The Seven: Four tales of passion, danger and love (37 page)

The man definitely knew how to live. The house was massive. Like something out of a magazine. He pulled up in front of the house and stopped and she pulled in behind him. The drive where they parked was covered, due to an enormous terrace from the second story that stretched out at least sixty feet in each direction.

He was standing outside the front door when she pulled up.

"Wow," she said as she got out of her car. "You must make a hell of a lot more than I do working for Ed."

Rock laughed. "I doubt it. Come on in."

He didn't pull out a key, but stepped up to the front door, keyed in a combination on a keypad, then moved his face close to a small retinal scanner.

The door swung open on its own and she followed him inside. The interior was as impressive as the exterior. "Okay." She stopped, looking at the twin curved staircases that led to the second floor. "I have to ask. Just what the hell did you invent that affords you all this?"

"What do you know about nanotechnology?"

"Uh, nothing."

"Then this could take a while. Let's grab a beer and go to my lab."

"You have a...lab?" She fell in step with him.

"Yeah."

"As in test tubes, bubbling stuff and arcing electrical stuff?"

"Ah no, that would be Dr. Frankenstein."

Jazz laughed. "Okay, color me ignorant when it comes to this stuff. Hey, nice kitchen!"

"Thanks." Rock grabbed a couple of beers and handed her one. "Come on. My mad scientist place is out back."

Jazz followed him out onto an enormous terrace, down a tiled and lighted walkway to another house, this one smaller but still quite impressive. Rock went through another identification process and the door opened.

The lights turned on at a voice command from him. "Lights," he said as he entered and held the door for her.

Jazz's mouth dropped open as she got her first look around. It truly was like something from a science fiction film. One vast room housed equipment and computers she couldn't begin to identify.

"Holy shit, mad scientist is right. What is all this stuff?"

Rock grinned and wandered over to a computer sitting beside an unusual square apparatus. "This is an AFM."

"Which means what in science for dummies?"

"Atomic Force Microscope. Essentially the ATF is a high-res type of scanning probe microscope with demonstrated resolution of fractions of a nanometer. We use it to image and manipulate atoms and structures on many different surfaces."

"O-kay." She drew the word out long and slow, unclear of the significance of what he'd said.

Rock chuckled. "It's like this. The atom at the apex of the tip sort of 'senses' individual atoms on the underlying surface when it forms incipient chemical bonds with each atom. Now because these chemical interactions ever so subtly alter the vibration frequency of the tip, they can be detected and mapped."

"Still lost," she admitted and gestured to another machine. "What's that one?"

"That's an MC Implantation Simulator. A 3D ion-implantation simulator for the modeling of ion-stopping and implant ranges in amorphous and crystalline materials. It provides bi-directional integration allowing modeling of the implantation process for all available impurity/target material combinations and in arbitrary geometries."

"Enough," she said with a laugh. "I'm going to make a guess that your explanation of the rest of this stuff will make about as much sense as that did, right?"

"Probably."

"Okay then, let me just ask this...what exactly do you do with all this stuff?"

"You know, just the usual mad scientist stuff."

"In other words, none of my business." She took no offense at his disinclination to discuss his work.

"Not at all. It's just...well, what I do is hard to explain to a layman, and probably pretty uninteresting."

She reached out to put her hand on his arm. "I'm interested."

His smile faded and he stepped back from her touch. "Because it's part of the job."

His words stung. "You know better than that."

"Do I? How? You told me yourself you'd do whatever you had to, to protect the man you're assigned to safeguard. How do I know this isn't all just part of your job? Which, by the way, you never did fully explain. Just who exactly hired you and what are you protecting me from?"

His questions were hard ones, and not something she wanted to answer. He might think she was nuts and kick her out. Then not only would she fail her mission, but she'd lose him. And even though it'd only been a few weeks, she'd developed a strong attachment to Rock that went beyond sexual attraction or friendship. She feared she was falling in love with him, something that was more frightening to her than facing down a dozen armed men.

"Well?" he asked.

Her movement was one of a fighter loosening, head tilting to one side, then the other, while shoulders rose and fell, one at a time. She gave her shoulders one more roll as she turned away from him and wandered over to the door.

"Those aren't easy answers, Rock."

"I'm a smart guy. I think I can follow the gist of almost anything."

She barked a laugh. "I have no doubt. And that's not the problem."

"Then what is?"

She cut a look over her shoulder at him. "You believing me. Or getting really pissed."

He studied her for a long time. Her posture spoke of tension that was mirrored in the set of her jaw. Her eyes told another tale. One of fear. Rock couldn't imagine Jazz fearing anything. She seemed unshakable and fearless.

