Tangled Web
by Sarah & Lanie
Chapter 2
July 3, 1999
Sinclair Investigations
Cameron leafed through the file on his desk, searching for the notes he'd made during his last interview on the Murphy case. Gary was due to arrive at any minute for a briefing. They were both working extra hours to try and get Gary caught up on things now that he was back. The work helped distract Cameron from his larger problems, at least partially. But he was still on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop… waiting for the inevitable contact that would draw him back into a life that he desperately wanted to escape.
Gary strolled into the office saying, "Hey bro."
"Hey yourself. Glad you could finally make it" Cameron said with a grin. Gary glared in response. Cameron shoved the papers back into the folder and held it out to Gary. "Here's the Murphy file. Let me know if you have any questions."
Gary took the file and sat down at his desk. "I talked to Josie before I came in. She traded shifts with someone so she'll able to come to the Cory Fourth of July barbecue tomorrow."
Cameron answered distractedly, "That's good."
"We want to bring something but we didn't know what Rachel might need for the picnic." When Cameron didn't answer Gary's subtle request, he got the distinct impression that his younger brother wasn't hearing a word he said. "I thought maybe we could help with the entertainment, bring along some dynamite or plastique to detonate. Regular fireworks aren't up to the Cory standard. What do you think?"
Cameron didn't look up. "Good idea Gar, I'm sure Rachel will appreciate it."
Gary stood up, walked over to Cameron's desk, and sat on the edge of it. "Enough's enough Cam. Spill it."
Cameron looked up with annoyed confusion. "Spill what?"
"Whatever it is that has you so distracted that you didn't blink an eye when I suggested setting off explosives at Rachel's holiday gathering. What is going on with you? You've been acting strange since dinner the other night. I let you put me off before but I want an explanation. Now."
Cameron walked over to a filing cabinet to escape his brother's scrutiny. "I already told you, it's a case I've been working on. It's nothing I need your help with so just leave it alone, ok?"
"Fine, you don't need my help. Message received loud and clear. Will you at least tell me which case it is and why it's got you all tied up in knots?"
Cameron shoved the file drawer shut with a sigh of exasperation and turned to face Gary. "It's not a case for the business. It's something I took on freelance and the client insists on complete confidentiality. I can't tell you, Gary. Please stop asking."
Everything in Gary told him Cameron was hiding something. He wanted to push for answers but the stubborn light in his brother's eyes clearly said that he'd get none. Gary threw up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Ok. I just hope you can handle whatever this is on your own. If you realize you can't, I'll be here."
Cameron let out an internal sigh of relief as Gary walked back to his own desk. He'd been able to avoid lying outright to Gary but that was of little comfort to him at the moment. Cameron knew that if the people in his life found out what he was really doing and why, the secret could destroy them all.
Gary picked up a stack of mail and started leafing through it. He dropped some items on Cameron's desk and commented, "Since when do you get junk mail here at the office?"
"Junk mail?"
"Yeah, there's a postcard in there from some organization looking for donations. How did they get your business address?"
Cameron stiffened at the mention of the postcard and began rifling through the envelopes looking for it. "Who knows where these people get their information? Somebody must have sold them a mailing list."
Gary shrugged and went back to his desk. Cameron found the postcard and had to force himself not to roll his eyes. The front pictured an American flag billowing against a bright blue sky. Bold typeface read, "Kane International Activists… Making America A Better Place To Live, One Person At A Time". Cameron flipped the card over and read the message on the back:
All our chapters are holding informational meetings in their local headquarters at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 3, 1999. We ask you to join us as we discuss the next phase of our action plan. Please consult your member information guide for the address of your local chapter. Hope to see you there!
Cameron folded the postcard and shoved it into his pocket. He glanced at his watch to see it was 12:15 PM. Less than three hours until they take control of my life again, he thought furiously. Cameron knew the anger was futile but that didn't prevent him from clenching his fist with ineffectual rage. He also realized the thought was inaccurate. They had always been in control of his life. They had just allowed him to believe otherwise for a short time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
July 3, 1999
The Island of Tanquir
Cindy Harrison sat contentedly in the shade of a large umbrella sipping a cool tropical drink. She set the glass down on the wicker table in front of her and turned her face into the breeze that relieved the intense heat of the day. When the breeze passed, she turned her attention to the man who sat across the table from her. She propped her chin on her hand and studied his face as intently as he was studying the papers he was leafing through. Without looking up from the folder, David said, "Did you want something?"
