Likely Suspects (14 page)

“Modest,
too.”

“Don’t be snarky.”

H
e attempted to lead, and I failed to follow. This was our constant problem. Whether we were dancing or not, we both wanted to be in charge. Eventually, he gave up and dropped my hand. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he put both hands on my waist. I leaned in close; my lips inches away from his ear.

“W
hat was that all about?” I asked. “Do you really have a boardroom full of complete idiots who can’t put two and two together and get four?”

“They believe what they like.”
His lips brushed against my ear, sending chills down my spine. “But they bought that you’re my personal assistant. Just some girl I hired, and it has nothing to do with the threats I was getting. Mission accomplished. I mean, really, they wanted updated personal security, not office security. Why would my bodyguard go into a building where we already have hired guards?” I wasn’t sure if I should be offended.

“That’s why you needed to hire Br
uiser and Killer,” I reminded him.

“It’s a party.
Let’s just have fun.” He was tired of the arguing and the talking. I laid my head against his shoulder as we swayed back and forth. I was tired of this too.

“Mind if I cut in?” Denton’s voice cut through our peaceful moment.
I turned and looked at him and then back at Martin, who was already stepping away.

“Be my guest,” Martin told him.
I gave him a questioning look. “Come find me when you’re finished dancing.” He winked and headed back to the bar.

“I have to warn you
that I’m not much of a dancer, Mr. Denton.”

“Please, it’s Blake.”
He put his hand on my waist and took my hand, giving it a slight kiss. I could smell alcohol on his breath, and I wondered if drinking was part of the CEO’s job description. “Maybe you just didn’t have a strong enough partner.” I remained silent. “How long have you and James been together?”

He’s just mak
ing polite conversation, Parker. I tended to be suspicious even when things were completely innocent. “Honestly, I’ve lost track. It’s been awhile.” Denton considered my words but didn’t say anything. “Are you here with your wife? Girlfriend? I don’t want anyone to get jealous.” I was hoping to find an excuse to go find Martin. I didn’t like leaving him unguarded, despite the fairly secure setting.

“No
, I’m the consummate bachelor, at least as of recently. The last girl I dated, Jill, didn’t work out so well.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.
” I couldn’t have cared less. Denton’s hand traveled lower than my waist, and I resisted the urge to break his fingers.

“
I need to get some air. It’s a bit stuffy in here.” Do not cause a scene, especially with the acting-CEO of the company, I instructed myself as I tried to escape without incident.

“What
a good idea. I’ll join you.” Denton followed me to the balcony, which was the absolute last thing I wanted.

There was a couple in the corner making out, but we
paid them no heed. Leaning over the railing, I checked for guys in combat gear who might be hiding in the bushes. Denton was uncomfortably close and getting closer by the second.

“So,” he leaned in further, “what exactly did you have to do to get the job at MT?”

“Excuse me?” I was definitely offended now.

“You know what I mean.
” He was ogling my cleavage. “Come on, you gave it to the boss real good, and you got a nice cushy job, I bet.”

“Not quite.
” I was trying to remember I was the girlfriend and not an ex-federal agent who could put this guy on his ass at a moment’s notice. “It just happened M...James knew I needed a job, and there was an opening.”

“Oh
, I bet there was.” Denton was seriously crossing the line.

“If you’ll excuse me
, Mr. Denton, I need to find James.” My voice was threateningly fierce as I began to walk away, but he blocked my path.

“You k
now, if you still want a job, you could come back and work for me since it doesn’t look like you’re going to be working anytime soon with Jimmy,” his voice dripped bitterness, “being on sabbatical for an extended amount of time. If he gets tired of you, you’ll be back to nothing. Whatever your existing arrangement is, I’ll double it. If you give me a raise, I’ll give you one.” That was it. I backhanded him across the face as hard as possible. It took almost all my willpower not to punch his lights out or throw him over the balcony.

“Go to hell
, you sick fuck,” I practically spat. He was dazed and leaning against the balcony railing for support. Had it not been there, he’d be on the ground. I turned toward the door. Martin was making his way quickly across the room. He must have seen the whole thing, along with the large group of gawking guests.

“Are you okay?” Martin asked
anxiously from the doorway. I clung to him, trying to resume the role I was supposed to be playing.

“Can w
e just get out of here?” I hoped to avoid any further incidents. He held me in his arms, glancing at Denton.

“It was just a misunderstanding.
” Denton apparently recovered somewhat. “I misspoke. Probably shouldn’t have drank so much.” He wasn’t really apologizing.

Martin moved to push me aside
, seeming to want to go out there. I didn’t know if he was going to help that horrible, vile creature or knock the guy’s teeth out, so I remained blocking his path.

“We should go,” I whisp
ered insistently.

“
Get yourself cleaned up, and stay the hell away from Alex,” Martin growled, his voice dripping venom. He took a breath and addressed the crowd. “Nothing to see here, Blake’s just had a few too many. Someone make sure he doesn’t drive himself home.”

