Page 6 of Deadly Peril

Cooper leaned back in the chair and glanced at the photo on his desk. It was a picture of him with Sara and her daughter Amy.

“Is she doing okay?”

Some of the guys had hooked up, even married. Cooper hadn’t married yet, but he’d been out of the service for over five years. The way the story went, one of his close buddies had been killed on a mission. Coop had come home and taken care of the guy’s wife and daughter.

He’d seen to their needs financially and provided emotional support. But he’d fallen for Sara, and who could blame him? His cheerful mood was likely because she’d accepted his proposal of marriage. For so many years, Cooper had been her friend. It was appropriate that she’d chosen him to spend her life with.

“Sara is great,” Cooper said. “She’s consumed with planning the wedding. And Amy is excited, too. She already calls me Daddy.” He shifted in his seat. “Well, back to business. If Tessa is busy, check with the boss. He’s around.”

Thaddeus exited and strolled down the hall toward the conference center then stepped inside. Gunner was just leaving.

Tessa looked up. “Oh, Thad, sorry I can’t fill you in right now. I have a lunch date.”

“With Hunter?”

“You guessed it, and it’s a rare treat when he’s not out on a job during the day,” Tessa said. “We’ll have to catch up later. But Travis is in. He can tell you what you need to know.”

Thaddeus wasn’t sure he liked that twinkle in her eye. Something was up. “Okay, enjoy your lunch.” Then he headed for the boss’s office.

Voices echoed down the hall; one was a woman’s. It wasn’t one Thaddeus recognized, so it must be a new client.

“Are those your daughters?” the woman said.

“Yes, twins, Abigail and Brianna,” Travis said. “They are hitting the teen years, and I don’t know that I’m prepared. It’s rough being a father.” He chuckled. “And that’s my wife Melanie.”

Thaddeus could hear the pride in his voice and could easily imagine the gleam in Travis’s eyes. He had a wonderful family and an enviable life. He had people who cared about him; what more could a man ask for?

“The bodyguard who will suit my needs…what’s his name?” the woman said.

“Thaddeus Jonsson, and he should be in soon. I had a message sent to him after your phone call,” Travis said.

That was interesting. At the mention of his name, it seemed appropriate for Thaddeus to announce his presence. He took a step forward so that he was in front of the open door.

The woman turned to look him over. She had an unmistakable presence about her. Grandmotherly for sure, so not the type of client the company usually worked for. She had striking blond hair and green eyes that pierced into him, as if to determine if he was worthy.

“Mrs. Tomasson, let me introduce Thaddeus.”

She didn’t smile or relax but extended a hand. “You may call me Eva.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Eva.”

There was a gleam in her eye, as though she’d settled on some decision. “You may sit.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Thaddeus caught his boss suppressing a grin. It seemed the client had taken charge.

Even when he was seated, Eva had to tip her head up to look at him. At six three, Thaddeus was taller than most. Her scrutiny made him glad that he’d showered and dressed properly before coming in. And had tied his long blond hair back. He’d even trimmed his beard.

Hopefully, he was making a good impression. Although he wasn’t sure why he cared. It was a job and she’d hire him, or she wouldn’t. It was still a mystery why he was the man of the hour. There were thirty other bodyguards on the team, plenty to choose from. It made no sense to call him back from an assignment.

Eva placed her hands in her lap. “Where are you from, Mr. Jonsson?”

“Please call me Thad. There’s no need to be formal.” After a brief hesitation, he said, “I’ve been overseas a lot, but I live in Los Angeles now, not far from the office.” He wasn’t sure what she was getting at.

“No, I mean, where were you born?”

Travis shrugged. “She wants to hear it from you.”

“I was born in New Jersey but came to California when I joined the Navy.”

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