Under Pressure

“Like running?” Justice asked.

“It wasn’t the easiest choice. Nothing about it has been easy. But Webb and his cronies are powerful men with so much reach, I wasn’t sure who to trust.” And she needed to stop making excuses. Sitting a little straighter, she admitted, “I decided it’d just be best to take off for a while. So I did.”

“An understandable reaction.” Justice patted her shoulder with his massive paw. “No one blames you.”

She wasn’t sure about that. Leese watched her, but he didn’t say anything. She should have been stronger, tried harder. I should have found a way.

“We’re going to work this out,” Sahara said, all but rubbing her hands together. “We won’t let Georgia’s death be swept away.”

Cat feared it already had been. “What can you do?”

“What can’t I do?” she replied. “But first things first. We need to keep you safe.”

“I’ll see to it.” Leese again stood next to her.

So maybe he didn’t blame her, after all. Didn’t matter, since she blamed herself. But she’d hate to lose him as an ally.

“Yes,” Sahara purred. “I can see that you will. Perhaps you’ll also encourage her to remember that other name?”

“I’ll do my best.”

Cat gulped. His best was probably pretty damned awesome.

“What can I do?” Justice asked.

“Nothing,” Sahara told him. “I have a different job coming up for you. You may as well stick with me the rest of the month. I’d like to assess you.”

He shifted uneasily. “Assess me?”

“She does it with all the new hires,” Leese assured him.

“This is my only chance,” Sahara said, “since soon you’ll accompany the client nonstop.”

“I will?”

“Yes, you see, a certain actor—very hush-hush—who’ll be playing a part in an upcoming MMA movie wants someone who knows the ropes to be his bodyguard. I sold you as the real deal who could not only advise him and teach him the lingo, the rules and routines, but also be his protection at the same time.”

Justice blinked at her. “I... Wow.” Then with accusation, he barked at Leese, “This job is nothing like you claimed it’d be.”

“Complaints?” Leese asked.

“No.” Somewhat dazed, Justice said, “Hell man, I’m lovin’ it.”

Sahara regained their attention. “I have an excellent PI who I’ll have look into Georgia’s death.”

Sharp fear coursed through Cat. “Oh, but—”

“A girl can’t just go missing without someone noticing, right?”

“PI?” Leese asked her, a note of mistrust in his tone. “Who?”

Sahara squeezed his arm. “The same one investigating my brother’s death.”

All news to Catalina, but Leese seemed to understand, so she figured she’d ask him later. If Leese trusted the man, she would too.

Except for one problem. “If you start digging, you’ll lead them straight back to me. I’m sure they already have computer people watching for me to pop up anywhere. I haven’t dared send an email or touch my Facebook. When I withdrew what cash I could from my accounts, I immediately took off. I was afraid the withdrawal could somehow lead them to me. I haven’t used my name anywhere, or any of my credit cards. I’ve tried really, really hard to leave no tracks at all.”

Unconcerned with her panic, Sahara said, “I promise we can be completely discreet. And until we uncover something, you can stay here, perfectly protected.”

“Here?” Still shaken by the idea of anyone poking around—and possibly leaving her exposed—Cat again took in the posh office. Dark wood, plush furniture, massive television screen and full connecting bath; it had all the amenities except a kitchen. Still, she couldn’t see staying in an office.

Not for any length of time.

“Here,” Sahara explained, “in the building. Scott kept a suite but I haven’t used it because...” She tapered off, then whispered, “He was my brother.”

Catalina faltered. For only a flash she saw the same grief she felt mirrored in Sahara’s eyes. She remembered Leese telling her that the agency was under new management—and then she understood. “I’m so sorry.”

“Me too.” Sahara let out a breath, then launched back into business. “There are women’s clothes, makeup, lotions... I don’t know. Many things. They belonged to one of Scott’s girlfriends, who also supposedly died. The last girl was as slim as you, but somewhat taller—who isn’t, right? Feel free to use whatever you can.”

Harking back to the “supposedly died,” Cat wondered what exactly had happened to Sahara’s brother.

Shaking off the melancholy, Sahara said, “You’ll find the suite quite comfortable and I promise you, the security here is top-notch. You don’t need to worry.”

She’d worry if she wanted to, and apparently she did because dread churned in her stomach. The questions were piling up, but she’d save them for Leese, after they were alone.

