Whatever It Takes (23 page)

Eli wouldn’t stop her from leaving the room but refused to let her believe the conversation had ended. “This isn’t over, Kat.”

“You’re right, it’s not over. Because it never even started.” She walked out of the room.

Eli cursed softly, then gave a grimacing smile of apology to the nurse as she helped him dress. He wanted the kind nurse to go elsewhere for a half hour so he could show Kathleen that her words might say one thing but her body had said something else. The heat in her eyes when he’d dropped the sheet told him she wanted him. That was something he could build upon.

But that, too, would have to wait. His entire body felt like he’d just gone twelve rounds with a heavyweight champ. Engaging in anything remotely physical was well beyond his capabilities for the time being. But that wasn’t the biggest deterrent. He had a family to protect and then a killer to uncover.

The instant he was dressed, Eli grabbed his cellphone again. It was a call he hadn’t wanted to make, but this time, he had no choice.

Chapter Twenty-eight

Kathleen ushered Eli’s daughters inside the house. She had explained that their father’s car had crashed and he had a few minor boo-boos. Hopefully, the girls wouldn’t be too frightened once they saw him. 

Grey had driven Eli home. Kathleen had followed in her car, looking for a threat in every car they passed, every person she saw. The moment they arrived, she’d jumped into the limo and headed to the school. She had called ahead to let the principal know she was coming. She didn’t give any more information than that, but had a feeling Eli would be contacting the school this afternoon. He hadn’t said so, but she knew the girls wouldn’t be going back to school. Not until this was over. 

She and Eli might disagree on personal issues, but this was one they could both agree on. When your loved ones were threatened, you gathered them close and rode out the storm. That was something she’d learned way too late.

Teresa was standing in the foyer waiting for them. Though she gave the girls her usual cheerful greeting, there was worry in her eyes.

“Your daddy is upstairs in his bedroom. As soon as you put your school supplies away and change into your play clothes, he wants you to come see him. I’ll bring you some milk and cookies.”

With the optimism of the young and the bright promise of cookies, both girls ran up the stairs, giggling and cheerfully unaware their father had almost been killed.

The instant they were out of hearing range, Kathleen said, “Are you all right, Teresa?”

Her arms wrapped around herself, she rubbed them for comfort. “I’ll be fine. I’m just so worried about Mr. Eli. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt him or those precious babies.”

“There’re a lot of people working to find who’s doing this. And in the meantime, Eli will make sure he and the girls stay safe.”

“Including you, Miss Kathleen? Will you be staying to help?”

That was something she would have to talk with Eli about. If he planned to keep his daughters out of school and confined to the estate until the threat was gone, there was no reason for her to be here. She’d been hired for one reason only. That particular reason no longer existed. But another reason for her to stay did exist. She just needed to figure out how she would tell him. Explaining her reasons without him reading anything into it would be tricky. Especially since she didn’t believe them herself.

Since Eli deserved that answer first, Kathleen just said, “I’m not sure yet. How’s he feeling?”

“He said he was fine, but I saw the pain in his eyes. He’s lying down. I’m supposed to wake him every other hour.” She glanced down at her watch. “That’s about an hour from now.”

“Why don’t I take that responsibility off you? You get the snack ready for the girls. Once they see their father, I’m sure the comfort of milk and cookies will be even more welcome.”

“Yes…all right. That sounds good.” She turned to head toward the kitchen, then stopped and looked over her shoulder. “I do hope you’ll stay, Miss Kathleen. You’re good for him. Good for the girls, too.”

“Why do you say that?”

“There’s a light in his eyes when you’re around. A spring in his step. I think you make him happy. The girls see that, and it makes them happy to see their father that way.”

Kathleen had no answer for that. She couldn’t take on that kind of responsibility. Couldn’t take that kind of risk.

Eli settled himself carefully into his chair. As long as he didn’t breathe too deeply, he figured he could control the pain, at least long enough not to scare his kids. He’d persuaded the nurse to take the gauze bandage off his head and replace it with a small cartoon Band-Aid. With his black eye from yesterday and his new injuries today, he figured he looked damn rough. Downplaying was his best bet.

