Hard to Handle (12 page)

Only, now, having spent the night with him, Kaylee didn't know if it helped or hindered her scheme. And she didn't know if it made it easier or more difficult to deceive him.

Kaylee spent another hour or so working in her room, then took a shower and got dressed for the afternoon in well-worn jeans and a black long-sleeved T-shirt with a light, pretty scarf draped around her neck. She slid her feet into comfortable but fashionable sandals; then she went to find Sam. The den had been transformed into a working space, with his laptop and other small equipment set up on the console table by the window. He also now wore a gun holster over his shoulders, with a weapon secured in it.

“Are you ready for an update?” he asked, looking over at her.

“Yes, and I have one as well,” Kaylee explained.

“Okay, you go first. I can work around your schedule.”

“Niko needs a walk in a few minutes. Then I have a hair and nail appointment in about forty-five minutes, at two o'clock.” Sam raised his eyebrows. “What? It's a recurring appointment, every two weeks, otherwise it would be impossible to fit it into my schedule with my regular stylist. And it's too late to cancel.”

“Fine, what else?”

“That's it really for today. Except Niko needs a walk around dinner and before bedtime,” she added. “Then tomorrow, I'll go for a run in the morning. Most mornings, actually.”

“You run?” he asked.

“Yes. But I'm not sure how that will work for security. Maybe I should just go on the treadmill for now.”

“I'll run with you,” Sam said. “Mornings?”

“Yes. That would be great.”

“Now, let's get Niko out and work out the logistics for your hair appointment.” He shrugged on a loose jacket to cover his weapon, then gestured for Kaylee to lead the way.

“It won't take long. There's a nice path around the building and a small park in the back,” she explained. “And I usually just walk to the appointment. It's about twelve blocks, so fifteen minutes, tops.”

Niko was a smart dog, well trained for their routine and already waiting for Kaylee. She hooked the leash to his collar, then they headed out for the walk. Along the way, Kaylee said hello to a few neighbors, then led Sam through the main floor and out one of the back doors.

“There's an indoor pool,” he commented, noting the large facility surrounded by glass.

“Yeah, but I've never used it,” Kaylee admitted as they followed Niko on his familiar route through a small city park. There were lots of people out walking, with and without dogs.

“Why not? You don't swim?”

“I do, but I just haven't had time.”

“You've got to stop and smell the roses, sweetheart.”

Kaylee snorted. “Somehow, I don't see you stopping to smell anything.”

He shrugged. “I might surprise you. But I'm partial to orchids. My mum tried to grow them for a time. Brilliant scent.”

She giggled.

Niko noticed a squirrel up ahead on one of the paths that cut through the dense trees and pulled hard on the leash to run after it. Kaylee found herself jogging forward to keep up with him.

“Let me take him,” Sam offered, taking hold of the leash and holding the terrier back and in control with a firm grip.

“Thanks.”

They walked a little farther in comfortable silence. Kaylee was looking off to the right, appreciating the beautiful weather and the rustling of the fragrant breeze through the trees, and she didn't notice Sam had stopped a couple of feet back so Niko could do his business. She followed the path around a sharp turn.

“Kaylee, wait!”

Startled, she turned toward Sam's voice just as a firm arm gripped her around her waist, dragging her inside the dense bushes.

CHAPTER 12

Sam had stopped for only a minute, catering to the dog while Kaylee strolled forward on her own. But he'd had eyes on her the whole time, alert in judging the distance between them and calculating how quickly he could secure her if needed. What he hadn't noticed was the fork in the path they were on, with one arm continuing straight forward, and the other turning sharply right, but well hidden from where Sam and Niko where standing. It took two seconds for Kaylee to disappear out of his line of sight behind a tall crop of trees and thick bushes, and only a second longer for Sam to run after her, shouting for her to wait for him, dragging poor Niko along.

When he turned at the trees, Kaylee was gone. Sam turned around, trying not to panic, then stopped and listened. He heard branches snapping and muffled voices coming from inside the dense bushes along the right side of the path. Niko barked in the same direction, and Sam tore into the shrubbery, barreling down anything in his way. More grunts, and a male voice swore. Sam ran faster, dodging low-hanging branches and hurdling over tree stumps.

