Bewitching the Reclusive Billionaire Cowboy (11 page)

Graham got on the phone as soon as he got home. He called an agent he trusted and gave him the information about Mrs. Trevor. “And by way, why hasn’t Sylvia been rescued? I thought you were following her every step.”

His friend’s voice lowered. “We lost her. When they took her they immediately found her GPS. And we’ve been running in circles since. I think we have at least one traitor in our group.”

“Damn!”

“We need you. Few of our people know you’ve worked with us. I can give you the coordinates for where we thought they were headed. Since then we’ve gotten completely different information, and they’ve all been false leads.”

He didn’t want to go. His nightmares from his last job had haunted his mind for a long time afterward. His best friend Andy had gotten shot and died in Graham’s arms. And although it wasn’t his fault, Graham couldn’t keep the scene from going round and round in his head, trying to figure what he might have done differently. He’d quit the agency shortly afterward and had come home to find peace. Going there would bring it all back, but he had to. He couldn’t leave Sylvia to die, and they would kill her if she refused to talk and maybe even if she did.

“I’m flying out tonight. Fax me all the info you have.”

When Graham told Gina he was flying to Europe to try to find her sister, he didn’t get the response he expected.

“I’m going with you.”

“No, you aren’t. This is dangerous work and no place for an amateur. I know. I used to work for the same agency that Sylvia does. I don’t want to have to worry about you, too.”

“What if someone kidnaps me from here?”

“You’ll have one of my brothers with you at all times.”

“I will not impose on them. I can help. Take me. She’s my sister.”

Graham put his hands on her shoulders and stared into her golden eyes. He didn’t want to leave her in anyone else’s care, not even his brothers. And knowing her, she might try to follow him.
“I’ll agree, on my terms. You’ll wear a wig, otherwise they’ll recognize you right away. I’m going to do the same. We’ll go as newlyweds on our honeymoon and fly to the last spot where they think she was seen. My guess is they were getting too close, so a smoke screen, so to speak, was thrown up to send them on a wild-goose chase. Once I know for sure where she’s located you’ll stay in our hotel room with the doors locked, understand?”

“I agree.”

“Then pack a small bag and one medium-size one. We have to have some suitcases, or we might arouse suspicion.”

Gina hurried into her room. When she came out, he waited impatiently with his small case by his side.

“A man who travels light.”

“It makes things a lot easier.” Graham wasn’t sure if he was talking about traveling or his lifestyle. He pushed the thought aside. He didn’t have time to think about it now.

“I’ve called Rand and Dirk. They’ll explain to Mom. Dirk is coming to take us to the airport. We have to transfer several times, but we’ll be in Italy by late morning.”

“Is that where she’s being held?”

“I hope so. My contact has had the man followed that he suspects is a traitor. The man flew into Rome late last night.”

Graham looked out the window. “There’s Dirk, and Mom’s with him.” He picked up their luggage, and Gina walked out ahead of him. Dirk took the suitcases to put in the SUV while Graham locked the house.

When they were all inside, Mrs. Brodie turned in her seat to look behind at Gina and Graham. “I don’t like this at all. I’m not sure what’s going on, but my mother radar says it’s dangerous. I don’t suppose there’s anything I can say to change your minds.”

“No, Mom. We have to do this. We’re going to pretend to be newlyweds. A friend is meeting us in New York with some wigs to change our appearances. We fly to Rome from there. That’s all I can tell you. When we get home, I’ll explain.”

“Make sure you get home,” Mrs. Brodie said. “Here, I want to give you this.” She took her wedding band off her right hand where she’d worn it since their father died. “I always think of this ring as lucky. You’ll need a ring to make this look real.” She handed it to Graham. “Put it on her.” She turned back to the front.

He studied the gold band with diamonds all across the top. “We can’t use this, Mom. What if something happened to it?”

“Your father would say it’s worth the risk.”

Graham slid the ring onto Gina’s left hand. It fit perfectly. They stared into each other’s eyes. He saw the tears she blinked away. When he swallowed, he had a lump in his throat. They both looked out opposite windows, and no one talked until the good-byes at the airport.

* * * *

A man had met them at the New York airport. He walked by and set two paper bags by Graham’s seat. After he’d gone out of sight, Graham casually peeked in one and handed it to Gina. She excused herself and went into the bathroom. Gina put on the long dark-brown wig. When she returned to her seat she found Graham had become a blond man with brown eyes.

“You don’t think anyone is watching us?” she asked him.

“No. They won’t miss us until morning. My guess is Mrs. Trevor will be calling to ask you to tea. And they won’t expect to see me.

“I was very emphatic when I left my previous assignment that I’d never do another undercover job. They believed me, but Sylvia thought she could change my mind. What can I say, she caught me at a weak moment and then showed me your picture.” He squeezed Gina’s hand reassuringly.

They boarded an all-night flight to Rome. Gina, exhausted from the rush to get to their destination, refused refreshments and closed her eyes. They traveled first class, and Graham put back the seats and held her in his arms as she fell asleep.

When she woke, she lay half across him. The diamond wedding band sparkled in the sunlight coming through the window across the aisle.

She remembered having a scary dream during the night. Graham had hugged her close and murmured comforting words. He’d kissed the top of her head as she dozed back off.

“I know you’re awake.” His deep voice rumbled in his chest where she lay.

“I doubt you slept at all,” Gina said as she sat upright in her seat.

“I slept some. I can go a long time with just naps.”

“Good morning,” the airline hostess greeted them. “Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Would you like juice? I have orange, tomato, and grapefruit.”

“Orange for me,” Gina said.

“Same here.” Graham pushed his longish blond hair back from his face.

Gina studied his new persona. “I like the brown hair and blue eyes better,” she whispered. “But I think I make a sexy brunette.” She batted her eyelashes in his direction.

