The Movie Star and the Spy (The Secret Billionaires #5)

Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

C heyenne had promised to enjoy the rest of the vacation, but she never imagined she’d fulfill her pledge to such an extent. The time on the island was like a dream, filled with pleasurable days and romantic nights. They hiked through the gorgeous flora and fauna, swam in lakes and creeks and made love under the twinkling stars. They spent time indoors and out, talking about anything and everything. She barely managed to keep her identity hidden through their hours-long discussions, and may very well have unwittingly slipped. Whether he had any inkling of the truth, she didn’t know.

Like in a dream, time flew quickly. She kept meaning to tell him they’d return to a platonic relationship once they rejoined society, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to do it. She’d do it when they returned, because then it would be easy to go back to pretending nothing romantic existed between them. She’d give herself this week and end it when they got back. Nice and easy.

Only not so much.

The day of the ship’s return came. There was no fanfare, no event of rescuing long-lost castaways, but a calm arrival as if they’d simply been scheduled to come back (which obviously had been the case). When they finally embarked on the trip back, the crew looked at her curiously when she talked about the lack of communication. They mentioned Julian’s dozen or so satellite phones, his two boats, but the mischievous actor only smiled widely when she glared. Still, she couldn’t stay mad at him, not when it had been so perfect. Nor could she maintain her anger when they returned home. He was just too good, too kind, too wonderful.

As for that breaking up she planned to do…

That part didn’t exactly happen. No matter how much she tried (okay, she didn’t try that hard) she couldn’t stay away from him. She didn’t want to, and realistically it would’ve been difficult even if she had. She was still his personal assistant, at least for a few more weeks, and Julian found constant tasks to keep her close. He must have given a vacation to every single employee for all the jobs he assigned her.

The case wasn’t just progressing slowly – it had come to a complete and utter halt. None of the leads panned out, and finally only a week remained. A miraculous break was her only chance, so she was back to wearing her badge and gun during the day. She tried to stay positive, especially since many of the offers were made at the last minute, presumably so castmates didn’t wonder what happened to the missing women.

Of course, there was the matter of their last date. A romantic picnic under the stars at a private beach, it reminded Cheyenne of her forced yet pleasurable vacation. Afterwards, they made love to the sound of the waves.

When she left (the next morning) from their (alleged) last date, Julian mentioned how their agreed-upon last date was only supposed to last a few hours. Because this one continued all night until the next morning, he asserted it didn’t qualify as their last date. Somehow that made a lot of sense to her at the time (probably because he was naked), so she agreed to another date. The next date also ended the next morning, so it was decided that they should go on another. Four dates later, Cheyenne gave up the pretense and agreed to go out with him… for the duration of the production. He flatly refused the time limit, but she would save the arguing for later. She’d be leaving soon, and if he ever discovered her identity, no doubt he’d end it himself. It was astounding she’d kept her secret for so long.

It was the last week of filming, her last chance to catch the criminal and her last moments with Julian. Both thoughts were disturbing, with only the first capable of providing a happy ending. She had all but given up hope the criminal would approach her. Despite her portraying the perfect personality for the criminal, her position as Julian’s assistant had become too all-encompassing. It was unlikely the criminal would single her out when he had so many anonymous women from which to choose.

But all hope was not lost. There was still a chance he would choose one of the other women. If she could figure out who, she could track down the middleman and find her way to the mastermind. Then her mission would be fulfilled, her quest complete, and she would leave.

Successful or not, she had to leave.

As she neared the inescapable separation from Julian, her feelings crystalized into perfect clarity, no matter how she tried to deny them. This was no short-term fling borne of simple lust, no mere attraction. Her emotions were too strong, too encompassing, too passionate. There was no mistaking it:

Love.

Her heart knew the truth. She loved Julian Starcroft with all the emotions and feelings and fantasies that came with it. She was in love with him. But it didn’t – couldn’t – matter. Not because of her career, for a love that strong, she would give up her undercover work. Yet could a successful actor commit to a long-term relationship? A normal man faced temptation, but Julian kissed beautiful women, pretended to make love to them. He had countless fans begging for a moment’s attention. In the past, there had been a man with the same temptations, a man who had given up the woman he’d claimed to love, along with his only child. How could Cheyenne give her heart to an actor only to have him shatter it? In her line of work, few things scared her.

Losing him after sacrificing all terrified her.

