Every Step She Takes (Who's Watching Now Book 2) (27 page)

Guilt twisted inside her, despite the fact she didn’t deserve it. “Then what, huh? The paper can’t survive on one story.”

“There’ll be our in-depth report on the Estrada trial, and by the time that’s over, the deal I’m working on will be in place.”

“What deal?”

“It doesn’t matter. The point is, I need this interview with Sutton as a stopgap measure. Come on, Grace. Don’t let me down.”

A sigh shook her. “You’re asking me to destroy my love life.”

A rusty chuckle assaulted her ear. “From the gossip around the office, you manage that very well without any help from me.”

Isn’t that the God-awful truth?

“I’ll do it. I don’t like it, but I’ll do it.”

“That’s my girl. Talk to you tomorrow.”

The phone went dead. Leaning her head against the cushion of her friend Gretchen’s couch, she pressed a hand against closed lids. She hadn’t expected Hank to let her off the hook, but she’d had to give it one last shot. Left without a choice, all she could do was try to mitigate the damage.

Opening her eyes, she scrolled through her phone’s contact list, stopping at a number she hadn’t called in two years. Why she hadn’t deleted this particular ex-boyfriend off her list she wasn’t certain. She’d deleted all the others the minute she’d stopped seeing them, but Nolan had been different. She’d really cared about him. For over a month, Grace had thought he might actually be
the one
. Thank God she’d listened to the nagging voice in her head telling her they wouldn’t last over the long haul, that she didn’t love him truly and deeply. She’d wanted the relationship to work, so she’d convinced herself otherwise. Calling it quits before either of them wound up with a broken heart had been the right thing to do. At least she hoped his heart had only been a little bruised because she was going to call that number and ask her ex for a huge favor. In a perfect world, he wouldn’t get fired from the police force for agreeing.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the connect button and waited while it rang.
Pick up. Pick up.
This wasn’t the sort of message she wanted to leave on voice mail.

“Grace?”
His tone was cautious and a tad incredulous.

“It’s me. How are you?”

“I’m good. Better than good, actually. I’m engaged.”

“Really? That’s great.” She meant it. Nolan deserved to be happy.

“I won’t pretend I wasn’t hurt and angry when you dumped me, but I got over it eventually.” His sigh whispered in her ear. “Now, I’m just thankful you saw what I didn’t. We would have been happy for a while, but not forever. I found what was missing between us with Elaine.”

“I’m glad. She’s a lucky girl.”

“Thanks.” He was quiet for a moment. “Why’d you call, Grace?”

She rubbed a spot on the knee of her lilac pants. “Uh, I need a favor.”

“You must be desperate to turn to me. Let’s hear it.”

“Basically, I need a bodyguard tomorrow morning. Since someone’s tried to shoot me more than once, agreeing to help me involves a fair degree of risk.”

Silence stretched until Grace was certain her nerves would snap.

“Why didn’t you ask Kane?”

“Because Kane wouldn’t let me do what I fully intend to do, with or without protection. I’d rather do it with, but you won’t talk me out of it so don’t waste your breath.” Her pulse thrummed in her ears as she waited.

“Jesus. You’d better start at the beginning.”

At least he hadn’t told her to drop dead. “I don’t suppose you happened to see my piece in the paper about Casey Sutton a couple of weeks ago?”

“Of course I saw it. Quite a story. I bet your editor is kissing your feet.”

“Yeah, right. My brilliant reporting only made Hank hungry for more. He’s waiting for the follow-up piece I promised him.”

“I thought Sutton was in protective custody until the trial of that drug lord starts. Soon, isn’t it?”

“This week. That’s why I have to get the story now. It’ll whet people’s appetite.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask how you plan to get this follow-up piece.”

She curled her legs under her and leaned back into the corner of the couch. The living room was dark except for the glow of the streetlight outside the front window. Exhaustion tugged at her. Leaving Travis, knowing she was betraying his trust, had taken an emotional and physical toll.

“I have the address of the safe house, and no, you don’t want to know how I got it.”

“So where does the getting shot at part come in?”

