Colton's Secret Bodyguard

“I’ll be there later,” Trey said. “I just hope Bree has some beer, as well as the usual champagne.”

After ending the call, Rylan went in search of David. He found the security guard studying the alarm panel that was situated in the staff kitchen.

“Someone must have gotten in here and tampered with those programs while they were in Kasey’s office.” David echoed Rylan’s own thoughts. “But I can’t find any disruption to the alarm system.”

Rylan looked at the display. He had a good understanding of security systems, having devised a few himself. This was one of the most expensive on the market, and it had all the features he would recommend. The problem was, no matter how supposedly foolproof the technology, there would always be someone who could get around it.

David was looking for signs that someone had switched off the alarms. If the person they were looking for was clever enough to do that, it was possible he was also smart enough to cover up what he’d done.

“What about the cameras?” he asked.

“It’ll take time, but I can start looking through the images,” David said.

“No. The sheriff’s office will do that. Just make sure everything is preserved for him.”

Rylan left him and went to Bree’s office. The door was open, and he paused before going in. She was seated at her desk with her chin resting on her hand as she gazed into space. Papadum had his head on her feet. Rylan took a moment to just drink her in.

“Don’t you have a show to prepare for?”

Bree turned her head, blinking slowly as though his words had roused her from a trance. As he gazed at her, tenderness was like a sugar rush directly into his bloodstream.

“Oh.” She looked at her cell phone. “I didn’t realize the time.”

She looked so forlorn it took every ounce of strength he possessed to stop from crossing the room and wrapping his arms around her. “You’ve worked hard for this, Bree.”

“And he’s managed to take it from me.” Her lip trembled.

“He can only do that if you let him.” He snapped his fingers to Papadum, and the dog ambled to his side. “Don’t let him.”

Bree remained in her seat for a moment, then she gave a decisive nod. “You’re right. I need to get ready.”

* * *

Kasey was arranging the refreshment table, where champagne and canapés awaited the guests. The artists stood around, either alone or in small groups, looking nervous, proud or both. David waited by the doors, decked out in his security guard uniform, checking his watch.

Rylan, who looked better in a suit than any man had a right to, strode the length of the gallery with Papadum at his side. As he approached her, Bree smoothed the skirts of her coffee-colored vintage lace cocktail gown over her hips.

“You okay?” He raised a brow in her direction.

I am now. How did he do that? Reassure her just by being there? More importantly, why did she still let him?

She nodded. “Let’s do this thing.”

Together, they headed toward the entrance. At a signal from Bree, David unlocked the doors and stepped back as though expecting a crowd to pour through. Nothing happened.

“No one is here,” Rylan said.

“This is normal.” Bree tried to reassure herself with the words. To convince herself it wasn’t because of those awful images that had been sent out with the programs. “People generally arrive later than the time on the invitation.” The doors swung open. “Except my mother...”

Audrey was elegant in cream satin, her smile wide and proud. Bree gave an exclamation of delight when she saw the man at her side. “Dad!”

Calvin Colton was the middle son of ninety-four-year-old Earl, the founder of The Colton Empire. The shortest, thinnest and quietest of the three brothers, Calvin had dark brown hair that was graying and receding and kind brown eyes. Since marrying Audrey, he had embraced her commitment to noble causes.

“You didn’t think I’d stay away?” Calvin kissed Bree on both cheeks. “Let me look at you.” Although his smile was as wide as ever, she could see the concern on his face. “I wish you’d come home, sweetheart. Let us keep you safe.”