Yet was it fair to judge him against another, a man who even now claimed he’d changed? And if one man could change, could Julian be different than she assumed? Perhaps it was time to confront the past. Thus when the phone rang that next time, with the caller she always and never expected, she didn’t wait for the third call, or even the second. She answered it immediately.

At first there was silence. “You answered right away.”

“Yes.”

“Does this mean you’ve changed your mind?” The voice was tentative, hopeful.

“No. Yes. Maybe.” Focus. “How about that cup of coffee?”

A moment’s hesitation, then a rushed response. “I would like nothing more. How about tonight?”

A whisper of anticipation flew through her. But she was a strong woman, a woman who controlled her life. No delay was necessary. “That’s fine.”

“Okay, then.” He rattled off the address swiftly, as if a second’s breath would give her room to change her mind, then hung up. It was set.

The day flew by in a daze of personal assisting and chasing leads, and for once, Julian Starcroft wasn’t at its forefront. His filming schedule was heavy, and they barely saw each other as she conducted her investigation. After work, Cheyenne drove home and busied herself with mindless paperwork, before preparing for the evening. She donned a conservative black pencil skirt and navy blouse, then pulled her hair into a severe French twist. Nerves begot restlessness, and she left early, arriving at the restaurant half an hour before they were scheduled to meet.

He was already there.

His visage was clear through the window of the small café, the same profile seen in countless websites, articles and social media sites through the decades. Memories resurfaced, the recent Internet searches, the magazines she’d leafed through as a teen, the newspapers she’d peeked at as a child on the grocery checkout line, while her mother carefully handed coupons to the cashier. He was a movie poster come to life, with the same rugged handsomeness, formidable power and imposing aura, even a few years after his prime. Thick blond hair and a well-built body still drew attention, and the confidence of a man who amassed millions of fans. Yet his eyes, startlingly green, comprised his most striking feature.

They were identical to hers.

He wielded a charisma that defined his runaway success. She’d seen his image on the Internet so many times, yet not once in real life, at least that she could recall. Endless emotion rose, far too many to characterize or even define. Then… he saw her.

His expression lit, not slightly, but with joy so poignant it seemed impossible to fake, even from one of the world’s leading actors. He stood so quick the chair rattled to the floor with a crash, but he paid it no attention as he strode to the door and pushed it open, a welcome – no, an invitation. She sucked in a deep breath and entered.

“Dad.” The word came without conscious thought, without planning. The word she never thought she’d utter.

If possible, even more happiness shone in his gleaming eyes. “Do you know what it means to have you call me that, after all these years?”

Like a swimmer about to plunge over the waterfall’s edge, she quickly backtracked. “I’m sorry, it just came out. I didn’t mean… I’m not ready, Mr. Sanders.” She shook her head so quickly it pained her neck.

“I understand.” He said it quickly, his gaze warm and understanding. “Charles, then?”

“Charles is fine,” Cheyenne whispered gratefully. He stood perfectly still, beaming like a child who’d just unwrapped a shiny new ten-speed on their birthday. The strangest urge to run into his arms beckoned, as she’d longed to do a thousand times as a little girl, but she held back. Finally, she forced a few steps forward and awkwardly stuck out her hand.

He grasped it with both of his. “Thank you so much for coming. I realize how difficult this is.”

She nodded curtly, forced herself to meet his gaze. “Years ago, I would’ve given anything for this moment.”

“I know.” The words were heavy with sorrow and regret. “I waited far too long, and for that I am sorrier than I can ever express. I’m hoping you’ll let me make it up to you in some small way.”

Any and all responses caught in her throat. Instead she simply nodded and took the seat he offered, oddly bereft when he removed his hands. Two already filled mugs sat on the table, with a carafe of coffee between them. An assortment of muffins and sweet cheese pastries filled generous plates, garnished with fresh grapes and berries.

“I… um… I…” When had she lost the ability to speak? She gripped the mug so hard, her hands burned, yet she couldn’t move. She had dreamed of this meeting so many times, yet all the words disappeared from the world.

“I should start.” He reached for her, stopped and instead gripped his own coffee. “I won’t insult you with excuses. There’s no justification for a father to leave his daughter, nothing that could ever make up for years of missed time. I was selfish and foolish, a kid who didn’t know what to do with his sudden fame, and I made the worst decision of my life. I thought I had it all. I never realized I was giving it all away.”

