Page 27 of The Shadow

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“No, I didn’t, and we’re done talking about it.”

“Hey, just got off an interesting call with Connor Blake.” Jimmy gives me a funny look.

“Oh yeah? What about?”

“He was clearly flustered, said that there’s been another threat and this time it’s serious. He wants around-the-clock coverage now, at his office, house, everywhere. Doesn’t care what it costs.”

“New threat—what happened?” I sit up, genuinely curious if Jimmy and I were both dead wrong with this case.

“He said someone sent photos of himself to him from a long lens camera.”

“Did you see the photos? Is it a credible threat?”

“No and not sure until we see the photos. He said he had no idea who sent them but he knows it’s from someone his wife knows. Don’t ask me how he knows, he just knows. So anyway, he specifically requested that you be his bodyguard for the foreseeable future.”

Now it makes sense.

“He asked for me by name?”

“Yeah. why?” he asks, confused.

I expected some sort of retaliation once he found out that I’m the boyfriend so I’m not too surprised by his request. It’s the easiest and probably cheapest way to get me away from Aspen.

“No reason. I’ll go talk to him and assess the validity of the threat and photos.”

I swing across town, not bothering to give him a courtesy call before walking into his office.

“Excuse me, sir. You can’t go in there; he’s on a call!” Natalie attempts to run after me, hobbling on her stilettos. I ignore her, pushing the door open to Connor’s office.

“What the—?” He stands up, his phone pressed to his ear as the door swings open. Natalie appears behind me.

“I’m sorry, sir, he wouldn’t listen.”

“Yeah, everything’s fine. Listen, Rodger, I’ll have to call you back.” He tosses his phone onto his desk, his eyes darting to Natalie behind me.

“Thanks, Natalie.” He smiles. “I’ll handle it from here.” The second she closes the door behind us, his smile fades.

“I guess you know my name after all.” He stares me down, an intimidating tactic I’m sure he uses on others but it won’t do shit here. “So, you asked for me, wanted me to be your shadow, so here I am.” I sit down in one of the chairs opposite his desk.

“Look, Harvey.” He perches on the edge of his desk, another tactic meant to make his victims feel at ease, like they can trust him. “I’m sure this isn’t your usual protocol, how you go about being someone’s hired gun, bu?—”

“I’m not your hired gun. I was hired to protect you. I’m not your employee and I’m not at your beck and call. I came here to talk to you about the new threat, to see the photos. Then Jimmy and I will assess whether we feel you need around-the-clock protection.”

He’s shit at hiding his emotions. His face grows red with anger as he shoots off his desk. He walks toward me, looking down at me with disgust.

“I’m the one who makes the calls. You are the help. I told him that money isn’t an object so if I want the protection, you’re going to give it to me or I will make damn sure this is the last job your pathetic little firm takes.”

When I stand up, it’s as if he’s forgotten just how much larger I am than him. Attempting to square his shoulders, he puffs his chest out and it’s almost laughable.

“Okay, Mr. Blake.” I smile down at him. “You’re right. You want protection twenty-four seven, someone always watching you, in the shadows, taking note of everything you say and do, everyone who you talk to and interact with… we at Four Forces can provide that.” His eyes dart back and forth nervously, his jaw clenching tighter as he tries to remain stoic. I reach out my hand to clutch his shoulder, leaning down to look him even closer in the eyes. “And don’t worry. Even if I see something I shouldn’t or maybe find out about some illegal activity that you or your company might be involved in”—my smile spreads wide—“you can trust me.” I give his arm a playful squeeze. “Sorry for the interruption. I’ll let you get back to your day.”

“Start tomorrow,” he says without looking at me as I head toward his office door.

Chapter 11

Aspen

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