Hazard Play (13 page)

Silence.

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Not a babysitter. A friend. Deal with it.” He rose and took their two empty bowls to the sink, turned and watched the expressions skate across her face.

Finally, she sighed. “You can stay.” She looked up. “One night.”

“Great. Now let’s wash your hair.”

“What? No way.” She blushed and he grinned.

“We’ll do it here at the sink. Sit in the chair. The floor might get wet, but it’ll survive.” He ushered her over to the sink, pulled the chair in front, and positioned her. “Relax. I’ll do all the work.” Once she was settled, he went into the bathroom and got her shampoo and conditioner.

After wetting down her hair, Danny squeezed a dollop of shampoo into his hand and worked it in. Gently massaging her scalp, he avoided the cut near her hairline.

She exhaled a breath of contentment. “This is the most relaxed I’ve felt in a long time.”

“I aim to please.” Relaxed was not the word he’d use for how he felt. There was an intimacy in the simple act of washing her hair. He looked down at her face, her lashes shielding her incredible green eyes—closed now—and her generous mouth. She was beautiful. He noticed for the first time the tiny freckles sprinkled across her cheekbones. His hands stilled.

“What?” she murmured.

“You have freckles.”
Stupid comment.

“Don’t laugh. I cover them up with make-up. Freckles are for kids. I have to present the polished adult look.”

He traced his finger over her freckles. “I like them. More than like them.” He cleared his throat, tamping down the surge of heat threatening to swamp him. He rinsed her hair, and wrapped a towel around it. “How do you feel?” He used a corner of the towel to wipe a droplet of moisture from her cheek.

They stood by the sink and he could see every facet of her expressive eyes. “I feel like myself. And I have you to thank for it.” She leaned forward and kissed him. Lightly…on the corner of his mouth.

* * *

Well, that happened.
Rand was shocked she’d kissed Danny. Not that she hadn’t put the moves on a man before. If she remembered correctly, she’d done it to Bailey. But when she’d kissed him, it was more of an attack, which is how she and Bailey had wanted it. Their affair had burned hot and fast. And ended the same way it began.

This kiss was soft. Affectionate. She liked him. And the way he’d taken care of her today.
No one
had ever treated her like a treasure to be valued. That’s the way she’d liked it.

Until Danny.

He made her feel protected. Safe.
Her
. Ass-kicking Rand Devere. Needed no one. Wanted no one.

Until Danny.

The man in question cupped his hands around her face, his hazel eyes searching hers. She couldn’t look away as his mouth descended and captured her lips in a way that swept every man she’d ever kissed away forever. He didn’t demand entrance. He coaxed and she opened to him. His tongue explored the recesses of her mouth and she reciprocated. Releasing her face, he deepened the kiss, pulling her into his arms. She welcomed the warmth of his body. Wanted him to drive their passion. Wanted to feel cherished. By
him
.

When the kiss ended, they stayed wrapped in each other’s embrace. Danny pressed a kiss to her forehead. Another barely-there kiss to her wound.

“Hi,” she said.

“Hi.” He smiled. Reluctantly, he stepped back. “Let’s get your hair dry.”

“I let it air dry.” She took the towel off and shook her hair down. “See, only hurts a little.”

“Be right back.” He walked out and returned with her brush and comb. “Sit down.”

Used to his caretaker tone by now, she complied without comment. He sat in a chair behind her and drew the comb through from her scalp to the ends, stopping only to work through any snarls.  The rhythmic slide of the comb soothed her. Again and again. He arranged the sweep of her hair over one shoulder. Moved her robe to the side, bent down and kissed her neck where he’d bared her skin. He changed sides. Her skin was just as soft and fragrant as the first.

She sighed. “I—take care of myself. It’s been that way since I was eighteen.”

“Everyone needs taking care of some time.” He tunneled his fingers into her hair and massaged her scalp.

“I don’t want to get used to it. Not a good idea in my line of work.”

Still, she dropped her head as he moved to her neck and shoulders. “That feels good. Do you do this often?”

“Do what?”

“Rescue women. Nurse them. Stay overnight to protect them.” Her voice was faint. She felt tired again.

“You’re the first.” He adjusted her robe. “Let’s get you to bed.”

“Hmm, what time is it?” she asked.

“Five. You’ve had a hell of a day.” He pulled her from the chair. She swayed and he picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. She nestled against him, her eyes closed. He put her down and drew the covers up around her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever gone to bed this early,” she murmured.

“Listen to your body. It’s telling you it needs sleep. Tomorrow you’ll feel better.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead and turned to leave.

