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  Keira returned to the table with two small plates of toast. She handed one to me, then sat down and poured a cup of tea.

  “You didn’t answer my question before. Guy’s parents really don’t know about you?

  How is that even possible? You’ve been living together for months. What do his neighbors think?”

  Keira shrugged. “They think he’s a player. That’s how he’s described in the newsvids.”

  “Really?”

  “I come and go in so many different outfits and hair styles, I’m pretty sure they believe he’s the eligible young bachelor the media’s been describing. People usually see what they want to see, you know, and I haven’t attended any Elite events with him or anything.”

  “And he doesn’t go alone,” I guessed.

  Keira simply shook her head.

  “Wow, and you’re okay with that?”

  She shurgged. “It’s like a job.”

  I raised my eyebrows.

  “I do the same for my job, and you know it.”

  “What? You mean you still…” My eyes grew wide.

  “No. No, that’s reserved for Guy now.”

  We were quiet for a few minutes.

  Then I asked, “So, how is this going to work exactly?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “This.” I gestured around the apartment. “Our living arrangements. My work. Where do we begin?”

  “Well, you have the master bedroom, and you’ll decide what your life here is going to be like. I’ll follow your lead. Okay?”

  I nodded, still a little unsure.

  “Of course, you’ll get to attend benefits and galas and such. It’s part of your station now, but we can do that together, as friends. As far as anyone around here is concerned, Kendra James is new in town too.” She paused. “What would you like to do today?”

  “I guess I should try to find a job. I’ll apply at some of the local galleries.”

  “Is that what you want?”

  “Well, it’s either that or open up one of my own.”

  “Which would you prefer?”

  “Is that even possible? A gallery of my own?”

  Keira smiled. “Actually, it would be safer for all of us but only if you’re up for it.”

  “I am! It’s a dream come true.”

  “Then that’s what we’ll do today.” Keira stood and went to her bedroom. She returned with her transceiver. “Eberhardt can drive us around, and we’ll look for a place that meets your standards.”

  I felt numb. A gallery of my own!

  ***

  A few days later, Kendra James and Richard Burke met for the first time. I’d found a building I liked in a classy downtown neighborhood and called Danielle to see what she thought about opening a second branch.

  Danielle then contacted Burke Investments and requested someone of high standing within the company represent Art Fantastique in setting up a second store in Tkaron. She explained that her associate had already located a building.

  Apparently, Richard Burke, Sr. was thrilled to have a new client from Mediterra, and he personally scheduled an inspector to confirm that the building was in good condition before proceeding. Shortly thereafter, a meeting was arranged between the realtor and me, with Richard Burke, Jr. acting as my representative. We met in a conference room at Burke Investments. Although I’d never been involved in anything like that before, it seemed pretty standard. Guy negotiated the price down while I sat quietly and let him do all of the talking.

  I signed when and where he told me to.

  Afterward, Guy offered to personally accompany me back to my gallery. An older gentleman, with a full head of jet black hair, watched us leave. Richard Burke, Sr. smiled when he caught me looking in his direction. Was he hoping I might be the one to tame his son’s heart? I smiled back. Little did he know, my best friend, “Kendra” was waiting to do just that.

  Keira met us at the gallery, and after a brief tour, “Richard” decided to spend the afternoon with us. He helped me find a reputable painting service to prepare the interior of the store to my liking and also hired someone to create a sign for the front. As the evening hour drew upon us, Guy took us both out to dinner at a high class restaurant, one of his father’s favorites. According to Keira, taking two women out to dinner together fit “Richard’s” profile. A couple of men stopped by to introduce their wives. Word would certainly get back to Guy’s father.

  The following morning, Guy checked in with me from the lobby of Burke Investments.

  He told us later, he’d been overheard by no less than a dozen people offering the assistance of his driver and his extensive knowledge of the city in the form of a tour.

  Things were going exactly as planned.

  -Brody-

  Asking for Help

  Unfortunately, not much had changed since I’d literally risked my neck to try to prove my worth to Keira. I was a patient man. I always had been, but even so, I was growing un-easy. Nothing about our Tuesday board meetings had changed. We still met to discuss current affairs, have a drink and dance, just as we had been for the past year.

  Tonight, the Dry Martini was more crowded than usual, probably due to the rain. A small jazz ensemble had people out on the parquet dance floor. Keira looked her best, as always. She wore a knee-length jade dress, one that set off her eyes and showcased her short wavy red hair that I now knew to be fake. She smiled as she sat down across from me. I glanced around but didn’t see either of her associates.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “What isn’t?”

  “Well that’s gloomy. What can I do to help?” She toyed with her gold pendant. The symbol was fitting, but I had to wonder, who was the real snake?

  “Let’s just talk shop.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ve been sending people through per your request. Shall I continue?”

  “Actually, you should hold off for a few weeks. Too many “favors to friends” could also draw unwanted attention.”

  “Alright. I think that’s wise.” I didn’t want to tell her I’d run out of friends who wouldn’t be suspicious of such favors.

