Tell Me No Lies: The Black Orchid, Book 1 (12 page)

I picked up an appetizer menu. “I was thirsty.”

His eyebrows lowered slightly. “Well, I’m happy to buy you all the drinks you want, m’lady.”

“You promised not to talk about us. Or the past. Or the future.”

A muscle near his jawline twitched. “That is correct. I’m just glad you called.”

He accepted a hard apple cider in a Pilsner glass from the bartender and handed a glass of ruby-red wine to me. “Despite what I promised earlier, I want to say very quickly, that whatever I did in the past to hurt you, I apologize. I want nothing more than for us to move forward.”

I took several long sips of wine. Was it really that simple? I could stay angry and dwell on the past. Or I could accept his apology and try for happiness…again.

I faked a smile. “Not another word. You promised.”

We drank in silence, him watching me expectantly and me ignoring the thumping of my heart.

As the red wine flowed through my body, I could feel my tensions draining away and my mind beginning to feel as light and fluffy as a cloud.

After all of the recent drama in my life, it was nice to think about nothing. But then the breakfast with my father popped in my head. Every conversation I’d had with Charlotte since Kael arrived replayed in my mind. Even the random guy at the coffee house had something to say on the topic.

“You know, no one thinks it’s a good idea for me to be with you. I’m fairly sure I’m making the right decision.”

“You’ve made a decision?” He frowned into his glass. “And who doesn’t want you to be with me?”

“You name it. My dad, Charlotte,” I laughed. “Even the guy that’s stalking me at the coffee shop warned me away from you.”

He slammed his glass down so hard golden liquid splashed onto the bar. “Who’s stalking you?” He leaned forward, his eyes hard and suddenly slate-colored.

I touched his hand lightly and then jerked it back. I didn’t want to touch him. He might take it the wrong way. Hell, I might take it the wrong way.

I kept my hands safely on my lap. “Calm down, I was just making a joke. No one is stalking me. I mean, there’s this guy at the coffee shop that always seems to be there when I’m there, but he’s harmless. Annoying if anything.”

His face didn’t change expressions. “Yet he told you to stay away from me? That didn’t strike you as odd?”

I tossed my wine back and looked around the bar. Now would be a great time for the owner to appear with that complimentary dessert.

“It was after the museum. He saw that I was upset and I ended up talking to him. I needed a friend and he was there. I don’t even know him that well.”

“So now you’re confiding in strangers. You can always call me, no matter what. Don’t you know that?” He took a deep breath. “What was his name?”

“What? Oh, I don’t—Adam or Asa. It’s Asa, but really it’s nothing. He’s a grad student, he’s harmless.”

He grabbed a handful of napkins and mopped up his spilled drink. “Have you noticed any suspicious men around you? Anyone following you? Anyone send you anything suspicious like flowers with no card?”

He looked concerned but I couldn’t tell if he was worried that I had a stalker or if he was just jealous. I mean, really, flowers? There was no danger in receiving a bouquet of flowers. But whatever it was, it was nice to know he cared.

“No, I haven’t noticed any suspicious men lingering about nor have I received flowers.” I smiled at him. “Okay?”

“Yeah, sure. I just…” He waved the bartender down and held up his empty glass. “I have a cop buddy in the area, and he mentioned that muggings and rapes were on the rise in town, and that if I knew any women I should warn them.” He gave me a hopeless look. “I just want you to be safe.”

The bartender gave him a second drink and he chugged it.

I finished my wine a moment later. “Raleigh’s fairly safe. I wouldn’t be concerned.” I looked around the bar area, wanting to see the owner. “I guess he’s not in. I could ask the bartender to find him.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Kael threw some money on the bar and stood. “The jazz trio I told you about will be starting their set soon. It’s a dive bar in Chapel Hill, so we need to hit the road. You’ll love this place. Best burgers in the state.”

* * * * *

Some guy had insinuated himself into Rain’s life? I sat in the dark seething while Rain, slightly tipsy made eating cottage fries look sexy.

She was turned in profile watching the live band perform a cover of a Miles Davis song and oblivious to me. We’d hardly spoken, even in her inebriated state, and that was fine with me. She obviously needed time to unwind and I was glad to facilitate that for her.

There was some guy, which wasn’t surprising considering how hot Rain was, scheming to keep her away from me. Fucking men. They were animals. And I should know, I was the fucking leader of the pack.

I reached across the table and touched her lightly in case she decided to stab me with a fork. She’d been so jittery lately, I wasn’t sure what was and what was not allowed.

But she only looked up with a smile courtesy of more wine on her face. “They’re great, right?”