“Danny?”

“Do you need something?”

“Please.” She held out her hand, he held it and sat down on the bed. “No one has ever been there for me like you are.” She pulled him toward her.

The kiss was sweet. Wistful. Loving. And it touched her more than she’d imagined.

“I can sleep now.” Her eyes fluttered shut.

* * *

Danny was fixing breakfast when Rand came into the kitchen the next morning. She remembered everything he’d done. Washing her hair, brushing it out, his soft kisses. How she felt in his arms when he carried her to bed. And when
she
kissed him. It felt right. It felt like she’d waited for it all her adult life. She hadn’t really believed she’d fall in love. She’d seen too many betrayals, experienced a few.

She was scared.

Scared of how she felt.

Scared he didn’t feel the same way.

He looked up from the stove. “Breakfast is ready. Take a seat.”

She walked to the table and dropped into one of the chairs.. He brought over a cup of coffee and kissed the top of her head. “How did you sleep?”

She absorbed his easy affection like a withered flower taking in life-sustaining water. “I don’t think I moved. Even to turn over.” She yawned. “You were right. I feel as good as new.”

Danny put a plate with scrambled eggs and toast in front of her. He set a bowl of fresh strawberries in the middle of the table.

“Is there anything you can’t do?” She leaned over and inhaled. “Smells good.”

“Thanks. I wasn’t sure if you like eggs over easy or poached, so I took the easy way out.”

“I might have to hire you as a cook when you’re done with the remodel.” That was one way to keep him in her life. Especially since she was too much a coward to tell him how she felt.

He seated himself across from her. “I know a guy.”

“I honestly didn’t get more than a glimpse of them before they knocked me out. I appreciate the offer, but you can’t put a hit out on two guys without a description.”

He stared. “Your profession gives you odd ideas.”

“Yeah, I went there. I’m into payback big time. You should know that about me.” She grabbed a strawberry and took a bite. “Oh my God, this is delicious. What did you mean ‘you know a guy’?”

“Harry Ford is a first rate carpenter. He’ll do a good job on your place.” He looked down at her. “I quit.”

She levered her feet to the floor and attempted to stand.

“Don’t get up. You need to rest.” He hurried to her side.

“I don’t want you to quit. I’m sorry you got mixed up in this, but they won’t be back. They think I’m out of leads.”

He closed the distance between them until he was standing in front of her. He gathered her up into his arms. “I won’t work for a woman I’m involved with.”

She opened her mouth to say something. Stopped. They stood looking at each other.

“How good is this Harry?” she said, a faint smile on her face.

“Not as good as I am, but he’ll be using my plans and I’ll keep tabs on the job.”

“You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

He tapped her lower lip. “Lady, with you, not at all. But I can’t see any version of my life that doesn’t have you in it.”

“That’s good, because I feel the same way.” She raised her lips to his and they kissed. A real kiss. A lovers’ kiss. A forever kiss.

When they broke apart, Danny said, “I know you’re Attila the Hunnette, but you’re still going to have a headache, so you’re taking it easy. We’ll hang out here all day. Maybe take a walk. We have a lot to talk about.”

* * *

“Thomas, come in. What can I get you?” Bailey was an expert at playing the genial host.

“Thank you. Do you have iced tea? I’m not a teetotaler, but it’s a little early for me.” Thomas ducked his head sheepishly. 

“Iced tea, it is. Sit down.” Bailey went to the mini-refrigerator to get the drink.

Lucius took a seat by Tess on the couch. “Ms. Wycliff, I hope you had time to refresh yourself. I certainly didn’t need to come over this early.”

“I’m fine, Thomas.”

“You look distressed. Is there anything I can do?” He patted her hand.

“Bailey, get on with it.” Tess felt like she was about to take a puppy to the pound. What on earth had possessed her to agree to such a farce?

“We know who you are and what you’ve done.” Bailey walked to the room door and locked it.

“Excuse me?” Lucius looked from Tess to Bailey and back to her. She couldn’t meet his eyes.

Bailey walked over to couch. “Lucius Monroe, I am authorized to take you into custody and transport you back to Portland to stand trial for the embezzlement of two million dollars from Taylor, Coston, & Jurgens Financial Planning Company.”

Lucius turned red, then white, and then red again. “I...you’re mistaken...my name is—”

“Cut the crap, Monroe. It’s over,” Bailey snapped.

Tess jumped up between them. “Take it easy, Bailey. Remember, we agreed to ask him to explain.” She put a hand on Bailey’s chest to settle him down. 