Her uncertainty and fear touched him in an unexpected way. Tenderness rose to the forefront. "Jazz." He hurried to put his arms around her and pull her close. "I'll believe you. And I won't be pissed."

"You say that now," she murmured against his shoulder.

"Trust me."

She pulled back and stared into his eyes. "Trust isn't all that easy for me."

"Me either. But I'll try if you will."

Rock saying he'd try meant more to her than a sweet lie. Knowing that trust was a difficult issue for him brought a common element to the table. They were alike in so many ways and so different in others. In this they seemed to share a common bond.

"Could we go outside?"

He nodded and released her. Together they left the lab. Once outside, Rock took her hand and led her to a large pergola, overlooking a dark lake. "Have a seat," he offered, gesturing to one of the padded lounges.

"I need to stand." She walked over to the railing, looking out at the lake and watching the light play on the water.

He stood beside her, silent and waiting. Jazz stared at the water for a long time before speaking, trying to formulate her thoughts.

"Like I said before, by trade I'm a bounty hunter and part-time bodyguard if the money is right. I've been doing it for a while. I've seen the best and worst in people, been forced to fight and to run. I've been hurt, and I've hurt people. Shot them. I always try to wound. But I won't hesitate to pull the trigger. And I have — more times than I care to remember.

"I've never done drugs. Not a big drinker and I'm not much of the imaginative type." She paused to look at him. "I'm saying this because... I guess to let you know that I'm not the kind of person taken to flights of fancy and I've never been into the whole New-Age mumbo-jumbo stuff. I'm just a regular gal with her feet on the ground.

"But...before I came to Florida, something happened. I'd been tracking this bail jumper and caught up with him in Fresno, holed up in a house with two other guys. At least I thought there were two others. I snuck in and got the drop on the three of them but things got ugly and I had to make a run for it. That's when I discovered there was a fourth man in the house.

"No point in going into details about that. Just that one minute I was turning and dropping down to shoot and the next I was in...another place."

"Another place?" Rock asked.

"Yeah. A castle or something. It had rock walls."

Rock's eyebrows rose. "And?"

"And I don't know how I got there, but god as my witness, I was...transported to a castle somewhere by a woman who... who told me about The Seven and what happened."

Rock's face hardened. "This is starting to sound suspiciously like a set-up."

"Not on my end. It was - well, it was pretty damn hard to take in what she said, but I realized that she was telling the truth. And she told me about you."

Rock blew out his breath and ran his hands back through his hair, a movement that drew Jazz's eyes to his arms and chest. Watching his biceps bunch and his chest rise brought a flush of desire that had her wishing to spend time with him doing something other than explaining why she was there to protect him.

He turned and walked away, taking a seat on one of the lounges and staring out at the sky. Jazz hesitated for a moment then walked over and sat down on the edge of his lounge. "You want me to go?"

Rock shook his head and leaned back, taking her hand. "I want to hear the rest of it."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I am." He pulled her down beside him, looping one arm over her shoulders.

"Okay. As I said, I found myself in this castle..."

Chapter Six

I thought I'd reached a point where not much surprised me, but maybe I was wrong. Something is going on that makes my 'red alert' warning ping. Problem is, my analytical mind says I have to hold Jazz suspect and my emotional mind - not to mention my body - doesn't want anything to interfere with what we have going.

But if what she's saying is true, then it affects a lot more than just me. Therefore I don't have a choice in what to do. I have to make sure what she is saying is the truth.

Jazz was dry-mouthed from talking by the time she finished telling Rock her story about Stanzia. He never interrupted, never uttered a word through the entire tale. When she finished, she leaned her head back against his arm, turning to look at him. For several minutes he continued to stare into the sky. When he finally did look at her, she was relieved that his face had no anger written on it.

"Let me start by saying that the information you've given - things you know about me - those are things that could have been uncovered if a person has the right contacts. I don't make many mistakes, but I'm not above making one.

"You could have ferreted out the information. That's one possibility. The other is that you were contacted by someone of the Seven tribes - most likely Fae or Daemon. But there are Dark and Light among both, so the validity of your claim -"

"The validity of my claim?" Her body tensed even as she tried to remain relaxed and calm.

"Yes. You claim to have been enlisted into service by a woman who claims her only motivation is to safeguard this world and the portal into the other. But, let me ask you this. Who is to say which man or woman will or won't positively affect the world and the future? Why is this honor entrusted to one woman? Can you honestly say that you'd put the fate of humanity in her hands?"

Jazz had not considered those questions. "Rock, I told you. I saw it. It's awful. Terrible. And it's up to you to stop it."