Cindy grinned mischievously and replied, "That's a funny question. You should know me well enough by now to realize that I always want something."
David's lips quirked with amusement. He turned his eyes toward Cindy and cocked up one eyebrow. "Care to be more specific?"
Cindy pulled her sunglasses down to the tip of her nose so she could look at him over the top of the lenses. "I want… to know what you're looking at."
David smiled and shook his head indulgently at Cindy's come-hither tone. "I'm looking at the development deal for that piece of land I showed you yesterday. This place could turn out to be a gold mine. It was an amazing stroke of luck that we ran into Mr. Cabalas at dinner the other night."
"Yeah. I was surprised he knew who you were. I didn't realize I was on vacation with a world famous businessman. I mean, I know you're loaded and all, but to have him approach you out of the blue like that…"
David's brow furrowed slightly. Hearing Cindy describe the encounter brought his earlier suspicions back to him. It did seem a bit too convenient to have a man contact him with a business proposition when he was not actively seeking one. That was why he hadn't decided to move forward with the deal until he'd had Mr. Cabalas investigated thoroughly by his people back in the States. Recalling the report that had assured him the islander was a legitimate businessman, David put aside his reservations and said, "After the way my life has gone this past year, I think I deserve a bit of good fortune for a change."
Cindy stared off into the distance, thinking about the last year of her own life. In a distracted voice she muttered, "Yeah. I think we both do." Shaking off the reflective moment, Cindy said, "So boss, what are you planning to do with that chunk of real estate?"
"I think it's the perfect place for a mini-mall. There doesn't seem to be much retail development on the island outside of the locally owned shops. Could be a huge money maker."
Cindy wrinkled her nose and said, "Oh… I see."
David was intrigued by her reaction. "You don't agree?"
"Well, I was thinking… never mind."
"No, I do mind. As you pointed out a few moments ago, I am your boss. And your boss wants to know why a woman who is pathologically addicted to shopping doesn't think a mall is a good investment."
Cindy glared slightly at his characterization of her before stating her position. "Ok, think for a minute about your target audience here on this island. You have the native people and the tourists. Tourists come here to get away from their normal lives. They're not going to want to shop at the same places they visit at home. They'll visit the local merchants to soak up the native culture. Now the people who live here are split into two groups. You have the filthy rich who will consider a mall to be déclassé, and the working class who either can't afford mall prices or will resent a new set of stores taking money away from their own businesses. It's a lose-lose situation if you ask me."
David's eyes brightened at Cindy's astute market analysis. Hiring her was looking less like a personal project and more like a shrewd business move. "I am asking you. What would you suggest instead?"
"Well a resort development is out. The property has no beach front so you wouldn't have a prayer of competing with the established hotels. I was thinking more along the lines of light manufacturing, nothing that would produce pollution. They would never go for that with the risk to the tourist trade. Maybe a manual assembly set up. There's plenty of labor force…" Cindy stopped speaking when she noticed the intent stare she was receiving. She shook her head, rejecting her own idea before David could. "You think I'm nuts, don't you?"
"I think…" David said as he dropped the folder on the patio table and took Cindy's hand in his, "I think that of all the things that have happened to me since I woke up in the hospital in Bay City, the luckiest was meeting you."
Cindy drew in a breath and bit her bottom lip. A sheen of tears brightened her eyes as she shakily whispered, "Thank you."
David smiled. "I'm the one who should be thanking you. You have a keen business sense and great ideas."
Cindy shook her head and said, "That's not what I meant. I'm thanking you for taking me seriously. You're the first person who has in a long, long time."
David stared into Cindy's eyes and felt something shift inside himself. It was the same way he'd felt on the docks that night she'd been shoved into the bay. There was something about this woman, something she hid from the world ninety-eight percent of the time. A vulnerability she covered with bravado and sensuality. That desperate need to be loved and respected called out to him. It made him feel like he was the only person who really knew her, the only one who could quite possibly save her from herself.
That same look of vulnerability prevented David from leaning in to kiss her, even though every part of him was aching to do so. Cindy didn't need him to take advantage of her. Instinctually, he realized that she needed something more from him. She needed him to help her believe in herself again, to realize what an extraordinary person she truly was underneath her obvious sex appeal. Until that happened, David knew he had to keep the relationship platonic. He just hoped he had the self-control to keep himself in check.
