The British Billionaire Bachelor, Act Three (22 page)

“Sounds like you had an interesting morning, Joseph,” she remarked, walking to the buffet to see what was on offer. “Hello, Lucinda.”

“Hi, Belle,” her sister replied quietly. “Do you think we could talk privately later?”

“Perhaps. Let’s see how lunch goes,” Belle responded, not sure if she was ready to discuss the invasion of her privacy.

“The strange thing is,” Joseph interjected, wanting to ease the awkward energy permeating the room, “I can’t figure who was following me, or why. I’m convinced it had nothing to do with Hardcastle.”

“I was thinking about that driving over here,” Belle commented, “and I agree. If Hardcastle wanted to have one of his goons around, he would have just brought him. You’re right. It makes no sense that he would have had you followed.”

“Great minds,” Simon declared walking in, “and until we have some answers, I’ve come up with something that I think will help us all sleep better tonight. Hello, Joseph, Lucinda.”

“Hello, Simon,” Lucinda nodded.

“But first,” he continued, “let’s get some food on our plates.”

They took turns serving themselves from the buffet, and once settled at the table, Simon began to share his thoughts.

“Belle, you and Lucinda should go to Chatsworth Hall. You’ll be out of the fray down there, and it will only be for a few days. Joseph, you move into City View, stay out of sight until the deal is completed, but I might need you so I’d like you to stay here in London.”

“I don’t want to go to the country,” Lucinda protested. “Not at all.”

“I think Simon’s plan is a good one,” Joseph remarked. “I’d like to know you’re safe, and out of the way.”

“Good, then it’s settled,” Simon exclaimed.

“Uh, excuse me, but I have something to say about all this,” Belle proclaimed.

Her voice was so authoritative, the three of them stopped eating and stared at her.

“Simon, I do understand where you’re coming from, but I don’t believe your suggestion is sound,” she began. “I think Lucinda should move into City View with us. It’s far more secure than Chatsworth Hall. We can lock off the elevator and just let the staff up when we need them. Chatsworth Hall is surrounded by land, there’s no real security at all, and everyone knows about that place. City View is still relatively off the radar.”

“Ah, yes, I do see your point,” Simon frowned. “Please go on.”

“When Lucinda comes over, she does so quietly, we sneak her out, so it appears she’s still here with Joseph, but Joseph stays. Whoever followed him obviously didn’t get what they wanted, but I think we have an opportunity here to find out more. Joseph, didn’t you once tell me that you were more than just a regular marine. Something about, special ops, or intelligence or something?”

“I did some training and a few missions in covert ops,” he nodded.

“What if you were to turn the tables on this guy. You watch for him, and when you see him observing the house, you leave, you lose him, double back and surprise him, and…well…you know…do your thing. Find out who he’s working for and what they want.”

“That sounds dangerous,” Lucinda remarked.

“It’s dangerous doing nothing. We need to know what the hell all this cloak and dagger stuff is about,” Belle retorted.

“Belle’s right,” Simon declared. “Everything she said is spot on. What do you think, Joseph?”

“I think I wish I’d thought of it myself.”

“I’m reminded why I asked this woman to be my wife,” Simon grinned, reaching for her hand.

“I’m reminded why I said yes,” Belle beamed.

“Really? Pray tell,” Simon asked.

“Because when I offer a suggestion or opinion, you listen.”

“That’s because your suggestions and opinions are worth listening to,” he chuckled. “Good, so it’s settled. After lunch, Lucinda, pack enough for a few days and return to City View with Belle.”

“Simon,” Belle said thoughtfully, “perhaps we should have a couple of Ian’s guys around as well. They could come with us when we walk Goldie, or go out for something. I think we should have some kind of watchdog, especially with Lucinda being so well-known.”

“I was planning on it,” Simon remarked. “Anything else?”

“Yes, let’s make sure we all have each other’s numbers on our phones,” Lucinda declared, “and if there’s an emergency we agree to text 911. It was terrible not being able to reach anyone this morning.”

“Ah, good point. Yes,” Simon agreed.

“Joseph, anymore thoughts?”

“No, none. I think Belle’s suggestion is a great one, and after you all leave I’ll search out a good vantage point for the street.”

