Page 6

Danny had taken several days to reacquaint himself with the area he’d spent a lot of years causing trouble in. Some stuff had changed, some hadn’t. Currently, he was parked beside a large garden and playground that used to be an old, abandoned warehouse. It was at least one positive change the city had made.

He shifted on the leather seat of the Acura TLX that had been waiting for him at the airport, and he flipped open the file that was left on the coffee table of his two-bedroom apartment with views and a gourmet kitchen. Deborah was looking after him this time around. Either someone owed her a favor, or she had a lot riding on this. Probably both.

His eyes retraced the last paragraph. It was full of conjecture about what Artus Sisera was up to but had little in the way of evidence, which he expected. What he wasn’t expecting, was the exposé on the Hebers. Gregory had kept himself clean as far as the FBI knew about it. His business was successful and funded a foundation called Vita Nova that helped women caught in domestic violence situations. Jael was the founder.

He lifted his eyes to the garden, gave the thought room to sink in. To most people, she was a sophisticated, if not a little cold, woman who hosted grand parties at her father’s mansion. But he’d gotten to know the real Jael. The curious and big-hearted woman with deep wounds he’d never had the chance to get to the bottom of.

He flipped the file closed and tossed it in the passenger’s seat. The first thing to do was reintroduce himself to Gregory. He wasn’t ready to face Jael yet.

Danny thanked the gardener who let him through the gate.

“It’s good to see you again,” the gardener said, giving him a pat on the back. “Mr. Heber is inside. He’ll be pleased to see you after so many years.”

“I hope so. I’m looking forward to catching up.”

He crossed the familiar driveway, his shoes crunching on the pebbled driveway until he reached the wide stairs to the front door.

He took a breath, then reached for the doorbell, but the door opened before he could push it.

“Oh—” Jael stepped back, startled, but her head cocked to the side. “Danny Fletcher?”

The angles of her features had become more defined since he’d seen her last. The maturity in her face suited her.

“Jael. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

She turned to look back into the house, then focused on him with a smile he knew she put on for those she was wary of but didn’t want to know it.

“How long has it been?” she said.

“Around ten years, I think.” He knew exactly how long it had been since stepping out of the life he’d known here and entering into a contract with the FBI so he wouldn’t go to prison. It was the best and the worst thing that had happened to him. “Uh, I hear congratulations are in order.”

Her smile dropped a fraction, and her eyes went cold. “For what?”

He hesitated, reminding himself he couldn’t expect a warm welcome from her. He didn’t deserve one. “Your engagement.”

“You seem to think you know a lot for someone who turned up out of the blue.”

“I was in prison.”

“We figured.”

“It’s good to see you. Your family was always very good to me.”

A cynical laugh popped from her throat. “You did everything my dad wanted, of course he treated you well. Is that why you’re here? Looking for work? My dad’s not into that stuff anymore. He has a heart of gold now. Hadn’t you heard?” Her lips pursed in cynicism.

“I know. I’m not looking for a crime to commit.”

The housekeeper, a short, wide woman with streaks of grey that didn’t used to be there, walked past and peered out the door.

“Sofia,” Jael called to her. “Would you find my father and tell him Danny Fletcher is here to see him?”

“Danny Fletcher?” She stretched her neck to get a better look. “Is it really you?” Her Mexican accent was still strong, even though she’d worked for the family for decades.

Danny waved. “Hey, it’s good to see you again. I still dream about those churros you used to make me.”

Her face lit up. “Stick around, and you may get lucky.”

“Sofia,” Jael said. “If you wouldn’t mind, my father? I need to get going, and I’m sure Danny has other things to do today.”

“Not really.” He tried to remain lighthearted, but she frowned. “You don’t have to wait around,” he said. “If you need to go, I know Sofia will look after me.”

Jael might not have fond memories of him, but he’d make the most of those who did.

“I certainly will,” Sofia said. “If you’ll wait here, I’ll find him right away.” She hurried across the foyer and disappeared faster than it looked like she should be able to move.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Jael said, and Danny moved aside to let her out.

“I hope we’ll have time to catch up later,” he said.

She grimaced. “Maybe.”

When she hurried down the steps, he called out to her. “People do change, you know. It’s been a lot of years.”

She stopped, but only half turned. “You did a lot of growing up in prison, did you?”

“I’m not the same man I was.”

“Good for you. I mean it.” She smiled tightly and then was gone.

“Danny!” Gregory called out as he walked to the door, his arms spread wide in expectation of an embrace. They patted backs and released. “Please come in. I can’t believe you’re here. You were the last person I expected to see today.” He was the same strong and robust man Danny remembered from a decade ago, which was impressive considering he had to be close to eighty by now.

“I should have called,” Danny said.

“No. Don’t be ridiculous. My door is always open for you, and it’s been too long. Can I get you a drink?”

“No. I’m fine, thank you.”

