The Finding

  Kellen inhaled deeply and straightened his shoulders. Okay. Yelling and verbal threats. He could handle that.

  Hugh grunted. “Your turn.”

  “Thanks.” Kellen nodded as he walked past, but Hugh didn’t respond which wasn’t surprising. Stepping into the office, he looked around briefly before settling his gaze on the man who was walking around the desk. The fellow was breathing deeply, as if trying to calm himself down, which Kellen supposed he was. Yelling that loudly would tend to work a body up.

  Running his hands through his hair, the man eased down into his chair and negligently waved a hand at him.

  “Mr. Anderson, I’m Eddie Perini. Please, take a seat.”

  Slowly, Kellen walked towards the chair indicated and sat down, not sure what to expect. The man before him didn’t look like a mobster. He was average size, had dull brown hair, wore a rumpled shirt, and needed a shave. In fact it was hard to believe this mild mannered man was the person who’d been yelling just a minute ago.

  “Forgive the unpleasantness you overheard just now. Frank—the man who was here before you—just needed a pep talk to keep him motivated.” Eddie chuckled and looked pleased with himself.

  Kellen nodded and eyed Eddie warily.

  “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve brought you here.”

  “The thought did cross my mind.” Kellen shifted in his seat, not at all sure what the protocol for this situation might be and not trusting the calm facade the man was presenting.

  Eddie Perini smiled slightly. “I’m sure it did. You owe us quite a large sum, Mr. Anderson.”

  Kellen winced and licked his lips nervously before replying. “I know. The first payment is due tomorrow.” There was no point in denying the truth. It might make the fellow angry and he’d prefer to remain on the man’s good side. After all, Eddie did control the blond gorilla in the hallway known as Hugh.

  “And will you be able to make the required payment?”

  “Well...” Kellen hesitated.

  The man raised his brows. “As I suspected.” He steepled his fingers and peered at Kellen for a moment before speaking. “Mr. Anderson, I’m not a violent man. I’m a business man. I lend money for a fee and then await payment. When payment is made on time, I’m happy and my boss is happy. When payments are late... Well, it causes distress.”

  Not sure what to say, Kellen gave a slight nod. Eddie continued.

  “Normally, I believe in giving my clients the benefit of the doubt. Most people are honest and try to pay me back as soon as possible, but not everyone has the same philosophy as me. My boss for example. He is...displeased...with the rate of return we are getting on our investments. As you just heard with Frank, I’ve upped my usual level of incentives. However, Leon—my boss—doesn’t feel that is sufficient. He wants me to make an example of someone.”

  “An example?” Kellen didn’t like the turn this conversation seemed to be taking. He’d watched enough movies to know that ‘examples’ could have their legs broken, fingers removed, or even be killed. A cold sweat broke out on his body. Bravery was never one of the qualities he’d claimed to have. Whenever possible he avoided unpleasantness. This couldn’t be happening to him!

  “Correct. It upsets me to tell you this, but... you’ve been chosen as the example.”

  “Me?” Kellen gripped the arms of the chair, his stomach feeling as if it had dropped to the floor.

  “Yes, unfortunately yours is the name that was picked.”

  “But...but...the first payment isn’t even due until tomorrow!” Kellen leaned forward, pleading his case. Even as he spoke, there was a buzzing sound in his ears and the room seemed to grow darker. There wasn’t enough air either. He hoped he wouldn’t pass out.

  “Technically, it’s already tomorrow, but let’s not split hairs. I have a proposal for you. If you can make your payment on time, I’d have no reason to use you as my example. Instead, I could report to my boss that the mere threat was enough to bring you to heel.”

  “All right. I can do that.” Kellen swallowed dryly and nodded in agreement, not sure how he’d make the payment, but willing to promise anything. The darkness that had been encroaching on his vision started to fade and the tightness in his chest eased.

  “I was hoping you’d say that. As you might have guessed, I’m a civilized man. Carrying out my boss’s instructions with respect to this matter has little appeal to me, but I will if necessary. Might I ask how you plan to get the needed funds?”

  “Um...” He wracked his brain. “A friend of mine. She has a lot of money.”

