Chapter Four


Tess half leaned, half sat on the deck railing at Uncle Jack's ranch house south of Phoenix, enjoying a cup of coffee and watching birds fly into a twenty-foot saguaro ten yards away. A Gila woodpecker poked its head out of a hole in the cactus, the bright red splotch on the top of it instantly reminding her of Shane's gunshot wound at the cabin only three days before. She knew he would be all right. Her uncle had kept her informed, not just about his progress, but about the number of times he'd asked about her.

It was a good thing she'd cut her ties to the man. Even days later, Shane Burkhart dominated her thoughts more than she wished. She kept telling herself it was because she'd saved his life, but in her line of work, she'd saved plenty of lives, and that hadn't caused her to dwell on their image or go over the words they'd exchanged. But Shane ... she couldn't forget the steel gray of his eyes, his muscular build, his unruly dark hair ...

The blare of a police siren startled her, pulling her mind from her memories of a man she needed to forget. She answered the special ring tone on her cell phone that indicated it was Uncle Jack. "I thought you'd be out of cell range by now."

"Nope. Almost to the bottom of my mountain, though. Turned off the main highway five minutes ago. Did you decide to stay longer? There's no reason to go back to Dallas so soon. You still have vacation time, and you could always come back to the cabin."

It might never be the quiet, peaceful retreat it used to be. "Not this time, but I'm staying at your ranch until it's time to go home." She nearly stumbled over the word home, because she really didn't have one. The apartment she shared with another female bodyguard was hardly more than a place to sleep and warm up a can of soup. They rarely saw each other, since their schedules were so different. "I'll keep Charlie in line," she said in reference to the only cowhand her uncle employed.

"Your dad's place isn't too far away. You ought to pay him a visit. Find some resolution with him."

She shivered at the thought of seeing her father, the memories of his angry, wounding words. "Not gonna happen. And you know why."

"You need to forgive him, so you can move on."

Tess released a long breath. Deep down, she knew he was right. "I don't know if I can. You should have been my dad. In every way that matters, you are."

"There's a reason the Lord wants us to forgive."

She was desperate to change the subject. "When's Shane leaving the hospital?"

"Why don't you go see him and find out?"

Tess rolled her eyes and looked skyward to see a hawk overhead. Brilliant. She'd changed the topic to another one she needed to avoid. Her uncle had tried to get her to see Shane for two days.

"Still there, Tessa?"

"You wouldn't return to the cabin if he wasn't going to be okay, and I'm sure he's got plenty of family and friends looking in on him. Why do I need to visit him?"

"I didn't save his life. Don't you want to see how well he's doing?"

"My job is over. I saved him. I'm letting the doctors take care of him now."

"Not every marriage ends like your parents' did."

Suddenly Tess felt twelve again, watching the gurney being rolled out of her home. The sheet flapped in the wind, covering the body that used to be her mother. Tears pricked Tess's eyes. She blinked and tried to push the mental picture away, but the memory of her father's insults bombarded her.

"I don't want to talk about my parents." Her mother committed suicide, leaving her alone with a father who didn't want to be one.

"I was happily married for thirty years."

"Patricia died, and you shut down. I wasn't sure you'd ever come out of your depression. So no, thank you. The divorce rate is sky high. I don't want to add another number to it." How in the world had they gotten on the subject of marriage?

Uncle Jack snorted. "Chicken. I didn't think you feared anything. Now, I know you do."

"Nice try. It isn't going to work. Enjoy your time at the cabin for me. I'm going to kick back here and relax. Maybe go riding. See a few friends who still live here."

His robust laughter filled her ear, and she pulled her phone away until he quieted. "I have friends here and in Dallas."

"You're in Phoenix maybe twice a year, if I'm lucky. I suppose you're in Dallas a little more, but not much."

"I go where the job takes me. Will you be back before I leave?"

"Yes, I've got to spend a couple of days with my gal."

Although she knew her uncle loved to hunt at this time of year, she wondered if he was giving her a chance to reconsider helping Shane. "Love you, Uncle Jack. See you in a week."

When she disconnected, she stuffed her cell phone in her front jeans pocket, took a deep breath of the fresh air—its scent different from Dallas—and went back into the kitchen. She headed for the coffeepot, refilled her mug and started for the deck again.

The doorbell rang. She changed directions and made her way to the foyer. Wondering who was at the door, she checked out the peephole and frowned.

Why is he here?

