Melody's Six

“In addition to Spalding, get familiar with his assistants Lacy Ravenel and Kent Tomey,” she moved her cursor along as she spoke, “and three more folks from the studio. Maria Baskins, Andrew Crosby, and Dale Stanwood.”

“None of which are security?”

“Not officially.” She cocked her head. “I don’t know, Dale’s pretty imposing.” It was only a head and shoulders shot, but he looked like a big guy.

“Because you’re a girl,” Dean teased.

Mel smacked his arm. “Careful, I’m the girl who watches your six,” she warned. “Twenty bucks says he’s got serious tattoos.”

“You’re on.” Dean leaned closer and propped an elbow on the console. “He’s a big softy. Only looks tough.”

“The two of you will have that in common then.”

Dean muttered something unintelligible and she smothered a giggle. It felt good to have this absolutely normal moment between them before things got underway.

At the sound of an airplane taxiing close, Mel tucked her phone away and reached for Dean’s hand. “We’ve got this.”

“Always.” He gave her fingers a squeeze.

A little thrill shot through her system. For the assignment, not the unexpected touch. Dean was dialed in and focused, same as her. She donned her sunglasses, shielding her eyes from the late afternoon glare bouncing off the windows of the corporate jet. Her confidence soaring, she left the truck.

The jet came to a stop and the engines powered down with a whine. Dean and Mel stepped forward, all smiles as they watched the passengers disembark. Although the drones in the truck bed were a big clue to their purpose here, the director’s assistant, Lacy, did ask for identification. She stepped aside and made a call. Mel assumed she was verifying the information with the studio before finishing the introductions.

Mel was impressed.

And inside she was happy dancing because Dale was indeed tatted up. Collecting her twenty bucks would help things feel normal between her and Dean when they were settling into the hotel tonight.

Stop. Mentally, she gave herself a slap. She had to quit thinking there was a problem or she’d create a communication rift. Dean said he was good. She would believe him. They’d shared close quarters often and they knew how to give each other space, even when there wasn’t an inch to spare.

She couldn’t be the one to get weird now.

“Good to meet you both,” Spalding said as he shook Dean’s hand. “We’re glad to have local experts joining us. Always makes things easier. Any questions as we go along, Lacy will have the answers.”

The unspoken order not to bother him with anything came through loud and clear.

“Did the two of you receive the new schedule?” Lacy asked. “After Garden of the Gods we’re having a private dinner at Lattice Creek Ranch.”

New? Mel checked her cell phone. “If it was an email, it hasn’t come through yet. We have Garden of the Gods on the list for this afternoon,” she confirmed. “Sunset flyover. I don’t have anything about the dinner you mentioned.”

“Hmm. I just resent the information.” Lacy’s smile was tight. “We made some adjustments on the fly. Literally.” She gave a nervous chuckle that eased as the rest of the group joined in.

“Let’s get moving.” Kent clapped his hands and moved toward the luggage being unloaded by the plane’s crew.

Mel was taking a personality inventory, beside her Dean was doing the same. They would compare notes on the drive. Hearing her phone chime with the incoming email, she opened hers and held the phone so Dean could read along over her shoulder.

He glanced at the sky. “If you want anything useful from Garden of the Gods before nightfall, we’d best get moving.”

“We’re almost set,” Dale said. He’d organized the luggage transfer to the SUVs based on who was riding where. He’d just closed the tailgate when a glossy black luxury SUV, a slightly smaller model than the studio rentals, turned toward the hangar.

Mel and Dean exchanged a glance, both at full alert. Perks of a good partnership. Their weapons were stowed in the truck, but Dean always had a loaded revolver within easy reach, just in case. Breathing slowly, she eased forward, standing next to him as this played out.

Spalding didn’t seem upset at the interruption, but the others were blatantly curious.

A tall man with black hair brushed back from his face emerged from the passenger side as the vehicle pulled to a stop. With a broad smile, he rushed toward Spalding, his arms open wide.

The men embraced, slapping each other on the back. Obviously close friends. Possibly brothers, although she didn’t see a physical resemblance. She’d have to wait for a better angle or an introduction.

“What are you doing here?” Spalding was definitely more excited to see this guy than he’d been to meet Dean and Mel. She wasn’t offended, just increasingly curious. All smiles, he guided the newcomer toward the waiting group.

“Neil! I came to tell you the cabins are ready, my friend. For all of you. I couldn’t possibly let you stay in a hotel on your first night.”

The man’s voice carried a faint accent as well as a disturbing—and impossible—familiarity. Mel was grateful her sunglasses shielded her face. It was an effort not to slide behind Dean.

“That’s so thoughtful.” Spalding clapped a hand on his pal’s shoulder. “I can’t wait to see your spread, but our schedule is pretty tight. We’re heading straight to the Garden of the Gods right now.”

“No, no.” The man planted his hands on his hips, casting his big smile over all of Spalding’s team. “There is always time for friends and proper hospitality. Tonight, you rest. I insist.” He pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head. “Tomorrow, you will get your Garden of the Gods in the perfect light.” He gave Spalding zero room for argument. “Now, introduce me, please. We will all be friends.”

A chill slithered down Mel’s spine as the newcomer’s gaze rolled right over her. Either the most violent man she’d met during her CIA tenure had a benevolent twin, or she was about to come face to face with an old enemy. She knew the man and the utter destruction he could rain down on a person. She instinctively braced for trouble as Spalding introduced the man as James Atwell.

Nice try. She knew better.

This wrinkle had the potential to become a bigger stumbling block than Dean’s reservations about marriage.

“What’s wrong? Dean asked under his breath.