“I could stay and help you look,” Lucinda volunteered.

“You were tremendous today, Lucinda, but no. Until we know what this is all about you’re better off at City View with Belle,” Joseph said firmly.

“I wish my meetings at the office were as productive as this one has been,” Simon remarked.

“You mean they’re not?” Belle asked, surprised at his comment.

“Not this morning, but that will change this afternoon.”

“How do you know?” Lucinda inquired.

“Because I’ll make sure of it,” Simon declared. “Now, let’s eat.”

As the lunch continued, Joseph noticed Lucinda continuously glance across at Belle, who was too busy chatting with Simon about Goldie to notice.

“Try not to worry,” Joseph whispered. “Being at City View will give you a chance to work everything out with her.”

“I hope so,” Lucinda mumbled, “but I’m going to miss you like crazy.”

The meal wound down, Belle left with Simon to walk with him to the garage, while Joseph and Lucinda headed back to their suite.

None of them were aware that across town in his study Darren Hardcastle was receiving some very important news.

Brandon Witherspoon, Darren’s salaried private investigator, had penetrated the offices of Tyler Anderson. Immediately following Darren’s lunch at The Ivy, Brandon had studiously and purposefully befriended one of the secretaries at Tyler Anderson’s office. If Sinclair was involved in a real estate deal, Tyler Anderson would be the man he’d be working with, and the only way to get any information was to have someone on the inside.

Her name was Cordelia Cartwright, and Brandon had selected her not just because she was young and attractive, but she was the only one who had been sitting alone at the local cafe around the corner from Anderson’s office. Charming women was one of his talents, and within a short time of ‘accidentally’ bumping into her, he’d managed to persuade her to spend some time with him over the weekend.

He discovered she’d been working at the Anderson Estate Agency for only a few weeks, and though Brandon was initially disappointed that she’d not been there longer, he had learned that it had been enough time for her to pick up bits and pieces of important information.

“It wasn’t easy, Boss,” he declared, “but yesterday I took her to Gilligan’s Pub and got her talking. Not a lot, but it was enough.”

“What did she say?” Darren asked impatiently.

“Sinclair is definitely buying a huge amount of land and the deal is supposed to close this week. The whole office is buzzing about it, and she overheard someone say he was offering twelve million pounds cash, and how that was walking around money for the great man, and when the deal closes Tyler is giving everyone a bonus.”

“That so? Isn’t that just peachy keen,” Darren smirked sarcastically, “but she didn’t say where this land was.”

“Just that it’s in some remote spot somewhere. A place no-one would think of.”

“But you haven’t had any luck tracing that address?”

“I gave the job to Sebastian, that young guy I just hired. He’s great at internet sleuthing and he’s already found a group of places that have that address. One of them will be the land. Just a matter of elimination now.”

“Tell him to get moving and you go and help him. I need to get this done!” Darren barked.

“I’m on it,” Brandon said quickly. “I’m sure it won’t be long, Boss.”

“See that it isn’t.”

Brandon darted across the office to leave, and opening the door found Katherine McManus on the other side, her fist poised to knock.

“Oh! Sorry,” he apologized, seeing her startled expression, “I’m in a hurry.”

“So I see,” she remarked, and poked her head through the door. “Got a minute, Darren?”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“Just a reminder, I’m leaving now.”

“I remember. Still don’t see why you have to be gone all week,” he growled. “Your father has all the help he needs.”

“It’s not just about the help,” Katherine said carefully. “A fifty-year wedding celebration isn’t just about the day, it’s about all the stuff leading up to the day.”

“Just count yourself lucky I’ve got a busy week myself, otherwise I might not let you go. Remember, this is a favor. You owe me.”

“I’ll remember,” she nodded,
I’ll remember just what a bastard you are and how much I hate you, and I’ll remember this conversation, and I promise you, I’ll be smiling about it very, very soon.

“Go on then, go.”

“Thanks, Darren.”

He grunted his response, staring at her. Afraid he would change his mind, she moved quickly out of his office and walked hurriedly back to her bedroom. Grabbing her bags, she took a quick look around making sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, then headed down the stairs, out the front door, and into a waiting taxi. As the car pulled away she felt the brimming tears of relief, and closing her eyes, let them spill down her cheeks.

