Deadly Secrets, page 12
“Time to take a break. Kerstin, would you show Jana where she can change for work? Rafe, you and I need to discuss details.”
“But I haven’t agreed to any of this,” Jana objected as Kerstin guided her toward the stairs leading to the second floor.
“So much for being a better client,” Rafe said and closed the front door behind her.
“Seriously?” Was she relieved or horrified? Either way, she’d pushed Rafe away. How could she expect a bodyguard to protect her if she didn’t cooperate?
Jana eased her timeless Chanel suit out of the carry bag, relieved it wasn’t wrinkled beyond use, and spread it across the bed. While dressing, she thought about how to protect those she cared about at work. She made some necessary phone calls and notified the bank to have a hefty cash withdrawal ready for pickup. When she returned downstairs, Rafe was nowhere in sight. “Did she leave?”
Bennett shrugged but didn’t speak.
“Are you upset with me, Ben?” Jana asked.
Always the peacekeeper, Kerstin moved to Jana’s side. “She’s not upset. We’re both worried about you. Isn’t that right, babe?”
Bennett leaned toward them across the kitchen island. “I don’t think you’re taking this seriously. Your life is in danger, and Rafe is trying to protect you. I begged her to take this job because Kerstin and I care, but she’s not used to working with someone who doesn’t want help. Your resistance increases the chances one or both of you could be injured or worse.”
“Ben, aren’t you being too hard on her?” Kerstin asked.
The two exchanged a loving glance. They looked like toppers on a lesbian wedding cake—Ben a dark-haired, handsome butch, and Kerstin a petite, blond femme. If Jana played Russian roulette with her life, she would never know a love like theirs.
“No, Ben’s right,” Jana said. “I’ve been acting like a spoiled brat, like my life is the only one that matters. This whole thing started because I want to help other people. Now, I’ve involved Rafe in my mess and made it impossible for her to function. I can’t blame her for leaving.”
Bennett reached across the island and patted Jana’s hand. “She cares about you.”
Jana recoiled at Ben’s assertion which was completely opposite from her experience with Rafe. “What?”
“Why do you think she’s so upset?”
“Because she’s a control freak used to giving orders and having them followed without question?”
“Well, that is true,” Bennett said. “But I know Rafe, and she never loses her cool. Feelings compromise objectivity and judgment, so Rafe hides hers. I’m just guessing, but I think you’re more than a job, and the possibility of letting you down terrifies her.”
Jana buried her face in her hands, on the verge of tears. “I’m a horrible person.”
“No, honey, your life has been turned upside down, and you’re scared,” Kerstin said.
She hurried to the front door. “I have to apologize. Get her back.” She jerked the door open and stumbled over Rafe sitting on the stoop. Rafe caught her before she hit the ground, and Jana struggled to breathe pressed so tightly against her chest. “Th—thanks.”
Rafe gazed at Jana, her pupils dilated, and she licked her lips. Jana recognized that look. Desire. Was she so used to overt signals that the subtle eluded her? Or had Rafe’s feelings been there all along or grown so slowly that she hadn’t noticed? It was also possible she’d been so distracted by fear and suspicion that she’d missed the obvious.
Rafe brushed Jana’s hair away from her face and gently stroked her jawline as she withdrew. “Are you okay?”
“Rafe, I—”
“I can’t fail. Not this job.” She eased Jana onto the steps and stuffed her hands into the pockets of her leather jacket.
Jana had never seen anyone so conflicted by her emotions, so unwilling or unable to express them. She wanted to help, but she was the problem, if what Bennett said was true. “I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult. I’ll do anything you say.”
Rafe struggled not to smile. “Anything?”
Without hesitating, Jana said, “Yes.”
“Get the time off if it feels right, quit if it doesn’t. I don’t think they’ll try anything at work but keep Camille close. Ben and Kerstin will drive you to the lake. And, please, leave your electronics at home so you can’t be tracked.”