Before temptation overcame his resolve, David broke the charged silence by glancing down at his watch. "Speaking of this deal, we need to get moving if we're going to be ready in time for the meeting with Mr. Cabalas."
Cindy sat back in her chair, stung by what she perceived to be David's rejection. She'd felt the pull of attraction between them and had thought David felt it too. Get a grip, Hon, Cindy chided herself silently. The man hasn't shown one iota of interest in kissing you except once when you looked like a drowned rat. He only did it then out of pity. And even if he was attracted to you, the man isn't stupid. He knows enough about your past to steer clear. Just be grateful that he has any interest in you at all. This is no time to start expecting miracles. You should know better by now. Cindy cleared her throat and said, "We? I thought you were meeting him alone?"
David stood and picked up the folder from the table. "I was. But that was before I realized what you could bring to the table. What kind of fool would I be to go into battle without my best market analyst there to protect my interests?" David held out his hand and said, "Care to take a few hours out of your vacation to lend me a hand? I need you Cindy."
Cindy looked up at David with wide eyes as she tried to calm the thrill racing through her. I need you Cindy. God, that sounded good, even if it was only business. It had been so long since anyone had said they needed her and meant it. Cindy thought she'd heard something more in David's tone than a business request but she chalked it up to wishful thinking. What he was offering her was better than enough; it was more than she deserved.
Cindy placed her hand in David's and stood. "You need me, you got me boss man. Let's go make a deal."
David smiled widely and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. As they walked toward the bungalow he asked, "So, do we need to go shopping for appropriate business attire or did you happen to bring something along?"
"What do you mean? I thought I'd go in what I'm wearing now."
David shot a skeptical sidelong glance at Cindy's apparel. His silent dismissal of the scarlet sarong patterned with bright yellow hibiscus blossoms spoke volumes. Cindy glared and pulled away to punch him in the shoulder. As David let out an irritated "Hey!", Cindy demanded, "What's wrong with my outfit?"
David rubbed his arm and muttered, "What is it about me that invites the women of Bay City to assault me without warning?"
Cindy ignored his comment and repeated her question, stressing each word with heated emphasis. "What is wrong with what I'm wearing?"
David's eyes snapped to hers and he replied, "Nothing, if you're going to a luau. On the other hand, if you're going to a business negotiation you want to dress a little more… subtly.
Seeing Cindy's eyes flare wide, David quickly held up a hand and said, "Don't hit me again, just let me finish. We don't need any distractions during this meeting. I think it's better all around if you change clothes, all right?"
Cindy's frown melted into a self satisfied smile. She ran her hands seductively up David's chest to rest them on his wide shoulders "So… you're afraid of being 'distracted' by me, huh? Want to help me get dressed?"
David forced himself to put aside the vivid image she'd just implanted in his mind. He raised his eyebrow, cleared his throat and said, "I'll help you pick something out, if you'd like, but I'm sure you're quite capable of undres… dressing yourself."
Cindy raised an eyebrow and tilted her head to look up at him through her lashes. "Don't want to take any chances, huh?"
David steeled himself against the desire to pull her against him and show her in no uncertain terms exactly what he wanted. What he wanted to do and what he was going to do were totally opposite. For the time being, that was a necessity.
David stepped back and resumed leading Cindy to the bungalow. "You take enough chances for the both of us. That leaves me to be the voice of reason."
"Ok, Mr. Voice-of-reason. Let's go find me a 'subtle' outfit" Cindy replied, rolling her eyes as she said the word "subtle".
David chuckled. "Do you own such a thing?"
Cindy heard the teasing note in his voice and took the comment as it was intended. As she entered the privacy of the suite, she shot back "Who was the other Bay City woman who assaulted you? I think I'll send her a thank you card."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Very well, Mr. Halliday. I will see you shortly." Enrique Cabalas hung up the phone and turned to look at the man sitting in the chair across from him. "The meeting is still on. Halliday just wanted to inform me that he's bringing a business associate with him."
Grant Harrison gave the man an irritated look for stating the obvious. "So I gathered. Who is this associate?"
"Apparently it's his traveling companion. According to Mr. Halliday, she works for him."
