Bodyguard Dearest (Bodyguard #1) (14 page)

Tanner

I
t feels unreal to be back at the head of my security team, going through camera footage from the parking lot where Margot was last seen before she entered a yellow cab. We have finally pinpointed the moment when a man in a dark hoodie punctured the tire in Warren Clifton’s car. His face is half-covered by the hoodie but I am certain it’s a young man, probably between the ages of twenty-five and thirty.

Digging around the parking lot earlier paid off, too. I was able to locate a witness, one of the two valets on duty last night, who claimed that the cab that showed to pick up Margot belonged to the Independent Cab Company, not the Yellow Cab Company that Warren says he called for Margot while he decided to stay and wait for his road service to show up to change the tire. A man like Warren Clifton doesn’t like to get his hands dirty.

“Independent Cab has verified they have a cab missing,” Dominic tells me as soon as he gets off the phone.

“Bingo, the valet was right,” I say. “Did they have the license plate?” I say.

“They did,” Dominic says, handing me a piece of paper.

Derek sits at the desk that’s used to be mine. I don’t give a shit about the damned desk but I sense resentment in Derek’s body language which we don’t have time for right now. He’s supposed to be a professional, not acting like a kid who had his candy stolen. He’ll come around eventually, but I don’t have a second to waste.

“Should we give that information to the police?” Derek says as he files his nails with his pocket knife. “They’re still not convinced it’s a kidnapping.”

“That’s up to Kane,” I say, realizing I’ll have to come face to face with him sooner or later. He might have given the green light for me to come back temporarily but our relationship is still complicated. The death squad he sent to the cabin comes to mind.

As if on cue, Kane appears, escorted by two new men. He fixes his eyes on me before he walks to the desk where Derek sits.

“What do we have?” he says.

“Making progress, Sir,” Derek says, springing back to life. “We have the license plate on the missing cab and the valet thinks he can identify the driver. They exchanged a few words.”

I don’t mind him being the mouth piece for what the whole team has been working. And I know Kane couldn’t care less who did what. Let Derek have his moment. Maybe it will help him get his head in the game.

“Good,” Kane says, nodding. “Let’s find the cab.”

“We’ll need all our resources on this,” Derek says.

“Anything you need,” Kane says. His phone rings. Everyone is the room stills when Kane answers. “Jordan Kane.”

The look on his face is revealing—it’s the dreaded call we knew would come. The call that will determine the course we have to take.

“I’m listening,” Kane goes on. There’s a long pause. “If you hurt her… no, you listen to me… I won’t agree to anything unless I talk to her.”

I step in front of Kane, signaling to him to put the phone on speaker. He’s so caught up in this, he forgets basic shit.

“
Daddy
,” Margot says through sobs.

Kane’s face hardens for a second and then comes undone. His facial muscles collapse into a mask of pain. “How are you, baby? Have they hurt you?” he says, as calmly as he possibly can.

“
I’m fine
,” Margot says and then she starts crying again.

“Son of a bitch,” Kane curses through his teeth. “Listen to me, baby. It will all be fine. We’ll get you back no matter what it takes.”

“
Daddy… is Warren okay? Tell him I love him and I’ll be back for his birthday on February 8th…
”

“
Okay, that’s enough,”
a harsh voice says.
“We’ll call in two hours with all the details. Think this through, Kane. All you have to do is give us back what belongs to us and you can have your precious daughter back
.”

Jordan Kane growls like a hurt predator when the line cuts off. He sweeps everything off the desk—laptop, papers, a glass of water—with one swift swipe of his hand. He’s beside himself.

My men step back, waiting for Kane to calm down, but I step in front of him once again. “Can we put our differences aside so I can bring your girl back?” I tell him.

Kane glares at me. “How do you propose to do that?”

“I know where they have her.”

Kane eyes me with disbelief. “How is that possible?”

“Margot’s a smart girl,” I say. “She remembered the training we gave the girls about sending clues in emergencies like this. She just gave us the missing piece to the puzzle. You’d have heard it if you weren’t so emotional.”

Kane is more than a little intrigued now. “How?”

“February 8th, remember what happened on that day last year?”

A grin forms on Kane’s face as he gets it. “Warren’s brother invited us to a Tennessee Williams play. He had a small part in it.”

“How do you remember that, Sir?” I say.