Gregory put a hand on his back and led him down a wide hall. “We’ll sit out on the terrace. It’s a beautiful day. Even better now that you’re here.”

Danny followed him outside, and they sat on wide, padded outdoor chairs near a pool he’d swum in more times than he could count.

He ran his hand along the wooden arm rest. “This is new.”

“We have to update our furniture out here regularly. It gets damaged too quickly by the weather. Now, tell me where you’ve been hiding.”

“Prison.”

Gregory sucked in a breath through gritted teeth. “They finally got you, huh?”

“Unfortunately.”

“That’s tough. You didn’t deserve it.”

“Yes, I did. Although how you maintained your freedom and then stepped out of the underworld is quite a feat.”

Gregory shrugged. “You could have given me up when they arrested you, and you didn’t. It’s because of trustworthy friends like yourself that I’m the man I am today. And I never forget loyalty like that.”

It had nothing to do with loyalty that Danny hadn’t given him up, although he was glad he hadn’t been asked to. Deborah had taken him away from his regular circle. A small mercy she’d now cashed in on. It was like she’d known what was coming.

“You were always like a father to me.”

“I wish you’d told me you were in prison. I would have visited. Or better yet, I have a fantastic lawyer.”

Danny shook his head. “I wouldn’t have liked that. I didn’t want to bring you into it.”

“Well, you’re out now. And you were always a clever boy—man. You’re not a boy anymore. I’m sure you’ll be on top again in no time.”

“You always were way too generous with your compliments. Sounds like some things haven’t changed.”

“I’m not being generous at all. I mean it. I can see it in your eyes. You’ve still got that spark.”

“I hope so. It’s not easy getting back into life in the city.” And he meant it. He’d been in Nairobi for several years with no intention of coming back to America. It was proving difficult to assimilate.

“I had a cousin who spent six years in prison. When he got out, it was like he’d given up on life. Ended up robbing a bank and got himself shot.” Gregory shook his head. “A sad story. But one that won’t be repeated with you.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am. I’ll make sure of it. You’ve got too much life left to live. I mean look at you—you’ve just gotten out of prison, but you look better than you ever have.”

“Thank you.”

“Whatever you need, all you have to do is ask.”

“You’ve probably guessed, but as much as I was looking forward to catching up with you, I came with another motive.”

“You need work?”

“If you have anything. Even if it’s cleaning toilets.”

“Please. I’d never make you sink so low as that.” The wrinkles on Gregory’s face deepened as he thought. “It would be easy enough to find you a position within my company, but I don’t think you’re suited to office work.”

“I’ll take what I can get. I realize you don’t need my skills in the same way you used to.”

Gregory tapped a finger on his lip. “That may not be true.”

“Don’t tell me you’re considering returning to your old life.”

“No.” Gregory smirked. “But there is something. A task I’ve been pondering but haven’t found the best way to go about it. Then you walk in. It’s very delicate. I don’t think there’s anyone else I’d trust besides you. That is, if you’re still capable.”

“I’m as sharp as ever.”

“So it’s a yes?”

“What do you need me to do?”

Gregory leaned forward and slapped Danny on the knee. “I knew I could count on you. I’d call it kismet if I believed in such things. As I said, it’s a delicate matter, so I need subtlety on this.”

“I can do that.”

“I need you to follow someone. Find out everything you can about their comings and goings. I want to know when they eat, when they sleep, what they do in their spare time, and how much they spend. Everything. Can you do that?”

“I can do it, but you suggested it wasn’t illegal. Stalking is an arrestable crime.”

“Not for you, it won’t be. I’ll make sure of it. And.” He lifted a finger to emphasize his next point. “I’ll give you a bonus if you can get me details of who else is involved and dig up enough dirt to bring them down.”

“Bring who down?”

“An organization. I want all the skeletons in the closet. Everything you can get on employees or volunteers. Financial records. Where the money’s going. Whatever’s there.”

“Is this a rival business?”

Gregory leaned back in his seat with an expressive sigh, suddenly looking his age. “No. And it pains me to do this because it will hurt someone I care about very much. But do you think you can do it?”

“Absolutely. I’ve got a few old contacts who could help me get the information together. Besides the organization itself, is there someone specifically you want me to target? The head of this organization?”

“Yes.”

“And who’s that?”

“My daughter.”

Danny’s expression went blank. “Jael.”

“It’s for her own protection.”

“Wait a second. You want me to spy on Jael and her foundation?”

“You know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. And I know you’d want to protect her as much as I do.”

“But I thought Heber Industries supported Vita Nova?”

“You know about that?”

“I, uh, did my research before coming back. Wanted to know where everything stood with you.”

Sofia brought out coffee and cakes and set them on a low table in front of the two men.

“Thank you, Sofia,” Gregory said, quietly adding milk to his coffee and stirring. His spoon clinked against the cup while he watched Sofia leave. “That woman adores Jael. I don’t want her to worry.”

“It’s that bad?”