The mug crackled in her hand, and she loosened her grip. “You may have been a kid when you left, but what about five years later? Ten years? Fifteen?”

“I’m so sorry.” Charles tapped his fingers in a repetitive pattern. “I planned to fix it so many times. I just didn’t know how, and suddenly half a lifetime had passed. I squandered so many years, and then it was too late. I was certain you’d reject me.”

“You rejected me!” Cheyenne hissed. “You’re the one who walked away. I would’ve welcomed you back for so many years, forgiven you if you’d only returned. All I wanted was a… a…” Breathe. “All I wanted was a dad.”

“I realize that now.” Charles ducked his head. “Things change when you get to my age, people change. You see things about yourself, things you don’t like. Decisions you’d give anything to undo. I took too long, but there’s no going back. All I can do is promise I have changed. I’ve tried to show you by not giving up when you pushed me away these past months. I’ll take whatever you can give me. If it’s a cup of coffee once a year, I’ll be over the moon. If you have room in that hectic life of yours, which you’ve dedicated to helping others, then I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give. If you let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving I can be the father you deserve.”

“And then what?” she whispered as the world turned blurry with liquid pain. “Once you prove you’re a great father, you’ll disappear again?”

“No.” His complexion paled, as he took a shuddering breath. Gone was the famous movie star, the poised thespian who played hero on millions of screens. He was simply a man, with decades of regret carving the grooves of his face. “You may not be a little girl anymore, but I realize how leaving hurt you then, just as leaving again would hurt you now, even more in some ways. I can make a dozen promises, swear on everything I own, but you won’t believe it until I show you. That’s all I’m asking for – the chance to prove it.”

That’s all? It was asking for the moon and stars and everything in between. Decades of hurt pierced her chest like a knife through her lungs. “Why should I give you the chance to hurt me again?”

“Because I’m hoping deep down you still want a father. Not the father I was, but the father I could be.” He reached out, but stopped short of her fingers. She would have to take that step. “Please, Cheyenne.”

Damn it, but he was right. “You don’t know what you’re asking,” she whispered. “You don’t realize how much your leaving hurt me. Even now, it sabotages my relationships.”

“Your relationship with Julian Starcroft?”

Cheyenne gasped. “How did you…”

He held up his hand. “Don’t worry, your cover is safe. You must know I’m friends with Julian. He confided about his new and interesting relationship, although with no names. But his description of you and your strange behavior got me thinking, and I wondered if it could be some sort of coincidence. Of course, the news segment about Julian Starcroft and his new assistant clinched it.”

Cheyenne gritted her teeth.

“Don’t worry. He doesn’t know the truth, and I wouldn’t jeopardize whatever mission you’re on by telling him. But, Cheyenne, Julian is nothing like me. You can’t compare him to the man I was.”

Though she’d reached the same conclusion, she shrugged. “He’s a rich, famous movie star who can have any woman in the world. Men like you face the same temptations.”

“Money didn’t make me leave you, and neither did fame. It was foolishness, plain and simple, a trait Julian Starcroft doesn’t share. The tabloids may make him out to be a ladies’ man, but he’s a gentleman. Do you know you’re the first woman he’s ever mentioned as more than a casual fling?”

Cheyenn’s heart stumbled. “Really?”

“Really.” He nodded firmly. “He’s been in relationships before, but never like this. Please don’t give up something remarkable. I wish I hadn’t.” His frown was sorrowful and deep, borne of a lifetime of regret. Was he sincere? Had he actually changed?

Was she giving up Julian because of him?

There was so much to think about, so much to consider. She couldn’t do it now, not here, with her father watching her. “I have to go.” She shot up, grabbing her purse. The food remained beautiful and untouched on the table, as she stepped back from the past she still couldn’t face.

He stood up, too, but slower, and for a second Hollywood’s ageless man seemed a thousand years old. “I understand.”

Cheyenne pivoted to the door. She didn’t even remember walking, yet she reached it in seconds. But suddenly she halted. “I just need time to think about everything.”

He responded in the next breath, “I’ll take it.” Something burned in his reply, something powerful and strong. Something she shared: Hope.

She couldn’t commit to any decisions now, not with the mission at a crux. For now, she would focus on her work, the reason she infiltrated the studio in the first place. She would journey the path she had set, finish her mission and then leave, all the while fighting to keep her secret intact.

And hoping she would somehow get over losing the love of her life.