A tap sounded on her door and Enoch stuck his head in. “I apologize for interrupting, but you might want to take this call.”

Unhappy with the intrusion, Sahara asked, “Who is it?”

“Webb Nicholson, and he says it’s urgent.”

CHAPTER FIVE

NEVER MIND THAT it was inappropriate behavior for a bodyguard—especially with his boss watching—but Leese needed to comfort Catalina, to reassure her. Later, he’d explain to Sahara. One way or another he’d make his boss understand—and if she didn’t, well, then he’d find another job.

But regardless, he’d see to Catalina’s safety.

Aware of her unease, Leese stood close behind her, silently reminding her that she wasn’t alone. Like a deer caught in the crosshairs of a hunter’s rifle, she’d gone deathly still the moment Enoch had announced the call. He could almost feel her gearing up to bolt, so he put his hands on her shoulders, and under his palms her muscles eased.

Amazing that he could have that much influence on her feelings. He didn’t question it; she said she had good instincts and apparently she was right, because no way in hell would he let anyone hurt her. That, he told himself, was his own code of ethics, a protective nature toward women—now more finely honed given how he’d once inadvertently played a role in putting a woman at risk.

Never again.

With the phone on speaker so they could all hear, Sahara said smoothly, “Mr. Nicholson, how are you?”

“I understand you found my daughter.”

“Me? No.” She twittered a laugh. “I run the company, that’s true. But I’m not in the field, so—”

Growling, Nicholson said, “Your man found her.”

“Really?” Pausing for emphasis, she asked, “How do you know?”

A beat of silence passed. “You know damn good and well that he—”

“Don’t raise your voice to me.” The words hit like a whip, not loud, but sharp enough to draw blood.

Stunned silence proved that Nicholson felt the burn.

Clearly appalled at the way Sahara had just spoken to her stepfather, Cat tipped her head back to look at Leese in query.

He smiled and used his thumbs to further loosen her taut shoulders. She’d get used to Sahara, eventually.

“Now,” Sahara said, “if there’s anything else you’d like to say to me, I suggest you calmly say it.”

“Your services are no longer needed.”

“Odd.” Sahara tapped one manicured fingertip to her bottom lip. “You already paid so substantially. I do believe it’ll cover things for quite some time. Maybe even for a month or two.”

“Keep the money, I don’t care about that.”

“Don’t be silly.” She gave another of her phony, teasing laughs. “We owe you the work. What type of businesswoman would I be if I didn’t fulfill my obligations? And as I recall, you said it was of utmost urgency that we—”

“I’m firing you,” Webb growled. “Your part is done.”

Again Cat stiffened. Leese just waited.

“My part? Well, I’m so sorry you feel that way, Webb.” Sahara softened her tone until it almost sounded pitying. The use of Nicholson’s first name was a clear warning. “But understand, you merely paid. Catalina is our client. The transaction has been made, and we are on the job. At this point, only your daughter can fire us.”

He sucked in an angry breath, but wary of her earlier warning, he didn’t raise his voice. “Now you listen to me.”

“Believe me, I’m all ears.”

“Catalina isn’t thinking clearly. I’m concerned. We’re all concerned. She should be home with her family during this difficult time in her life. We want her home. Once she’s here, she’ll be fine.”

“I have no doubt whatsoever. After all, family should always support each other in times of need. I promise, if my agent checks in, I’ll ask him about it and then he can speak with Catalina. Not that I expect to hear from him anytime soon.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I assume, being as good as he is and given your initial concerns and financial investment, he’ll go to ground to ensure her safety.”

“What are you talking about? He’s not there with you?”

“Why ever would he be in the offices? I assure you, he’s far from a desk jockey.” Sahara propped her shapely ass on the edge of the desk and crossed her long legs, letting one high heel dangle off the tips of her toes.

How she walked in those things, especially in the winter weather, Leese had no idea.

“But...I thought...”

“Mr. Nicholson, you sound alarmed. If there are new concerns I need to know about, please let me know and I promise to share them with my guy as soon as he checks in.”

Muffled whispering came through the line, then Nicholson asked, “When do you expect him?”

“I assume when he feels it’s safe. No idea when that might be.”