  “And this friend is willing to lend you money now, but she wouldn’t earlier on?”

  Kellen nodded vaguely thinking that his head must be going up and down like one of those bobble-headed ornaments on the dash board of a car. “I didn’t want to bother her.”

  He prayed Sandy would come through for him one last time even though she’d said she wouldn’t bail him out again. She’d threatened that before, but always caved in if he begged hard enough. Hopefully she had sufficient savings in her bank account... Wait. She was an heiress. Of course she’d have enough money!

  A wave of relief washed over him. Why was he worrying? He relaxed his tense muscles, a slight smile forming on his lips. Standing up, he cocked his head to the side and raised a brow, feeling more confident than he had just a moment ago. “Can I go now?”

  “Of course.” Eddie eyed him with a curious expression. “And Mr. Anderson? I’ll be sending Hugh to your house around noon.”

  Kellen started to nod, but then stopped himself. Reaching back, he grasped the door knob. “Sure. That won’t be a problem.”

  “Good. Could you ask Hugh to come in as you leave?”

  Kellen gave Eddie Perini a quick salute and exited the room. As he walked down the hallway, he paused near the poster that claimed Sandy was an heiress. Checking over his shoulder to ensure that Hugh was in the office, he ripped the paper from the wall and shoved it in his pocket. He suppressed the desire to whistle as he ambled down the narrow stairway. Lady luck was on his side again!

  *****

  Hugh leaned against the doorway and observed his ‘boss.’ The man was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  “That was a good performance, wasn’t it Hugh?” Eddie leaned back in his chair and propped his feet on the desk. “Anderson really believed I was some big crime lord. The way I yelled at poor Frank and then was so overly polite with him. And I loved the way I said ‘late payments cause...distress’ in that cool, detached way. Anderson will be running home and finding some cash, I’m sure of it.”

  Grunting, Hugh sat down not nearly as gleeful as Eddie. He’d overheard the whole conversation and Anderson had seemed too certain he could find the needed money in time. Something was off about that; further investigating was definitely in order. “Perhaps. But what if he doesn’t?”

  Eddie dropped his feet to the floor, his expression sobering. “For his sake I hope he manages. Aldrich really wants results; greedy old bastard.”

  Ignoring the latter comment, Hugh gave an update on Anderson, unsolicited though it was. “I’ve checked out Anderson. He lives with a girl and they both work at a grocery store; both low income jobs. They rent a small house, but Anderson does own a motorcycle. It’s old, but some might call it a classic, though you’d need to find the right buyer.” He shrugged. “If you want money from him, the best bet is to go after the girl. She leaves for work pretty early in the morning; usually no one’s around. I can grab her easily. Anderson will find a way to cough up some money for her sake.”

  Eddie rubbed his chin. “No. Hold off on that. He said his friend has some money. Let’s give the guy a chance. If Anderson doesn’t come through with a substantial payment tomorrow, we can still try Aldrich’s way. No harm done in waiting. Aldrich isn’t here. He has no idea what’s really going on.”

  Hugh stared at Eddie thoughtfully. “Sure, you’re the boss.” He managed to keep his voice neutral.

  Ed
die burped loudly and grimaced. “This sort of stuff is bad for my digestion. I’m heading home. Can you lock up?” Hugh nodded and Eddie grabbed his jacket, swinging it over his shoulder as if he hadn’t a care in the world. He didn’t even bother to lock the filing cabinets.

  Such negligence could prove deadly in this business, Hugh thought as he stared around the tired room. The decor reflected Eddie’s careless attitude. Worn furniture, papers strewn about, file drawers left partially open. Giving a derisive smile, he went to the small window and pulled the blind slightly aside so he could see the dimly lit alley below. After a few minutes a door opened and a shadowy figure stepped out. A security light briefly illuminated the individual and revealed that Eddie was heading for his car.

  Satisfied that he was alone, Hugh let the blind fall back into place and wandered over to the filing cabinet. He pulled a drawer open and began rifling through, pausing every now and then to read a bit here and there.