  He’d dozed off for a little while but woke when he heard the rapid steps of little feet rushing up the stairway. He couldn’t have Sophia or Violet see him lying in bed this time of day. He wanted to be alert and sitting up when they came in to see him. Today was going to be difficult enough for them. They sure as hell didn’t need to see their daddy looking like a zombie movie extra. 

How he delivered the news would make all the difference. They could either be excited, looking upon this as a new adventure, or fearful at all the changes taking place. They’d already had too much upheaval in their young lives. 

Once they were acclimated to their new location, books, movies, games, and a large outside play area should keep them occupied. The instant the bastard responsible for terrorizing his family was dealt with, he’d bring them back home. Until then, they needed to be as far from danger as possible.

Kathleen was another matter. Was he being selfish by wanting her to stay? The thought of anything happening to her churned his guts. If her association with him caused her any harm, he couldn’t handle it. On the other hand, if she stayed here, not only could he keep an eye on her, they could work together. She was a professional, trained to defend herself and others, trained to dig deep and uncover secrets. 

The original job he’d hired her for was no longer relevant, but would she consider working for him in another capacity?

And again, was he being selfish simply because he couldn’t bear to let her go?

A soft knock on the door told him time was up and he damn well needed to make a decision.

“Come in,” he called out.

She came into the room, calm, competent, and so damn beautiful his entire body, though aching and sore, went hard with desire. She was dressed in black slacks that molded to her slender legs and a sky-blue cashmere sweater that enhanced the beauty of her eyes. She rarely wore that color, and he thought he knew why. Her eyes practically glowed.

Her clothing, while casual, was both feminine and flattering. However, he also knew that beneath the slight bulk of the sweater was the gun she favored, a Ruger LC9. And beneath one pant leg and wrapped around a slender ankle was a holster holding her secondary weapon. Kathleen Callahan, delightfully feminine and dangerous as hell. 

 “Why aren’t you in bed?”

“I was. I’ll go back in a few minutes. Thought it best that Sophia and Violet see me sitting up. It’ll alarm them less. What did you tell them?”

“Just that you had a little smash-up with your car and got a couple of bumps and bruises.” Her mouth moved from grim to a slight grin for a second. “They’ll like your bandage.”

“Before they get here, I want to tell you the plan.”

“I figure you’ll pull them out of school until this is over.”

“Yes. But I’m also going to send them away.”

“Away? Where?”

“To a little town off the coast of France, where my mother and sister are staying. Only a handful of people, and only ones I trust, know about the small estate I purchased there. It’s right on the water, but secluded and well guarded. They’ll be safe there until this is over.”

“I see.”

“My brother Jonah is coming to get them. I called him from the hospital and got lucky. He’s in the States and will be here soon. They’ll be in good hands.” 

Wanting to get a reaction one way or the other, he added, “I appreciate your protection of them. You’ve done a great job.”

“That’s it? I’m dismissed?”

He tried for a smile, figured it looked pretty lame since he didn’t feel the least amused. “You quit your job. Remember? Besides, your charges won’t be here. The job no longer exists.”

“I’m staying here with you. Remember?”

“Why?”

“You told the doctor I would see to your care.”

“Teresa can do that.”

“She’s not going to France?”

“No.” 

“She’s got a lot on her plate, taking care of this house, seeing to your meals. It’ll be easier for her if I stay and help.”

“One could argue that now that she doesn’t have two rambunctious little girls to care for, she’ll have a lot more time on her hands.”

She put her hands on her hips and started toward him. “Why are you trying to get rid of me when an hour ago you…you…”

“I what, Kat? Acted like I couldn’t keep my hands off you? Maybe I’m tired of doing all the pushing. Maybe I’m waiting for you to make a move toward me for a change.”

“That has nothing to do with this. I want to stay and help you find out who’s trying to hurt you.”

“And that’s the only reason?”

