Page 18

Chapter Fifteen

I t was early evening, and Joe, Mark, Sam, and Claire were sitting on Mark’s patio.

The rain had stopped a couple of hours ago, leaving the earth smelling fresh and clean.

The sun was in its last hurrah, and they could see a full moon rising over the horizon.

Sam could feel a slight dip in temperature, but it was still humid.

She swiped at the sweat dripping down her neck.

“Phil told me that Keith returned to New York this afternoon. He also contacted the clerk at the florist shop and was told Keith ordered the flowers the day before and gave instructions to have them delivered this morning,” said Sam.

“Son of a bitch,” Joe growled. “He has to be getting pleasure from harassing Claire, keeping her on her toes.”

Sam wasn’t sure what was going on with Joe.

Well, yes, she did. He still cared for Claire; that much she gathered.

And Claire? It was hard to tell, but she looked longingly at Joe when she thought no one was looking.

Sam thought she knew Claire well enough to know no hanky-panky would go on while Claire and Keith were still married, and that was the only reason she kept Joe on Claire’s security detail .

Claire patted Joe’s hand, closed her eyes for a second, then looked over at Sam with pain-filled eyes.

“He likes to torture me like this. Be horrible, then do something nice, expecting that all will be forgiven. If I don’t say ‘I forgive you,’ he gets nasty again.

” Claire shook her head. “It’s draining, not knowing how to respond. ”

Sam knew for sure how she would respond. It wouldn’t be with words, and the guy wouldn’t be using his pecker for a long, long time. But that was just her.

“I’m sure,” said Sam. “I have a question, Claire. And you have a decision to make.” Sam hated to put Claire on the spot, but it was time she stood up for herself and made decisions. Decisions that really couldn’t wait.

“One question.” Sam hesitated. “Are you planning on divorcing Keith?”

Mark and Joe looked at Claire expectantly. She took her time answering.

Finally, she nodded and sighed. “Yes. It’s time, but Keith is going to go ballistic, and I’m afraid for all of you. He can ruin your reputations.”

“Humph. I’m not concerned about that. He’s not the only one with connections,” said Sam.

Mark, who had been silent, said, “Maybe she should get a restraining order.”

“We need to consult a lawyer first. I don’t know what the requirements are for that since he hasn’t done anything wrong except for harassing Claire by sending flowers.

I can pass that by a lawyer I know,” said Sam.

“However, I am concerned about you staying here. Keith knows you’re here.

Who knows what he has planned if he is as devious as you say? ”

“She can stay at my place.”

Sam’s head came up as she stared at Joe. Joe, who never had anyone stay at his place. If she didn’t have his address on record, and visited him that one time, she wouldn’t even know where he lived.

“Is that a good idea? How can you protect Claire there?”

Joe glanced at Sam. “I have great security. No one knows where I live.”

Mark snorted.

Joe ignored him and continued. “My place is out of the way, and I have the skillset to protect Claire.”

“No disagreement there.” Sam looked at Claire, who was clutching her stomach. “Claire would that be all right with you?” she asked softly. “You can be honest if you’re uncomfortable going to Joe’s or being with Joe. We have other options.”

Claire hesitated, stared at Sam for a moment, then glanced at Joe. “I have no problem going to Joe’s house, and I know he will protect me with his life.”

“Good.” She slapped her hands on her thighs and stood. “Then we’re all set if living here becomes a problem.”

Sam looked around their little group. This was a clusterfuck in the making. They were all trying the best they could to protect Claire, but Keith was a devious adversary, and Sam hoped they were all up for the challenge. Lives would be lost or ruined if they weren’t.