Standoff, page 31
Her computer alerted that she had a new email, and she opened it. Jeremy’s guest list. She forwarded the list on to Luke’s email and then opened the attachment. Might as well see who was coming to the party while she waited for Luke to call back. Once she had the attachment opened, she scanned it. A who’s who of the wealthiest people in Natchez and a few from Jackson. Her gaze stopped halfway down the page.
Justin Boudreaux. Her father would be at the party tomorrow night.
72
Late Saturday afternoon Luke’s phone rang. Delaney. He’d spent part of the day with him and the SWAT team at a farm out in the county before returning to Daisy’s to wait for the call from Boudreaux.
“Any word yet?” Delaney asked.
“No, but I don’t expect to until after dark.”
“I’ve checked into a motel near downtown, and the SWAT team is ready to go,” Delaney said. “But I’m kind of worried that Louis hasn’t made contact today.”
There could be any number of reasons their inside man hadn’t communicated—he couldn’t get away from Boudreaux, or he didn’t know anything, or he’d been compromised. Luke hoped it wasn’t the latter or that they were walking into a trap. It wouldn’t be the first time it had happened. “Last word I had from Boudreaux was that Músculos is on his way.”
“Waiting around is not my favorite thing to do.”
“Tell me about it,” Luke said with a dry laugh.
He’d barely disconnected when his phone rang again. Daisy. He should have already checked on her today. But she’d been fine last night at the rehab after Brooke got her settled.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to ignore you, but I’ve been kind of busy,” he said after he answered.
“I’m worried about you.”
“Me? Why?” Luke paced in front of the corkboard in the study, his mind on the drug deal and where Boudreaux might set it up. He hoped it wasn’t at the Grand where a bystander might get hurt.
“You’re making a terrible mistake. You’re pushing Brooke away and you two belong together.”
That got his attention. “Gram, she deserves someone better than me.”
“So you’re being noble?”
“I wouldn’t put it that way, but I guess, yeah, it’s the right thing to do.” Except walking away from Brooke had been harder than he ever imagined.
“Why is it the right thing to do?”
“I can’t give her what she needs.”
“You don’t love her?”
Of course I do. The answer was there before he had time to even think. He caught his breath. That couldn’t be true. Except it was. “Yeah, I love her,” he said softly.
“Then do something about it. Put yourself out there and tell her.”
Could he? All his life, he’d never risked his heart unless there was a payback. What if Brooke didn’t love him? Suddenly he realized it didn’t matter. Payback or not, he loved her, plain and simple. “It might be too late,” he said, thinking of Jeremy Steele.
“It’s never too late . . . unless she marries someone else,” Daisy said.
“Thanks, Gram.”
“What’d you say?”
He repeated it and she said, “Drat. The batteries in my hearing aids are gone. Hold on a sec.”
“Let me just call you back,” he said, but she didn’t answer and he couldn’t just hang up on her.
“Luke, can you hear me? I thought that package Brooke brought the other day was my hearing aid batteries, but it’s some kind of computer thing.”
“What?” He stood. “What does it look like?”
“There’s no name and no return address.”
She couldn’t hear a word he was saying. Was it possible Kyle Marlar mailed the flash drive to Daisy’s house, and his grandmother had it all along? He quickly texted a message that he was on his way.
He made the ten-minute drive to the assisted living in five, and barely had the car in park before he bounded out of it. After signing in, he rushed to Daisy’s room.
Daisy sat in her recliner. “That was quick.”
“Where’s the drive?” Luke said.
“You don’t have to shout,” she said. “I found another pack of batteries in my nightstand so I can hear just fine.” She pointed at the small box on her bedside table. “The drive is over there. The wrapping paper is on my bed.”
He picked up the brown butcher paper that had Daisy Fereday and her house number in block print. No return address. Luke quickly opened the box and held up a small flash drive. “Can I use your computer?”
“It’s already booted up,” Daisy said, looking proud of herself. “But I want to know something. Are you working undercover?”
“We’ll talk about that later.” He should have known he couldn’t fool her forever. Luke inserted the drive in a USB port. There were two folders on the drive, and he easily opened one. It looked like the set of books Kyle had told him about. He tried to open the other file, but it was password protected and he didn’t have time to go around the password. Then he turned his back to his grandmother and called Delaney.
“Is it time?”
“No,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Marlar mailed me the flash drive with the information his son downloaded and another file I can’t get into. With what we get tonight, this second set of books should be enough to put Boudreaux away for good. I’ll email you the files.”
Luke logged into his email account and shot off an email to Delaney with the folders attached. The DEA agent would in turn send the books to the forensic accountant and the other file to a code breaker. Things were looking up. He removed the data drive and slipped it in his pocket before turning to Daisy. “Thanks for letting me know about this.”
His cell rang. Boudreaux. “I need to take this,” he said.
When he answered, Boudreaux said, “Músculos is here. We’re meeting in an hour.” Then he named the location for them to meet, a warehouse near the river.
“We’ll be there.”
Once he disconnected, he dialed Delaney. “Boudreaux just called and the Colombian is here.” He gave him the directions to the warehouse. “There’s a Shell station two blocks from it. I’ll meet you there.”