Martin put his arm around my shoulders and escorted me through the crowd toward the
front door. Hotel security was coming inside to check on the commotion. Too little, too late, guys, I thought as they ambled past. The group of board members from earlier were gathered near the exit.

“Never a dull moment around here,” Marcy said to us.

“Everything
okay, sweetie?” Samantha asked, but before I could answer, Martin replied.

“It’s fine.
I’m taking Alex home. Blake can be licentious when he’s drunk.”

“Did you see how
she slapped the shit out of him?” Charles seemed impressed, and I resisted the urge to grin.

“Just keep an eye on him at work,
and make sure he doesn’t get handsy with the business or the employees,” Martin warned them.

We bid the gro
up good night and exited the hotel lobby. Marcal was waiting for us out front. When we emerged, he started the car and brought it around. The photographers were still outside, and I was temporarily blinded by the flashes going off. Hopefully, the incident wouldn’t be in the paper. The valet opened the door, and I slid into the car. Martin tipped the man and joined me inside.

“
You know, if you wanted to leave early, we could have, without all the dramatics.” He tried levity. I shrugged and fidgeted with the seatbelt. “What happened?” The concern was evident in his voice.

The privacy window was up, and I gave him the play-by-play of what happened from the time Blake cut-in until I slapped the hell out of him. Martin listened, never interrupting, until I finished the story.

“Son-of-a-bitch.
” His green eyes were on fire. “I’m sorry. I never should have left you with him. I didn’t know.”

“It’s o
kay. You didn’t know.” I parroted his own words back to him. “Plus, what’s not to love about getting to assault someone?” I paused. “Do you think he’ll press charges?” I was making a joke, but he ignored it. I felt degraded by the horrible things that despicable man said, but I wasn’t Martin’s girlfriend or secretary. It was all part of the role I was playing. “I never realized I was such a damn good actress, did you?” Humor and sarcasm were my go-to responses in difficult situations. “Maybe I should be nominated for an Oscar, or at least the Golden Globes. Hell, he was staring at them long enough.” I snorted.

“He has no right to talk to you or anyone els
e like that.” Martin was livid, and his anger was helping keep mine in check. “I should fire him or request his resignation. I wish I had gone out there and kicked his sorry ass.”

T
hat answered my question about what he had intended to do on the balcony. I leaned my cheek against the cool glass of the window. I wanted to apologize for putting him into this position, but it was not my fault. Parker, you did not do this; you didn’t do a damn thing. To avoid any more theatrics, I took a deep breath.

“Who would have thought it was going to be
you saving me tonight?” I asked, and he cracked a slight smile.

“Does this mean
I get to wear the tights and cape for once?”

I punched his arm playfully.
“Don’t start. I already took down one guy tonight. That number could easily double.”

“I’
m sorry.”

“I know.”
I crossed my arms across my chest, and he took his jacket off and wrapped it around my shoulders, scooting closer. Resting my head against his shoulder, he put his arm around me. We stayed like this for some time. It was nice not feeling like a piece of meat. “What are you going to do?” Causing more waves or forcing him to go back to work wasn’t the best plan.

“I don’t know.
The Board can keep an eye out, short-term. We’ll just see what happens.”

“Any previous complaints against him?”
My training was taking over.

“Not that I know of.”

“No history of sexual harassment or history of substance abuse?” I needed to figure out where the off switch was to my questioning.

“I don’t think so.”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see it from the angle we were sitting.

“Maybe it’s just the job.”

“If I’ve ever come off that way, I’m sorry,” he apologized, genuinely concerned.

“You could be worse.
” I poked him in the ribs. “If you were that bad, I wouldn’t be here, and you would have been slapped a long
long
time ago.” We rode the rest of the way in silence.

Marcal pulled the car into the garage and wished us a good night.
I took my shoes off and carried them up the stairs. No need to walk in them any longer than necessary. I had already dealt with enough tonight.

I headed straight for
my room and changed into baggy sweats, unpinned my hair, and washed my face. It was my way of counteracting the sleaziness of the evening. I hung the dress on the hanger, put the shoes in their box, and put them both in the closet before returning downstairs. Martin had taken his tie off and unbuttoned his shirt, but he was already staring at the faxes he received earlier.

“Wo
rkaholic,” I retorted, making my way to the kitchen.

I was rummaging through the kitchen cabinets and pantry
, looking for something to eat. When stressed out, eat, yet another one of my philosophies. Not to mention, with the exception of a few hors d’oeuvres, I hadn’t had anything since breakfast. I found a box of crackers and some hard cheese in the fridge. This would suffice.

I was
slicing the cheese when Martin entered the kitchen. “Hungry?” I asked, not looking up.

“Yes,” he said in an odd tone.
I turned to find a puzzled expression on his face.

“W
hat?”

“Why are you eating that?”

“Because I’m hungry. Didn’t we just establish this?”

“Yes,” more bewilderment, “so why aren’t you eating a real meal?”

“Seriously?” I just couldn’t get a break tonight. I pointed to the clock. “It’s after eleven. I’m not in the mood to start cooking, and you have no microwavable dinners. Cheese.” I held up the cheese. “Crackers,” I held up the box, “works for me.” He chuckled.