"Me? "He gave her an incredulous look. "How am I supposed to stop it?"

"With what you're working on. You have an idea that could end our dependence of fossil fuels, make it possible for the world to cut back nearly one hundred percent on emissions, save the depleting ozone, halt global warming. And you have a way to - to police some portal to the place where the Seven originated."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you know about my work?"

"Nothing! Hell, I don't even understand it. All I know is what I saw — a future that's as close to a nightmare as possible. A future no one wants. So whether you believe me or not, you have to make this invention or process or whatever the hell it is work. And I have to make sure that no one tries to stop you."

He surprised her by shifting and placing his free hand on the side of her face. "And you'd give up your life and career and all you love for that?"

Jazz had not considered it in that light but his question forced her to take a hard look at what he was asking. Part of her wanted to say the hell with it. Florida wasn't her home. Sure, she'd seen this as an easy gig, have some fun, live in luxury and play bodyguard. Piece of cake. At least that was her initial reaction.

Now she saw it for what it was. She'd have to give up her entire life, devote herself only to his protection to ensure he was safe to do his work. What kind of life did that spell for her? She had no doubt there was chemistry between the two of them. That was a given. And yes, she had feelings for him. Feelings that grew stronger each day. But what of his feelings? What if he decided that all he wanted from her was fun and games? Could she devote her life to guarding a man who had no real feelings for her?

She looked into his eyes, searching them for answers. And was rewarded with an epiphany. It didn't matter what he felt for her. It didn't even matter that she was already falling in love with him. All that mattered was that she keep him safe and prevent the horror she'd seen as mankind's possible destiny. For once in her life, it wasn't about her. It was about something bigger.

"Yes."

Rock searched her eyes. He could detect no dishonesty or deceit. What he could detect was something that shook him far more. He saw love shining in her eyes. Love and loyalty and absolute commitment.

"Jazz...I...damn, I don't know quite what to think about any of this."

"Look, I know there's no proof, no data to measure or analyze—but that's not true. Think about it, Rock. Based on all your knowledge and understanding, let's say the world continues just as it is now. Where do you think we'll be in a hundred years? Or even fifty? Is what I saw so far from possible?"

Her question hit the nail on the head. His mind went immediately into analytical mode. Being blessed with eidetic memory, his mind could quickly sift through the volumes of material he'd read and extrapolate conjectures based on the data stored in his mind.

Rock was unaware of the vacant expression that came over his face, or the words he mumbled. "Global dimming...destabilization of climate...acidification...shutdown of thermohaline circulation...oceanic anoxia...glacier retreat...photorespiration inhibition..."

It wasn't until Jazz was sitting on top of him, straddling his body and shaking him that his mind returned to reality. "Huh? What are you doing?"

"Trying to snap you out of whatever the heck kind of...trance you were in."

"Trance?"

"Well whatever. You've been sitting there for five minutes like a zombie mumbling things about destabilization and photo-something inhibition and...stuff."

Rock couldn't hold back a smile at her reply and the way she waved her arms around, as if her motions were filling in the words she couldn't remember.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. I'm sorry. And you're right. Based on the current status of the planet, in one hundred years, if left unchecked, man could be faced with a dismal future."

"See? I'm right. And Stanzia's right. You have to finish your research and develop this..." She lost her excited animation and frowned. "Just exactly what is it you're working on anyway?"

"An affordable and efficient hydrogen fuel cell."

"Which means?"

"Eliminating the dependence on fossil fuels."

"Entirely?"

"If I can make it work."

Jazz stared at him wide-eyed. "You can do that?"

Rock smiled. "I think so. Yes."

She surprised him by jumping up and pacing back and forth, chewing on a thumbnail and mumbling to herself.

"Jazz?"

She didn't respond.

"Jazz!"

She stopped and looked at him.

"What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? Okay, I'm not a super brain like you, but even I can see the handwriting on the wall. If anyone and I mean anyone has a clue that you're working on a hydrogen fuel cell that could eliminate our need for fossil fuels, then it's clear as the nose on your face that you're the prize pig at the county fair."

"Prize pig?"

She waved away the question. "Don't play stupid now. You have to see it. On one hand you have all the people who don't want that to happen. And we're talking mega money here—the freaking basis of world economy. Those guys sure as shit don't want to be put out of business. So either they try to eliminate you and stop it from happening, or they try to get control of it. And then there's the other side of the coin. The people who want it to happen but want to be the ones who profit from it. Either way, we're talking about some very big guns, Rock. And all with you in their sights."

