Page 3 of Baby Bodyguard

That was a matter of opinion. According to his calculations, he’d paid his debt and then some. Unfortunately, she didn’t seem to realize that. “I have other commitments, Babe. Ican’t just drop everything and dedicate myself to… What’s her name?”

“Sami.”

Sami. He tried out the name, wondering if she’d be like Babe or the exact opposite. Somehow he couldn’t believe there were two Babes in the world. All that wild energy running loose could be dangerous. “What sort of trouble is she in? What’s she done?”

“She hasn’t done a thing. It’s what someone wants to do to her that’s the problem.”

He sighed. “Can the melodrama, Babe, and tell me the problem.”

She immediately crossed to a small end table by the couch and yanked open the drawer. Removing a creamy white envelope, she handed it to him. “Read it.”

He weighed it in his palm, running his fingers over the rich texture. “Nice quality.”

“The best. Trust me, Iknow.”

He could just make out the word “Sami” written on the outside in neat, precise handwriting. He slipped the single sheet of paper from the unsealed envelope and stared at the jumble of blurred words. With an impatient grimace, he reached in his pocket and withdrew a pair of reading glasses. He’d have thought after thirty-some years, he’d remember to wear the damn things. He scanned the note, then read it again, swearing beneath his breath. “The time has come. Pay up or face the consequences.”

“Where did you find this?” he asked, returning the glasses to his pocket.

“I moved out of the house a few days ago to take up residence here, in the apartment. Ifound that note at the house.”

“Getting married again?”

She chuckled, though he caught an edge beneath the humor. “You sound like Sami. No, Ididn’t move out to get married again, Ijust felt like a change of scenery. Anyway, when I stopped by the house to collect my mail, that envelope got mixed in with my stuff. Idon’t think Sami’s even seen it. In fact, I’m sure she hasn’t. She’s not very good at keeping secrets.”

“Have you called the police?”

“No!” She hastened to lower her voice. “No. I’d rather not do that. You’re the hot-shot troubleshooter, so I called you.” Apprehension dimmed the vividness of her eyes. “Please, don’t involve the police. You have to promise me that.”

“Why the hell not?”

“Because of the adverse publicity.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’ve got a funny feeling about this, Noah. Ithink it’s someone Sami and I know.”

“Since it wasn’t sent through the mail, I’d say that’s a reasonable assumption. Where did you find it?”

“On the table in the front hallway of the house.” She ground out her cigarette in a gold-leaf ashtray. “If it is a friend or acquaintance, I’ll want it handled quietly.”

“Why?”

“Simple.” A sad smile slipped across her face. “I like all the people I know.”

“Aw, hell.” Beside him, Loner whined.

Babe turned her gaze on the dog and nodded. “Yeah. My thoughts exactly, fella. Well?” Her attention switched back to Noah. “Will you do it?”

As far as he could see, he didn’t have a choice. “What’s your plan?”

“I want you to move in with her for a while. See what you can uncover.”

“Are you going to warn her about the note?”

“No. And that’s the other promise you’ll have to make. You’re not to tell her anything about this. Knowing my little girl she’ll try to find the blackmailer on her own. Or she’ll use herself as bait.” Babe shrugged. “Who can say with Sami?”

“Like mother like daughter?”

She gave him an abashed look. “Something like that.”

Great. Just great. “So I’m not to inform the police or tell Sami what I’m doing in her home. And my excuse for being there is…?”

---