SHAPESHIFTER ROMANCE: Protection of the Wolf (Paranormal Shifter Army Navy Seal Protector Alpha Wolf Romance) (Fantasy Military Action Adventure Urban Werewolf Romance Short Stories) (24 page)

“Normally I would just want to speak to the ladies involved, but am I right in assuming you are friends?” They glanced at us and nodded. We nodded too, although we had just met them yesterday. So much had happened in a day!

“Am I also correct in thinking you are the man who runs Cobra Security?” Axel nodded. I had never heard of Cobra Security.

“He actually 
is
 Cobra Security,” Max said. The cop nodded and stared at Max a moment. I was sure he recognized him before turning back to Axel.

“Before I go into what I have found out. Could you tell me what you know, sir? I am hoping your sources might have some information that would make me feel better about this thing.” Axel shook his head, pulling out a notebook.

“I doubt it, but here we go. I followed the guy in the vest when he left here. He drove into Little Italy and stopped at a place called Papa's Italiano. He was inside for about an hour and then two guys came out. They got into the same car the Vest had driven and I thought that was strange enough to follow them. They drove around for awhile and stopped for about five minute in front of an apartment on Taber Drive off of Second.” I felt Donna stiffen.

“7845 Taber Drive?” Axel nodded looking at her behind me. Donna's hand on my shoulder was shaking. I covered it with my own.

“I live there,” she said softly. Axel's lips went back in a slight sneer of anger and he glanced at the cop. The detective looked at me. I pointed to the ceiling.

“I live upstairs.” There was silence for a few minutes. Detective Hanlon cleared his throat.

“Do you have anything more Mr. Lanket?” Axel thought about it and then shrugged.

“I waited and followed the two guys until they parked again. I came back here after that.”

“Where did they go?” Max asked before the detective did. Axel leaned back in his chair and squinted out the remaining window. He pointed.

“About four blocks that way, across the street. It looks like they are still there. The car is anyway.” Everyone glared at him. Except the cop. He smiled a little. Axel raised his hands in protest to the glares.

“Look, they aren't doing anything wrong at the moment and this way I know where they are. Calm down.” I stifled a smile. Max snorted but gave him a look before turning back to everyone.

“Could you tell us what is going on officer. I think these ladies, and we, are quite nervous enough now.”

Hanlon nodded.

“Ok, the man in the vest is Julian “The Hammer” Latelli,” he began ominously. “He works for the newest, wet-behind-the-ears boss of the Telltoro Family. This new boss is a punk who got the job by accident as far as we can tell. He is trying to silence all dissent coming down hard and vicious on anyone crosses him. He thinks it will help his reputation. So when you ladies unknowingly insulted his punk nephews, he sent The Hammer over to give a warning. Normally that would be it except the cop who helped you yesterday mentioned to his desk sergeant that he was going to have to file a report on the nephews. Then I went looking for it and there was no report. Whoever works for them in records now knows I know something is missing. I believe they are going to try to make the whole incident go away. The new boss is panicking.”

Axel spoke up. “Uh, Detective, that is a little extreme isn't it? Even for a new boss trying to make his name.” It was the detective’s turn to sigh.

“I would normally agree. But after lunch I went looking for the officer who helped these ladies yesterday. He never showed up for his watch and he is not home. This man is a decorated officer and one of the few who is still liked and respected in his neighborhood. He does not miss his shift.” There was complete silence at that. I lowered my head. I understood they thought he was dead. Axel's tough voice had toned down to almost a whisper.

“Would he really kill a cop? A cop!”

Hanlon shrugged. “It is all I can figure until I know otherwise. If it’s true and that police officer is dead, he is going to have no problem hitting you ladies. The whole thing seems stupid, but this new boss ain’t too bright. Besides, as risky as it may be for him, if he pulls this off no one will mess with him again.” I saw Axel and Max nodding. I felt myself beginning to tremble a little. Matching Donna's hand on my shoulder. This was getting dangerous fast. I knew where it was going to end up before the detective mentioned it.

***

“
Even if they have been following us and I didn't notice, this building is members only, the security is extreme. So they can sit outside all night if they want, they won't get in,” Axel told them. Donna and I were still in a state of shock.

