Smokescreen

Max quiets and comes to me. Kneeling, he takes both of my hands in his and gets serious. “Yes, Stella, it is happening. I’ve hired Jake to watch you until I figure out what’s going on. His job is to keep an eye on everything around you.”

“I don’t understand. Why? What the hell is happening?”

The men share a look and when Max turns back to me his face is worried.

“Things aren’t adding up. Remember the man that tried to bribe you in South America? He’s not who he says he is. The other two men with him aren’t talking. I’ve tried every angle I have to find him, but he’s disappeared. No one knows him. The government officials are denying any involvement with him, his bribe, and his threat to you.

“Thank God we already had cameras set up when he walked in. We have a clear picture of his face and we’re discreetly asking around to find him. It fucking kills me you were threatened and scared when I was in the same goddamned building.”

“Oh my God.” I shudder.

“Yeah, and after Edward’s blow up last night, I need to have a presence everywhere. He wants me away from this JOS project and focused on other things. The New York deal was an excuse for him to confront me. I need to figure out why he wants me so far away and do it fast.”

“Don’t you think you could have discussed this with me privately before blindsiding me this morning? I would have been rational.”

“Rational yes, but practical, no. I want you safe and Jake is going to help me with that. He’s also going to do some research while you’re working. He’s really helping both of us.”

“What about you and your family?”

“I think they’re safe. There’s nothing tying any of them to JOS except their contributions and volunteering to help. And if Edward is behind this, he wouldn’t go after my family. He’s a bastard, but family’s sacred. I think he’s still mad at me for the way I dealt with Erica, but he won’t come out and say it.”

“How long does Jake need to watch me?”

“As long as it takes to figure out this mess. Nothing changes for you. Your schedule remains the same.”

“Okay, Max, but we’re going to have a serious discussion later about your communication skills. First, you sprung a guard on me in South America without warning me. Now, I find myself in a similar situation. You have to start talking to me!”

Jake chuckles again and we both look at him.

“Sorry, man, but even her mad is sweet.”

“Sweet is good but you should see her when she gets fiery. I get the both of best worlds.”

“I’d like to see that.”

“Hello! I’m sitting right here. Stop talking about me,” I yell, snapping my fingers to get their attention.

“Here it comes.” Max stands up and grins down at me.

“Maxwell McCoy, you’re lucky I’m a reasonable person. Five minutes ago I was planning your death for bringing this mountain man in here.”

“Mountain man?”

“Yes! He’s huge! Look at him, he doesn’t have the shaggy hair or the beard, but his size alone qualifies him for mountain status.”

“Gotta say, that’s a first for me.” Jake shakes his head smiling.

“Make fun all you want. I’ve got payback planned. You just wait.”

“Stella, I hate to tell you but you’re too soft to scare me.”

“Ha! That’s what you think. You’ll be begging Max to hire someone else.” I smirk at Jake, thinking about what’s going to happen as soon as we walk into my office.

Max’s face is etched in confusion until it dawns on him. “Shit, Laci.”

“Yep! And she’s always had a thing for gigantic men. I can’t make any promises about your friend over here going unscathed.”

“I’m sure I can handle her,” Jake says, unworried.