“Let go!” he heard, finally seeing some color and movement ahead. Certain it was Kaylee, Sam wrapped the dog leash securely around the wrist of his left hand, then drew his Beretta with the right and released the safety as he quickly crept forward, pistol pointed downward as a precaution. Niko bounced around beside him anxiously. A couple more yards and Sam swept aside rough bushes to quietly enter the clearance, and stumbled onto the last thing he expected. Kaylee was on the ground, straddling some guy around his stomach and punching him in the face with her fist while he was trying to dislodge her.

Sam stepped back, completely surprised.

“Kaylee! What the hell are you doing?” he demanded, looking around to secure the area while concealing his weapon again.

“He tried to assault me!” she yelled, pausing in her attack.

The man on the ground took the opportunity to wildly swing at her, catching her across the face and successfully knocking her off his body. Sam ran forward to protect her, reaching them just seconds after the thug kicked Kaylee in her side, scrambled to his feet, and took off into the bushes. Sam's heart was thudding in his chest as he dropped to his knees beside her, and everything in his field of vision was suddenly red with rage.

“I'm fine,” she immediately insisted, sitting up. There was blood dripping from a cut on her lip.

“Stay right here, and don't move an inch,” he commanded, tossing down Niko's leash and jumping to his feet.

In his desperate rush to get away, Kaylee's attacker had left a clear path of waving tree limbs and bouncing leaves. He wasn't fast, and he was very loud, hitting everything in his path. Sam had eyes on him within a couple of moments, then took him down from behind minutes later. As they both hit the ground hard, Sam immediately placed a knee hard in the base of his spine. Grabbing both of the thug's arms, he pulled them back tight to disarm the assailant, then took out a handy zip tie from one of his jacket pockets and secured the guy's wrists together.

Sam then flipped the perp over and stepped over his body with satisfaction. Kaylee had managed to do some real damage. His nose was bleeding steadily and one of his eyes was already turning blue. Judging by how he'd curled into the fetal position, she may have also applied a good shot to his bollocks. Sam shook his head and started laughing. Once again, Kaylee had managed to completely surprise him.

Fifteen minutes later, they were all in the main area of the park and Sam was handing off the perp to the NYPD. Kaylee was sitting on a bench with Niko at her feet, touching at her swollen lip. It was no longer bleeding. Sam watched her for a few minutes, trying to piece together the various things that just didn't add up. Finally, he walked forward and sat down beside her.

“Let me take a look,” he commanded. She cooperated, turning in her seat to face him.

It was a small, straight cut and looked pretty clean.

“I think you'll live.”

“Good to know,” she quipped.

“What about your side? Does it hurt?” he asked, remembering the kick she had received.

“No, it's fine. I might have a little bruising later, but nothing serious.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes watching other people go about their leisurely activities.

“You can't leave my sight like that ever again, Kaylee,” Sam finally said, now that he was calm enough to have the conversation. “Not for a second.”

“I know. I didn't mean to. It all happened so fast.”

“It always does. So you need to always be in my line of sight outside of any secure areas. That's non-negotiable.”

“I get it. I know. It won't happen again,” she vowed. “Do you think it was random?”

Sam looked around, noting everyone's movement and demeanor, constantly assessing the threat level around him.

“Looks that way. The cops have had a couple of complaints about similar sexual assault attempts in a few of the parks. They're checking if this guy matches any descriptions from other reported incidences.”

“But you're not sure,” she concluded.

“We'll see. But I don't like coincidences.”

“Yeah, me neither.”

“Do you still want to go to that hair appointment?”

She brushed a hand through her hair with a sigh.

“Do I look like I've just been assaulted in the bushes?”

Sam smiled and gently brushed a thumb across the tender spot on her lip.

“Only in a good way.”

She gasped and slapped him. “That's terrible!”

“What? Too soon?” She gave him a disgusted look, but he could tell she wanted to smile. That seemed to be the goal of all his comments these days. “I'd feel more badly about it if that poor fellow's nose hadn't been busted, and his balls shoved up near his spleen.”

Kaylee did laugh then.

“Hair appointment?” he repeated. “If we flag a cab, you might only be a couple of minutes late. Surely that's acceptable.”

“All right, let's do it,” she finally agreed and they both stood up. “What about Niko?”

“I'll hold on to him. He can keep me company.”

They walked toward her building, where there were usually taxis waiting outside.

“We never did discuss your security plans,” she reminded him. “What do you have in mind?”

“I've ordered a few enhancements for the apartment, as a start. They should be delivered by tomorrow.”

“How's that possible? Tomorrow is Sunday,”

Sam shrugged. It was very convenient to have a business partner who also owned a defense contracting firm. Even the most cutting-edge equipment was an email away.