Cheyenne arrived early on one of the last filming days and the final opportunity to solve the case. She stood in the middle of the bustling set, surrounded by dozens of actors, crew members and professionals, all blissfully unaware the set could soon become a crime scene. In her world, two men played center stage – the man who’d returned after so long and the man she would soon leave.

“Preparing for a life-changing confession?”

She jumped at the deep voice behind her. She turned, swiftly glanced left and right and relaxed. No one was close enough to hear. Although Julian often asked about her secrets, he did so discreetly, and others didn’t suspect. As for him…

He was closing in on her.

She fought to stay casual. “Actually, I do have a confession to make. You’re way too self-assured for your own good.”

“Oh yeah?” He shifted closer, hopefully not enough that anyone would notice. “You’re just saying that because you can’t resist me.”

“I can resist you.” she claimed boldly. She was about to prove it (or at least attempt) when Zachary suddenly appeared next to them. The movie star’s eyes were uncharacteristically grim, his mouth set in a thin line.

Julian took one look at his friend and frowned. “Is everything okay, buddy?”

A quick headshake said no. “Has Jess been around? I haven’t seen her all day.”

Julian grinned and clapped his friend on the back. “It’s only 10 a.m. I know you like her, but show a little dignity.”

“You don’t understand.” The seriousness of his voice broke through the haze of the morning. “She could be in trouble.”

Cheyenne’s policewoman instincts sharpened in an instant. “What makes you think that? Did something happen?”

“Yes… No… I don’t know.” Zachary raked a hand through his hair. “Can we go to your dressing room?” Julian nodded, gesturing the two ahead of him. When they were alone, Zachary grabbed a folded newspaper from his pocket and tossed it on the table. It was this morning’s edition, opened to the society section. They all read the three-inch headline, above a far larger picture.

“Whoa,” Julian exclaimed.

“Oh, Zachary.” Cheyenne cringed.

The picture showed Zachary locked in an intimate embrace with a beautiful blond with long legs, generous curves and a smile that proved she knew it. She clutched her prize with fire red nails.

Cheyenne frowned in recognition. “Doesn’t she play the vixen on that daytime soap?” The actor nodded miserably, and she tightened. This was why dating actors was no good. “I thought you had something special with Jess.”

“I do have something special with Jess.” Zachary growled. “It’s not how it looks.”

“Is it photoshopped?”

The action star studied the floor. “No,” he admitted. “That was me. But I was ambushed. That woman has been after me for years. When she saw me at a party last night, she ran up and grabbed me just as a reporter came. Just as Jess came.”

Cheyenne peered at the picture, tapping into forensics skills from years of training. The features of the picture rearranged themselves, the obvious becoming clear. She pointed. “I can see that now. If you look at your hand, you’re clearly pushing her away. And although she’s smiling, your expression is grim. Did Jess get the wrong idea?”

Zachary clenched his fists. “She thinks I’ve been leading her on this entire time, but she’s wrong. Since we started dating, there’s been no one else. I tried to explain, but she stormed out and now I can’t find her anywhere. No one knows where she is.”

“I’m sure she’ll show up.” Julian rubbed his friend’s shoulder. “And when she sees you, she’ll realize the truth.”

“I don’t–”

A knock sounded from the door. When Julian called to enter, a production assistant stuck his head in. “Hey guys! I’m glad you’re all together. The director wants everyone on set in ten minutes.”

The assistant turned to leave, but Zachary stopped him. “Did you already give the message to Jessica Cole, the body double?”

The assistant’s expression turned uncomfortable. “She gave notice this morning. Apparently, someone offered her a once-in-a-lifetime position. Since all her scenes had already been filmed, the director let her out early.”

There was silence as the man left, yet a thousand alarms shrieked stark warning. Jess had been upset. She had endured a public humiliation, which others, including the criminal, may have seen. She left for a once-in-a-lifetime position, just like the last victim in the case.

Just like all the victims.

It could be a coincidence. Jess was upset and might have used it as an excuse to leave after Zachary’s supposed betrayal. Or… the criminal had contacted her, given her a too-good-to-be-true offer. It would’ve been attractive in her vulnerable state, the opportunity to earn a great deal of money in a short time.

It was the first real lead in weeks. She immediately switched into investigator mode. “Zachary, has Jess been friendly with any of the other men? Has she talked to anyone in particular?”

Zachary frowned deeply. “I don’t think so. We both avoided doing anything that would make the other jealous.”