I nodded with a grin on my face. I wasn’t a dog. Wouldn’t take advantage of her tonight while she was intoxicated, but I would certainly find out as much as I could about this guy warning her away from me.

“So, this guy at the coffee shop. Have you been out on a date with him? Does he know where you live?”

She shook her head without really hearing me, I could tell. The music was loud after all and the small space was filled to capacity with the sounds of glasses tinkling and shuffling feet on the wood floor.

I repeated my question and she shook her head. So maybe that was the truth. I relaxed a bit. Okay, whoever he was, he was moving slowly. That gave me time.

“You’re a beautiful girl. Be careful of the men around you, take note of your surroundings.”

She finished her third glass of wine of the evening and leaned toward me, her dark eyes glistening. “Wanna dance? That’s ‘My Funny Valentine’ they’re playing. I love that song.”

I looked around the room to see couples spontaneously jumping up to dance.

“Sure. Of course.” I was surprised by her request, but then after several glasses of wine, I think her normal rules did not apply, at least for the night.

And me? I wouldn’t complain. I’d take what I could get.

I held out my hand and she took it, rising from her chair. Her fingers curled around mine and she gazed at me with so much love and trust, hope and innocence that for a moment I thought she had the wrong guy.

I tightened my grasp around her hand and led her to the dance floor, just a small square of wood directly in front of the band.

I wrapped her arms around my waist and she laid her head on my chest. I felt at peace. I felt at home.

I bowed my head so that it was resting on the top of her soft, sweet-smelling curls. And there we stayed, barely swaying to the beat for the rest of the night.

I loved her. I loved her so much.

* * * * *

It was almost midnight when I finally arrived home. I’d come straight from the bar with Kael. He was right, the jazz was smooth and the burgers with slaw, onions and mustard were to die for—a real Carolina burger.

I’d had a wonderful time, and I was more convinced than ever that we could work things out, possibly have a happily ever after. As long as I forgot the past and focused on the future. As long as I could trust Kael. He’d promised me I could.

I knew I’d had a lot of wine but I didn’t care. I needed this night. I felt sure I’d feel the same in the morning. I kicked off my high-heeled shoes and headed toward the stairs. Charlotte was standing on the landing in her pajamas, hands on hips.

“Where have you been? Or do I have to ask?”

I was still a little tipsy, but I was also of sound mind. It sounded to me like my best friend and roommate was treating me like a child.

“You’re not my mother, Charlotte.”

She shook her head slowly. “You’re making a very, very big mistake, Rain.”

I walked up the stairs and bumped against her as I went to my bedroom. I was really tired of her shit. Her disapproving looks, her sour tone. I turned around and she was staring at me, incredulity coloring her green eyes.

“Charlotte, I’m sorry that you’re not having any luck with men, but don’t begrudge me my happiness because you’re bitter.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but I slammed my door shut before she could.

After showering, I put on a t-shirt and panties and then snuggled under my comforter.
Kael.
He’d been wonderful tonight, sweet, understanding and supportive. Just what I needed.

Was I wrong to hold a grudge? I still didn’t understand why he’d disappeared for two years and he hadn’t been forthcoming with an answer.

And what was this business about sending multiple letters? How could I trust him when he always lied? I’d checked my mailbox like a crazy woman during that period. If he’d sent me a letter, I would’ve found it.

I even had Charlotte checking for me in case I had to work late. It was a messed-up time for me, and Charlotte had done a lot to help me. I felt guilty about the state of our relationship. She’d been such a good friend, but why couldn’t she understand that while it was a struggle to work through my issues with Kael, I was happy to see him.

Sighing, I rolled over and looked at my phone. It was midnight and I wanted to talk to my sister. I dialed her number.

“Rain?” her voice was soft and husky like she’d been sleeping.

“Hey! Did I wake you?”

“Umm, no, well, yes but it’s okay. What’s going on?”

“You remember how you said I changed after Jamaica? Well, you were correct. I did. I met someone and he was wonderful and we had a blast together.”

I hesitated, knowing this next part would turn her off, and I really wanted her to like Kael. With Charlotte and my father dead-set against us reconnecting, I needed at least one person on my side. “But then we were supposed to have a long-distance sort of thing, however, I never heard from him. And then recently he just showed up out of the blue. So now—”

“Wait, this guy didn’t call for two years and now he wants to start where you left off?”

“Yes, that’s about the gist of it.”

“He’s certainly got
cajones
, that’s for sure.” She sighed into the phone. “Did you ask him where he’s been all this time? Maybe he was married and had to get a divorce?”

“No.”

“Huh. Maybe he was in the witness protection program and he just escaped?”