She stepped away and debated whether to open the door or not. Uncle Jack's earlier taunt about being afraid of Shane mocked her, and she reached for the knob. When she opened the door, her gaze locked with Shane's, a gleam in his eyes as if he'd seen her hesitation. She remembered those beautiful eyes—hard to forget that steel gray—but nothing could've prepared her for his mesmerizing look.

She stared, dumbfounded, until he broke the silence. "May I come in?"

She mentally shook herself and opened the door wider. Every instinct shouted for her to slam it in his face and lock him out. Too much idle time on this vacation—it was messing with her nerves. And this was why she worked more cases than any other bodyguard at the agency—she needed to stay busy. To stay detached. Alone.

He entered, leaning heavily against a cane, and brushed past her. One of his hands clutched a brown paper bag.

When he paused, scanning the foyer, she gestured toward the sack. "What's in there?"

"Lunch."

"What if I've already eaten?"

"Then I wasted my money. Have you?"

A yes was on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn't lie, especially not to him. "No."

"Good. I brought your favorite sandwich from your favorite Phoenix café."

Surprise widened her eyes. "What?"

"A spicy taco sandwich from Pete's Deli."

"How did you know?"

"Jack."

Suspicion pinched her mouth as she narrowed her gaze on him. "What else did you ask him?"

"Why you didn't come to the hospital to see me?"

She was going to wring Uncle Jack's neck when she saw him. "What did he say?"

"That I needed to ask you. Then he gave me directions to his ranch and told me I should bring you that sandwich. I happen to like Pete's Deli too, so I also got us both something."

She poked her head outside and surveyed the front yard, noting a Lexus but nobody else. "You came all this way by yourself?"

"I'm a big boy, and the doc okayed me to drive."

She huffed. "Somehow I get the feeling even if he didn't, you'd do what you wanted. You do realize there's a killer out there after you?"

"Yes." He glanced down at his leg and the cane, then met her eyes with a smile. "Now, where do you want to eat?"

His determination reminded her of herself. No wonder he was the head of a multi-million dollar corporation.

"Out on the back deck. Would you like coffee?" She moved toward the kitchen, her stomach rumbling with hunger at the mention of her favorite sandwich. She decided she would hear him out, and then send him on his way.

"That's fine. I like mine black."

Just like me. What other similarities did they have? She filled a mug for him, then held the back door open for him to maneuver through the exit to the wraparound deck. "The table and chairs are this way. The eastern view is better." Her attention latched onto the mountains in the distance, and she thought back to when she'd met Shane. Who was after him? Why? And why wasn't he more concerned? Did the police have a lead? She intended to find out.

After Shane settled into a chair at the round glass table, he placed his cane on the deck and opened the bag. "I brought you two of them."

She'd kill her uncle, telling Shane she always ate two. But how often did she get Pete's? "Uncle Jack ratted me out, huh?"

"No, it was just a hunch."

"Really? Do I look like I overeat?" She slid his mug across the table to him. "Wait. Don't answer that."

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not sure why, but it felt right to get you two. I always have seconds of something I really enjoy."

After blessing her food, she took a bite of her sandwich, savoring the spicy flavor of the taco meat mixed with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. "No one makes it better than Pete. I've been going to his deli since I was a kid."

"So, you grew up here?"

Give her a taste of one of her favorite foods, and she might just tell him her whole life story. His question put her on guard, though. She didn't go down memory lane, even with Uncle Jack when she could avoid it. "Yes. Where did you grow up?"

"Back East. That's where I sent my daughter yesterday—to stay at my parents' estate."

"You mentioned her at the cabin? How old is she?"

"Fifteen. She wasn't too happy, but I didn't want her here in Phoenix until the police discover who shot me. I hired a bodyguard from your agency to guard her. Although the security at my parents' estate is excellent, I'm not taking any chances."

"Is her name Elena or Rachel?"

His brow furrowed. "Rachel. How did you know?"

"You said both of those names in your delirium. Is Elena your wife?" She cringed, horrified she'd asked the question that had been plaguing her for days. Did she really want to know?

"She was. She died four years ago." Neither his expression nor his tone revealed what he was thinking.

"I'm sorry." She took another bite of her sandwich, and then washed it down with a swallow of her coffee.

"So am I." He stared off toward the mountains to the east. "She's with the Lord now."

A moment of silence fell between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. The urge to console him swamped Tess, and she gripped the arms of her chair to keep from reaching across the table and covering his hand. "Why are you here?" she finally asked, needing to end this meal and send him on his way.

"I need your help. When I arranged a bodyguard for Rachel, I checked to see if I could hire you to be my bodyguard. Your employer said you were on vacation and that she wouldn't force you to end your vacation early. So I'm here asking. Will you?"