“Because the 8
th
was not Warren’s birthday, it’s Trista’s birthday. I remember leaving her party to attend the play.”

“Margot knew we would catch her mistake,” I explain. “Tennessee Williams was the hidden clue. They have her at the Williams Warehouse. They’re the ones pulling the strings.”

Kane nods with a severe, cold look in his eyes. The fact that I called him Sir doesn’t escape him. “I know you’ll do what’s necessary,” he says. “What do you need from me?”

Coming from him, that’s almost a blessing. “I’m going to go in alone. They think I’m no longer active with the organization. They won’t see me coming. I won’t draw any attention. Give me two hours before you inform the police.”

Kane extends his hand which I shake immediately for a brief second. Whether it’s a temporary truce or something more lasting, only time will tell. Right now I just need to do the job I was hired to do.

In the locker room, I change into black pants and a black t-shirt. I grab two of my guns and put them in their holsters safely.

As I turn my head, I see her standing by the door. Tris. Her eyes hook onto mine immediately. There’s fear in her pretty eyes. Man, I love this girl so much but I can’t let her break me down right now.

“What are you doing?” she says.

I hesitate for a second, but I know I can’t hide anything from her. “I’m going to bring Margot home,” I say, slipping my arm into the sleeve of a black jacket.

“You can’t go on your own,” she pleads with me. “You’ve barely recovered from that gunshot.”

She comes to me, placing her hands on my chest. Her touch feels so good and I want to take her into my arms but that would make leaving harder.

“I’m not a normal, man,” I say calmly, taking her hands and resting them back onto her sides. “Pain does not deter me.”

“Tanner, I can’t lose you both,” she says with watering eyes.

I put a finger under her chin to lift it. “Hey, that’s not the plan. Everyone thinks I’m Jordan Kane’s sworn enemy now. That’s what’s made these bad men so ballsy. It works to my advantage.”

Her lower lip trembles. “You’re not invincible. You can’t just throw yourself into the fire every time. I need you too much.”

“You’re forgetting I have a reason to live now. Two actually,” I say, cupping her breasts. So much for keeping my hands off her.

“You are a jackass,” she says, kissing my lips. “Just bring my sister back. And don’t you dare hurt yourself in the process.”

*

By the time I get to the docks, it’s pitch black outside. I put my night vision headgear on. The red brick warehouse stands next to the waterfront in total silence. Two armed guards pace outside the front door. I gather there is a similar duo at the back door where the trucks load and unload. The parking lot is empty. All vehicles must be concealed inside.

I’ve been here once before but I’ve studied the building blueprint. I’ve heard Kane discuss the peculiar nature of Williams’ trade. Something about importing illegal substances from coastal Asian and African countries while running a jewelry store chain as a front. And horses. Williams maintains a stable of racing horses.

Kane doesn’t like dealing with drug cartels and drove Williams out of business a couple of years back, practically bankrupting his organization when he blocked his bank loans. Kane has a habit of reducing those he doesn’t like by restricting their financial resources.

I crawl to the side of the building. I spring up to climb a sturdy drain pipe. Pulling myself onto the warehouse roof, I remove my shoes. I tiptoe on black, woolen socks so I can walk quiet as an alley cat.

The trapdoor is jammed, but I find a way to pry it open slowly. I slide down the ladder in a flash and stop halfway down to scan the area below. The lighting is poor so I keep my night vision on. Big wooden crates block my view.

I let myself slide the rest of the way down to the floor where each day illegal immigrants work to make that asshole Williams rich.

Staying close to the crates, I crawl marine style. I slow my breathing to listen to the slightest of sounds. Quiet, muffled voices can just barley be heard. I detect two distinct male voices.

“Total fucking drag,” one of them says. “How long before the boss calls?”

“Do I look like a fucking genie? He’ll call when he calls. You better hope he has good news, sweetie.”

“Perhaps you’d like a good time while we wait?” the first voice says and then laughs.

“Cut it out,” the second voice says. “We’re not supposed to touch her.”

“Nobody has to know.”

My blood boils. Using guns on them would be too merciful and the guards would come running in. So I crouch and stick my head out, removing the night vision goggles, until I have a good view of the scene.

Two thugs sit on folding chairs on either side of Margot. She sits on the floor with her back against the wall, gagged with tape, her eyes wild with fear.

