changed your mind. You want to talk to him.”

“No, Zach.” She paced frantically.

“I promise no one will get hurt. Do you trust me?”

She paused, her eyes wide with fear, but she nodded.

“I have a couple of calls to make first.” He walked to the kitchen for privacy. He counted the three rings before the receptionist at his hotel picked up.

“This is Zach Camden. Did anyone drop off a package for me?”

“Yes, sir. About an hour ago. Would you like me to have it sent to your room?”

“No, that’s fine. There’ll be a detective from the NYPD there to pick it up. Make sure he shows you identification.”

Zach didn’t miss the quiver in her voice. “Yes, sir. Would you like a signature?”

“That won’t be necessary.”

He didn’t wait for any further reply, but hung up and immediately dialed his contact. “It’s a go. The information is at my hotel. You’ll have to show your I.D. Move fast with the California P.D. If this thug gets nervous he might tip them off.”

“The judge is waiting for the information. They’ll make their move as soon as they get the packet. I’m on my way.”

“Thanks, Troy. I owe you.”

“You’re the best partner I ever had. Just send me an invite to the wedding.”

Zach smiled and turned toward the door. Alex stood listening to his conversation. “Okay, have a crook to catch.”

“You should really let the department handle this.”

“If this guy sees cops anywhere in this place we’ll never get him. I’ll call as soon as I have his face buried into the floor.”

“I didn’t hear that. Good luck, buddy.”

“What are you planning?” Alex’s big eyes narrowed in on him.

Zach pulled the clip from his pocket and the gun from his holster. The metal of the clip locking into place echoed throughout the room.

Alex gasped. “Where the hell did you get that?”

“There are a few things you don’t know about me.”

“Are you here to kill me, Zach?”

He couldn’t blame her for her fear. She had no idea where the threat was coming from. Neither did he, for that matter. “No. I’m here to protect the woman I love. You need to do something for me.”

A look of surprise crossed her face. “What?”

“Call Owen now. Tell him you need to see him.”

“Are you going to kill him?”

“Dear God, Lexie, why do you think I’m going to kill someone?”

“I don’t know. Might have something to do with that gun in your hand,” she retorted.

“I’m a former NYPD detective. I didn’t always own ski resorts. We can go into my past another time. Right now I want the guy who broke in here. We catch him, get a confession, and we can move on. You up for that?”

Her answer was in her action. He watched her fingers tremble as she dialed the number. She cleared her throat before saying, “Owen, it’s Alexandra. I’ve been thinking…I’m having second thoughts and I’d really like to see you. Could you come over? Yes, right now.”

Zach couldn’t hear his side of the conversation, but was sure he’d jump at the chance. She hung up. “He said he’d be here in about ten minutes.”

“Do you think Owen attacked me?” He didn’t miss the tremble in her voice. “Is that why you want him here?”

“No, but he’s the bait. I have a hunch whoever attacked you is keeping a close eye on him...and you.”

“And then what? He comes in here and shoots us all?” Now, he was seeing the fire back in her eyes and he smiled.

“Have a little faith in me, will ya? I was a good shot.”

“Oh, dear God.” She ran her hands through her hair.

The humor disappeared from his voice. “You will do exactly what I tell you. Do you understand? No heroics. I’m trained for this.”

“Her eyes shot to the knock on the door. “Should I open it?”

Zach stood behind the door and whispered, “Ask who it is.”

Alex did as ordered. She wasn’t sure her attempt at sounding calm was convincing.

“It’s Owen.”

She turned the lock and opened the door. “Alexandra, you look like hell. What happened?” Owen’s eyes immediately went to Zach standing beside her. “What is going on? Did you do this to her?” Zach watched Owen’s hands bunch into fists.

Zach would have loved a good old-fashioned fist fight with him for getting her involved, but he needed his help. “Lexie was attacked tonight.” Owen stepped toward her. “That’s close enough.”

“Do you think I did this to her? I would never hurt her.”

Zach believed him. “No, but your scheme caused this, and now you’re going to help me put an end to it.”

Owen’s eyes narrowed as he looked her way. “Alexandra, I know you don’t believe me, but I do love you. I would never do anything to hurt you.” He shifted his attention back to Zach, not waiting for her response. “Okay, whatever you want me to do Camden, I’m in.”

Zach was no longer threatened by any feelings Lexie might have had for her former boyfriend. The blank stare in her eyes at Owen’s profession of love was his confirmation.

He filled Owen in on his former involvement with the NYPD and how he had some strings being pulled in California, but they had to move quickly before this thug found out. The CEO at the company couldn’t be tipped off before they found the evidence. Yeah, Zach had copies, but they were stolen. Because of his connections to the police force, the judge agreed to the search warrant with no questions as to how the information was obtained.

“The main objective of their hired help is to keep you and Lexie quiet.” Zach was careful to keep his voice down. “I’m sure he’s watching the room now.”

“So, you want me to go out there and let him kill me?” Owen was more than a little snide.

“Against my better judgment, no.” Zach pulled the gun from underneath his coat and Owen stepped back with his hands up in surrender. “It’s legal, Banks. Relax.”

“Easy for you to say when you’re the one holding the gun.” Owen gulped and Zach felt no shame in the pleasure he took from it.