“I also have the floor plan for the Antonoli office, and I've drawn up a few options. But I can't finalize them until I can inspect the current equipment.”

“You've been busy,” she commented.

They had reached the main street near her apartment, and easily flagged an available taxi.

“I can take you to the office tomorrow if that would help,” she offered once they were seated and on their way. Niko was standing in her lap, looking out the window.

“That could work, but let's play it by ear.”

“Okay, that all sounds like a good start.”

Sam nodded. “You know, eventually you'll have to tell me exactly what's going on here, Kaylee. Or I'll figure it out myself.”

“What are you talking about? I've told you everything.”

“Yet I still managed to be caught unaware.” He narrowed his eyes. “For instance, you neglected to mention that you're a ninja.”

Kaylee burst out laughing, but Sam was only half teasing.

“How else do you explain your ability to overpower an assailant that's at least half a foot taller than you and fifty to sixty pounds heavier? Particularly since his hobby is planning assaults on unsuspecting women. Which he's likely rethinking at this point, I might add.”

She grinned up at him, her twin dimples making a rare appearance and her brown eyes sparkling with golden specks.

“You're ridiculous. I've taken a few self-defense classes, that's all. And I was pissed off.”

Now Sam laughed deep and hard. She joined in, and they were both still chuckling when the cab reached the front of the salon. He paid the tab and took a hold of Niko.

“I assume you're keeping a record of your out-of-pocket expenses,” she noted when they were outside.

“Don't worry, I'll just add it to your tab,” Sam assured her.

“See that you do.”

Sam and Niko spent the next hour and a half sitting in a very posh salon and spa watching her get spruced up. He didn't have the heart to tell her she looked just as pretty after as she had before, and that it hardly seemed worth whatever extravagant costs they charged. She had wanted to walk back to her apartment, but he insisted they take another taxi. As much as he teased her about the attack, he preferred that she get home quickly so she could rest.

The trip back was uneventful, and the apartment was empty when they arrived.

“What time is Terry expected back?” he asked, starting his perimeter security check. Even at their height, you couldn't be too careful. There was always the possibility of someone accessing the apartment from one of the adjoining suites.

“I'm not sure. He didn't say,” she said, walking into the great room and turning on one of the three large televisions.

Sam completed his check, then returned to the front hall. “I'll be in the den then if you need me.”

“Okay. I'll see what Silvia left for us in the freezer. Or we could order something.”

“Whatever you decide is fine,” Sam assured her before walking away.

In his temporary office, he logged in to his laptop and opened one of the Fortis secure portals. In there, he retrieved a folder labeled A
NTONOLI
and pulled up the contents. Pictures and documents tiled across the computer screen, creating a virtual picture of the mission so far. Sam stood back and looked hard at the information collected over less than twenty-four hours.

After four years with no contact, Kaylee had flown to Virginia, alone, wanting to hire Sam, and only him, for a security job. She was now working in New York for a development company, using her favorite alias. She was also having an affair with her boss that was not a well-kept secret. A competitor in the city contracting business wanted them to withdraw from a bid and was using strong-arm intimidation tactics. He'd sent a goon from Baltimore to attack her in her hotel room and pass on a message to her boss to pull out. Her attacker, a hired “freelancer,” didn't appear to be a direct alliance or affiliated with a known organized crime family, or other organization. Those were the facts. The significance of the park incident was still undetermined, so Sam left it off the map for now.

Except for Kaylee's reaction to the assault that afternoon. Strong, capable, and unintimidated. Trained to defend herself.

Sam stroked his low beard. What was the statistical likelihood of a wealthy and privileged socialite who had never been victimized choosing to take self-defense classes long enough to be effective, then becoming the specific target in a coercion racket?

He really didn't like coincidences. Something wasn't adding up, and Sam was absolutely certain Kaylee was at the center of it. Either she was being manipulated or she was manipulating Sam. He just needed to figure out which.

His cell phone vibrated with a message. It was from Renee.

Sam went back to examining the files and thinking. Kaylee was right about how difficult it would be to get the names of their competitors. It was one of the main reasons she and Terry cited for why they didn't want him to focus on identifying and neutralizing the threat. Was that all there was? After further review and consideration, he mapped out two immediate objectives, besides keeping Kaylee safe. One, get the name of the other competitors using Raymond's gifted digital skills. Two, try to discover why Kaylee had proactively developed solid self-defense skills.