At least the warehouse was in an industrial area and shouldn’t involve innocent bystanders. Once he ended the call, he turned to Daisy. “I have to leave.”
“You mentioned Boudreaux. Were you talking about Justin Boudreaux?” Daisy asked.
“You heard?” Not good. He should have stepped out of the room, but he’d talked low and didn’t think she would hear him.
“Told you I put a new battery in, and these new hearing aids are remarkable. Now tell me about Boudreaux.”
“Why are you interested in him?”
She pressed her lips together. “Is he a dangerous man?”
“I don’t have time to explain right now, but yes, he’s dangerous.”
“Oh my,” she said, her face turning pale.
“What’s wrong?”
“I told Brooke he was her father. What if she confronts—”
“Boudreaux is her father?”
“Yes . . . her grandmother confided his name to me years ago.” Daisy pressed her hands to the sides of her face. “I never should have told her.”
Luke remembered the list of donors she had emailed him. “Oh no,” he said. “He’s supposed to be at the gala Brooke is attending tonight.”
Daisy pinned Luke with her gaze. “You said he was dangerous. You don’t think he would hurt her, do you?”
“I don’t know.” He dialed her number, but she didn’t answer. His stomach churned. What if she confronted Boudreaux?
73
Brooke lifted her hair and let Emma fasten the pearls around her neck.
“You should wear your hair down more often,” her friend said.
“Too hot.” She smoothed her hand over the black fabric, trying to lengthen the dress they’d found in one of the boutiques. “Are you sure it’s not too short?”
“With your legs? No. Mine, yes.”
Brooke wasn’t sure. She liked the high neckline, though. Suddenly Toby let out a string of barks just before the doorbell rang. Jeremy was here. She checked her watch. Seven thirty. Right on time. “I guess it’ll have to do.”
“You look great.”
“Thanks for going shopping with me.” She opened the Michael Kors bag her mom had told her to get from her closet and secured her service weapon in it.
Emma gaped at her. “You’re taking your gun?”
“Yep,” she said. “It’s the only piece of advice Dad gave me after I completed my training—once you’re sworn in, don’t leave home without it.” She hugged Emma. “Come say hi to Jeremy.”
“No, but I will stick around and lock up after you leave.”
“Would you mind putting Toby in my bathroom?”
When she agreed, Brooke hurried to the front door, being careful to walk heel-to-toe in the platform sandals. That advice had been Meghan’s contribution to her wardrobe tonight. With a calming breath, Brooke opened the door and relaxed slightly when Jeremy’s eyes widened in approval. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be a disaster.
His gaze traveled from her toes to her head. “Very nice, Ms. Danvers.”
“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.” Jeremy’s dark navy suit fit like it was tailor-made for him, which it probably was. Diamond cuff links showed just below his suit sleeve. He could have just stepped out of a fashion show. “You want to come in?”
“Not if you’re ready. A couple of early guests were arriving when I left.”
“Told you I should get myself there.”
“It’s not a problem,” he said and placed his hand on the small of her back as they navigated the steps. “Your chariot awaits.”
She looked past him, and her jaw dropped. “Is that a ’97 Ferrari Spider?”
“You like it?”
“Yes. I’ve always wanted to ride in one.”
“Your wish is my command,” he said. “It belongs to my dad—he’s a collector, and he lets me drive it on special occasions.”
He opened the passenger door, and she slid across the seat, the rich smell of leather intoxicating. This must have been the way Cinderella felt on the way to the ball.
Jeremy hurried around to the driver’s side. “I think you’ll enjoy yourself tonight,” he said, fastening his seat belt. “Molly will make an early but brief appearance, and she’s excited you’ll be there.”
She lifted an eyebrow and shook her head. He was incorrigible. “I thought Molly wasn’t coming.”
He grinned.
“How many guests are you expecting?”
“Probably two hundred people.”
“But I only researched the hundred names you emailed.”
“Those are the most important guests, and you probably know everyone else. It’s come and go, although a few will linger longer than others. I’m hoping to get enough donations to my campaign to formally announce my candidacy next month.”
“I, ah, noticed Justin Boudreaux was on your list. How well do you know him?”
“He’s a friend and he’s been very supportive of my run for the senate with money and advice. I’ll introduce you.”
She clasped her hands together so Jeremy wouldn’t notice the slight tremble in her fingers. Her case of nerves surprised her, but it wasn’t every day that she met the man who contributed to her DNA. And if Luke was right, one of the biggest drug dealers in the South. The thought sent a shiver through her body.
“Cold?” Jeremy asked. “I can turn the air off.”
“No. I’m fine,” she said as they turned in to the long drive that circled in front of his home. The sun had set and it was that dusky time of evening. Floodlights shone against the Greek revival house, and it stood like a beacon in the countryside. Cars stopped in front then were driven away as guests walked to the front door. “Valet parking?” she said. “Where are you putting the cars?”
He laughed. “There’s a flat field around back, but this baby goes into the garage.” Jeremy passed the line of cars in the drive and pulled around to a barn-like structure. “Back when the house was first built, this was the carriage house.”