“Sit down.
” He took the knife from my hand and put it on the cutting board. “Sit.” He gently pushed me toward the table.

“Fine, but if I break a to
oth trying to chew on the tabletop, I’m holding you responsible.” He begrudgingly handed me the plate with the cheese and the box of crackers. I smiled at him sweetly and opened the box.

He
got out a skillet, chopped an onion, and tossed it into the pan. Then he grabbed a bag of pre-cooked shrimp and set it in the sink with the water on to thaw. He cut and chopped more ingredients, and within twenty minutes, he presented me with a meal.

“Show
off,” I remarked as I went to get a few dishes, but he stopped me.

“
Relax.” He turned around and got the plates. He was trying to make up for what happened earlier tonight.

“I’m fine.”

“I know.
” I could hear the smile in his voice, even though his back was to me. We sat down to eat.  It always felt so formal, sitting at a kitchen table and eating meals together. “Tomorrow, we’ll get the manufacturing plant footage and maybe make some headway?”

“H
opefully. I know it’s been about a month or so since it happened. Are you sure you’ll still have the footage saved?”

“We should.
Everything is backed up and stored in case of anything.” He sounded slightly unsure. I guess we’d find out tomorrow.

“Well, on the bright side
, it can’t make things worse.” I was the ever-present optimist. I scrutinized his expression. There was something else bothering him. Given the list of things that had been going wrong in his life, I didn’t think I was a good enough investigator to determine exactly what the cause of his current distress was without asking a few key questions. “What’s wrong?” My deductive skills know no bounds.

“Nothing.
” He wasn’t being very helpful. “I’m just stumped by the missing funds. They don’t appear to be anywhere.”

“As in they n
ever existed?”

“They existed,” he
insisted. “They were earmarked for this acquisition, but I just can’t trace them. I thought they might have been in a different account, but I don’t see a surplus in any of those.”

“Could there have been a loss from a different account that was nullified by rea
llocating the acquisition funds, so maybe you wouldn’t notice they were moved?” I was grasping at straws. Accounting was not my thing.

He t
hought about it for a moment. “No, it would be very unlikely the exact same amount would be involved.”

“True, coincidences
like that aren’t very probable.” I bit my bottom lip, trying to come up with some out-of-the-box explanation. The problem was, when money went missing, it was almost always because someone took it. “Who had access?”

“Denton, the accounting department, the other board members, and me.”

“Pretty much narrows it down. I’m going to rule you out, just for argument’s sake.”

“Thanks.
” He was being sarcastic.

“Given my current feelings toward
Denton, I’d say let’s add embezzlement to his list of attributes and call it a night, but just in case I’m letting my personal opinion get in the way,” I thought for a moment, “I’ve got a forensic accountant friend at the Bureau. She can follow the money. I’ll give her a call in the morning and see if we can’t get this figured out.”

“Maybe tomorrow we can kill two birds w
ith one stone.”

“Here’s to hoping.”

We cleaned the kitchen in a comfortable silence. The night had worn me out. Once again, the ball was rolling, and things were about to be set in motion. Maybe life would be returning to normal sooner rather than later.

I settled
on the couch in the living room, flipping through channels until I found a movie to watch. Martin was down the hall in his office, still going over the accounts. I glanced at the monitor to make sure the security system was operating and nothing suspicious was going on. It all looked pretty quiet. Good. I stretched out and closed my eyes, listening to the dialogue and thinking about the night’s events.  

A
few minutes later, Martin poured himself a drink from the bar. “Make that two,” I said, sitting up.

“I thought
you fell asleep,” he responded but still poured another drink.

“No, I was just thinking.”

“About?”
He came over and handed me the glass.

“Life, nothing
important.” He chuckled slightly. “Don’t let me disturb you,” I jerked my head toward his office, “get back to work.”

“I’m done for the night.
What are you watching?”

“Sherlock Holmes.”

“Looking for pointers?” he teased.

“Couldn’t hurt.
” I played along.

I was beginning to wonder how the hell we became so buddy-buddy in such a short amount of time
. Wasn’t this the same man I was screaming at two days ago? Maybe tonight had changed him for the better, or maybe it made me more tolerant since he wasn’t the worst person to deal with. Either way, it was an improvement on the way things had been, if it lasted. We watched the movie for a while. When it was over, he looked at me.

“I’m g
oing to get some sleep.” He got up from the couch. “You know, you are allowed to do the same.”

“I know.”
I wasn’t a great sleeper in a strange environment, and I had the tendency to feel the need to patrol the premises due to the fact I was both security consultant and personal bodyguard simultaneously. I turned the television off and stood up.

He
seemed surprised, erroneously believing I was giving in so easily. “Good night.” He was heading for the stairs, but I grabbed his arm and stopped him.

“Thanks.”
Despite the incident with Denton, tonight had more good moments than bad. I gave him a hug, and he wrapped his arms around me. “Good night,” I whispered in his ear and gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek before pulling out of the embrace and heading down the hall toward his office to stare at surveillance footage for a little while longer.