  Nate Graham had hired him to get inside Dollar Niche and find out how the business operated. Hugh wasn’t too sure why Graham wanted the information, but he was getting paid and that was what mattered. Well, that and the fact that he might get to beat somebody up. That was an added bonus.

  Hugh knew some might question his ethics; working for two different employers, being paid to spy on one of them. He shrugged. Such minor details didn’t bother him. It was a cut throat world and he was available to the highest bidder, plain and simple. Sure he was clever enough to ‘make something of himself’ as his granny used to say, but using his brain had never appealed that much. It was the darker side of life that drew him.

  He copied a few pages to give to Nate and shoved them in his pocket. He’d drop them off then cruise by Anderson’s place again. There was something strange about that setup and he wanted to know what it was.

  *****

  Bryan shivered and bit back a sneeze. It had been drizzling for almost an hour now. Vegas wasn’t known for its rainfall, but given his luck, he wasn’t surprised that it was happening tonight when he was sleeping outside. Between the dampness and the cool night temperatures he was miserable.

  The local vegetation provided minimal shelter. Cassandra’s yard was a typical desert garden with cacti and... He frowned up at the plant he was huddled near wondering what it was called. An agave? Or maybe a yucca? Whatever it was, he’d give almost anything for a good old broad leaf maple that would keep the water from dripping on his head.

  Feeling sorry for himself, he rested his chin on his paws and kept one eye on the house, the other on the road. It had been a quiet night; just a few vehicles passing by. No one had approached the house, not even this Kellen character she lived with.

  Bryan’s wolf snorted. What type of male leaves his female alone all night? It’s obvious he doesn’t care. Once she is ours, such a situation will never occur.

  She isn’t ours, buddy. Bryan felt it necessary to remind the animal within of that important point. Sure, Cassandra is a lovely little bundle, but that doesn’t mean anything. There are lots of women in Las Vegas. Remember the one at the car rental? He paused expectantly, but his wolf wasn’t impressed and retreated to mope.

  Grimacing, he conceded the animal had a point. Cassandra was much more alluring than the redhead. An image of her pressed flush to his body popped into his head and he was sure he could smell her heady scent, feel her warmth, taste her... His body stirred in response to his mental imagery and Bryan had the distinct impression that his wolf was smirking.

  Sighing at the contrary creature, Bryan lifted an eyebrow and watched with casual interest as a white van come down the street. It slowed as it approached and he raised his head to watch more closely. This van, or a similar one, had been by before. He squinted trying to see the driver, but could only make out a silhouetted figure. Sitting up completely, he tested the air for a scent. It was vaguely familiar... Hadn’t he detected it around the house when he returned after eating? He’d assumed a friend or neighbour had stopped by, but this wasn’t the usual time for social calls.

  When the van came to a complete stop, he got to his feet, ready for action if need be. He sensed the driver was hesitating, wondering if he should stay in the vehicle or get out and take a closer look at the house.

  Just as the van’s door began to creak open, a figure appeared strolling down the sidewalk. Someone was out walking their dog in the rain! Bryan scowled, but stepped back and shifted into his human self. While his wolf form was better for sneaking up on the individual in the van, it would attract the dog’s attention more. He pressed himself back into the shadows and watched.

  Whoever was in the van, noticed the dog-walker as well, for the door slammed shut and the van started. It pulled away sedately, and Bryan narrowed his eyes. Whoever was driving knew how not to attract attention.

  Stepping out of his hiding place, he quickly walked to the road, trying to catch a glimpse of the license plate, but the van was already turning the corner. Hmm...wasn’t it the same van he’d seen in the grocery store parking lot the previous day? If so, he already had the plates committed to memory. Now he just needed time to send them to Daniel to be traced. He cursed himself for not taking care of that little job earlier.

  Questions bounced about in his brain. Why was this guy watching Cassandra Greyson? He’d been observing her at work and then snooping around the house earlier this evening. Was the man a stalker or a rejected boyfriend? Or was there some other reason for his interest? A frustrated growl sounded low in Bryan’s throat. No one had the right to be watching Cassandra except himself! He turned abruptly, intending to return to his hiding place and resume his guard duties.