What would it be like to live in a house so rich with history? So rich, period. Brooke couldn’t imagine it. After he opened her car door, he took her hand and tugged her toward the house.
“We’ll go in the back way, and I’ll give you an abbreviated tour of the downstairs.”
“You don’t have time for that,” she said, glancing up at him.
“I’ll make time.” He winked at her. “Sometime during this ‘month’ you’ve given me, you’ll have to come back and get the whole tour.”
Brooke had a feeling the month would be unlike any she’d ever known. They entered through the huge kitchen that she’d seen on Sunday. Tonight a caterer was busy with preparation for the guests, and Jeremy stopped for a word with him, then he turned to her. “We’ll start with the front of the house and end with my study.”
“Don’t you need to greet your guests?”
He checked his watch. “Not just yet. Mom and my campaign manager can take care of the early birds.” He led her down a long hall.
He showed her the downstairs bedrooms, the elegant dining room, and a huge living room large enough to be a ballroom. Each fully deserved to be featured in House Beautiful, even Molly’s room with her two-story dollhouse and stuffed animals.
He led the way to the other side of the house and opened a door.
“And this is my study,” he said.
“Oh, wow.” A massive cherry desk in the center of the room drew her eye first, but it was the floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with leather-bound books that held her attention. “Beautiful,” she murmured, rubbing the top of a soft brown leather chair that was one of a set.
“I like it in here,” he said. “It’s calming.”
He turned at a knock on the open door. “Ah, Justin. Just the man I want to see. I’d like you to meet Brooke Danvers.”
For five surreal seconds, she didn’t breathe.
“You have a nice crowd gathering,” Boudreaux said before turning to Brooke and extending his hand. “Ms. Danvers, a pleasure to meet you.”
His words jolted her from her daze. She took his hand, noting the firm handshake. “Thank you. I’ve looked forward to meeting you ever since I discovered you’d be here tonight.”
Did she detect a hint of surprise in his eyes? Or was it something else? When he turned to Jeremy, she studied Boudreaux’s profile. She had his straight nose, and there was something about his eyes . . .
Boudreaux glanced toward Jeremy. “I have to leave right away, and I need a word with you in private.”
Jeremy turned to her, his mouth curled in a tiny wince. “Could we finish our—”
Heat flushed Brooke’s face. “Don’t worry about me. I need to visit the powder room anyway.”
“Go through here,” he said, opening a side door that led into another bathroom.
Once she closed the door, she fanned her face. If Justin Boudreaux knew who she was, he did a good job of covering it. And what was so important that he had to tell Jeremy before he left? She eased to the door and put her ear against it, barely making out their words.
Luke Fereday. She heard that plainly. Why would they be discussing Luke? Maybe if she cracked the door just a tiny bit. The doorknob turned silently, and she eased the door open a fraction of an inch.
“You just make sure the medical marijuana bill does not pass.”
“Don’t worry, it won’t.” That was Jeremy’s voice. “What’s the deal with Fereday?”
“It’s none of your concern, but Luke Fereday and his organization will be taken care of tonight.”
Brooke sucked in a breath. Luke was in danger! She yanked her cell phone from her purse just as the hallway entrance opened. Brooke jumped, bumping the study door as she turned around. A woman she didn’t know hesitated in the doorway.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t know anyone was in here.”
“I’m finished.” Brooke speed-dialed Luke as she stepped out into the hall. Pick up. It went to voice mail. He must be where he couldn’t talk. Quickly she ended the call and tapped out a text message. You’re walking into an ambush. Before she could send it, her phone vibrated in her hand. Luke. She pressed the answer button. “It’s—”
“I’ll take that,” Boudreaux said, snatching her phone from her hand. Then he shoved Brooke inside Jeremy’s office.
74
Brooke complied as Boudreaux motioned for her to move over by the desk. She scanned the room, searching for Jeremy, but he was nowhere in sight. Was he part of Boudreaux’s organization? She hoped not, for Molly’s sake.
“Your eavesdropping skills need improvement,” he said.
“What are you talking about? And why did you take my phone?” She gripped the purse hanging from her shoulder. Her gun was tucked inside, but could she get to it?
“Don’t play games with me. Who were you calling?”
“A friend.”
“Now you’re being cute.” He looked at her phone.
This was her only chance. While he found the message on her phone, she pulled her gun and leveled it at him. “Give me my phone,” she said.
His eyes widened when he saw the automatic. “You are full of surprises, ma chère.” A sardonic smile curled his lips. “You wouldn’t shoot your father, would you?”
She stiffened. So he did know who she was. “Don’t try me,” Brooke said grimly. “Just because you contributed to my DNA does not make you my father.”
The words had barely left her mouth when she realized how true they were. Her mom and Daisy were right. Her father was the man who taught her to ride a bike, who had tea parties with her, who held her hand and fed her ice cream after she had her tonsils out.
Justin Boudreaux was not her father, but one way or the other, he was responsible for her true father’s death. Her hand tightened on the gun. “Hand over my phone.”