“If I had known what Vita Nova would become, I never would have supported Jael in her project.”

“I thought it helped women escape domestic violence situations. Isn’t that a good thing?”

“I have nothing against it philosophically. And I am aware that there are those less fortunate than others, but…it’s taking over Jael’s life. She’s losing focus, and she’s neglecting important aspects of her life. Things that used to matter to her, she’s now abandoned.”

“Are you saying she’s become obsessed?”

“Exactly.” Gregory breathed out, relieved that he could share the burden with someone who understood. But Danny wasn’t so sure they were on the same page. He knew Gregory would spin a situation to suit his opinion and get what he wanted.

“I can see why that would trouble you.”

“You remember how close we always were? She was curious about every aspect of my business. Both sides of it, if you know what I mean.”

“I remember,” Danny said, having already decided he would wait until he’d heard Jael’s side to form his own opinion on the matter.

“She was engaged and helpful,” Gregory continued. “She had insight that I came to rely upon, and she has obligations to fulfill.”

“Obligations?”

“To me. To her family. To the future of everything. I need to shut down the foundation. Whatever it takes. And…” Gregory leaned forward so he could lower his voice. “There’s more going on than she’s telling me.”

“In what way? Do you think she’s getting caught up in something illegal?”

“You know how she was raised. You know the things she’s been involved in.”

Danny had an idea, but he didn’t know for sure how much of her father’s business back then she had participated in. “She’s had an unusual upbringing.”

“The things she’s seen and done. Those battered women don’t know the meaning of the word pain. But Jael does.”

Danny’s jaw tightened, but he wouldn’t allow himself to speculate. Gregory could mean anything. It was clear he was emotional about the issue so would likely exaggerate in an effort to get his point across.

“Maybe she believes it gives her insight into these women’s situations,” Danny suggested.

“Or maybe she gets some kind of pleasure out of other people’s pain.”

“Is that what you really believe?” Danny didn’t buy it for a second.

“Honestly, I don’t know. All I want is for things to go back the way they were. I’m getting old and don’t know how many years I have left on this earth. Is it too much to ask to want her back where she belongs? To want her to be with her own people where she’ll be safe? I need to know she’ll be looked after when I’m gone.”

“You mean Christopher?”

Gregory’s eyes narrowed. “You have done your research.”

“I heard a whisper there will be a wedding soon.”

“I wish I was as confident as the rumors. It’s the perfect match, but so far Jael can’t see it. She’s resisted, and it’s all because of that foundation.”

“Are you sure that’s the reason?”

“What else would it be?”

“If she married Christopher, it would tie a nice bow around everything now that he’s taking over as CEO. It would keep everything in the family.”

Gregory looked at him and nodded warmly. “Even after ten years, you still see things the same way I do. It’s a breath of fresh air. You couldn’t have returned at a better time. If you were my child instead of Jael, my life would be far less stressful.”

“I don’t know about that. I wasn’t a good kid.”

“But you’re a man. I know how your mind works. I don’t know what to do with a strong-headed woman. If her mother was still here, this would have been smoother. Natalie always knew how to talk to Jael. I’ve done my best, but…her mind is full of all the wrong things. I’ll be glad to have all this behind us.”

“And what if I can’t find anything?”

“You will. It’ll be there. You just have to dig. Every time I ask her to do something for me, she makes excuses. There’s always something more important to do. She’s late to lunch, moody all the time, and so far, she’s been nothing but cold to Christopher, which makes no sense. He is a successful, good- looking man. He’s everything she could ever want in a partner, and she’s throwing it all away. It’s like she’s gotten stuck in a cult. Christopher will only put up with her snub for so long, and I can’t expect more from him. I’ve done everything I can on my end. Now I’m relying on you to bring this thing to an end.”

“I’ll do everything I can to help you and her.”

“Exactly what I want. Be careful with her, okay? She’s a strong woman, but in this, I’m afraid she could crack.”

“Leave it to me. I’ll begin right away.” He stood, and Gregory joined him.

“You know,” Gregory said as he led Danny out, “I was feeling pretty low today, but you’ve changed that for me. And I’ll compensate you accordingly.”

“I appreciate it. And I appreciate you giving me another chance to work with you, but more than that, it means a lot to have you back in my life.”

“Me too— Oh, one more thing.” Gregory stopped him when they reached the door. “I’d like you to join us for dinner tonight if you’re available. Or if you’re not, make yourself available.”

“That’s kind of you to offer, but I remember your dinner parties. Do you really want an ex-con at your table?”

“You think I care about your prison time? It would mean a lot to me if you came.”

“Then I won’t say no. Maybe I’ll even have something to report by then.”

“You’re a good man, Danny Fletcher. No matter what the law says.”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

After a quick phone call to Deborah with the update, Danny bought the necessary gear. He didn’t like the idea of spying on Jael, but if she really was in trouble, he’d do whatever it took to get her out of it. He owed her that much.