“What about your risk assessment?” Jana finger quoted the fake job.
“I emailed a faux report to you last night. Tell Fergus it was a one-time thing, and the security company has made adjustments, which is true. I spoke to their boss.”
“Good to know. And thanks.”
After a quick good-bye and a few last-minute details with Bennett and Kerstin, Rafe and Jana walked silently to her office building. She dreaded seeing Fergus but decided to get it over with first. She took a deep breath and forced a blank expression on her face before opening his door unannounced. He blanched when she entered.
“Um…Jana, what do you need?”
She wanted to say the truth but stuck with her fabricated story. “I’d like a two-week vacation. I’ve been promising Camille a decent bonus for years and now seems a good time. I’m taking her, Angie, and baby Skylar away for some fun and relaxation.” She wasn’t leaving Camille to face Fergus and his questions about her whereabouts.
“You and Camille? Who’ll manage your department? We’re in the middle of a merger.”
“Sonya, of course. She can handle anything that comes up. Dayle is reviewing the Kitamura contract, and if she or Sonya need me, I’ll check in periodically.” She wasn’t sure if that was true, but he didn’t need to know.
“Sure. Take the time but let me know where you are…in case I need you.”
Not a chance in hell. She relayed Rafe’s information about the security company and turned to leave but summoned her courage. “Mr. Fergus, before I go, are you familiar with a purity test done on the Badin Lake drinking water in the last few years?”
The veins across his forehead bulged, and his scalp flushed red beneath his thin dark hair. “What’s going on with you lately? We’re a reputable company. Is this about that damned shoebox? I demand you turn any company documents over to Dayle Hargrave immediately. She warned me they might be a problem.”
She sucked in a sharp breath. Was she surprised Dayle betrayed their private conversation? They weren’t soul mates or even good friends, so her loyalty was rooted in the company. “I can’t do that until I’m sure of what’s happening or has happened. Will you answer my question?”
“I won’t be interrogated by my staff. Your mother wouldn’t quit digging into the past either.” He glared at her from behind his desk. “On second thought, you’re fired. Leave all company property on your desk. If everything isn’t accounted for, I’ll file criminal charges. Get out.”
“My pleasure.” Not exactly how she thought this meeting would end. Part of her felt lighter than she had in days, but the other part panicked. She struggled to breathe evenly. Her career was over—years of dedication, loyalty, and apparent naivety—and she wasn’t ready to consider what that meant. But Fergus invoked her mother to argue his position, and she wouldn’t forget that. Ever. If it took the rest of her life, she’d expose his lies.
“What’s wrong?” Camille asked when Jana returned to her office.
“Fergus just fired me, and you’re going to visit your parents for two weeks. Free.”
“You’re what? I’m what?” Camille was practically jumping in place. “Going to Florida? For two weeks? When? Why? The whole family? Free?” She hugged Jana and then stepped away. “Back up. What do you mean fired?”
“We had a serious difference of opinion about what’s right and ethical. I have proof the company has knowingly put people’s lives in danger and caused deaths for years. I can’t continue to work here because I’m compiling a case against them now.”
Camille crossed her arms across her chest. “Then I won’t either.”
“No, Camille, you have a family to consider.”
Camille shook her head. “I won’t stay.”
Jana took her by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “Take the two weeks, see your parents, and talk with Angie. I arranged everything this morning, and they’re thrilled. You’re leaving today. And yes, I’m paying. You deserve it for everything you do for me. There’s just one catch.”
Camille scanned the office. “I’m on Candid Camera and this is all a joke?”
“No. You need to drive and pay for everything in cash, no credit cards so you can’t be tracked. I don’t want Fergus to know where you are until you’ve had time to think. Will that be a problem?” Jana wasn’t putting Camille and her family at risk if someone tried to get to her through them.