We were riding in a stretch limo with blacked-out windows, and for the past hour had been driving around the city, making sure we were not being followed. The building whose garage we were pulling into was a paradise in the middle of the city, according to Axel. Max just smiled at the description.

“Seriously,” Axel added. “Even millionaires have problems getting a membership. It is as exclusive as you can get. Which makes it the perfect place to keep you ladies safe. If the detective had wanted to lock you up to keep you safe it would not have been as protected as this place.”

Max nodded and smiled at them both. I returned it a little nervously. This was the strangest thing that could possibly ever have happened to me. I tried to retrace our steps for the last few hours.

I had refused to close early just because it is a rule I have, and the detective and Axel had agreed. Their reasoning was that the mob may have known we were talking to cops, but if we closed up shop and left, they might have chosen, what the Detective called, the explosive option. So he had allowed us to go with Axel and Max. We slipped out a back way that was hardly ever used, into this waiting limo. Axel had sent an operative to get Donna's suitcase and clothes. I had been able to get packed at home. I had to admit I felt safer with both Axel and Max going with me to get my stuff. I was a little worried about the shape my business would be in when I got back although both men reassured me they were on it. Axel's mischievous smile made me wonder if I wanted to know how.

The limo drove into an underground garage, and pulled up to a red carpet. Seriously, a red carpet! We stepped up to the doors and a man and a woman were waiting. They had a suitcase between them and Donna recognized it.

“That is mine,” she exclaimed.

“Yes Miss,” said the young, pretty woman in a suit. “I picked up your clothes as requested. I choose what I thought you might need. I hope it is to your satisfaction. I am Carolyn.” The woman had red hair and freckles. She was obviously very personal but now that I was aware what to look for I saw a bulge in her suit that probably indicated a gun. Her partner was named Mark.

“Thank you Carolyn. I really appreciate it. I am told we are dining here. Is there a place I could change? I don't think work clothes are appropriate.” We were directed to the nearest lavatory. The security checked it first and then we were allowed in. As we entered Donna turned to the security.

“Hey Carolyn, is this the kind of place the Kardashians go to?” She snorted sarcastically and we laughed. At least going into hiding had some fun to it, I told myself. I was trying to deflect the worry and fear.

At dinner Donna and I felt like Cinderella at the ball. As we passed through the reception area there were people there in the finest clothing and jewelry. They spoke with a sort of accent that did not come from any specific locale. It was boarding school English, clipped and precise with attitude. We were shown to a private dining area where the waiters’ only duty was making sure we all were taken care of.

“So Victoria, do you think I make as much as they do?” Donna asked me during dessert, as she nodded to the retreating servers.

“Not a chance. They make more than you will when you are running my shop.” Everyone laughed, but Donna gave me a surprised look and squeezed my hand. I smiled and nodded to let her know I meant it about running my shop.

***

After dinner we were escorted up to our rooms. Two guards waited outside each, after checking them of course. Terry and Don were the two men outside my suite. Unlike most hotels I had ever been in, my room was completely different from Donna's. The bathrooms resembled individual spas with garden tubs. Each had different creams and body lotions that seemed to be catered to our separate tastes. I questioned how that could be possible.

“Well,” Donna answered as we looked out the picture window at a Central Park view. “Someone went to my place to get my stuff. Very little snooping would let them know what my tastes are. For you I would guess Axel, or Max smelled your perfume or oils and took a guess. Oh wait, Max went up to your apartment with you to get your things.” Donna grinned at me. I was pleased she had come up with a logical answer to my question. I smiled, remembering being embarrassed by how low-rent I must appear to a man like Max Steele. My attraction for him had become stronger and it was becoming a distraction in the midst of such strange happenings.

“You have to know by now that both men have the serious hots for their Barrista’s charm.” I shook my head. I knew she was right and it made me feel warm deep inside, as well as slightly anxious.

“Come on Donna. I have nothing to offer men like that. Look around.” She glanced at me, took my arm and led me over to the wet bar.