Grant stood up and started pacing. "Before I thought there was a possibility that it was just a coincidence they came here. Now I'm certain that they're up to something."
"What makes you so sure?"
Grant glared at his co-conspirator. "Are you forgetting I was married to that woman for years? I know her better than anyone else on this planet does. I can tell you for a fact that Cynthia doesn't know enough about high finance to spell it correctly. Only an idiot would hire her and Halliday is no fool."
Enrique's brow furrowed. "If you think they're after you then why engage them in a business deal? I would think you wouldn't want to give them a reason to stay here any longer than they originally planned."
Grant smirked with superiority gleaming in his eyes. "Remember the old adage, keep your friend close and your enemies closer? That's why I had you set the meeting up with Halliday. It will make it easier for me to keep track of them. I don't want any surprises at this point in the game. The stakes are way too high to take any chances."
"If you consider them a threat then why not just have them eliminated or at least make sure they leave the island?"
Grant walked to the mini-bar and poured himself a drink before answering. "There's no need to take drastic measures yet. I don't want to draw any attention to myself unnecessarily. For now, I just want to keep tabs on Cynthia and her latest conquest." Grant sipped the liquor and then turned his eyes to meet Enrique's. "For now…"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bay City - First Street Warehouse
Cameron entered the warehouse and headed for the lighted office in the back. Scout and Hawk were already seated with a speakerphone resting on the table between them. Cameron sat next to Scout and said, "So I'm guessing Devlin is calling into the meeting?"
"You guess wrong, Mav." Cameron tuned to see Devlin enter the room holding four bound folders. Devlin sat next to Hawk and handed each of them a copy of the file. "This is the background report. Kane will be calling in shortly to review status and to lay out our course of action."
As Scout and Hawk began leafing through the documents, Cameron defiantly shoved his back across the table. "So the man himself is joining us. What a treat."
Devlin's eyes turned to pin him with a warning glare. "Don't be stupid, Mav. Just do what's expected of you and keep your mouth shut about wanting out. Kane won't be nearly as tolerant of your idle threats as the rest of us. You were told from the beginning what you were in for if you decided to sign up. I don't recall any complaints at the time."
Cameron glared back at Devlin with icy anger. "That's right, I forgot. The rest of us are forced to make sacrifices, but not you. You live for this because you have nothing else."
Devlin was about to reply when the secure line on the phone buzzed. Devlin pressed the receive button and said, "Hello, Kane. Everyone's here."
A deep voice emanated from the speaker. "Good. We have a situation, one that requires an immediate reaction. It's been a while since we had any developments but things seem to be heating up again. After Grant Harrison's unexpected death, it appeared that the threat in Bay City was extinguished. That is no longer the case due to information that has recently come to our attention.
"Item one: the return of Carl Hutchins to Bay City. Although on the surface it is unrelated to our core concern, I feel it is prudent to keep a close eye on the situation. Maverick, you are best positioned to monitor this state of affairs given the fact you are now related to Hutchins by marriage and have easy access to the Cory-Hutchins household. By the way Maverick, congratulations on your recent marriage."
Cameron was unable to completely hide his sarcasm when he replied, "Thank you, sir. I didn't know you cared."
"Of course I care. Your familial relationships in Bay City, while previously troublesome, are turning out to be quite an advantage. The fact that you married Amanda Cory gives you an excellent cover for the mission."
Cameron lost his tenuous hold on his temper. Slamming his palm down on the table, he seethed into the phone. "Amanda is my wife, not my cover! If you want me to cooperate, you'll remember that!"
Cameron felt a hand grasp his wrist and looked over at Scout with fire blazing in his eyes. Scout looked back at him with an expression of caution combined with understanding. Cameron's eyes drifted shut as he took a deep breath to try and calm the fury that was boiling in his blood. When he opened his eyes, he saw Hawk shaking his head wearily. Unlike Devlin and Kane, Cameron knew that Hawk and Scout had experienced the same rage and frustration he was feeling. They also knew the futility of expressing those feelings.
When Cameron heard Kane's knowing chuckle come from the speakerphone, he almost wished he'd angered the man enough to make him follow through on his threats. Kane said, "I thought Scout and Hawk had taught you to control that temper of yours. Railing against your fate is not only pointless Maverick, it's also foolish. Try to keep that in mind before you cross the wrong line.