  “Hello!” A voice—elderly and female—called out and Bryan swivelled his head towards it. Mrs. Mitchell, the elderly lady from the grocery store was approaching, with an overweight dachshund trotting beside her.

  “Mrs. Mitchell, nice to see you again.” He nodded and tried to look casual, as if he belonged in the neighbourhood.

  She beamed up at him. “You like walks in the rain, too, I see.”

  He opened his mouth to answer, but she continued on without waiting for a reply.

  “We don’t get much rain so when we have the chance, Netty and I head out, no matter what time it might be.”

  Bryan glanced at the fat dog that he assumed was Netty. It didn’t appear to be enjoying the rain at all. Instead it was staring woefully at him, its eyes begging for an appeal from the damp, early morning outing.

  “I know how you feel.” He muttered under his breath as he wiped a raindrop from his eye, then pulled at the damp shirt that stuck to his chest.

  Mrs. Mitchell didn’t seem to notice. “You must have just moved here. I know all the neighbours. You’re in the Thompson’s old house, I bet!” She patted his arm and nodded towards Cassandra’s house. “That’s where Sandy lives. You remember her, the girl from the grocery store? You’re almost next door neighbours now. If I were you, I’d take lots of walks down this street. You might bump into her and I think you might be just what she needs.”

  The older woman glanced towards the horizon. “The sun will be rising soon. It’s going to be a beautiful day, you know. The desert always blooms after a rain. Well, we’d better be on our way. Come along, Netty. I’m sure I’ll see you around, Mr... Er... What was your name again?”

  “Bryan.”

  “Mr. Bryan. Of course. I’ll have to try to remember that.” She smiled at him then jiggled Netty’s leash and headed on her way.

  He shook his head as he watched her disappear around the corner. Strange woman, he thought. There was something off about her, though. Was it just old age or...? Cocking his head to the side, he considered their exchange. She hadn’t told any lies, he was sure of it—humans gave off a number of signals when they were being deceptive—but she hadn’t been completely honest either. Pursing his lips he considered the situation, then decided to forget about it. Mrs. Mitchell was an interesting old lady, but in the grand scheme of things, h
ad little impact on him and his dealings with Cassandra.

  Using his sleeve to wipe the rain from his face, he glanced down and frowned at the damp material that clung to his body. Going back to the motel and changing sounded eminently appealing, but even as the idea came to him, a light flicked on inside the house. Cassandra was awake. Hmm... He couldn’t just stand around on the sidewalk, staring at the house. One of the neighbours might notice. Perhaps, he’d just wait beside her house. When she came out, he’d walk up to her casually and introduce himself.

  *****

  Cassie awoke to a vague feeling of discomfort in her neck and back. Gingerly she stretched and tried to roll over, moaning as pain shot through her body. She grimaced, and opened her eyes, slowly coming to realize that she was in the living room. No wonder she was stiff, she’d spent the night sleeping on the couch.

  She yawned and stood up, more aches and pains making themselves known. Glancing at her watch, she saw that it was still early, barely five-thirty. A faint brightness was just appearing in the sky outside her window. Stumbling into the kitchen she prepared the coffee maker, then made her way to the bathroom, functioning on autopilot.

  It wasn’t until she’d stood under the hot shower spray for a few minutes that her brain suddenly registered the fact that she’d been waiting up for Kellen. Had he come home last night? Scrunching up her brow, she tried to recall if she’d heard him or not, but her mind was a blank. She’d slept soundly last night, which was strange given her uncomfortable location. For some reason a feeling of security had wrapped itself around her, as if all was right with the world and a guardian angel was watching over her. A foolish idea though. No doubt, she’d finally been overtaken by sheer exhaustion. Thankfully, it appeared the animal inside her had slept too.

  Quickly, she finished her morning ablutions, wrapped herself in her bathrobe, and hurried down the hall in search of Kellen. They really needed to talk. She stood outside his bedroom, listening intently for a moment, but heard nothing. Giving the door a soft knock, she called his name and turned the handle. A peek inside showed her that his bed hadn’t been slept in and his work uniform was still lying on the chair beside his bed.