J
oseph was alone in his suite and missing Lucinda already, though she’d only been gone a short time. Perched on the same chair she had perched on, staring out the same window she had stared out, he was studying the street below. He’d wandered through the house seeking the best viewpoint, and had discovered the one he was at afforded not only an excellent vantage point, but where it was positioned on the second floor, it was relatively close to the stairs which led to the lobby and the front door.

It had been years since he’d been on a stakeout and he was enjoying it, though it would have been more fun to have had Lucinda for company. Her quick thinking that morning had surprised everyone, and he was seeing glimpses of the smart, sweet lady that lived inside the body of the spoiled, petulant starlet.

He was just about to call down to the kitchen for some coffee when a dark-haired man in a tan overcoat moved into view from behind a parked van across the street. The man was walking slowly, smoking a cigarette, but Joseph hadn’t seen anyone walking towards the van, which left only one explanation; the man had come out of the van. The vehicle had been parked there since he’d taken up his position at the window, at least thirty minutes, if not more.

Had the situation just escalated? Was there a plan to nab him off the street and bundle him in the van? Or had the man been sitting in the van watching, and just needed to stretch his legs? Not taking his eyes off him, Joseph pulled out his cell, called Simon and brought him up to date.

“Simon, if I turned right out of the house, instead of left, what’s around that corner?”

“A few shops. Why?”

“I could use a store’s back exit. That would really help me out.”

“There’s an electronics shop, Badir’s Electronics. He’s a friend, he’ll be happy to help.”

“Great. I’m heading out right now.”

“Do you want me to send Ian for backup?”

“I’ve been thinking about that, but no. I think I still have to be seen as a lone ranger, in spite of jumping in that car this morning.”

“Up to you, Joseph. I’ll be here anxiously waiting for the news.”

Joseph ended the call, and grabbing his coat and his new best friend, the recording pen, headed to the stairs. As he crossed the foyer towards the front door, he grabbed a long umbrella with a wooden handle from the antique umbrella stand, then taking a deep breath, walked out on to the street and turned right. The man was a fair distance away and would have to move quickly to catch up, so Joseph slowed his step.

Turning the corner he saw the block of shops and the swinging sign that read, Badir’s Electronics. Sensing his tail closing behind him, he walked casually into the store, and immediately spotted Badir behind the counter.

“Simon sent me,” Joseph said quickly.

“The door’s unlocked, go straight through that curtain,” Badir replied, gesturing with his head.

Joseph walked through the beaded curtain, finding himself in a storage area, the back door directly in front of him. As he exited into a narrow alley he saw the perfect place to hide; a large stack of recently discarded cardboard boxes still unaffected by the damp weather. Crouching behind them, his heart racing, his senses on high alert, and pumped with confidence, he smiled; this was fun.

It was only a moment later that the door opened and the man peered carefully around the apparently empty alley before stepping forward. Joseph studied him. He was shorter, but stocky, hands in his pockets, but no apparent bulges that suggested a weapon. His brow was furrowed, suggesting confusion and concern, and his eyes were darting around the area.

Watching him step forward into the open space, Joseph waited, ready to pounce the moment his back was to him. The man began to turn, and Joseph was just about to spring forward when he heard a voice.

“Anything?”

Joseph froze. The question came from a second man, a man who Joseph assumed must have come from the back of an adjacent store.

“No, nothing,” the man in the tan coat replied. “He must have doubled back through another shop, or run to the street.”

Carefully moving his hand inside his jacket, Joseph pulled out the pen and pushed the record button.

“Fuck. The old man won’t like this,” the second man remarked.

“I still say he’s just another one of Hardcastle’s victims, or that actress is. He was making a payoff. It’s obvious.“

“I agree, but you know the old man, he wants to be sure.”

“Well, fuck it! I’m sure!” exclaimed the man in the tan coat. “The guy’s only been here a few days, he can’t be working for Hardcastle, and if he was, why would he be meeting him in cafes? This is all crap. Hardcastle has something on that Lucinda Somers bird and he made the payoff. That’s it!”