That’s what Zachary thought, but it didn’t mean Jess never talked to the criminal. Perhaps someone else had seen them. She pivoted to Julian. “I’m sorry, I have to go.” His gaze sharpened. How could she allay his suspicions without blowing her cover? “I’ll ask around, see if I can get any information. Someone might remember something.”

“That’s a good idea.” Zachary nodded. “I can help.”

“We should all go.” Julian stepped forward.

“No!” Both men stared at her vehement response, yet she didn’t have the time, or clearance, to explain. “I mean no, thank you. They may not tell you anything because of who you are, plus you intimidate most of them. It’s best if I go alone.”

They looked ready to argue, but then they exchanged glances and grimaced. “Take a few minutes to see what you can find,” Julian finally said. “We’ll see you after that.”

If the investigation proceeded as she hoped, she’d take far more than a few minutes. This could be the break in the case. She set out quickly, striding and then jogging to the set. She traveled from crewmember to crewmember, then actor to actor, yet no matter how many people she asked, the answer remained the same. No one saw Jess spend significant time with any of the guys except Zachary.

She relayed the news an hour later, while they were on a brief break. “I told you.” Zachary was confident, albeit clearly relieved, that his assertion had been validated. “There’s no other guy. If she wasn’t with me, she preferred to be talking to the girls. Besides you, she was close to Kate.”

“Right.” Cheyenne waved her hand. Then, the world halted.

Kate. The jealous extra with a thousand cruel remarks. The petty starlet who inserted herself into every conversation. The clawing woman Jess confided in.

Could Kate be the recruiter?

The seed of possibility germinated and blossomed, the evidence falling into place with a dozen resurfacing memories. Kate claimed to know men who were honest about what they wanted. She invited Jess to come and get one. What could be clearer than paying for services rendered?

None of the leads had panned out, but that’s because they’d been following the wrong ones. The department hadn’t researched women, and the criminals had covered their tracks by switching their M.O. It was time to follow the true lead. “I have to go.” Cheyenne pivoted toward the exit. “I just remembered an important errand I have to run.”

“What errand?” Julian caught up with her. “What’s so important you have to leave in the middle of filming? And what about Jess?”

She didn’t have time to formulate an excuse. “I’ll explain later. Please, Julian, I have to go.”

For a moment, he looked like he was going to argue, but then he released her arm. “Okay, fine. Call me later.”

Well, that was easy. Too easy, perhaps? Yet she didn’t have time to question him or her luck as she turned and dashed from the room. Time to catch a criminal.

Though she wanted to call the precinct right away, she waited until the privacy of her car. As soon as the door slammed shut, she dialed. “I need the address of Kate Jenkins, one of the extras on Spy Heat . I also need a full workup on her. Get as much information as you can – she may be the recruiter.”

They found the address right away, and Cheyenne adjusted her route appropriately. Since she was working on a hunch and not actual evidence, she turned down the offer of backup, but she promised to check in when she arrived. The drive was just under half an hour, taking her away from most of the suburbs and common residential areas. About halfway through, she pulled off the main thoroughfare onto a smaller road, then to a dirt road. They didn’t have too many of those in South Florida anymore – either Kate liked her privacy or she had a reason for choosing such a remote location.

Finally, Cheyenne approached an open gate and pulled into a long, tree-lined driveway. Perfectly manicured lawns led to a large Colonial home, resplendent with carved white columns and emerald vines of ivy. A small pond gleamed like a mirror, surrounded by roses and marigolds.

Kate must do a lot better than she did as an extra. Or she had a little extra work. Cheyenne shut off the ignition and climbed out of the car, careful to shut the door with silent slowness. She treaded through mulched paths and lily-scented air, her hand parked on her gun. Although it was hidden under her clothing, its presence was sturdy and reassuring.

Long rows of windows lined the stucco front, guarded by opaque lace curtains. She could break in, but if she was wrong about Kate, it could ruin her mission. Since the peril to Jess could be imminent, a stakeout was not an option. Cheyenne took the only remaining choice. She strode to the broad oak door and knocked on the heavy wood panels. Seconds later, the door opened.

“Jess?” Cheyenne stared. Not at the actress’ presence, which she’d expected, but at what she was wearing, or rather not wearing. Clothes, specifically, except for a red, see-through teddy.

