Page 94 of Blackstone's Heart
"Yeah."
"You want me to get Helix, from Charlie team to do some digging?"
"Fuck, I hate to do this, but yeah. I know Wilson trusts him, hell we trust him too, to a point, but I can't shake this. Something's off and I want to know what the hell it is."
That was all Gage needed to hear. He pulled out his phone and made the call. Ethan leaned his head back against the wall, his eyes closing. The last time he felt like this had been the day of the ambush in Iraq. He took several deep breaths to compose himself before he rejoined his team.
***
Krista sat with Stacey. "Why am I so nervous."
"Kris, you've got a psycho following you. He killed Jerry, shot at you and your fiancé, burned your house. Hell, I'd be a complete basket case if that was me." Stacey replied.
Krista stood and began pacing. "It's more than that Stace. The second I got here I've been feeling...like I'm being watched or something. I know that's not the case, because Lance and Tony scanned this room before I came in and they said it was clean. My body's just, you know that feeling when you're near a downed powerline or in an electrical storm? That's how I’m feeling right now."
Stacey stood and moved to the other woman's side and slipped her arm around her shoulders. "Honey, I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, hell what you’ve BEEN through already. All I can say is that you're not alone. You have me, your family, not to mention your sexy and totally fuckable fiancé who is just on the other side of the door."
Krista couldn't help but laugh at Stacey's very apt description of Ethan. "Oh you have no idea how fuckable he is."
Stacey snorted. "Yeah, rub it in bitch. At least you're getting regular dick. Wish I could say the same. I bet his guy Gage would be a wild ride between the sheets."
Krista lifted a brow. "Thinking of making a pass at him while you're in town?"
Stacey lifted a shoulder in a shrug. "I might. I've seen how he's been looking at me. I could use a little action before heading back to New York."
"Oh lord. You have no shame do you?" Krista chuckled, rolling her eyes.
"Nope, not one bit." Stacey countered.
Both ladies turned as there was a knock on the door. Glancing at her watch, Krista saw that it was time for her VIP's. Making sure her wig was firmly in place, she nodded to Stacey. Stacey walked to the door and opened it. She found Ethan and Lance standing there with a dozen women. Stacey stepped aside and let them in. The second the ladies were in they rushed straight to Krista. Stacey stood next to Ethan and Lance and just smiled at the scene.
"These ladies have been following Kris since the beginning. They are probably her most loyal fans. Kris knows them by name and each one gets a personal letter and card on their birthdays." Stacey stated.
"It shows. You can see how they interact with each other." Lance nodded.
Ethan smiled a little when Krista presented each of the ladies their goodie bags. Each one included a signed copy of the very book that she was releasing today. Seeing his woman so relaxed and openly smiling with the group made him all the more determined to find this guy and end her nightmare. His ears perked up when one of the ladies asked about Jerry.
"Um, Kris? Is it true about what happened to your agent Jerry? That he was murdered?"
"Yes Robyn, it is. That's why these two men and the rest of their team are here." Krista answered. "I wasn't sure if I was going to go through with today, but I also know that Jerry would want the party to go on. That's why the publishing house is setting up a scholarship in Jerry's name at Hamilton University. Plus, half the proceeds of this book will be donated to Jerry's favorite animal charity."
Stacey stepped away from Ethan and Lance and approached them. "Alright ladies, it's time to take your seats. By now the rest of the guests will be making their way inside. As usual, you guys have the table front and center."
Krista hugged each lady before they left with Ethan and Lance. It was once more just her and Stacey. "Well, you better get out there too Stace. Ethan said once he gets them to their table he'll come back for me and walk me out."
"Okay. I'll see you out there then." Stacey replied.
She hugged Krista, gave a quick kiss on the cheek for luck, then walked outside. Krista let out a slow breath as she dropped onto the small sofa. A single tear slid down her cheek as she thought of Jerry. He had always loved release days. In fact, she thought he loved them more than she did. Jerry was such a people person and loved a great party. Three rhythmic raps on the door had her standing. The door opened and Ethan stuck his head in.
"Well, babe, you ready?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
***
"Welcome everyone. For those of you that are new to these things, my name is Stacey Carlin and I am Kris James’s publisher in New York. Today is a milestone for Kris. Today marks the release of not only hertwelfthnovel, but the fifth in the Midnight series. The Midnight series is her third series and deals with the men and women of Midnight Creek ranch.
"Midnight Passion has been highly anticipated by both fans and critics alike. The book tells the story of Cayden. A hardened former special ops soldier who has hardened himself and his heart against love after being stood up at his wedding. Enter Makenzie, Midnight Creeks new onsite vet. From the first moment they meet, Makenzie and Cayden butt heads."