Impatience crept back into his tone. “There’s no damn way you don’t have contact with your men!”

The smile faded off Sahara’s mouth. Her foot stopped swinging. Slowly, she slid off the desk to stand looking down at the phone. “Body Armor is by far the best agency you will find in the States, possibly in the world.”

“I never said—”

Lacerating him with contempt, she cut him off. “I don’t babysit my men because they don’t need it, and further, if they did, you wouldn’t have come to me.”

After a gruff, “Harrumph,” Nicholson said, “I apologize for losing my—”

“I understand. You’re rightfully overwrought given your concerns for Catalina. Let me assure you, no one wishing her harm will get anywhere near her. Absolutely no one. You have my word. Now I must go. Have a good evening, Mr. Nicholson.” And with that, she hit a button and ended the call.

Impressed, Justice applauded.

“This is awful,” Cat whispered.

Wearing an evil smile, Sahara paced the room. “You should know, Catalina. I am a mean, mercenary bitch.”

Intrigued by that, Justice leaned forward. “Really?”

“No, she’s not,” Leese stated. “Sahara, take a breath.”

“Mean,” Sahara insisted, still moving angrily around the room. “Mercenary. Bitch.” She strode over to stand facing Cat. “And you need to understand that I will use this to my advantage.”

Again, Cat glanced at Leese. When he shrugged, she turned back to Sahara. “How?”

“I’ll ensure that you’re protected,” she promised. “And I’ll do everything I can to see that Georgia Bell gets justice.” On those insane heels, she crouched down beside Cat. “But that also means exposing every bastard involved, including, if necessary, your stepfather. The entire world will know what happened, the men—their livelihoods, their businesses—will likely be destroyed in the process. And this agency will take full credit for bringing them down. I will scrape up every bit of promotion I can to further our reputation as the best.”

The overwhelming possibilities left Cat wide-eyed and shaken, but she didn’t falter. She accepted that Georgia deserved retribution.

But Cat didn’t yet realize that she did too.

“Anyone and everyone involved in hurting that girl needs to pay the consequences,” Cat whispered. “Whatever they are.”

“Excellent! Then we’re in agreement.” Rising gracefully again, Sahara smiled. “Now share the other names.”

Pale, Cat shook her head. “I...I don’t remember.”

Sahara gave it quick thought, then shrugged. “Fine. I can start with your father.”

“Stepfather.” Appearing both fearful and guilty, Cat nodded. “And...okay.”

Sahara turned her flinty blue eyes on Leese, taking note of the way he continued to hold Cat’s shoulders. “Is there anything you’d like to tell me?”

He shrugged. “You’re astute, Sahara. Do I really need to spell it out?”

She sighed. “And if I had a problem with this—”

“Then I’d understand and move on.” But he wouldn’t abandon Catalina.

“Don’t be so dramatic. I have big plans for you.” With a look of acceptance, she warned, “I’ll want a full report. Soon.”

To keep the peace, Leese nodded. But before he verbally made promises, he’d see what Catalina had to share. She knew the other men, he was sure of it. Would she trust him enough to tell him everything? And once she did, what then?

No idea. He knew what Sahara wanted, but he’d do whatever was best for Cat.

“They know you’re here. Both of you. That much was clear.” Sahara paced away, a vibrating bundle of energy. “Even though it’s secure, we’ll want to throw them off to give you a little breathing room. So I have an idea.”

Very unsure of any plan she might contrive, Leese said, “Care to share with the class?”

“We’re going to get each female employee to hide behind a scarf and glasses, then scatter in different directions—” she fluttered her fingers “—to all corners of the city and beyond. How fun will that be?”

“Fun?” Cat twisted her hands together. “Not fun at all. More than anything it sounds dangerous. I don’t want to risk anyone else.”

“We’ll take care. Don’t worry. And unless they have a lot of people out there watching us, they won’t be able to follow everyone.”

Cat asked, “How many female employees do you have here?”

“Counting me?” Sahara grinned. “Ten. But currently in the building? Only seven. It’ll have to do, even though they’re not all bodyguards. For a case like this, we need everyone on deck.” Before anyone could question her participation, she went to the door and summoned Enoch. “Could I beg an enormous favor from you?”

Already to his feet, Enoch said, “Of course. What is it?”