“Destiny?” The shocked woman blinked, flushing over every inch of her exposed body. She tried to cover herself, to little success. “What are you doing here?”

“What are you doing here?” Cheyenne peered into the house behind the starlet, but the space appeared empty. “Are you alone?”

Jess’ flush deepened. “Yes, but I’m expecting someon–”

Before she could finish, Cheyenne ducked past her, slipping into the foyer. The inside was stark and chilled, with modern statues and blood red furniture. After a quick reconnaissance to ensure they were alone, she shut the door firmly behind them. “Why are you here? More importantly, why are you answering the door like that?”

The extra turned ashen. “I’m… I’m sorry.” She shuddered a breath, then lifted her head, her expression frightened but determined. “You have to go. Like I said, I’m expecting company.”

This was bad. If a client was on the way, she needed to get Jess out immediately. “Is this your new job?”

Jess gasped, giving confirmation to the obvious.

“It’s going to be all right.” Cheyenne maintained a low, calming voice. “I heard what happened with Zachary, although I believe you misinterpreted his actions. I need you to explain exactly what happened and who brought you here. Your life could depend on it.”

Jess’ eyes grew watery, and a tear escaped down her cheek. “I can’t… I just can’t…”

“Please. It’s the only way I can help you,” Cheyenne grasped frigid hands. “We’re out of time.”

Jess remained silent. When it seemed like she wouldn’t answer, she murmured in barely audible tones, “I never thought I’d do something like this. I didn’t even mean to say yes. I was just so upset about Zachary, and she said it could lead to other opportunities, roles where everyone would notice me.”

Yeah, right. The so-called opportunity would be the last she would ever have. “Where Zachary would notice you?” Cheyenne guessed.

Jess flushed. “I was in so much pain, I didn’t think about the consequences. For what it’s worth, I changed by mind, but she said it was too late. I already promised to do it.”

“It’s not too late.” At least not yet. “I need some information, then you’re going to the police station. You’re going to tell them everything.”

Jess blanched. “I can’t do that! They’ll arrest me.”

“No, they won’t,” Cheyenne promised. “You haven’t done anything wrong. They’ll protect you, but first I need to know who brought you here.”

Jess’ hands shook. “She said something bad would happen if I told anyone.”

“Forget what she said.” Cheyenne swiped the air. “She was just protecting herself. I already know who it is, but I need confirmation. Tell me, and I’ll ensure your safety.”

“It was…” A deep breath. “Kate.”

Cheyenne closed and opened her eyes, amidst endless tangled emotions: Relief and satisfaction instincts were correct and yet stark concern. “You said you were expecting someone. Is it her?”

“No.” Jess hugged herself. “It’s the… the client. Kate didn’t tell me when she’d be back. The man is supposed to take me somewhere safe when we’re done.”

Cold dread elicited a silent shiver. Jess would never be safe again. Instead she’d be brought to where the other girls were being held until it was time for the next client, and then the next and the next. There’d be no more real roles, great or otherwise. “When do you expect him?”

“Any minute.”

“Then we haven’t a second to spare. Here’s what we’re going to do…”

Jess listened as Cheyenne explained the plan. Less than five minutes later, Jess was barreling out the door toward the backyard, where her car was parked. She was no longer dressed in the teddy, but something far more practical: the clothing Cheyenne had arrived in. Apparently Kate had taken Jess’ clothing, to stop her from changing her mind, no doubt.

Cheyenne grimaced at the reflection in the mirror. If Jess looked like a wispy waif in the tiny red teddy, she played sultry siren. The outfit was tight, barely containing her breasts behind a thin veil of scarlet. The matching sheer thong was little more than a tiny triangle, tantalizing more than it hid. She looked ripe and sexy and more than willing. The only thing not on display was her gun. As much as she desired it, there was no hiding place in an outfit you could literally see through. She placed the weapon in a decorative canister, where she could easily reach it if necessary.

Hopefully it wouldn’t be.

As soon as Jess drove away, Cheyenne grabbed her cell phone. She needed to tell the captain her plan and initiate a search for Kate, who may already be fleeing the area. She would also request backup for the increasingly dangerous situation. She was dressed for the role in the infinitesimal lingerie, but she wasn’t planning on fulfilling it. Hopefully she could convince the client to share names while avoiding a full performance.

She needed that backup now. She dialed the first number, was reaching for the second when a scraping noise sounded from the front door. She turned just in time to see the knob turn.

The door started to open.