Page 35 of A Man After Midnight

Aldy placed a kiss of her cheek. “Call me when you get in. Let me know you’re home safe.”

Caroline nodded. “I promise.”

It was sad watching her friend go and she waited until Aldy was out of sight before climbing back into the waiting car next to Wren. The taxi sped to the next terminal where it braked quickly. The driver jumped out and hurried to the trunk to take out her luggage.

As Wren paid the driver, Caroline noticed the bruising on his knuckles. The reminder of her close encounter sent a shiver down her back. He picked up her luggage and they moved inside. With the automatic check in kiosks Caroline had her boarding pass in a matter of minutes. She eyed the short line at the airport inspection gate before turning to face Wren. His eyes reflected the sea of people around him, a washed out moss color of control.

“I’m sorry about Gil,” he said. “I’m having an investigator research his background to see if there are any other potential victims out there.”

The thought made her stomach clench. “You think there could be other women?”

“How could there not be?” he asked wryly. “The man has no respect for women and no respect for his position within the company.”

“What will you do if you find any other women?”

“Urge them to come forward and make sure he serves the maximum punishment allowed by law.” Wren shrugged. “At the very least, give them comfort he’s been brought to justice.”

“Thank you,” Caroline said. “For all you did. For all you’ve done.”

He brushed the hair at her temple. “I’m glad I was there. However you got there, I’m glad you were in my life, Caroline Grace.”

He bent and brushed his mouth against hers, lingering for an all-too-brief moment. A lump rose in her throat and she had to fight hard to keep the tears at bay.

When he straightened, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a business card. He held it out to her. “My numbers. I leave for Paris in a week.”

She hesitated, but before she could think things over she grabbed it and stuffed it in her purse. He took her hand and squeezed it tight.

“Call me,” he said, quietly.

With one last look, she pulled her hand away and stepped into the inspection line, which thankfully was moving quickly. She deliberately did not look back until she had gone through the detectors. But when she finally turned around, Wren was nowhere to be seen.

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