Now I stop breathing as I move closer along a line of crates. I might as well be invisible. I pounce up and dive onto the closest guard, driving his face into the cement. Cracking sounds make me cringe as his jaw comes apart.

The second man pulls his gun out. I duck, spin and kick his hand. The gun drops to the ground. In the same motion I swing my gun around to strike the back of his head, knocking him out.

Margot’s eyes fill with tears. I hear footsteps coming.

“Stay calm,” I whisper. I pick her up and quickly hide her behind a crate out of harm’s way. The wound on my arm throbs like crazy, reminding me I’m not completely myself tonight.

It matters not. Both guns are extensions of my hands and my feet feel ready as ever. I’m feeling frosty and whirl my body out of behind the crate. My martial arts background disciplines my mind so my feet can follow a much practiced pattern which gets interrupted by their two faces when my feet split their noses.

The gun jams in my hand as a third man aims at me. I raise my second gun too late when the man suddenly falls to his knees, shot.

Margot has been busy. She holds one of her fallen guard’s gun in her little hand. We’ve trained this girl well. I run to her as she collapses. I catch her body in my arms. She’s trembling. I gently remove the tape from her mouth.

“Thank you, Tanner,” she says through a dry, cracked throat.

“Don’t thank me, kiddo,” I tell her, “you just saved my life.”

The tears pour out of her now. I help her onto her feet. All those years wandering the world alone and honing my hand combat skills have proved useful. I bet on my instincts and this time the girl is saved.

Tanner

T
o see Tris hug her sister tight, kissing her all over her face and hair—there’s no greater reward in the whole damn world. My mission is accomplished. One more client brought back to safety, one less girl lost to the ugliness and violence of the world. I don’t call it redemption, but it feels good.

Derek stands beside me as I watch the family scene unfold in the Kane household. Mrs. Kane looks like she’s twenty years younger today, her face radiating with happiness and good humor. All four sisters chatter and giggle loud like they’re little girls again. They’ve all given me an incredibly uncomfortable amount of hugs and congratulations already.

“You did it again, Boss,” Derek says. He waits for a second or two before he adds, “Welcome back.”

“We got lucky this time,” I tell him. “Let’s not get cocky.”

“Cocky? Me?” Derek says. “I think falling head over heels has bent your judgment.”

“It does that.” A week ago I would have growled at his suggestion and threatened to kick his teeth out of his mouth. We’ve come a long way.

“What’s next for you?” Derek says.

“Don’t worry, man, I don’t want my old job back.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know,” I say, extending my hand.

We shake hands and then we bump fists.

“You’re a hard act to follow,” he says.

“You better take good care of the family,” I tell him and turn to go collect my things. I never had a chance to take them the last time Tris and I left the premises together.

Very gingerly I take hold of my injured arm. I’ll have to put a fresh bandage on, but being my own field nurse relaxes me so I’m good. The black jacket will probably hide any signs of bleeding from Tris and by the time she gets to see the arm, I’ll have it patched up again.

I can’t believe I’m actually afraid of her. How can such a tiny creature illicit so much fear in my soul? Shit, I’m like a big dog cornered by a small, fierce cat.

Back at the locker room, I grab an old gym bag and start filling it with whatever I remember for sure is mine. Some unwashed clothes, a couple of books, razors and shaving cream, ammunition.

I’m almost done when Jordan Kane steps into the room. His expression betrays both satisfaction and apprehension. He’s back to his old self.

“Sir,” I say to him as old habits are hard to break apparently.

“The women are looking for you,” he says. “I’m afraid they won’t quit until they have thanked you all the way into the morning.”

“I was just doing my job,” I say, zipping the bag. “No need for thanks.”

Kane stares at the bag in my hand for a second. “Your things?” he says.

“Yeah, just what I think belongs to me.”

Kane nods. “You kept your word,” he says. “You put your life at risk to save my daughter.”

“It’s what I do. Standard protocol.”

“You can leave your things where they are,” he says, sternly. “You can have your job back for good. In fact, I insist.”

I’m not sure if I expected him to make this offer or not. All I know is that some part of me hoped he would not. I’ve decided to move on for everyone’s sake, but being offered to go back to how things were, back to what I know how to do best, is a temptation I’m not sure I can resist.

