Ian blew out a breath.“I’m making this between us. Keep Kieran in the loop, but unless the threat level is imminent, run tactical through me. I was able to get him out of trouble for what happened yesterday. But it’s clear he’s... Ice, Greece, I want her itinerary.”
Ian grabbed her phone. “Clone it, get everything you can off it.”
Then he shook his head and put the phone back. “No, I’m not breaking our business model. It’s unethical. Zach, get a complete background on Alain Charpentier. Track her flight to San Diego and run the manifests. Martin, chart an entire entourage protection plan. Julian, get ahold of any photographs taken at Del Mar City Beach during her photoshoot. Have tech add them to facial recognition and then go spend time with Delphine. Troy, keep the lid on here.
“I’m heading into the office. I’ll have London send a team to Lyon and get copies of everything they have.” Ian stood. “Tell him to call me when he comes up for air.” His eyes locked onto the bedroom door.
* * *
Monique lay across the bed.“I’m here. Shh.” Kieran wrapped his body around her.
“Why is this happening?” Her hands held tightly to him.
His heart pounded. These feelings were raw and new. “Sometimes, we can’t explain things like this. You have a stalker. What started out as an infatuation changed on Bastille Day and worsened when you came here. Please, let me help you.” He wiped her hair from her eyes.
“I don’t want you hurt,” she stated firmly.
“Oh, beautiful, I am your big bear.” He leaned up and kissed the soft skin behind her ear.
“I’m scared,” she sniffled.
“I know.” He rolled and lifted her still shaking body into his lap. “I hate to do this, but I need to ask. We can’t delay these answers anymore. The White Star family event—are there any fittings or rehearsals?” He forced himself into his role as investigator. He couldn’t let anything happen to her.
“Day of. I have to be at the stadium at nine and then back at four.” She sat up.
“You got a call this morning. Who was it from?” Kieran continued the interview.
“Jack Rodriquez, he was committed to the show already. He said another model backed out.” Monique wrapped her arms around her knees.
“Do models back out of commitments often?”
Monique chewed her lip. “The ones who do often don’t get repeat work, but for a charity, only if it’s a major emergency.”
“Did Jack say who?”
“No. Why?” Her brows fretted.
“Just being thorough.” Kieran’s brain tried to put things together. “How long have you known Jack?”
“We did our first shoot for Chanel ten years ago. I hadn’t worked with him since…” She started to breathe fast.
“What? Talk to me,” Kieran pleaded.
“We did a bathing suit shoot for the cruise season.” She stared off into the distance.
“When’s cruise season?” Kieran had no clue how the fashion industry worked.
“February.”
“Okay.”
“You don’t understand. We shot the photos in July—Bastille Day. Kieran, he’s in danger.” She panicked, hands trembling.
“I’m texting Ian now. We will get eyes on him and his fiancé.” Kieran’s thumbs moved with lightning speed.
Ian texted him back. “Will take care of. How’s our client?”
Kieran looked at Monique and replied to his brother, “Not our client—personal.”