This time of year the temperature was cool and only in the seventies with a light breeze blowing, but perspiration coated her upper lip and palms. The idea of guarding him set her nerves on edge. She'd always felt safe at Uncle Jack's ranch, but with Shane here, knowing someone wanted to kill him, she felt very exposed. He'd finished his food, and she couldn't stomach another bite. "Let's go inside."

As he hobbled toward the back door, Tess cleaned up the trash and then hurried after him. Before entering, she paused and glanced over her shoulder. The hairs on her nape prickled, and a shiver snaked down her spine.

"Let's go into the office." Probably the safest room downstairs, with its one window. Funny. A few minutes ago, she'd been a gal on vacation. Now, her bodyguard persona had taken over. She pulled the blinds while Shane sank onto a chair in front of the desk. She sat beside him. "I can't do it. I'm not on top of my game. I need a rest."

"Your employer said that if you take the assignment, she'll extend your vacation after the job. I'll pay for an extra week, too."

"Why me?"

"Because I saw you in action, so to speak. You saved my life. I wouldn't be here if I hadn't stumbled upon that cabin. You and I both know that. I had my head of security at DDI check into you, and you have an excellent reputation."

"Don't you have security at DDI who can help you?"

"They aren't bodyguards, and I don't want anyone at the company to know I have one. I'm in the middle of some important negotiations, and if word got out that someone is trying to kill me, everything could fall through. I don't want to risk that."

"So how are you going to explain me?"

"Since I'm injured, I'm going to work from my house. Everyone will think you're the woman I'm dating. I have a few engagements I must attend, and that way you can go as my date."

"And the other times?" Why was she asking questions, when she knew she should say no?

"A concerned girlfriend taking care of me. The head of my security, Neil Compton, has made sure my security is topnotch at my home."

"You don't have staff at your house?"

"Yes. A housekeeper and a groundskeeper. They're a couple."

"Then it might be strange that I'm staying at your place."

"There might be speculation, but it won't affect the negotiations. When the person who is after me is caught, it won't make any difference. The police are working the case quietly."

"What have the police learned?"

"Not much. Both Anthony Revell and Mark Collins have an alibi for the time of the shooting."

"But they could have hired someone, so that doesn't mean much."

"I'm pushing to get these negotiations completed. I'm hoping DDI will merge with Virtual Technologies, but the VT's board has been stalling since my accident. I'm going to a dinner at the VT's president's house in three days. We should close the deal shortly after that. But first, I have to prove to them that I'm on top of my game, despite ..." He indicated his bandaged leg and the cane, leaning against Uncle Jack's desk.

"Are you?"

"I'm healing, and except for a dull ache in my leg I can tolerate, I'm fine. Nothing vital was damaged. I'm even hoping to give up the cane by then." He tilted his head to the left. "So will you help me? I'm asking for four or five days until the deal is finalized, then I'll hire a different bodyguard to follow me around, if I still need one."

She rose and crossed to the window to peek out between the slats in the blinds. Charlie exited the barn leading a chestnut horse. Uncle Jack's cowhand wasn't much younger than her uncle. She'd always enjoyed the time she'd spent with him riding over the rugged terrain checking on the fences and the couple of hundred head of cattle. If she took the job, she'd miss that this vacation.

 

The scrape of a chair against the tile floor sounded behind her. She sensed Shane bridging the distance between them, but she didn't look at him. Part of her wanted to help him. Heaven knows he needed it. But the other part demanded she refuse—and not because she couldn't do it. She didn't understand this hesitation. She rarely turned down work, but ...

Only inches away from her, Shane leaned toward her and said, "Please. I'll make it worth your time."

It wasn't about money. No, it was about the way her heartbeat sped up even now. How was she going to keep this relationship professional when her body went all haywire at his very nearness? She breathed in his scent of sandalwood, and was filled with a sudden fear for this man. Her mouth went dry. He needed to be protected, and she didn't know if she could do it. She had to swallow several times before she could deny him.

But she made the mistake of sweeping around and stepping back to allow more room between them. Their gazes fused, and she felt bound to him, responsible for his safety. He was only there now because she'd saved his life.

The corner of his mouth quirked. "Will you, Tess?"

Her name on his lips was like the comfort of a soft, warm blanket. Chills raced up and down her arms, leaving goose bumps.

"Yes."

His grin weakened her knees. She sank against the windowsill, drinking in his smile.

"Can you start right now?"

Right. Work. She shook off the feelings and gathered her professional façade. This was a mistake, but if anything happened to him, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself. God, I'm going to need You on this assignment.