In the end, I want what’s best for Tris. That’s my top priority. So this quickly turns into a no-brainer. “I’m really honored that you would want me back, Sir. I never wanted things to end in hostile terms between us, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to pass. All things come to an end eventually and I’m ready to have a more regular life.”

“I will respect your choice, of course, but the Kanes could use your expertise and dedication. More hyenas might come out to play.”

“The team is solid and I’ll be around,” I say. If I wanted to piss him off, I might have added
as your son-in-law
, but I’m really not looking for a fight here, and Tris and I haven’t even begun to think about the future.

Just being allowed to spend time with her without worrying about getting shot will be enough. More than enough.

“What are your plans?” Kane says. “A man like you needs a challenge.”

“I’ll figure something out.”

“I’d offer you money, a start at least, but Trista already refused it. She’s my daughter and I love her but you know how reckless she can be. Perhaps if you need anything ,we can get you some assistance. My sweet girl does not have to know everything.”

“No, she doesn’t, but I do have to tell her everything. That’s one of the reasons I need to change my line of work,” I say. “Her recklessness will change in time, Sir. Your daughter has real courage and resolve. You wait and see. She’ll surprise you in the years to come.”

“All right,” Kane says, giving me his hand. “I’ll watch with a concerned eye. In the meantime, keep her safe. As long as you do, we will have no problems between us. Am I clear on that?”

“Crystal, Sir,” I say. “Her security team might only be one person, but it’s dedicated and deadly when needed. She will never be in danger again.”

Jordan Kane walks away nodding.

My heart quickens when I bump into Tris on my way to the living room to tell her I’m going. Before I can speak, she wraps her arms around my neck and jumps up to wrap her legs around my hips. I have no choice but to put my hands under her delicious ass to support her.

“God, I missed you, Tanner Hayes,” she says, thrusting her tongue inside my mouth.

I kiss her back, knowing anyone could walk in on us at any moment. We’re making out in a high traffic area. She doesn’t seem to care, though, because she just stays in that position, glued to me and devouring my mouth for a whole minute. Maybe two.

“You awful brute,” she says quietly in my ear.

“I love when you sweet talk me,” I say and bite her earlobe. I don’t know why I like biting her. It usually makes her claws come out.

“Owie,” she says. “Do that again. On the other ear. And then try my nipples.”

“Hey, cool down a bit, wildcat. This isn’t exactly lover’s lane. It’s not safe.”

“Huh, are you still the chief safety officer?” she says, rolling her eyes.

“No,” I say as I put her down on her feet. “I just officially turned down your father’s offer to come back as head of security.”

“Really?” she says. From her tone, I gather she doesn’t quite believe me.

“Yeah, really. You’re making an honest man out of me.”

She just stares at me, saying nothing.

“What?” I say, not sure how this is going to go.

“It’s just—are you sure this is what you want? I don’t want you to do things just to please me. You, settling down? I don’t see it.”

“So you’d have me go back to being a—wait, what is it that you like to call me? An asshole, a stalker, a hired pervert?”

“Well, it’s kind of hot to have a bodyguard,” she says. “It always made me squishy having you around. You’re the hottest bodyguard. I was secretly turned on by our relationship most of the time. Now I can have my beefcake and eat it, too.”

She laughs and I shake my head at her. “Such a naughty, naughty mouth on you. I need to stick a plug in it.”

Tris beams. I can’t win. “You already did that, remember?”

“Let’s be serious for a minute,” I say. “I’m never going to be a white-collar type of guy, but my days as your father’s head of security are done. There’s been too much bad blood. Even if he’s grateful now, our past will prove awkward for him at times. He needs a fresh start. So do I.”

“I want a fresh start,” she teases with mock jealousy.

“We’ll start together. I’m just happy your father can accept you living with me.”

“Living with you? Really?”

That spanking session is coming her way sooner than she thinks. “Unless you have different plans…”

“No, I like your plan. It’s a solid plan. Hope it includes sex.”

“Lots of it,” I say, finally biting her other earlobe like she asked me. “Meet me at my place tonight. Bring some of your stuff.”

She slaps my ass as I turn to go.

“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into, Tanner Hayes,” she says. “You thought being my bodyguard was exhausting? Being my boyfriend is going to wear you out.” She laughs gleefully before she runs back to the living room.

I’m so fucking her tonight.