"Now let's continue. Item two: we're hearing reports that Logan has not abandoned his plans for Bay City the way we were led to believe. In fact, some startling information came into our hands this morning that changes everything. Devlin, please review the findings."
Devlin passed out additional papers to each of them and explained. "Based on an anonymous tip, we secretly exhumed the grave of Grant Harrison. The tip claimed that Harrison was not killed by asphyxiation as the official report stated; that he had in fact been given an exotic poison. What we found when we opened the coffin was not at all expected. The body buried in Grant Harrison's grave was not Grant Harrison."
Hawk muttered, "Well I'll be damned."
Scout's jaw clenched with tension as he asked, "Are you sure?"
Devlin nodded. "We double checked the tests to be certain. Whoever that man was, he's not Grant Harrison. You have a copy of the test results in that report. We're still working on identifying the body. We've already discovered the plastic surgery scars that made everyone believe the man was Harrison. The surgeon was a pro. We're looking into who was skilled enough to pull off such a remarkable transformation. When we find the surgeon, we'll find whoever was behind the switch."
Kane took over, saying, "We've come up with two possible scenarios. One, whoever poisoned Harrison was worried about discovery and was covering by replacing the corpse with a substitute. Two, Harrison faked his own death and is out there somewhere. Either way we have a situation that must be contained using all due speed and force. Devlin and I have conferred and come up with the following strategy…"
Kane laid out the operation with occasional clarifications from Devlin. Once he finished, Kane closed the conversation by saying, "I'll expect daily reports to be made to Devlin until further notice. Even if you have no progress to report I want all of you to check in, no exceptions. It's crunch time people. Years of work have led us to this point. I know I can count on you."
Devlin reached over to press the disconnect button and said, "Ok, out with it. I can see you're all chomping at the bit to tear the plan to shreds. Let's get all the issues on the table now because once we leave here there's no turning back."
Scout spoke first. "Do you realize what a risk we'll be taking? If the wrong people find out-"
Devlin interrupted, "The wrong people won't find out. That is not an option. We're all professionals here. We're expected to do our jobs in such a way that people only know what we want them to know. I don't need to remind you who will pay if anyone discovers what we're doing and why."
Scout sat back and rubbed his temples. His expression clearly stated that he knew all too well who would pay. That was the knowledge that had kept him more closely tied to the team than loyalty or duty ever could. Devlin's speech dried up Hawk's protests as well. Disputing the plan wouldn't change anything. They needed to focus their energy on finding a way to make it work without endangering lives other than their own.
Cameron wasn't as quickly silenced. "What about your part in this, Devlin? Don't you think you're pushing your luck just a tad? These aren't stupid people you'll be trying to fool. If someone finds you out, this whole thing could fall apart."
Devlin pinned Cameron with a determined stare. "It doesn't matter what I think. Yes it's a risk, but it's a necessary one. You can't be the only one working the Bay City angle. Something could get missed and that's a chance we can't afford to take." Devlin's eyes met those of the others in turn. "We're all in this together. We're a team, and we have to start acting like one or someone will get hurt. And I don't think that's a risk any of us want to take."
Devlin waited until each of them gave a sign of assent. "Ok, you heard Kane. We have a lot of ground to cover and not much time. Let's get to work." Devlin stood and strode purposely out of the room.
Cameron looked at Scout and Hawk. "Do you think they're being straight with us?"
Scout leaned in and replied, "About what they've told us? Yes. Do I think they've told us everything? I'm not sure. All I know is if Grant is alive then a lot of people in Bay City could be in danger and not even know it."
Hawk nodded in agreement. "It's our job to protect them. And that's exactly what we're going to do. No matter what it takes."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Cory Mansion
Cameron walked into the living room and saw Alli sitting on the couch with her headphones on reading a magazine. She had her feet propped against the coffee table and was tapping out the beat. Cameron watched her unobserved for a moment, thinking about how different their relationship was now from what it had been less than two months ago. The smile that thought conjured was still on his face when he walked over and tapped his hand on the magazine to get her attention. When Alli took off the headphones, Cameron said, "Hey kid."
"Hey yourself. Where have you been all day?"
Cameron's smile faltered a bit as he thought of where he'd just come from. With that in mind, he said, "Working. Is Carl around?"
Alli dropped the magazine on the table and stood up. "Yeah. He and Gram are in the library watching a Christmas video from two years ago. They've been working all day on trying to get his memory back."