He took a deep breath. “Look, Tess wants me to give you a chance to tell us your side. I admit you don’t seem like the typical crooks I’ve hauled in over the years. What’s your story?” He leaned against the desk by the wall in the sitting room.

Lucius coughed, took a shaky breath, and wheezed. “I—” He went into a paroxysm of large, gulping breaths. His eyes began to bulge.

Tess flew to his side. “Breathe slowly, look at me. In…Out…In...Out…” She held his hands and breathed with him. “Do you have your inhaler with you?”

Lucius gasped. “No. In room. Can’t…breathe…” He wheezed.

Bailey asked, “What can I do?” He brought a glass of water to them.

“Out of the way. This is what I do.” Tess was concentrating on the stricken man beside her. “Lucius, I
can
help you. In…out…in…out.”  She rubbed his back between his shoulder blades. “Is that better?”

“Y-yes, I think so.” The little man spoke cautiously. He took a couple of shallow breaths, but they did not end in a cough or wheeze. “Thank you. It’s passing.” He took out a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and mopped his perspiring face.

Tess was gentle. “Drink some of the tea. The caffeine helps relax your blood vessels. Lucius, what we really want is to help you. Bailey has evidence that links you to embezzlement. We want to give you a chance to tell your side and maybe we can straighten this out. Will you trust us?”

“Trust you? You lied to me. Is your name really Tess? How can I trust you? Believing that people were basically honest got me into this predicament.” Lucius dropped his head in his hands.

“My name
is
Tess and I’m a nurse. Bailey hired me to take care of you if you had any asthmatic episodes. But I can’t believe that you’re a criminal from what I’ve learned about you.”

“And what about you? Are you a police officer?” Lucius looked at Bailey.

Bailey hesitated. “I’m a bounty hunter hired by the company you stole from to bring you and the money back.”

“The company? I see.” Lucius turned to Tess. “And you’re not brother and sister?”

Tess flushed. “No, we had to come up with a cover story to meet you. But Lucius, I’m a good judge of character. I know you didn’t take the money.” She patted his hand.

“But I did...and I’d do it again.” Lucius was adamant.

“Well, that does it, Contessa. Tell us where you stashed the money, Monroe.”

“That’s not the whole story.” Lucius appealed to Tess.

“Leave him alone, Bailey. Take your time.”

Lucius took a drink from the glass Bailey had left on the end table. “I was the accountant for Taylor, Coston, & Jurgens. For some months, I’d had trouble with the books. The numbers I was given didn’t reconcile with the amount of business they seemed to attract.”  He coughed once. Twice.

“Take your time,” Tess cautioned. “If you need a moment, it’s okay.”

“Thank you.” He turned to Bailey. “A lot of our clients were senior citizens who wanted to invest their money in savings plans. Nothing too risky since they only had their pensions or social security checks to live on. I even advised some of the people I did errands for to go with the firm.”

Tess warned him as he paused for breath. “Calm down and breathe slowly, Lucius.”

After a moment, he continued, “Finally, after work one night, I went back to the office. I thoroughly searched Mr. Taylor’s office and found a
different
set of books.” At this, Lucius stopped and wiped his face with his handkerchief once more.

“Two sets of books.” Bailey moved closer. “And what did you learn?”

“The company had been siphoning off two percent of the interest on all the 401Ks that those poor people had purchased
on my advice!
It’s an infinitesimal amount when you look at a single account but they were taking in hundreds of thousands of dollars every month.” Lucius took a deep shuddering breath.

“Where are the books—the real ones—now?” Bailey paced the small area between the door and the couch.

“I suppose they’re still where I left them. I didn’t dare try to take them. They would have discovered I knew the truth.”

Tess asked, “Why didn’t you call the police?” This seemed like a simple equation to her. They’d call the authorities, explain what Lucius discovered and they could all go home.

“Who would believe me? I’m a lowly bookkeeper; they’re a big company in Portland with a lot of power. I panicked.” Lucius turned an anxious face to Tess. “You do understand, don’t you?”

“It doesn’t explain why you decided to take the money and where you put it.” Bailey interjected. “What did you do with it?”

“I put it back,” Lucius said simply.

Tess shook her head. “What do you mean?”

“All our clients had electronic funds transfer accounts with us. I used the books to transfer the stolen money to the Isle of Man in the British Commonwealth. Switzerland no longer works for security purposes since they signed an agreement with international governments to release account information. The Isle of Man has no such agreement. Once I put the money in an account there, I could transfer it back to the rightful owners without the corporation’s owners able to trace it.” Lucius smiled. “It seemed the right thing to do.”