“Oh. My. God.” Camille hugged Jana so hard she could barely breathe. “Thank you. You have no idea how much Angie and I need this right now. We’ll be able to leave Skylar with my folks and have some time to ourselves. I love you so hard.” Her eyes filled with tears. “But can we talk at some point? I’m worried about you and don’t like leaving you alone.”
“I won’t be alone, and we can absolutely talk. Jana stepped away and pretended to straighten her desk. When she looked up again, Camille was staring at her with that “you’re not fooling me” look. “What?”
“This is about,” she moved closer and whispered, “the threats? It’s all connected. And you’ll be with Commando Barbie, right?”
“Sometimes you’re just too damn smart for your own good. Do you have a problem taking time off?”
“No, ma’am. Just tell me you’ll be okay.”
“I definitely will. Don’t worry. Have a good time with your family. Turn your cell phones off too and get a burner, so you can’t be tracked. I’ll call your parents’ landline when I surface again. If you leave now, you can be halfway there before dark.” She handed Camille an envelope stuffed with cash. “If you need more, let me know.”
Camille stared at the money and her eyes widened. “You’re too generous.”
“Go before I change my mind.” She hugged Camille and urged her toward the door.
Jana turned to the task of briefing Sonya on current projects. She had just enough time to get home and pack another bag before Bennett and Kerstin picked her up.
After everything that had happened this morning, Jana wasn’t sure if her apprehension was about the threats on her life, losing her job, or spending time alone with Rafe. Gut check. All were anxiety-ridden—one with fear, one with desperation, and the other with possibility.
Chapter Fifteen
Rafe replayed the earlier interaction with Jana on her ride to the nest. Too much touching and closeness, not nearly enough objectivity. The color of Jana’s eyes. The softness of her skin. And Rafe’s desire to be the kind of woman Jana would consider spending time with. She wheeled into her driveway, and the bike skidded on gravel, nearly dumping her. She righted herself but blasted the perimeter security and set off alarms. Thinking about Jana was dangerous.
She screwed up when she met Jana’s gaze. G-ma Carlyle said the eyes were the windows to the soul, and hers were always open if anyone took the time to look. And Jana had looked too closely. Had she seen the way Rafe felt about her—caring, protective, and conflicted? If so, Rafe’s job just got harder.
She turned on the coffee pot and unpacked the business suits she’d picked up from her go-bag to refill with work clothes and a backup security system. She poured a cup of coffee and settled by the window to calm her thoughts. Why hadn’t she refused this job? A hiatus to reintegrate into society was normal SOP. Time cleared the mind of the debris of war or at least dimmed it, like the breeze rippling across the surface of the lake washing fallen leaves to the edge. If she’d taken time, maybe she’d be ready for someone like Jana Elliott.
But not now. She couldn’t talk about her life or her work, and Jana would never accept that. She loved to discuss, analyze, and feel. When was the last time Rafe allowed herself to really feel what was happening around her? Compartmentalizing kept her alive and sane. How could she give up a coping mechanism that was a vital part of her life? Her job and feelings didn’t mix, and neither did an outgoing corporate dynamo and a solitary soldier.
Rafe tidied the nest and took in the small space. Other than in full battle gear leading men, she felt most comfortable in this aluminum can. Home. Insulated. Safe. She locked the door behind her and headed toward the water unsure when she’d return.
A small fiberglass dinghy floated under the raised dock, and she tugged the lines free and tossed her bag in. After checking the fuel and connecting the line to the motor, she engaged the choke, and jerked on the cord. After a couple of tries, the engine sputtered to life. She untied from the dock and angled out into wide water toward the Carlyles’.
The engine leveled into a hum as she skirted across the water in the waning light. She scanned the shoreline, alert for anything unusual, but her tiny finger of the lake was unaltered. She tried to shift out of work mode and enjoy the easy ride and cool temperatures, but the image of a young boy she’d lost on foreign soil flashed through her mind. As she guided the boat to the Carlyles’ dock and secured the lines, she vowed Jana would not be another casualty, even if it meant she could never acknowledge her feelings.