I laughed. “You’re not helping, Haley.”

“If I were you, I’d want to microchip him so I could track his location or something.”

“Not micro-chipping him.” We both exhaled into the phone and I knew she was thinking of a way to help me, which I appreciated since no one else in my life had done this much to help me with the situation.

“You’ll probably have to go with your gut on this one. I’ve started meditating and the teacher said that when in doubt listen to your heart or the little voice inside of you or whatever you want to call it.”

I thought about my sister’s words. She was right. I needed to follow my heart. It was the only path that could possibly lead to happiness.

“Think about how you feel when you’re with him, not when you’re angry or pissed off, but just being together.”

“That’s a great suggestion, Haley.” I closed my eyes and thought about the answer to her question. A smile came to my face and I felt waves of happiness wash over me.

“So good. I feel so good.”

“Wow,” she breathed into the phone. “I’ve never heard you sound like that before. Do you love him?”

I couldn’t stop smiling. I did. I loved him. Had for two years and the few weeks before that. Not sure how or why, but I loved him.

I was just afraid to show it, to express it, lest he up and do another Houdini.

“I care a lot about him, Haley. Once upon a time, I thought he was the one. He may still be.”

“Oh, Rain!” She gushed into the phone. “I’m so happy for you. Go for it. Just go for it. Remember. Follow your heart, it will never lead you astray.”

“You should follow your own advice, sissy.”

I set the phone down, rolled onto my back and stared into the darkness. My baby sister was right, I needed to do what made me happy. No matter what. That was the whole point of wearing my hair natural, quitting my job and pursuing my dreams.

I needed to be me. I needed to be happy.

I would trust Kael. I would open my heart to him and see where it led.

Smiling into the darkness, I relaxed into my pillow and settled in for a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Seventeen

As planned, the president visited the new American site of the Taiwanese-American Textile Factory. He was followed by the press, his entourage, American corporate types and his private security detail. Two of whom were on the take.

There was no easy way to meet with the President in his home country, so I’d had Zelie, his niece and trusted advisor to arrange a meeting.

I glanced at my watch. 10:30 am and he was taking a bathroom break. I had on a gray baseball cap and custodial overalls with a few extra shirts underneath to hide my muscles and make me look lumpy and out of shape.

I wore a short graying wig under the baseball cap and coke bottle
glasses. I heard feet approaching the bathroom. I popped a stick of gum into my mouth, and then slumped my shoulders and started mopping the floor.

The door flew open and dark suited security entered the bathroom. “Get out!” the tallest one snarled. “This bathroom is commandeered for the President of Taiwan.”

I slowed my speech to a drawl and smacked on my gum. “No can do, boss. I’m on a schedule and I got to get to this bathroom now.”

The security agent scanned the room. “Who else is in here?”

I moved to each of the five stalls and opened the doors. “Not a soul, buddy.” I popped a bubble for good measure.

The agent looked into each stall and inside each sink.

“Nobody hiding in the sink either, partner.”

The second agent smirked. “It’s clear. The prez’s got to go. Let ’em go. Let the country bumpkin mop his floor.”

The tall agent sneered at me and backed out of the bathroom. I could hear them talking and then the President of Taiwan entered the bathroom. He was a short, tan man with balding hair and a nice suit.

Smiling, he nodded at the security agents before allowing the door to close. He looked at me and I nodded and pointed to the bathroom stall.

I pushed a wooden wedge under the door and pulled a piece of gum out of my pocket.

I turned the water on all of the faucets and went to the President who looked around nervously.

“You are Zelie’s friend?”

I nodded. “Call me John.”

“You’re not here to kill me are you?”

“No, sir. It’s not that kind of mission.”

I handed him the gum. “It’s all there. Split the gum open and you’ll find a software chip inside.”

He looked at the wrapped piece of gum. “You’ve done your homework.”

I shrugged. “Not too hard to find out your favorite gum.”

He nodded and inspected the packaging. “The color of the logo is different.”

“Right, in case you mix them up. The real one is canary yellow, this one is marigold.”

The President chuckled. “I will not mistake this for my favorite cinnamon gum. My security detail is very thorough. I’ve had many threats recently.”

“Well, now you know the threat comes from within, from those you trust. Do you have people that can take out the traitors? People you trust to do the job?”

“Yes. Of course.” He sighed. “It’s disheartening, discovering the ones closest to you are dishonest.”

I thought of Rain, the hurt on her face. “I know.”

“What is the proof? Is it unmistakable?”

“Two of your security detail are receiving monthly cash payments in their bank accounts.”

“From?”

“Your worst enemy. One who wishes death upon you and the complete removal of your political party.”