“Hmmm, I’ll think about that.” Graham unfastened his seatbelt. “I’m going to the head. Be right back.”

She pushed the window shade upward. White fluffy clouds floated by the plane. The flight attendant brought their breakfast right when Graham returned. He swung into his seat and put on the seat belt.

“Here’s a warm towel to wake you and clean your hands.” She arranged the trays for them.

“Are we on time to Rome?” Gina asked.

The flight attendant nodded yes. “We land in about an hour and a half. Enjoy your food.” She moved on down the aisle.

“Have you been to Rome?” Graham asked.

“I haven’t been anywhere overseas. I’ve visited a few other states. If it weren’t for worrying about my sister, I’d be totally excited to be landing in Italy in less than two hours.”

“Maybe you’ll get back another time to visit.”

“We’ll see. I don’t make a lot of money, so I’m not sure I’d be able to afford the trip.”

“Then once we rescue Sylvia, if she’s all right, maybe we’ll have time to let you see some of the sights.”

She’d hoped he’d say he would bring her back, maybe on a real honeymoon. But he didn’t. They’d been getting closer, but since his phone call he was all business. She was glad, in a way. Sylvia needed a man like him to find her. Gina trusted Graham knew what he was doing. Anything else had to wait.

The plane landed on time, and Graham had a sports car waiting for them. He threw their bags in the trunk and maneuvered his way around Rome, down a side street or two, and finally parked in front of a small hotel.

“I’ve stayed here before. The owners are friends of mine and discreet,” he said. He opened the car door for her, and putting his hand at her back, he walked her up the steps and into a small but impressive front lobby.

“Ah, it is our old friend”—the man glanced at the guest list—“Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ridken. How are you, Peter? We did not expect to see you again.”

“I had to bring my new bride to Italy, Gaetano.” Graham introduced Gina by her middle name, Claire. “I may have some business during our visit. I’m sure she’ll be well taken care of while I’m gone.”

“But of course. If she wishes to sightsee I have a capable chauffeur to drive her wherever she wishes to go.”

“See, darling, this is why I prefer a smaller hotel to the larger, more flashy ones.”

Gaetano called to one of the two bellboys. “Take Mr. and Mrs. Ridken to Room 408. It is our top floor. You will view many sights and get a lovely breeze,” he said to Gina.

She thanked him, and they went to the old elevator set against the far wall. It had the cage that pulled shut and then the door. Gina was surprised to see only two rooms on the fourth floor, one on each side.

Graham explained as they walked in. “This is one of two suites. The other floors are individual rooms. But you’ll be more comfortable here while I have to be away doing my job.”

He glanced at his watch. “I have to meet a contact. I’ll be back, and we’ll go to lunch. Then this afternoon we’ll ride out of Rome and along one of the smaller roads by the sea. Hopefully I’ll have a fairly good idea of which villa I’m looking for by then.”

* * * *

“This is the villa where we traced him,” Dan said, pointing at a map on his cell phone. He was short, dark haired, and had a soft voice. “The man hasn’t left since he got there this morning. She may not be in that spot, but I’d bet he knows where to find her.” They walked along the narrow side streets. “What’s your plan?”

“I’m taking her sister with me, and we’ll drive down the coastline and have lunch. Once I spot the villa, I’ll bring Gina back and then tonight we strike,” Graham said. “How many men do you have to help us?”

Dan gave him a wry smile. “It’s you and me. The few people who know about this assignment aren’t convinced I’m right about my assumption. They refused to give me any help, and I didn’t tell them about you.”

“Damn, we’ll have to be resourceful. Meet me at six this evening at the east corner of my hotel. Drive a black car, and bring weapons.”

“Will do.” Dan took long steps away from Graham, and reentering a busy street, he disappeared in the crowd.

Graham took a circuitous route to their hotel in case someone tried to follow him.

Gina had dressed in white slacks and a blue top. “I’m ready and starved.”

“Then let’s go.”

One of the porters brought the sports car around to the front of the hotel. Graham helped Gina in and then went around to the driver’s seat. He checked to see she had her seat belt on. Driving in Rome could be crazy, and they had a ways to go before getting on the highway out of town. She’d also put a scarf on, letting just the front of her brown wig show.

He hit the gas and began maneuvering his way to the coastline. Beside him Gina was quiet as he swerved in and out of the congested traffic. Finally, they turned onto the two-lane beach highway. Traffic was much less dense, and he slowed a bit.

Graham heard Gina take a deep breath. “Were you holding your breath while I was driving?”

“Most of the way.” She grinned. “Were you ever a race-car driver?”

“Only in my young teenage years. But I did ride bulls for a while. It drove my mother crazy.”

“Were you ever hurt?”

“Bruised and broke an arm once, otherwise no.”

She turned in her seat to look at him. “I’d never have thought of you doing something where you were the focus of so much attention. It doesn’t fit your personality.”

“I ignored the crowd. Riding the bull was an exhilaration and worth putting up with the fans.”

“You are full of surprises, Mr. Graham Brodie.” She looked back at the sea, and he slowed as they entered a small town. Just on the other side was where they suspected the traitor had gone.

“We’ll stop here for lunch,” Graham said. Before he got out of the car he took a quick look at the picture Dan had slipped in his pocket earlier. His heart jerked. Marko, the man who supposedly shot Graham’s friend and previous partner Andy. A committee decided death by friendly fire during a raid, and they’d cleared Marko. Graham had suspected differently but couldn’t prove it. That’s when he’d left and gone home.

“Are you all right?” Gina touched his shoulder. “You look very fierce.”

“I’m fine.” He got out and walked around to open her door.
I’m really fine. At last, after I get this scum, Andy can rest in peace, and maybe I can get rid of my nightmares and guilt for somehow not saving him.