Page 31 of Intoxicating Pursuit
A Little Help
T he emails eventually arrived. I didn’t recognize the sender, but there was no mistaking the contents.
I read through the demands and braved the photos.
Dozens of them. If it were even possible, they were worse than I had feared.
Just like Gabe had warned me, it was stop-action porn.
In full color. Us kissing; me taking off my dress; my naked, freckled body against the vines; him clothed with his mouth on me; my bare breasts in the afternoon sun; Gabe stripping naked; and finally, my legs wrapped around his back.
No graphic detail spared. No mystery left to the imagination.
Horror show. Absolutely awful.
Powerlessness was the foe. I needed to do something. I called Marco’s fiancé, Ian, and asked him to come to the house.
***
A n hour later, I’d checked on Mom again, and Ian sat at my desk, scrutinizing everything.
He still had the physique of an active Marine, and his classically handsome face, framed by a short blond buzz cut, was normally sunny and full of smiles.
This morning, however, he was all business as he gazed critically at the images.
It was humiliating to have him see all this, but I didn't know what else to do.
Most importantly, I hoped he could help.
The world of secrecy, people sneaking around, and long-distance photography was his day-to-day.
“The pictures are shot from somewhere downhill. What’s downhill from this, Sammy?”
“Lots of grape fields, apple orchards, a few country roads. Actually, you can see all the way to the town in the valley, but it’s very, very far away.” I buried my head in my hands. What had I been thinking?
“Could anyone have known you would be there?”
“Honestly, I don’t know how. Gabe’s very private, and I didn’t tell anyone exactly where I was going.”
“Hmm.” He thought for another minute. “Even if no one knew, this is still Gabriel Walker’s property, right? He’s sort of a big celebrity. Was there any kind of media presence?”
“Not that I noticed. The property is a few miles outside of town, and the road he’s on is quiet. I presume I’d have noticed if extra people were loitering. Plus I don’t think he’s in Creekside that often, so I doubt paparazzi would camp out or anything.”
“Was anyone else on site?”
“Not while these were taken, as far as I know. Gabe did have some staff at the property early in the day, but I think they were away. A big group had also toured the restaurant on site—but I’m pretty sure they were all gone as well. The parking lot was empty a few minutes before all this happened.”
“Okay, let me see what I can do. The best thing would be if you could forward me the email, photos and all. If you’re not comfortable with that though, just send the email body.”
“I’ll send it. Just don’t show anyone, okay? I’m pretty mortified.”
“Sammy, I would never share anything like this around. And that’s both personal and professional code.”
Ian was like the younger brother I never had. He was probably insulted I’d even asked. “I know you wouldn’t. I trust you. I’m just having a bad day.”
“Understandable. Listen, can you ask the team that sent this for any technical details they already have? IP address of the sender, that sort of thing?”
“I will. And thank you so much, Ian. I’m grateful for the help.”
“I’ll do what I can, Sammy.” His expression shifted a little. “I wish I could tell you this would be a slam dunk, but I’m actually not sure how much we’ll have to go on. Email can be tough to trace, and I don’t have a lot of contacts in North Carolina to leverage. I promise I’ll try though.”
When I stood up to walk him out, he grabbed my arms to stop me, then simply wrapped me up in a warm hug. “I’m sorry this is happening to you, lady. You’re such a good person.”
God bless Ian. He was many of the things I loved about Marco—sharp, hardworking, creative—but with less attitude and more softness. Plus, with his strong frame and big heart, he gave amazing hugs. I squeezed him back fiercely. “Thanks, Ian. I don’t know how I can repay you.”
“Well, I do have one idea.” He stepped back from me, a mischievous smile curling the corners of his mouth.
“Oh yeah?”
“When all this is done, and I save you from certain doom, you’re letting me cook you an amazing dinner. Then, over a very large bottle of wine, you’re going to spare no detail in telling me exactly how you wound up al fresco with Gabriel Walker in his vineyard. Deal?”
“If you fix this, Ian, I’ll tell you anything you want to know. Well. . .almost anything.”
“All. The. Details.” His schoolboy grin was as wide as his face.
He spun on his heel, obviously pleased with himself, and headed down the stairs. He was almost at the front door when something occurred to me.
“Hey, Ian,” I called, running down the steps to catch up. “Can I ask you something?” I paused for just a moment, choosing my words with caution. “Is Marco alright? He’s been really short-tempered and high strung lately. . . and he asked for an advance on his dividend.”
Ian’s face froze. A cloud of concern moved through his features. “He asked you for money?”
“Well, he asked me for his money, just early. Said it had something to do with the wedding.”
Ian covered his ears and closed his eyes, shaking his head playfully. “Oh! Don't tell me then. I know he’s planning something just perfect, and I want everything to be a surprise. I’m so excited!” His broad smile gleamed.
“I’m sure it will be epic. Marco always nails stuff like that. But what about his mood? Has he been cranky at home?”
“Sammy,” he sighed. “He’s always cranky.
” He looked at me obligingly. “It’s not his most endearing quality, but nobody’s perfect, and it makes his good moods that much better.
” He reached out and stroked my cheek gently.
“You know Marco. He gets himself wound up. He’ll calm back down soon.
Don’t worry.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, promised to call soon, and headed back into the world.