“In my story, I had to be careful about what I wrote. The paper’s lawyers…” She hunched one shoulder. “Anyway, I mentioned Casey was being pursued by an unknown assailant in the Alaskan wilderness. What I didn’t say was Estrada hired a hit man to take him out. Apparently I’m a bonus, and this cretin has a personal interest in me. I have no clue why, but he does.”

“So you fear he’s located Sutton and will take a shot at you if you get near him—or are you worried he’ll follow you there?”

“Oh, he knows where I live, but I’m not at home. Having you along is simply covering my bases, just in case he’s found Casey. I hate to put you into the line of fire, but—”

“You really will risk anything for a story, won’t you?”

Travis’s worried eyes as he kissed her good-bye at the airport flashed through her mind. “More than you know.”

“I’ll keep you safe. You may have made me miserable for six months, but I still care about you. When and where do you want to meet?”

“I’ll stop by your apartment about eight. I want to get this done as early as possible. It’s not like I have an actual appointment with Casey. I’m sure whoever’s watching him is going to put up some major resistance.”

“You, however, plan to bowl him over with your charm and powers of persuasion.”

“You’ve got that right. Let’s just say I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Any idea what the area is like around the safe house?”

“It’s up in Bodega Bay. That’s all I know.”

“Give me the address, and I’ll do a little online research before we get there. Good thing tomorrow’s my day off.”

She recited the street name and number. “Nolan?”

“What?”

“Thank you. You could so easily have told me to take a hike or simply ignored my call. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”

“Seeing your name pop up on caller ID gave me a bit of a start, but curiosity got the better of me. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

She clicked off her phone and closed her eyes. Nolan was a great guy—a gentleman, funny and sexy. She could have had something with him, something good. But he didn’t make her heart sing. Only Travis did that.

At least he used to.

Once he found out how she’d taken advantage of his trust, read his e-mail and thrown his concern for her safety back in his face, he’d probably never speak to her again. She wouldn’t blame him one bit either.

A couple of tears slipped down each cheek. Was she really prepared to risk his love for a story? Was she really that self-destructive?

Her work was her life, the constant she could depend on. She was damn good at what she did, and she was taking precautions. Anyway, Hank had made it clear she’d better get the freaking story or else. The phone call to Nolan hadn’t been easy, but she’d done it because she’d promised Travis she’d stay safe. Would he take any of that into consideration? Would she in his position?

Probably not. She could only hope his character and ability to forgive were stronger than her own. Because she had every intention of getting that interview.

* * * *

Nolan insisted on driving. She’d forgotten about the annoying, chauvinistic habit that used to make her want to throttle him. Since he intended to drive his own truck, she returned her friend’s car and collected her belongings. He could drop her at her own apartment when they returned. At this stage of the game, avoiding her home seemed pointless, and Nolan would be there to see her safely inside.

She turned in the seat to study him. Nolan Marconi was magazine cover handsome with classic Italian good looks. He was shorter and leaner than Travis, but his strength and skill was more than a match for any criminal who resisted arrest. A few extra lines creased his face, but otherwise he looked the same. Except for the hair.

“You cut off your ponytail.”

Dark eyes glanced in her direction. “Elaine hated it.”

“Wow, you must really love this woman.”

“I do. The wedding’s in September. Should I send you an invitation? Kane and Rachel will be there.”

As they topped a long rise, the ocean spread out before them, glimmering in the early morning sun. No fog had to be a good omen.

“Can I bring a date?”

“Sure. I’ll have Elaine add
and guest
since I’m sure whoever you’re seeing now will be long gone in a couple of months.”

“Ouch!” Grace grinned. “I suppose I deserve that.”

He smiled back. “I took my shot. No more. I promise.”

The road wound between grass-covered hills, offering occasional glimpses of the ocean. Traffic was minimal, and cows grazed on the hillsides, all very peaceful and bucolic. Grace’s stomach knotted.

“I met someone.”

A dark brow shot up. “Is it serious?”

“I think it could be, but you know me…”

“Somehow, you’ll manage to wreck it.” He sighed. “It’s okay to be happy, Grace.”

“I got the safe house address from his laptop.” The words tumbled from her lips, and she clenched her hands together in her lap.

Slowing as they neared Bodega Bay, he glanced at her with eyes full of sympathy. “I don’t think I’d be able to forgive that.”

“I don’t expect him to.”