He turned to Lexie. “Order room service for two. Tell them it’s a romantic dinner for two and if they could include chocolate covered strawberries.” Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “We have to make him believe you two are back together.”

“What if he manages to be the one that delivers it?” Owen added with apprehension.

“All the better. Make the call.”

She ordered and hung up the phone. “Now what? We wait for the pistol duel?”

“Turn down the lights. If he delivers dinner I don’t want him to get a good look around. Lexie, go lock yourself in the bedroom.”

“Oh, no. You can forget that. I’m not some shrinking violet.”

“Damn it, Lex! You promised to do as I said.”

“Listen to him, Alexandra. If anyone gets hurt I don’t want it to be you.”

Zach watched a look pass between them. Something from the past? He ignored it. He had to stay focused. “Go in the bedroom and keep your cell close. I’ll yell for you when I want you to call the P.D.”

“What if something goes wrong? How am I going to know locked away like a princess?”

“Nothing’s going to go wrong. Now go.” He only wished he was so sure. There were no guarantees.

Chapter Twenty

Alex grudgingly did what she was asked. That left Zach and Owen waiting for their romantic dinner. Owen broke the silence first.

“I know she loves you. I can see it when she looks at you.” He rubbed a hand down his face. “I love her. I know you don’t believe that. I really blew it, but she’s better off. I know I would make a terrible husband. Acting’s my life. That’s why I was so desperate to go along with this. I handled it all wrong, but I want you to know I would never have involved her…I assumed we could get back together and everything would be fine.”

The loud knock resonated throughout the suite not giving Zach time to respond to Owen’s confession. “Are you ready for this?” Zach cocked the automatic, ready to fire if need be. “Answer the door, but keep yourself to the side, allow him in. I’ll be behind the door.”

The knock became more impatient. “Room Service.”

“Be right there,” Owen responded, nodding toward Zach.

“You recognize the voice?” Zach whispered in Owen’s ear.

He shook his head and turned the knob. Zach didn’t miss the nervous intake of breath Owen took before opening the door. The bellboy walked in, pushing the cart. It was the same young man that escorted Zach to the room. He couldn’t be positive, but he was confident this wasn’t their assailant. He stayed behind the door while Owen gave him a tip.

“You and Miss Storm have a nice dinner, Mr. Banks.” The boy grinned at his ample tip.

“I’m sure we will. Goodnight.” He closed the door and secured the latch. “Now what?”

“We wait. You hungry?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

Zach held up a crystal bowl. “Strawberry?”

“I’ll pass.”

“Shame to waste the food. We could be waiting awhile.” Zach grabbed a plate and moved toward the bedroom. “Lexie, you hungry?”

She opened the door. “Am I permitted to come out yet?” The fire was in her eyes.

“No. You’ll need to dine in. And keep the noise down with the TV. I think he might be waiting until lights out.”

Alex took the plate and shut the door in his face. He grinned. He would much rather have her angry than scared out of her mind. He returned to the living room to find Owen sipping champagne. “Don’t drink too much of that. I don’t need to save a drunk too.”

“Just trying to calm the nerves.”

“Let’s get this show on the road. I want you to say, ‘I’ll be right there. I’m going to shut off the lights.”

“I wouldn’t say it like that.”

“Are we going to argue over the delivery?”

“Someone who knows us won’t believe I would say that.”

“Okay, Banks. Write your own script, but don’t change the meaning.” Zach watched Owen’s expression change before his eyes.

“Turn down the bed, sweetheart,” he said loud enough to echo throughout the suite. “I’ll grab the strawberries before I shut down the lights.”

Jealousy pumped through Zach’s veins as he glared at Owen through the dimmed light. How many nights like this had he shared with Lexie? He inhaled a calming breath and remembered his training.

“What should I do now?” he whispered. “Join Alexandra?”

“You haven’t forgotten I have a gun, right?”

“Just a little joke to break the tension. Seriously, what should I do?”

“We wait for him to break in. Obviously, he’s good at picking locks.”

“Yeah, well, you have a weapon. I’m a bit defenseless.”

“Stay out of the way. That’s your job.”

Zach was about to tell him to wait in the kitchen, away from harm. There was no time before the knob jiggled. Zach moved to the side of the door, motioning Owen to stand next to him. He made a hand gesture for him not to move. The suspect was working at the lock. Finally, the door slowly opened. The room was dark, but for the light shining in from the city that never sleeps. Zach pushed himself snugly against the wall, waiting for the intruder to enter. He crossed the threshold and Zach put the gun to his head. “Don’t move.”

The suspect ducked and went for Zach’s knees, but he was ready for him and avoided the contact. What he wasn’t expecting was Owen to leap on the guy’s back, covering the suspect’s eyes with his hands. Zach was rather enjoying the sight, but decided to end it. “Owen, get off his back. Down on the ground, spread-eagle,” Zach ordered, the gun aimed and ready. The man, dressed all in black, complied while Zach frisked him. He was unarmed. He pulled the mask off.

“What the hell? Are you out of your damned mind, Ford?”

“I take it you two know each other?” Zach asked as the bedroom door opened. “Lexie, I told you to wait for me to tell you to call the police.”