Rock stood and walked to her. "Isn't that a bit melodramatic?"

"Is it? You're the brains. You tell me. What would people do to either prevent it from happening or control it?"

Rock wondered if maybe in some ways he wasn't the dumbest man on the planet. He'd never considered that anyone would take his life to get their hands on his research. Buy him out? Sure. He got offers all the time. But kill him?

It made a cold chill slide down his spine. Suddenly his safe haven didn't seem so safe. And that made him angry.

Jazz saw the emotions play on his face, and recognized his anger by the set of his jaw and the flash in his eyes. "Rock, listen." She took his hands in hers. "You obviously have resources. I mean this place isn't cheap. So surely you can afford a more secure location where you can work. I'll help. You pick the place and I'll make sure the security is sound. I know people who can help. I promise I'll keep you safe."

He smiled and leaned down to put his forehead against hers. "Jazz, my beautiful warrior. I know you mean well but—"

"Don't." She pushed back. The last thing she could take was hearing him say that he couldn't have her around underfoot. That what they had was sexually exciting but nothing more. Despite her resolve to do whatever it took to keep him safe and put her own desires in the background, she just wasn't ready to hear those words come from his mouth.

"But—"

She cut him off again. "No. You don't have to spell it out. I'm not asking you for anything, Rock. We had a great night and that's that. You don't owe me anything. All that matters is keeping you safe. That's it."

Rock listened and watched and felt a thrill of excitement. She'd bewitched him at first sight, obliterated his desire for other women with one look. He'd fought it and tried to analyze it a hundred different ways but the truth was he was hooked on her. And not just for sex. While that was the stuff of dreams, she was quite literally what he'd wished for.

His problem was that it scared the living shit out of him. He'd never been captivated by a woman. Never been in love. Even the word scared him. He feared it because he saw it as something that would take him over, rob him of his life and dreams and freedom.

He didn't want that. So he'd fought the feelings. But now he found himself not so afraid. And that was because of the fear he sensed in her. She loved him and it scared her. He had no doubt that Jazz would go toe-to-toe with any danger, face it down and probably conquer it. Any physical threat she could handle. But love was something she didn't know how to fight or deal with.

She was just like him. That made it easier. And exciting. To think that she was as enthralled with him as he was with her was one of the most exhilarating feelings he'd ever experienced.

"I appreciate that, baby. I do. But that wasn't what I wanted to say."

"Oh."

He smiled and gave her a light gentle kiss. "What I wanted to say," he whispered, "is that while there's no one I'd trust more than you for protection, the idea of you putting yourself in harm's way scares me."

"I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

"Of that I have no doubt. But baby, my motives are selfish. Now that I've found you, I don't want to risk losing you."

Nothing he could have said would have surprised her more. Or elated her or scared her. "Rock, I...crap, I'm so bad at this. Really bad."

"Join the club, baby."

She laughed at the remark, feeling a bone-deep connection with the man who held her. "I care, Rock. A lot. More than I want to. More than is probably good for me."

"I won't hurt you, Jazz."

"Not intentionally. I believe that. But who knows what tomorrow will bring. What we think we want today often looks different tomorrow or next week or next month."

"I hope that's not the case, but you're right. We don't know, so let's not make promises. For now, let's just acknowledge that there's something between us that's more than what we've had so far. Something that could be just what we've both been looking for."

"And only time will tell?"

"Basically, yeah."

"Okay," she said with a smile. "I can do that. One day at a time."

"And since we're being completely honest here, I need you to know that I've asked to meet with some people - people I've known a long time and am certain I can trust."

"About what? Me?"

"You and the person who hired you."

"You think they might know Stanzia?"

"I think if anyone among the Seven has heard of her it would be them or they'd have the means to find out who she is."

"They're Seven?"

"Well, yeah. So am I, Jazz."

She got up and walked over to the railing on the patio, stared out at the landscape for a few moments then turned to face him. "I know. A shifter. You can turn into a cat or be a werewolf."

"No, a werewolf is someone who only shifts into wolf form. I can shift into the form of a wolf but I'm not a werewolf. I can just adopt animal forms."

"How many?"

"Any I can visualize in my mind."

"So you're not like - like changing on a full moon and going on a killing spree?"

Rock laughed. "Hardly."

"Okay, so can I ask - were you born that way? I mean are your parents Shifters?"

"My father, yes. My mother is a Changeling. Which makes me technically a mutt."

"A Changeling?"

"Yes. She can take on any corporeal appearance."

"That's pretty cool. So... damn, this probably sounds silly, but I don't know all that much about your people. Are you originally from here? Not Florida, but this continent or this planet?"