“Yet here we are.”

She nodded. “Hank was adamant about it. But who’s kidding who? I can’t change who I am. I’ll
always
be driven to get a story.”

“Yep, I suppose you will.” He made a couple of turns and pulled to the edge of the road. “The house is up ahead. I’m going to drive by without stopping, find a place to leave the truck then have a look around. When I feel it’s safe, I’ll come back for you.”

“I won’t do anything stupid. I called you for a reason.”

“As long as we’re clear.”

“He uses a long-range rifle.”

“I’ll keep my eyes open. I know what I’m doing.”

Her fists unclenched. “I know you do. That’s why I chose you as my backup plan.”

He put the truck into gear. When they passed a long, rutted driveway he pointed. “The house is down there.”

The corner of a weathered gray structure high on a bluff overlooking the ocean was just visible. Eucalyptus trees grew around it, blocking some of the wind. He parked around a bend in a grove of firs about a half-mile from the house. With a quick smile, Nolan left.

Grace drummed her fingers on the dashboard. Nothing moved but the waving sea grasses. When a motorcycled roared by, she jumped and cracked her elbow on the armrest.

Get a grip.
Her whole plan to see Casey hinged on brazen confidence. If her nerves didn’t calm, she’d never pull it off. Rolling down the window part way, she breathed in the fresh salt air.

“All clear.”

She pressed a hand to her chest. “Give me a heart attack, why don’t you?” Lifting her notepad and recorder off the seat, she opened the truck door and stepped to the ground.

He locked the door with the remote and fell in beside her. “How, exactly, do you plan to get into the house?”

“I’m going to lie, of course. By the time the feds realize I’m full of crap, I should be through the door at the very least. I’m counting on Casey to keep me there.”

“If anyone can do it, you can.” Nolan stopped at the end of the driveway. “I’ll stay close. If you so much as raise your voice, I’ll be on it.”

She touched his arm. “Thanks.”

“Good luck.”

Back straight, she strode up the drive, eyes focused on the front door. It opened before she’d gone ten yards. The man standing on the threshold could have played linebacker for the 49ers. There was a distinct bulge beneath his windbreaker, and his hand hovered over his hip.

“This is private property, miss. No beach access, so turn around and go back the way you came.”

Grace’s pace didn’t slow. When the man’s hand slipped beneath his windbreaker, her step faltered, but only for a moment. “I’m here to work with Mr. Sutton on his testimony. Surely Fritz told you to expect me.”

A frown creased his forehead, and a hint of doubt clouded his eyes. “No one called. You need to leave.”

“Maybe he talked to the other guy.” She stepped up onto the porch.

The man pulled the door shut with a sharp click. “Back off. Now.”

“Are you going to shoot me? That’d piss Fritz off.” Sweat trickled between her shoulder blades. “Shouldn’t you check with your partner?”

He spoke into a radio at his shoulder while Grace edged closer.

“Miss, I’m warning you.”

“Good God, I’m working with a bunch of imbeciles. Seriously, Fritz didn’t call?”

“Get the hell back!” His voice rose, and he drew his weapon.

“If I leave, Fritz is going to fire your ass. I’m here to prep Mr. Sutton for his testimony. Do you honestly think I’d be standing here with you waving a freaking gun in my face if I wasn’t telling the truth?”

A squawk sounded from his earpiece. His gaze never left her face as he listened, but some of the bluster slipped away. “I’ll call it in. You can wait here.”

“I’ll wait inside. Shoot me if you don’t like it.” When she pushed past him, he grabbed her by the arms.

Footsteps pounded across the yard. “Christ, don’t hurt her.”

His grip eased as a second man approached. This one wore shorts and a sweat-stained T-shirt and was breathing hard.

“Shit, I go for a run, and all hell breaks loose. What’s up, lady? Fritz never told us anything about you.”

“Is that my fault? I’m going to go in and get a cup of coffee while you two straighten out the misunderstanding. I’m not armed.” She held out her arms. “You can check. I don’t pose any sort of threat to Mr. Sutton.”

The big man patted her down, quickly and thoroughly. “She’s clean.”

“Let’s go in then. We can straighten this out with a phone call.” The shorter one pushed past them both and opened the door.