Bailey smiled ruefully. “I’ve got to hand it to you, Monroe. That’s just crazy enough to be true. And…it may be the smartest thing you could’ve done.” Bailey walked to the mini-fridge and pulled a beer out, popped the top and took a long drink. “You didn’t spend any of the money and you have records of your transfers. That’s probably enough to save your bacon with the law.”

Tess wasn’t so sure. “But, what about the company and the charge against you for embezzling? If they’ve destroyed the real books, you’ll never prove a thing.”

“I knew those miscreants would never suspect I was smart enough to have figured out what they were doing. It’s easier for criminals to think someone else is stealing. I’m sure they have no idea I’ve discovered their heinous plot.” Lucius looked at Bailey. “If I had help...I’m sure I could secure the books and turn them over to the local authorities.”

“Wait a minute, Monroe. Just because you spin a good yarn doesn’t mean I’m going to risk a B&E charge. The cops throw people in jail for that.” Bailey shook his head adamantly.

Tess got up and went to him. “Surely now that we know the truth, we have to help Lucius.” She put her hand on his arm and looked up into his face.

“Contessa, don’t do that. I was hired to bring him back to Portland, period.”

“But your clients are crooks who hired you to track down an innocent man.”

“It looks that way, but maybe our Lucius is a clever man with a knack for good storytelling.” He didn’t meet Monroe’s eyes.

“Bailey,” Tess said softly. “You don’t really believe that.”

“Hell no, Contessa, but I need to think about this. It’s a lot to take in. I need to do some background checks on Taylor, Coston, & Jurgens. Maybe the company has money trouble.” He shook his head. “I need more information before I decide how to handle this.”

Lucius sat meekly, looking from Tess to Bailey. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Yes, you can promise to stay here in my room while I figure out what the hell I’m going to do with you.”

“Why? I have my own room.” Lucius looked puzzled.

Bailey knew he was dealing with a real amateur. “Look, Taylor, Coston, & Jurgens hired more guys than me to find you and bring you in. It’s obvious now that they want to find the money and get this whole thing to die down as soon as possible. An investment scam like this can’t have cops and the media investigating and talking about them all the time. I found you. Others can find you. Just because you changed your name—which by the way was an amateur job—doesn’t mean you can’t be found using facial recognition software.”

“You may not be safe, Lucius,” Tess said quietly. “I know we haven’t given you any reason to trust us, but we do want to help you. Please do as Bailey says.”

“Well, I guess it couldn’t hurt. I need to get some things, though.” Lucius stood up, swayed, and dropped down to the couch again. “Oh my, I’m a little dizzy.”

“I’ll go. Take care of him while I get his stuff. Give me your key card, Monroe.”

Bailey was always one to admit when a job had gone south, and this job was so far south, he should be wearing mukluks. A simple job, that’s what this was supposed to be.
His last job.
It was turning out to be anything but easy. He knew one thing; he believed the little guy. That meant Taylor, Coston, & Jurgens had to go down and he had to help. Moreover, the Contessa had been right and she would never let him forget it.

He got out of the elevator on Monroe’s floor and went into his room. The room was typical of what Bailey knew about him. Orderly, neat as a pin, with everything in its proper place.  Bailey paused only long enough to gather the inhaler, medications, a shaving kit, pajamas, and robe.

Back in the elevator, he took a deep breath and thought for the first time about what would happen when the job was over. The last two days had been a whirlwind of activity and emotions, mostly dealing with Tess. They hadn’t really had time to talk about their night together.

He hadn’t wanted to analyze his feelings, but he didn’t really want that night to be the last. He didn’t know what their connection meant, but they needed to acknowledge it and see where it took them. Tess deserved it, and damn it, so did he.

Approaching their rooms, he unlocked the anteroom entrance to find his door standing wide open. Pushing into his room, the interior told the story. The glass lamp by the couch lay in pieces on the floor. He looked down at his feet where the small wire-rimmed glasses Lucius wore lay, one lens cracked. A piece of lavender cloth was on the carpet beside them. It had come from the blouse Tess had been wearing.

* * *

The water glass smashed against the wall and the shards hit the tastefully understated carpet so favored by the higher quality hotels. Bailey stared at the mess he’d created and swore. He still felt like hitting someone, preferably the goon who had torn Tess’s blouse.

It didn’t help that he felt guilty for not believing Lucius sooner and realizing that the company would stop at nothing to get their money back.  They’d used him to track down Lucius so they could kidnap him before Bailey could get back to Portland. He’d been played and played good.  Looking down at the scrap of pastel-colored cloth, he swore again.  If they hurt her...