Rafe climbed to the upper deck and looked back at the Carlyle fishing cottage. She was a teenager the last time she was here and struggling to acclimate to yet another foster family, but the Carlyles were different. Even with four other children, Rafe felt like she belonged, and the small two-bedroom cottage seemed like home. She and Bennett scaled the tin roof to clear leaves in the fall, and during summer, the kids slept on the screened porch. She’d laughed, swam, played, eaten, and talked more than all her years prior, but it ended too soon.
“Hey, a little help unloading, slacker,” Bennett called from the house.
Rafe leapt down the steps, grabbed her bag, and sprinted across the lawn. No, she wasn’t eager to see Jana, only to help. Right. Jana wrangled an unwieldy suitcase down the steps from the car pad to the house, and Rafe rushed to her. “I’ve got it.” She lifted the bag easily and waved Jana ahead of her. “You okay? Everything all right with the vacation request?”
“That didn’t exactly go as planned.” Jana kept walking toward the house.
“What do you mean? What happened?”
Jana stopped on the sidewalk and turned toward her but wouldn’t meet her gaze. “He fired me because I asked about the water purity test and refused to hand over the contents of my mother’s shoebox.”
“What? Tell me you’re kidding.”
“I told you she was fearless,” Bennett said as she passed with a cooler.
“Reckless is more like it,” Rafe said. “Now he knows you suspect a recent violation and possibly have the evidence to prove it. He won’t let that go, Jana.”
“But he brought up my mother as if she’d done something wrong, and I…I just had to see his face when I asked about the drinking water. And now I know. Those aren’t the actions of an innocent man.” She leaned closer to Rafe and whispered, “You’ve got me, right?”
The flirty gesture registered in the pit of Rafe’s stomach, and she stumbled on the last step. Jana was a blitz threatening to overwhelm Rafe if she didn’t adapt. One minute, Jana was needy and afraid, and the next, she was daring and rash. Either mode complicated Rafe’s job and messed with her head. She rushed past Jana and dropped her suitcase in the guestroom.
Jana stopped in the center of the open kitchen-dining-living space. “How do you know that’s my room?”
“Because there are only two bedrooms, and Ben and Kerstin get dibs on the other.”
“And you?”
Rafe nodded to the sofas in the living space. “I get a choice.”
Jana took in her surroundings for the first time. “This is such a cute, cozy place, and the view of the lake is amazing.”
Kerstin chuckled from the kitchen where she was putting away groceries. “Translation, it’s small and smaller?”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I love the comfy furniture and beachy décor. It’s a perfect getaway for a couple or a foursome if they’re…close.”
Rafe caught Jana’s quick glance and elbowed Bennett. “Want to help me set up outside?”
“Thought you’d never ask. If I stay here, Kerstin will give me some domestic chore that I totally suck at. Let’s go.”
Kerstin gave Bennett a quick kiss. “Would you bring the rest of the water from the car on your way back? And don’t take too long. These steaks won’t grill themselves.”
“Yes, dear.”
Rafe led Bennett to the edge of the grass where she’d dropped her gear bag. “Never thought I’d see police captain Bennett Carlyle pussy-whipped.”
“And proud of it.” Bennett grinned. “You ought to try it. Could do wonders for that sour disposition of yours. Lack of sex leads to horny, unhappy people, and a shorter life.”
“Thanks for that.”
“Maybe you and Ja—”
“Stop, Ben. What Jana has on Fergus could torpedo his multibillion-dollar merger, not to mention his reputation and career, maybe even totally bankrupt the company. He’s going to fight with all his resources. I can’t afford to get sidetracked by…by feelings.”
“I’m just saying she likes you. And you like her. You may be able to fool Jana, but I see through your bullshit. Soldier or not, you still have feelings. They’re just a little dusty.”
Bennett resurrected things Rafe buried on her ride across the lake and was in no mood to revisit. “Are we going to talk or set up this security system?”
“I was hoping for both.”