“I need you to round up all the ladies, and then you’ll need to run across the street to that decadent little boutique and do some fast shopping.”

* * *

TWO HOURS LATER, Enoch escorted them to the penthouse apartment. Leese wasn’t sure what to expect, but he could tell that Cat was at the end of her rope. She needed some downtime, so the accommodations no longer mattered.

Trembling from head to toe, Cat entered the private elevator. “You’re sure she’ll be okay?”

Enoch looked as worried as Cat, so Leese reassured them both. “She has Justice with her.”

Using an exclusive keycard, Enoch pressed the button to access the penthouse. “You said he’s new.”

Enoch stood a foot shorter than Leese, and probably didn’t weigh a whole lot more than Catalina. But he had a keen intelligence, an aptitude for fast learning, was loyal to the core and often seemed to know what needed to be done long before being told. Leese liked him, and better than that, he trusted him.

“Justice is new to being a bodyguard, but he’s a veteran at kicking ass. He can handle things, believe me.” Justice might not have been refined enough to win a title belt, but few could ever reach that elite status. Match him up to any four or five street fighters, and he’d annihilate them.

“They’re in your car.” Cat stood in the corner, her gaze on the elevator numbers, her face set. “They’re going to be the obvious ones to follow. Tesh and his crew will—”

“Scatter to cover their bases in case we’re pulling a fast one, just as Sahara said. They won’t take chances. But Sahara took the car on purpose,” he reminded them, “because Justice can damn well handle himself. Now stop fretting, both of you.”

At the uppermost floor, the elevator stopped and the doors opened directly into a secure vestibule with yet another locked door. On one of the walls, a sconce lit the area. On the other wall, a heavy door opened to private stairs.

Seeing the direction of his gaze, Enoch said, “The stairs are necessary in case of a fire.”

Leese valued the multiple barriers.

Enoch removed an actual key and opened two different locks, one in the doorknob, the other a dead bolt. “I have duplicate keys for you,” he said to Leese while avoiding Cat’s gaze. “And you should know there are around-the-clock guards at the elevator and stairs on the lobby level. They protect Sahara from anyone reaching her office on the floor below.”

He’d already been aware of that, but appreciated the reminder for Cat’s benefit.

Opening the door, Enoch added, “I’ve been in charge of the upkeep here. No one has been here unescorted, not even the monthly cleaning crew. I’m always here if anyone needs to get in the suite, and I can promise you it’s safe.” He stepped back and allowed Cat and Leese to enter.

Wow. Cat, who was used to such decadence, only said, “This is very nice.”

Leese didn’t know what the hell to think. Towering ceilings with massive hanging lights, floor-to-ceiling windows with an astounding view, open spaces, a central fireplace... He looked around, taking it in.

“The kitchen has everything you need, pots and pans, dishes, canned goods...everything except for perishables. If you’d like to make up a grocery list, I can take care of that for you.” He strode to an elaborate bar. “The liquor is stocked, so please help yourself.”

Cat dropped her purse and coat on a massive contemporary couch overloaded with pillows, then wandered to the expanse of windows to look out at the city. “I bet this is stunning at night.”

“It is,” Enoch confirmed. “Would you like to see the bedrooms?”

Multiple rooms? Leese immediately wondered if Cat would prefer to sleep with him again.

Insane as he knew it to be, he hoped so.

Following behind the two of them, he lost track of the penthouse layout because his attention zeroed in on Cat’s small but perfect ass. As they stepped into one room, he managed to concentrate.

“This is the master suite.”

The enormous room boasted more floor-to-ceiling windows, a sitting area, a flat screen TV and an oversize bed with decadent bedding. Leese barely resisted the urge to whistle.

“There’s a bathroom through that door.” Enoch opened another door to show off a walk-in closet big enough to be a room of its own. “Clothes are still in the closet, including some things for a female. As Sahara said, help yourself, although there are more things in the guest bedroom.”

“If this was her brother’s room,” Cat whispered, “maybe we shouldn’t use it.”

“Sahara isn’t shy. If that had been her preference, she’d have said so.” Enoch lifted a remote from the nightstand and closed the drapes, then opened them again. “Mr. Silver worked hard at making this space exactly as he liked it. It has all the bells and whistles you could imagine. I think in some ways, Sahara enjoys the idea of it being used again. She just can’t bear to be the one doing so.” He turned and headed out, so Cat and Leese followed.