“Ah. How long has this been going on?”

“Six months. We’ve been watching, waiting to see what they do and who they contact. You were never in danger during this time.”

“And now?”

“We’ve alerted you to the problem. Do with the information as you please.”

“Mr. President!” There was a knock at the door. “Are you okay in there?”

“I’m fine, Yuan. One more minute.” He lowered his voice. “So what were they doing for six months?”

“Giving information on flaws in your security, the best times and places to assassinate you.”

The President closed his eyes for a moment.

“Are you all right, Mr. President?”

He nodded. “It will be taken care of, thank you.”

“If you need to get in contact with me again, let Zelie know.”

“Zelie speaks highly of you. Almost as if she’s in love.” He appraised me. “You’re not a forensic accountant, are you?”

“Sir, right now, I’m just the guy saving your life.” I quietly removed the wedge from the door. “You’re free to go now, sir.”

He opened the door and was gone.

* * * * *

“So now what?”

Zelie exuded sensuality in a tight strapless black dress. She glared at me over dinner served en suite.

“You’ll continue touring the Eastern Seaboard with your uncle and I’ll go back to work.”

“In Virginia?”

“I might stay here for a few days, and then back to Virginia.”

“She’s also in North Carolina, isn’t she?” She grabbed her steak knife tightly. “Didn’t think I knew that did you? Is she helping you to save someone’s life too?”

I brought my fork to my lips. “I told you, the majority of my work involves me sitting at a computer reading numbers.”

“And you’re not sleeping with her.”

An image of Rain’s backside in a bikini appeared unbidden. “I am not.” That unfortunately was the truth.

Her lips formed a pretty pout. “When will I see you again?”

I gently took the knife from her hand, laid it on the table and then brought her hand to my lips. “Soon. I promise.” I kissed her curled fingers.

She looked mollified for the moment but I was worried. My assignment was finally over and I didn’t need to see her ever again, not unless I need a contact within the Taiwan government again. Which is why I never burned my bridges.

But she won’t be happy when she realizes that I’ve stopped calling, much like I did with Rain except for very different reasons.

Zelie’s phone rang. She excused herself from the table and stepped out onto the balcony, leaving the door slightly open.

I picked up my glass of Cabernet and watched her over the rim. I took a long sip and then closed my eyes and listened. She was arguing with someone in Mandarin Chinese. I was a bit rusty with that language but someone was apparently very unhappy with her.

Her voice rose and she turned to look at me over her shoulder. I raised my glass to her. She blew me a kiss, lowered her voice and continued the conversation.

Minutes later, she slinked back to our table with a smile on her face.

“There’s been a change of plans, lover.”

Those words were never good, no matter who spoke them. I tried to ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach. “What do you mean?”

“You’re to meet with my uncle again.”

“Why?” I leaned forward. “I warned him. I gave him the proof he needed.”

I wanted this operation to be over. The sooner it was done, the faster I could cut ties with Zelie. She was a loose end, one that could cause problems for me and Rain. And there could be nothing that stood between us.

“You’re to explain the new situation to him,” She smacked her lips distastefully. “Make sure he is amenable to the new arrangement.”

“What new arrangement. And why are you telling me this?”

She rolled her eyes and handed me her phone. “Call Mark, he’ll fill you in.”

Mark?
She knew my handler? That meant she knew who I was, or rather what I was. Who the hell was playing whom here?

She pouted. “I’m in The Group too. Took you long enough to figure it out.”

I stopped my mouth from flopping open, but just barely. “Were you
assigned
to me?”

She shrugged. “Can we finish our meal? And about your American girlfriend?”

“Don’t.” I didn’t want to hear Rain’s name on her lips.

She smirked at me then and held out her phone. “He’s expecting your call.”

“Oh, I’ll do him one better.” I knocked over the chair as I stood and went to the door of her room. “You can tell Mark to clear his schedule. I’ll be there to see him tomorrow, bright and early.”

* * * * *

Mark laughed when he saw my face. “C’mon, it’s not that bad.” He gestured for me to take a seat.

I shook my head. “I’ll stand, thanks.”

I walked over to the wall of windows to my left and gazed at bustling Old Town, Virginia. Mark’s office was located in a nondescript building in the historic district of Alexandria. A lingerie shop was located on the first floor. Most had no idea there was office space on the second floor.

Mark cleared his throat. “Something on your mind, Kael?”

I turned around, sitting on the windowsill. “Zelie’s a fucking agent.”

“She’s very good at what she does.”

“Which is what exactly?”

“Whatever The Group requires, without question.”

