Page 101 of Fight for Me

Blane sipped his coffee and perused the papers. The attempted assassination had resulted in fantastic press, he thought somewhat sardonically. He was up in the polls, too. The press was lauding the fact that he’d taken Anne to the ground and covered her body with his. The comments on some of the online articles were positively swooning.

“Did you want breakfast?” Daniel asked.

Anne was still asleep and Blane wanted her to rest.

“Yes, I’ll go ahead and eat. And afterwards, would you mind serving Anne breakfast in bed? She certainly deserves it.”

“Of course.”

Blane was putting away a three egg omelet when the doorbell rang. Daniel went to answer it and Kade strode into the breakfast room. He slid into the chair opposite Blane. Sunshine poured through the windows. This was one of Blane’s favorite rooms. Less formal than the dining room, it was a warm, cozy place, especially in the morning. The scent of coffee and bacon just added to the homey feel.

“Breakfast, sir?” Daniel asked.

“I’ve told you to stop calling me that,” Kade groused. “And yes, please. Like I’d turn down your cooking.”

Daniel disappeared into the kitchen and Kade slid a folder over to Blane.

“Thought you’d like to see this.”

Blane opened the folder. There was a photo of a man inside. He was of Middle Eastern origin. Dark hair. Dark eyes. Olive skin. It was a candid photo, taken without him knowing. But even so, he exuded arrogance and cruelty.

“This is the guy?” His voice was flat.

“That’s the guy. Wife’s name is Madeleine. Has a kid. Saudi Arabia is home but he has his finger in several businesses here, most illegal. His current address is in there. New York. Mamoud al Karim”

Daniel slid a plate in front of Kade, who dug in. “Shall I take Anne her breakfast now?” he asked Blane.

Blane glanced at his watch. It had been another hour since he’d risen and dressed. She’d had a good ten hours of sleep.

“Yes, go ahead. And remember she likes the Irish Breakfast tea with milk and sugar.”

“I remember.”

Daniel went to prepare the tray and Blane returned his attention to the file.

“What’s the security like on his place?”

“He has a couple of guards but the rest is mostly electronic. Cameras and alarms.”

“Can you take care of that?”

Kade made a noise. “Please. Easy peasy.”

“Then I want to pay him a visit. Tonight.” He would very much enjoy retribution on Anne’s behalf. The bastard had to pay. Blane’s memory conjured the sight of Anne, trembling, her clothes ripped, bleeding. Cold rage burned through his veins.

“I’m coming, too,” Kade said through a mouthful of hash browns.

“I won’t turn you down.” Kade was a professional killer. He’d be a hell of an asset.

“You still have your equipment?” Kade asked.

“Yep. Just in case.”

Daniel passed through the room, carrying a loaded tray. Blane knew that Daniel was already under Anne’s spell. He wouldn’t be surprised if he groveled in front of her. It was kind of sweet. It looked like he’d done both sweet and savory with an omelet as well as a Belgian waffle. Plus hash browns, toast, and tea. Blane was surprised he could carry that tray, but Daniel worked out with a religious devotion.

Kade sat back from an empty plate with a satisfied sigh. “I’d ask Daniel to give Kathleen cooking lessons, but she’d have my balls in a sling.”

Blane laughed. “Yeah, you look like you’re really hurting for food.”