“This room is a library-slash-television-slash-gaming room. The Wi-Fi is secure, so feel free. Every television in every room is connected to the satellite for the building, so you’ll have plenty of choices on what to watch. This television, of course, is set up for theater-style viewing. And if you open the cabinet under the TV in here, you’ll find some gaming systems and the most popular games.” Again walking, he led them to another room. “This is the guest suite.”

Leese peeked inside. This bedroom had more padded furniture instead of the heavy wood. No seating area, but a cushioned window seat.

Enoch smiled gently at Cat. “There’s another connecting bathroom, and inside you’ll find makeup, nail polish...a plethora of toiletries preferred by ladies. Again, please help yourself.”

“I couldn’t,” Catalina said. “If they belonged to her brother’s girlfriend—”

“No one special,” Enoch assured her. “Mr. Silver had many girlfriends, and he was far from ready to settle down. Sahara would have thrown everything away, except she seldom comes in here because of the memories.”

Ill at ease, Cat nodded. “Thank you.” She sat on the edge of the full-size bed, stroking one hand over the plush comforter. “It’s very nice.”

So she’d be choosing the guest room? Looked like. Leese didn’t like it, but he wouldn’t protest. More than anything, he wanted her to be comfortable. She’d earned herself a break from worry.

“Please,” Enoch said, “use whatever you like. Sahara will like it if you do.”

Catalina bit her lip, then reluctantly agreed. “All right then. I’d actually love to.”

“Wonderful.” Enoch looked genuinely pleased. “Any questions, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“I have a few.” Leese glanced at Cat. “Why don’t you get settled while Enoch and I talk? I’ll be back in a minute.”

“You’re leaving?”

The pitch of her voice gave her away—and broke his heart. To reassure her, he stared into her eyes. “Just going into the other room with Enoch.”

“Oh.” She let out a nervous breath and nodded. “Okay.”

“Cat? I won’t make any plans without telling you. If I do have to step out, it won’t be for long, and you’ll know beforehand.”

“Sounds good.” Trying to appear unconcerned, she smiled. “Thanks.”

Giving up, Leese stepped out and closed the door. Sooner or later she’d stop doubting him.

“Something private?” Enoch asked.

“A favor, really. Can you find out for me the nearest place to get a couple of burner phones?”

Enoch lifted his brows. “Your company phone isn’t working?”

“It is, but I’d like some prepaids,” Leese explained. “Disposable phones.”

With no further questions, Enoch explained, “Actually a phone store right across the street offers them. Would you like me to run the errand for you?”

He shook his head. Leese preferred to do some things himself. “I’ll take care of it, but could you come back in about an hour? Maybe keep Cat company while I’m gone?”

He flashed a grin. “You mean you want me to ensure she doesn’t budge?”

“That too.” If need be, Enoch could reinforce Cat’s cooperation by alerting the guards. Or calling Sahara.

Leese wanted to trust Cat, but she’d already made so many references to booking it, to thinking her best option was to run, that he—

Peering around the hall, Cat said, “I wouldn’t sneak off.”

After a roll of his eyes, Leese turned to fully face her. “Eavesdropping?”

“Yes.” She came out the rest of the way. “And good thing. Enoch doesn’t need more duties piled on him. Seems to me he already has a full plate.”

Protesting that, Enoch said, “Believe me, Sahara makes it more than worth my while.”

“I hope so. The scope of your job seems to cover...everything. I don’t want to add to it.”

“Sahara is the very best boss I’ve ever had. Always polite and caring. She gives me requests, but if I said no, she’d be okay with it. She wouldn’t fire me. So far, though, I’ve never even considered saying no to her. I love this job too much.”

With fresh curiosity, Leese asked, “Was her brother the same?” Of course he’d known about Scott Silver. The man wasn’t a secret. But Sahara had never really discussed him much.

“Scott was very similar. They were close and shared a lot of personality traits. Smart, motivated, considerate... Sahara, though, is far more driven, personally and in business. Around her, there’s never a dull moment.” He opened the main door, but hesitated. “She normally doesn’t talk about him at all. She keeps everything inside—she’s super private that way. If you don’t mind, it’d be better if you don’t ask her anything about him.”

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