“The only one there can be, Eli.”

He saw the fear, the worry. Was it the threats that worried her, or the fear that she was beginning to care for him? He had a feeling it was both. For right now, he’d have to worry about the first and hope the second worked itself out. But he saw no reason to keep his concerns from her. 

“I would appreciate the help, and I want you here. But I’m concerned for your safety.”

“How so?”

“Your association with me. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“Very well.” He was aware he’d accepted her offer too quickly for her to think he’d considered any other option.

She surprised him by not calling him on it and instead said, “I’m actually astonished that you didn’t insist on it.”

“Why, Miss Callahan, are you accusing me of being a bully?”

The glimmer of humor on his face was such a relief, Kathleen couldn’t help but tease him a little. “Not a bully… More like a dictator.”

“Dictator Eli. I like it.”

She had to smile at that. Despite the cartoon bandage on his head, he did look quite arrogant and dictatorial. “I’m sure you do. So, the girls feel comfortable with your brother?”

“They adore Jonah. And since they haven’t seen him in months, it’ll be even more exciting for them. I’m hoping they’ll be so happy to see him, to know that they’ll be seeing their grandmother and their Aunt Lacey, that they’ll not be upset about leaving.”

“Have they ever been away from you like that?”

The pain in his eyes had nothing to do with his injuries. “No. I’ve been away from them on business, but they’ve never even stayed overnight with anyone.”

“They’re happy, well-adjusted children, Eli. They’ll be fine.”

“I’m counting on it.”

Hearing the patter of running feet, she backed away, knowing he’d want to spend this time with his daughters, preparing them for their adventure. “I’ll head home and get my things.”

“Kathleen?”

She stopped at the door and turned. “Yes?”

“No matter your reasons for staying, I want to thank you. You’ve come to mean a lot to me, to my daughters.”

If there was one thing he could have said that would make her regret staying, that was it.

Putting aside her worries for her own emotional well-being, Kathleen set her mind to concentrating on her new job—keeping Eli out of harm’s way. Not that she had included that in her reasons for wanting to stay with him. She knew him well enough to know that the thought of her putting herself in danger to protect him went against every bone in his body. That would remain her secret. She would help him find who was threatening him, plus keep him safe. He didn’t need to know. 

 That thought foremost in her mind, it was a bit of a shock that when she walked out of the house to get into her car, Eli’s main bodyguard stopped her.

“Where are you going?”

Although they exchanged greetings every morning when she arrived to take the girls to school, Macon Yates rarely said much more than that. 

“My apartment to pick up some clothes.”

“Let’s go, then.”

“Excuse me?”

“Eli’s orders. Neither you nor Teresa go anywhere without protection.”

She didn’t know if she should be insulted or touched. Eli believed her association with him might put her in danger. Being the one protected instead of the protector felt odd, but arguing was pointless.

“Very well.”

“We’ll take one of Eli’s cars since yours has been towed to a garage.”

“What? Why?”

“Eli wanted to make sure it hadn’t been tampered with.”

He was taking no chances, and while his autocratic ways were once again irritating, the knowledge that he was thinking of her safety even when he felt like hell lessened the sting.

“The limo, I’m assuming?”

His eyebrows shot up. He had apparently expected an argument. “Yes. That’s his preference.”

Saying nothing more, Kathleen went to open the front passenger’s side door, but Macon was there before her, opening the back door. She shrugged and got into the back. She had a feeling she and Eli would be having arguments on many issues in the coming days. 

Chapter Twenty-nine

Kings Crossing, Vermont

Striving to appear powerful and in charge, William Johnson sat behind his desk. Since this was a videoconference call, no one could tell that he had placed a couple of pillows on the chair so he’d look taller, or that he’d added a bit of padding to his suit coat to make his shoulders broader and his body bigger. 

As a slender man of somewhat small stature, William always took great pains to make himself appear larger. People were intimidated by strength and size. 

He strived to ignore the voice in the back of his mind whispering to him that the reason this man had failed was because of his own shortcomings.