  “Brody.” Keira reached for my hand. “Something is bothering you. What is it? I’d like to help if I can.”

  She really did look concerned, and I didn’t think it was an act. I pulled my hand away.

  “It’s my secretary, Irene. Something has changed.”

  “What do you mean by changed?”

  “I can’t explain it. It’s just a feeling really. I think they’re going to move against me soon, whoever “they” are.” I shook my head. “I sound paranoid, don’t I? It’s probably nothing.”

  “But maybe it’s not. When did you notice something was different?”

  “A couple of days ago. Have you checked into her background yet?”

  Keira nodded. “She’s got a reliable cover story. It’s likely the same information you found when you hired her. When I dug a little deeper though, I learned that Irene Babcock doesn’t exist.”

  “What? When were you planning on telling me?”

  “Tonight.”

  I stood and held out my hand. “Would you like to dance?” Fortunately, it was a slow number. As we swayed to the music, I continued the conversation by whispering in her ear.

  “I don’t often ask for anything but,” I took a deep breath, then said, “I’d like to hire a bodyguard.”

  Keira’s skirt fanned when I spun her away and kissed her slender legs as I pulled her back. She smiled and whispered, “That can be arranged.” She leaned in close and rested her chin on my shoulder.

  I continued to speak directly into her ear. “I think they’ll probably try to take me out at night in my apartment. With no witnesses, they could make it look like an accident. I don’t think they’d try anything at the office with everyone around, do you?”

  “Don’t assume. Trust your gut when you’re out, and keep to well lit, populated areas.

  Try to
use the toilet only at your house, and no matter what, don’t eat or drink anything Irene gives you.”

  “Will he be able to start tonight?”

  She backed away. “You don’t want to hire me?”

  “Of course I do, but…”

  “You said you knew what a Freelancer was.”

  “Yes, but I thought. Will your friend be alright with this?”

  “Of course. It’s what I do.”

  Keira kept hold of my hand as she led me through the crowd toward the main entrance.

  We stepped into the night. Moments later, a familiar silver automobile pulled to the curb, and we both climbed in. Keira picked up a black jacket from the seat and pulled it around her shoulders.

  “What’s your fee?” I asked.

  “We don’t charge other members of the team. We work together. We protect each other.

  If someone’s after you, we’ll stop them.”

  The driver nodded, and I slowly let out the breath I hadn’t even realized I was holding.

  I’m a member of their team. I should tell them.

  Keira was talking again but not to me. “Eberhardt, take us to my place, I’ll need to change and get some supplies.”

  She pulled out her transceiver, pressed some buttons and lifted the device to her ear.

  “I’ve got a job… No, someone needs my help… Yeah, it will probably take all night, maybe even a few. I know I said I’d be around, but will you be okay alone?” A longer pause. “No, no, nothing like that, just protecting someone. You’re sure?” Another pause. “Okay. I’m on my way to pick up a few things. I’ll still help you set up tomorrow. What? You’re still there?

  We’ll swing by and pick you up.” She closed the connection.

  “Change of plans.” She was speaking to Eberhardt again, not to me. “We’ll need to stop by the shop first.”

  I looked at Keira. “Um, why didn’t you tell him it was me?”

  “Who? Oh, I wasn’t talking to him.”

  “No?”

  “No. We’re picking up my roommate.”

  A few minutes later, we pulled up in front of an empty storefront. A young woman in a long cream colored coat stood with her back to us. The overhead security light caught the blond highlights in her chestnut brown hair. After locking up, she quickly approached the car and climbed in next to Eberhardt. When she turned, her deep brown eyes penetrated mine.

  “Are you Kendra’s job for tonight?” Her hand flew to cover her mouth. “Oh, that didn’t come out right.”

  I smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss…”

  The young woman turned her attention to Keira.

  “Brody Delaney, this is my roommate.” Keira hesitated. In the span of a few seconds, an entire conversation seemed to take place between Keira and the young woman, though neither of them spoke.

  The young woman offered her hand over the back of the seat. “Aimee LaFleur.”

  I took her outstretched hand briefly and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss LaFleur.”

  When we pulled up in front of a brick apartment complex, Keira turned to me. “Wait here.”

  She removed her red wig and let loose her black hair. It was shorter and straighter than I remembered. She shoved the wig into her coat pocket before leaving the vehicle. Aimee promptly entered the building, but Keira turned back to talk with the driver. He lowered his window.

  “I was thinking it would probably be a good idea to call an exterminator. Would you set that up while I’m getting my things?”

  Eberhardt nodded. “I’ll call in the best and ask her to drive over and pick up your sorry ass.”

  “Gee, thanks Bruno!” She smiled an honest to goodness ‘only you can get away with that’ sort of smile. “How many can fit on her bike?”

  “She’s got a car now, said she got the parts real cheap. Her new boyfriend put it together for her.”

  Keira leaned against the door frame. “Oh?”

  “Yeah, his name’s Joe.”

  Keira turned and looked past him, toward the apartments. “Would you mind staying over while I’m working? You can have my room.”