“Look Vicky, take the money out of it.” She put some ice in two tumblers; crystal by the looks of them. “Just take the money out of it and then see what we have for you.” I laughed softly.

“How? That glass probably cost as much as a new outfit. Hell I can't afford a new outfit right now.” She poured a bourbon for me and a vodka tonic for herself.

“Easy girlfriend. Those men are caring gentlemen who go out of the way to help people. I am not just talking about us.” I remembered him helping George staple the tarp over my window. I also knew he got a newspaper from Gaspar every morning. Chatting with him all the time.

“They may keep it low key but rumor has them helping people wherever they go. At the same time they are forceful, and know what they want.” She clinked her glass with mine. “The last two points are that they are absolutely gorgeous and you have the hots for them too. You just need to make up your mind which one because they do not seem like men who would be upset if their buddy landed the hot broad and not them. Now then my blushing friend, if they were flat broke. Or even middle class, you would be accepting an offer every time one of them looked at you. You cannot deny it can you?” Sometimes having a good friend was a pain in the ass. Once they get to know you, hiding your feelings is impossible. I sighed. I had been doing a lot of that lately.

“No.” There was not much else to say. Donna did know better than to gloat just then, so she sipped her drink, rummaging around the wet bar.

“A humidor! Wow, I bet these cigars are good.” She pulled two out and handed me one. I hesitated and then shrugged. Why not, I thought. I made a sudden decision that since we were probably going to be here for the weekend, I could afford to indulge. Donna clipped the ends and we lit up. They were excellent of course. About fifteen minutes into marveling at every little thing in the room we were interrupted by the bodyguards. They walked in with several more people in suits. I tensed up and so did Donna. The serious looks on their faces put us off. Carolyn noticed.

“Do not worry. Nothing is wrong. It is the changing of the guards.” We relaxed. I said goodbye to Terry and Don and hello to Joseph and Larry who were replacing them for the evening. Donna's two new body guards were Talbot and Harry. Donna extended an invitation to those getting off duty.

“Would you like a drink? It is the least we can do,” I said, seconding the idea. But my two guys had another job to get to. Carolyn and Mark agreed though after looking at each other for a moment.

“Sure Donna, thank you. We are off duty until morning and we are staying nearby.” While Donna played bartender the two guards took off their jackets and made themselves comfortable at the bar with me. They were both very good looking, and cheerful as well, once off duty. Both had great smiles. Carolyn let her hair down and shook it out with relief. I understood the feeling and felt the sudden urge for a bath. I stubbed out the cigar and made my excuses. Donna walked me to the door connecting our rooms.

“Relax Vicky. I do not believe it is possible for us to be in better hands. When you are done with your soak, come on back in you want. I may be up. If not, wake me if you need to.” I agreed and went to my bath. It was amazing.

***

I do not know how long I was in the garden tub, but it was wonderful and all of my stress melted away. I heard voices in the other room, it was Max and Axel and I felt that warmth come back. Maybe Donna was right. I got out and dried off. I dressed in my tank top and shorts, and then put on one of the incredibly thick and warm bathrobes. As I walked down the hall I heard what sounded like a voice over a radio.

“Everything is going ok here boss. We are getting the last of our people into...oh shit, they made us boss! I have to go, I will keep the mic hot for you!” I heard shouting coming over a radio and went around the corner and stopped. Axel and Max were sitting at the bar with a radio in front of them. Both men were staring at the device listening and tense.

“Look out, Jesus those are fire bombs! Stop them....look out... get that guy! Terry no, get him Don!” I was suddenly shaking and must have made a noise because the two men looked over at me. Max made a move to get up but Axel put a hand on his shoulder and went back to staring at the radio. There was a sound of rushing flames, then rapid gunfire, more shouting and cursing. I ran my hands through my wet hair and clenched my hands behind my head. I found myself staring at the radio with Axel, terrified of what I might hear next, but unable to walk away. People were being hurt, for me! This wasn't right! I raged to myself. It felt like hours although it was only a minute or two when things seed to calm down. Then there was silence and I moved toward the bar to stand next to Max. He put an arm around my shoulders and I lowered my arms. I was beginning to shake and he helped me to a seat. The radio crackled then.