Shaking off his rage, he forced himself to think coldly, as if he were solving a puzzle on the job.  If he thought about Tess, he’d screw up again.  He did not intend to lose her before they’d had a chance to figure out what was between them. 

A good bounty hunter knew how to piece separate events into a coherent set of actions that led to capturing a jumper.  He first looked around the room for any clues as to who took Tess and Lucius.  Finding none, he checked downstairs with the doorman and night clerk. 

He always made it a habit to cultivate night workers because they were generally unnoticed by guests intent on getting to the gambling tables, or back to their rooms to sleep off too many martinis.  These workers noticed everything that was going on.

Lucius had been seen leaving with two men in a rental car.  He was helping Tess who seemed sick or something. It had been hard for the doorman to tell because she had a sports cat pulled low over her eyes. Bailey paled at the thought she might have been injured.

The doorman had recognized the company sticker in the car window. That was a start.  What Bailey needed now was a good computer with Internet access, and he knew where to get it.

* * *

An hour later, he pounded on the intricately carved honey oak door. No answer. He tried to look through the stained glass panels on either side of the door, but saw nothing. He banged harder on the door while he simultaneously pressed on the doorbell in a long incessant ring.

“Whoever’s out there, you’d better be from Publisher’s Clearing House.” Rand’s voice sounded muffled.

“It’s Bailey, Rand. Let me in, damn it!”

Rand opened the door. “I don’t take orders well, especially when barked at a disagreeable hour.” She frowned as she squinted at the day.

“Still a morning person, I see.”  Bailey brushed past Rand and stopped in the foyer, his hands full with two coffees and a cranberry orange bagel. “What the hell happened to your head?”

“Funny story. Two masked guys broke in and I got in their way. They seemed to be looking for info on Monroe.” She shrugged. “They didn’t get anything. I stayed home all day yesterday. I’ve gotten worse bruises sparring in the gym.”

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Much as I love seeing you, darling, what are you doing here?”  Rand pushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.

“I need your help...or rather, your computer.”  He didn’t wait to be asked, but walked into the living room.

Rand looked down the tiled hallway.  “Where’s Tess?”

“You weren’t the only one they hit.” Bailey put the two cups on the coffee table and placed the bagel on a napkin beside them.

“Darling, I have no idea what you’re talking about...and answer me. Where is Tess? She’s much more fun to talk with than you are.”  Following Bailey into the room, Rand brushed a hand over her tousled hair, picked up the paper coffee cup, and took a sip. “Hmm, good.”

“I don’t have time for any bullshit, Rand. Tess and Lucius have been kidnapped.” He let loose a string of swear words, all aimed at what an idiot he had been for letting down his guard. He sat on the sofa and buried his head in his hands.

Rand was instantly all business. “Okay, okay, settle down. First, why would anyone want to kidnap them? Lucius Monroe is an embezzler, but he has no ties to the mob or any large syndicate.” She paced the length of the room. “I’ve done a thorough background check on him and he has no priors. In fact, he’s so squeaky clean on paper it’s hard to believe he did it. Even with the overwhelming evidence.”

Bailey lifted his head. “He did it, but it was because the company we both work for is defrauding their clients and he found out. I can tell you the details later, but now I need to find out where they might have taken them. That means any properties that Taylor, Coston, & Jurgens might own in Lake Tahoe.”

“Give me five minutes to dress.” When she returned, she said, “Out of the way, darling. Your old pal Rand is going to work her magic.”

* * *

“I’ve got something.”

Bailey heard Rand call out while he was in the kitchen refilling their coffee mugs for only the fifth time, he estimated. Truthfully, he didn’t need any caffeine to keep his energy up. He felt like he could run on adrenaline for a week.  Carrying both cups as fast as he could without spilling, he hurried to Rand’s office. “Tell me.”

“Taylor, Coston, & Jurgens Financial Planning Company have a P.R. account item that might be what we’re looking for.” Rand sat back in her chair and stretched her shoulders. “The company keeps a vacation house on their books for wining and dining clients.” She’d been working at the computer for four hours.

“And it’s in––”

“You got it...Tahoe.” Rand’s grin was smug. “Am I good or what?”

“I don’t doubt you’re good, but there’s no room for guessing. How did you run this down? For curiosity’s sake, you understand.”  Bailey was deadly serious.

“O ye of little faith.” Rand got up from her chair and went to Bailey. She poked him in the arm. “Look, I know you’re half-crazy worrying about Tess. A blind person could tell how you feel about her.”