  “Sure.”

  She leaned down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for keeping an eye on her.”

  “Have the nightmares stopped?”

  “Not entirely, but she doesn’t have them every night. Don’t mention it unless she does.”

  He nodded. “Got it.”

  ***

  When Keira returned, she wore black fitness clothes and carried a small black bag. I’d only ever seen her in cocktail dresses before and almost didn’t recognize her in such casual attire.

  A small blue car pulled up behind us. It didn’t look like it had been put together from random parts. After we switched vehicles, Eberhardt drove down a ramp beneath the building and into the garage. Our new driver was a woman with an olive complexion and long black shiny hair. She too wore dark fitness clothing. Keira skipped introductions altogether and simply gave her directions to my apartment. We drove there in silence and waited in the car while the young lady pulled on a black mask that completely covered her hair and face, successfully obscuring her identity. She returned in under 10 minutes.

  As I climbed out of the car I heard Keira ask, “What took so long?”

  I looked at her in surprise, but she was serious.

  “I located the vid and audio bugs in no time.” The young lady held up a bag with one hand and removed her mask with the other. “But it took a little longer to modify the security system.”

  “You modified my security system?” I was the head of CalTech, the leading security company in the realm. The system I’d had installed when I accepted that position had been top of the line.

  “Oh, don’t worry. It will still work the same, but in addition to your code, it will also require your thumbprint. Use it when you go in tonight. That will set it to recognize you.

  Anyone will be able to set the alarm, and it will automatically turn off if someone opens the door from the inside. But no one, other than you will be able to get in unannounced, and only you will be able to stop it if the alarm goes off. Got it?”

  I nodded.

  “If you want it to recognize anyone else, I can set it for that,” she offered.

  I shook my head and asked, “Why did you modify it?”

  “Your system was installed by your people,” she said, as if that explained it all.

  “Isn’t that safer than hiring the competition?”

  She rolled her eyes at Keira as if to say, Do I really have to spell this out? “Of course it is. But you wouldn’t want someone in CalTech to take you out in an attempt to acquire your position as head of the company, would you?”

  “No, of course not!”

  Keira turned to me. “Where’s your car? It’s probably bugged too.”

  They’d thought of everything. “It’s down the street from The Dry Martini.”

  “Give her your keys and a description.”

  I did as she asked.

  The young woman brushed her fingers through her long dark hair. “I’ll take care of it and get these back to Kendra.”

  “It’s okay. He knows who I am.” Keira smiled. “Brody’s with us.”

  The woman didn’t say anything, just climbed into her new car and drove away.

  “She doesn’t trust me.”

  “She doesn’t trust anyone,” Keira said.

  “She trusts you. By the way, how did she know who I was?”

  Keira just shook her head.

  I secured the front door and left to change into a pair lounge pants and my comfortable navy blue shirt. When I returned to the living room, I found Keira sitting in my favorite tan chair.

  “Would you like some tea?” I offered.

  “Thanks, that would be great, especially with caffeine. I’ll need enough energy to stay alert tonight, and I’ve already had a long day.”

  I returned with an herbal tea for me and a black tea for he
r. Keira curled her legs beneath her and wrapped her fingers around the steaming mug as I settled onto the sofa.

  “I feel better already, knowing nobody’s listening or watching.” I shuddered. “You didn’t warn me about vidbugs.”

  She shrugged. “You would have acted different. Paranoid.”

  “I’ve been on edge ever since we last talked,” I admitted. “If it was so easy to remove them, why didn’t you call in your exterminator before tonight?”

  “Because we didn’t want to raise suspicions. Now they’ll know we’re onto them. The next move is all theirs, and I’m sure they’ll make it soon.” Keira took another sip.

  “Can we talk now? Freely, I mean.”

  She smiled. “What do you want to know?”

  “Who is he? You know, the man who’s not your boss.”

  She stared at me in silence. Apparently Keira wasn’t ready to answer that, at least not yet.

  “Okay…does he know you’re here tonight?”

  This time she answered immediately. “Yes, I called him from my apartment.”

  “How many people know who you really are?”

  “Who I really am. That’s funny, Brody. Even I didn’t know for sure until last year, and the answer seems to be changing all the time…” Her voice trailed off. “But that’s not what you’re asking. About 10.”

  So few? “Why do you wear a wig, and why did you cut your hair?”

  “To hide my identity.”

  “But not from me. Who are you hiding from?”

  “Look, we don’t want to change our patterns and draw the wrong kind of attention.”

  Clearly I’d hit a nerve.

  “I agree. Who?” I pressed.

  She studied my face for a moment. “I’m not sure. A lot of people. It’s a hazard of the job.”

  I paused, then asked my next question. “Who is Aimee? I mean, besides being your roommate.”

  Again, she didn’t respond.

  “Keira, why is it that you expect me to trust you, but you still don’t trust me? What can I possibly to do prove that I’m your friend?”

  Her bright green eyes narrowed as she studied me. “You’re right, Brody. I don’t trust easily, but you’ve never given me reason to doubt you.”