"I'll wait for you to pack something. You can follow me, if you want."

"No, I'll be going in your car."

"But—"

She held up her hand, palm toward him. "If I'm going to guard you, you have to agree to do everything I say. No questions. There may come a time when there won't be any time for debate."

"Okay."

"You driving here by yourself was a stupid thing to do. You exposed yourself, and for all you know, your killer is right outside, waiting for you to walk out."

"You didn't give me a choice, Tess. You never came to the hospital."

"I hate hospitals." And I was avoiding you.

"Like me."

Another thing they had in common. She hated them because, as a teenager, she'd spent four days in one after those thugs had broken into her home and beaten her senseless. What was his reason? No, she didn't want to know. Business only—nothing personal. "Remember, you do as I say," she said in her no-nonsense voice.

"I've already agreed to that."

She wasn't totally convinced she should take this job, and she wouldn't continue if he didn't listen to her. She'd dealt with men like Shane, men who were leaders, not followers, and they always felt capable of protecting themselves. Their arrogance made them vulnerable. "Wait in here. I'll be back in a little bit, and then we can leave."

#

Shane watched her walk away, finally letting down the pretense that he was all right. His wounded leg throbbed, and this excursion had exhausted him. A little blood loss and he felt woozy. Okay, it was more than a little blood loss, but he'd never been a good patient.

The only reason he'd agreed to this arrangement was because his head of security had insisted that he have a bodyguard and that he curtail his activities. Rachel had concurred and said she would behave if he hired a bodyguard, too. He couldn't take a risk with his daughter. He'd lost his wife to a reaction to an antibiotic that caused her body to dump her sodium. Rachel was his whole world.

After Elena died four years earlier, he'd thrown his energy into his company. But in the past few days, with his near death, he'd realized he had a lot to make up for with Rachel. And he would, once the person trying to kill him was caught.

"Are you ready?" Tess asked from the doorway into the office. She clutched a bag in her hand.

"That was fast."

"Clothes, weapons, ammo. I've got all I need."

"Weapons?"

"I carry several in case I need them. I always have two with me. Right now, one's in my holster. The other's in my purse. Do you know how to shoot?"

"Yes."

"Do you have a gun?"

"I lost my rifle when I fell from the cliff."

She started toward the foyer. "Do you hunt? Was that why you were in the mountains?"

"No. My daughter would disown me. I carry it for protection in case I come upon a mountain lion or a bear."

"Or a person trying to kill you."

He reached around her and opened the front door. "Or that."

"You're taking this pretty calmly." She held up her hand to halt him from coming outside, then she scanned the area before motioning him to leave her uncle's house.

"In the business world, especially when conducting negotiations, I've learned to keep my feelings private." Probably too much. Elena had complained she didn't know what he was thinking half the time, even though they'd been married twelve years when she died.

He stored her duffel bag in the trunk of his Lexus. While Tess slid into the front passenger seat, he climbed behind the steering wheel and slanted a look toward Tess. She surveyed the landscape, and by the alert expression on her face, she had slipped into her protective mode while packing—actually even before that. In that second, he knew he was in capable hands, and that thought relaxed him.

As he drove away from the ranch, he played through what he'd discovered about Tess when he asked his head of security to investigate her and Jack Miller. Her credentials were impeccable, and her uncle had been a police officer in New York for decades before he retired. As far as he could tell, Tess devoted herself to work. He could identify with that. Actually, there was something about Tess that made him feel comfortable—the same as he had with Elena when he'd first met her at college.

"Do the police have any idea who is after you?"

Her question dragged him away from the past. "I gave them all the names I could think of. Until this happened, I never thought there could be someone who'd want me dead. But I have to be honest with myself. I've made a few enemies in my work. I've taken over companies that resented it, although they are better off under my management."

"Some people can't stand not to be in control. Anyone in particular or connected to this most recent merger?"

"There's one guy on the board of Virtual Technologies who has been vocal. He's trying to get the votes to stop the merger."

"Who?"

"Chase Temple and he has a few allies supporting him." Shane turned onto the curvy part of the two-lane road between the ranch and the outskirts of Phoenix. "I don't know that I would like to travel this road at night. It must be pitch black except for your headlights."

"Yeah, I've told Uncle Jack that a couple of times, especially the time I encountered a deer leaping across the highway. I swerved to miss it and ran off the road into the cacti. But my uncle loves the quiet and isolation."

"And he lived in New York City for years?"

"I think he loves the isolation because he did live there."

As Shane took another sharp curve, he saw something on the side of the highway.

Tess held up her hand. "There's something across the road."