Page 44 of The Specialist

“Thursday next week.”

I opened my laptop, scanning my calendar. “Leo had mentioned a charity event. We’re doing security for it,” I said, meeting her eyes.

She nodded. “They always get some extra security. The doctors, the auction items.”

“I’ll get Leo to add me. I can’t be with you, but I can be there. Maybe we can sneak in a little rendezvous in the dark somewhere,” I offered, teasing her.

She gazed at me, a glint of humor showing through. “A tryst, Egan? Groping me in the dark?”

“Whatever you want, my love.” I traced her cheek. “Whatever the next benefit is, I will escort you. Show the world you are mine.”

“Caveman,” she muttered, lifting her coffee cup to her lips to hide her smile.

“Your caveman,” I assured her.

“How about you get your caveman ass in gear and make me something to eat?”

I turned to the fridge. “Your wish, my command.”

“Omelets?” she asked hopefully.

I picked up the eggs. “Omelets it is.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Egan

Leo laughed when I asked to be added to the roster for the hospital event. “It’s run-of-the-mill stuff, Egan. Standing by the auction table, looking fierce so no one thinks to slip a pair of earrings they’re admiring into their pocket,” he teased. “We donate our time every year because of Sofia. We do all their events.”

“I want to be close to her,” I explained. “I cannot escort her, but I can watch her. Pay the regular guys, but add me, no charge.”

“Okay,” he agreed easily.

“And I need a driver for her.” I handed him her schedule. “Nondescript car. Two drivers, varying their schedule. But they make sure she gets into the hospital and the apartment building safely. They open her door, and they watch her walk in. I want them armed. If there is any trouble, they act. No questions.”

He nodded. “Why don’t we add a fake car service sign to the car? If anyone sees it, it looks like they’re hired. As if her car isn’t working or something.”

“Good idea.”

“Darnell and Samuel would be good,” he mused. “Big guys, fast, well trained. Both ex-cops and good men. They’d watch over her.”

I nodded in agreement. I knew them both well. They were strong, fast, and often requested by our celebrities. They were excellent marksmen and would keep Sofia safe. Damien had hired them and they had great respect for him, so they would take this assignment personally. “Okay. Bring them in so I can talk to them, please.”

“Sure.”

He typed for a few moments, speaking as he did. “Any ideas on how Alex knew your schedule?”

“No. The system is clean. No one has tried to hack into the software. Sofia and I come up clean for tracking devices. Nothing on our cars, our persons, anything. Damien could be right, and this guy could be an amazing tail. Hiding in plain sight. I’m being extra vigilant.”

He glanced up. “Hiding in plain sight. Like Raven’s stalker?”

I suppressed a shudder. “I hope not.” Andy had been a nutjob of epic proportions and kept us guessing and chasing him for weeks.

“Maybe we need to add some equipment around you. Some cameras to see if we spot some coincidences that aren’t coincidences. The same hat behind you as you walk somewhere. The same van six vehicles down, that sort of thing.”

“Not a bad idea.”

He frowned. “There are bugs now that I can’t even trace without specific equipment.” He glanced around. “This building is safe, especially this office. Your apartment should be okay as well, but out there…” He trailed off.