“Was she assigned to me? Was she working me?” I paced around the room, so angry I could’ve ripped the wooden shelves, the desk, everything in sight—ripped it apart with my bare hands.

“Calm down, son.” He walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Scotch and two glasses. “Have a finger or two. You’re tense.”

“Fucking A, I’m tense.” I plopped down in a chair. “Sure, I’ll take a drink.”

Mark took his time preparing drinks, one for each of us. He handed me mine, gave me time to toss it back and refreshed my glass before sitting down at his desk.

He settled into his large leather chair with a proud smile on his face. “Zelie was my idea.”

I tightened my grasp on the glass and waited for his explanation.

“I thought we could kill two birds with one stone. Use her for her family connections plus give you a somewhat steady girlfriend.”

“She’s not my girlfriend,” I said, keeping my voice modulated. For all I knew, there were heat sensors aimed at my body right now, recording temperatures and pressures, analyzing and deciding if I was in need of a reboot or refresher course in Group ethics.

Ethics was hardly the right word but that was the word they used.

“Right, whatever. It was clear from our biannual evaluations of you that you needed some sort of companionship to keep you happy.” He set his glass down with a clink. “We like to keep our agents happy.”

“Do I look happy to you?”

“You were.” He gazed at me. “Until Zelie and The Group were no longer enough for you. What happened? Want to talk about it?”

I shut up then. Wasn’t breathing a word of Rain to anyone. Meeting her had changed everything. He was right. I wanted more out of life since meeting her. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t do my job and have her too.

“Zelie was supposed to fill your need for a traditional female partner. After reviewing your file, we thought she’d fit your particular… needs.”

My face grew warm. Fuck. Really? Well, this was embarrassing. They knew the sick sexual shit I liked and had customized a mate made-to-order.

On one hand it was smart and creative, but on the other fucking unbelievable. And Zelie. Jesus. She hadn’t said a word. Not one fucking word until now.

The stuff I’d done to her in bed…that was part of her job? She was just taking one for the team? Did she really even like me? I set my glass down and slumped in my chair.

Way to crush a man’s ego. What was all that talk from her about Rain? Did she really care if I saw other women?

“I understand that this is a big shock, but The Group takes their investments seriously. There was a hole in your life, so we filled it. All Zelie had to do was keep you happy.”

“That was her mission, me?”

Mark cocked his head to the side. “We’ve occasionally used her for other things. She’s quite accomplished with a knife.”

I gulped. Took a lot to shake me, but Zelie as an operative? She wasn’t the most rational personal I’d ever met. “She’s an assassin?”

He laughed. “Cutest killer on the block.”

I started laughing. The absurdity of the situation. The fucking ridiculousness of it all. Shaking my head, I looked at Mark. “So what’s the change of plans? Zelie’s uncle?”

“Right.” He paused. “You okay, though?” I nodded and he continued. “The President of Taiwan needs to know that if he doesn’t play ball, we’ll take him out him.”

I sat up then. “I thought this was about saving his life.”

He laughed at me. “I don’t want to bore you with State Department business. We needed for him to trust us, we needed for him to clear out his security detail which was notoriously loyal to him and replace them with our own handpicked men, which he’s done, thanks to you.”

“So there was no plot to kill him?”

“Nope.”

“Let me guess, now you want me to tell him that the US owns him and if he steps out of line, we already have his successor in the wings.”

He smiled at me. “Something like that.” He stood. “More Scotch?”

I shook my head. Disgust coiled in the pit of my stomach.

He handed me a tiny leather square box. “I know what you’re thinking. But you’re not paid to think here, you’re paid to—”

I stopped him with my raised hand. “I know.”

He nodded toward the case in my hand. “That tells you everything you need to know about the expanded Operation Serpentine. It’s still a go and you’re still on mission.”

He exhaled loudly. “You know, you were almost passed over for The Group, but I plucked you out of obscurity.”

“I wouldn’t call being a Green Beret obscurity exactly.”

“Some on the board thought you were too much of a thinker, a reader, a wonderer, as in, I wonder why this? I wonder why that?” He squinted at me, as if he were trying to figure me out.

“The majority of our agents are highly programmable. We point and they aim. No questions asked. But you like to know the why of things. Which is good in its place. You’ll make a good handler one day.”

“Were you an agent first?”

“Of course. All handlers are, in The Group at least. The CIA and other outfits are different. But we’re special. Makes for better case managers when you’ve walked the walk.”

Huh. I relaxed a bit in my chair. It helped knowing Mark had been where I was.

“Every so often, a recruit will come through that’s not quite right for the agent program, but they’d make a great handler.”

“I’m supposed to suffer through this just to make it to the promised land of case management?”