"How's that going?"
Alli shrugged. "As far as I know he still doesn't remember much. Carl told me his memories are all kind of mixed up. He remembers bits and pieces, but he doesn't know how it all fits together."
"I see." Cameron folded his arms across his chest and smiled slyly. "I heard that the McKinnon clan will all be present and accounted for at tomorrow's picnic. Now how do you feel about that?"
Alli blushed prettily and said, "I'm glad they'll be here. It's been awhile since I got to spend any time with my cousin Steven."
Cameron grinned. "Right." When Alli glared at his disbelieving tone, Cameron laughed and decided to cut her some slack about Sean. "Where's your Mom?"
"She's at work."
"At work? On a Saturday before a holiday?"
"Well you just came from work, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but being a PI isn't exactly nine to five. Did she say what she was going in for?"
"She's interviewing someone for that job they've been trying to fill. Uncle Matt was supposed to handle it but he had to fly to London because of some emergency… Oh, I almost forgot. Mom called earlier and wanted you to pick her up on your way home. She said that she'd tried to call you on your cell phone, but it must have been off or something."
Or something, Cameron thought to himself, then spoke quickly before Alli could ask him any questions. "Then I'd better be on my way."
Without another word, Cameron turned around and walked outside. He sighed heavily as he closed the door behind him. He'd made it out of that conversation easily. Now, he had Amanda to deal with.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Cory Publishing
Amanda had just finished reviewing the résumé Matt had provided when the intercom buzzed. "Mrs. Sinclair, there's a Ms. Richardson here to see you."
"Please send her in." Amanda stood and walked to the front of her desk. When the door opened, she took a moment to gather a first impression of the woman who walked in - She cut a trim figure in her stylish black suit and heels. Her long auburn hair was gathered into a low ponytail at the base of her head. Her posture spoke of confidence that complimented the stunning beauty of her face. Amanda decided that the most striking of the woman's features were her large turquoise eyes. Amanda walked forward with an open smile and her hand outstretched. "Hello, I'm Amanda Sinclair."
The woman smiled and shook hands with her. "Tessandra Richardson, but please call me Tess. It's very nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Amanda said as she motioned Tess towards a chair. As they sat, Amanda continued, "I apologize for the last minute change. I know you were expecting to be interviewed by my brother, Matthew, but he was called away to handle a problem at our European office."
"It's not a problem as far as I'm concerned."
Amanda smiled and said, "Great. Why don't we get started then?"
After ten minutes, Amanda believed that Tess was the right person for the job. After thirty minutes, she was certain of it. When she had concluded the interview, Amanda stood up and said. "It was very nice talking with you. I'd like to offer you the position, if you're ready to accept."
Tess smiled hesitantly and replied, "I would love to accept but shouldn't I meet with your brother first? As I understood things, I'd be working mostly with him. What if he doesn't approve?"
Amanda smiled at the thought of introducing her brother to Tess. After interviewing her, Amanda's had the impression that Tess was beautiful, intelligent, and possessed an inner strength tempered by kindness. In Amanda's expert older sister opinion, this woman had the potential to bring her brother out of mooning for Lila Winthrop. "I know my brother very well and I can't think of a single reason that he'd protest. You're more than qualified for the position and I'm certain you will get along with him. Everyone gets along with Matthew. But if it will make you feel better, we can make the offer contingent on his approval. How does that sound?"
Tess nodded. "Sounds great. When should I start?"
"Whenever you're ready. Would Tuesday be too soon? "
"I'll be here." Tess and Amanda both stood up. As she slid the strap of her purse up in her shoulder, Tess said, "Thank you for interviewing me on a weekend Mrs. Sinclair. I appreciate you making allowances for my schedule."
"Please, call me Amanda. It was no problem at all. I'm just thrilled we found you for this position so quickly. We weren't prepared when the previous person quit. It was quite sudden and unexpected."
Tess smiled. "I guess we both got lucky."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Cameron walked along the hall to Amanda's office, whistling as he went. He paused briefly as he swept past Amanda's secretary. Cameron gave her a wink and flashed his devastating smile before he continued toward the closed door with Amanda's name boldly displayed. The quick smile he had given the secretary became a grin when he caught sight of the new nameplate. It now read "Amanda Sinclair". He knocked lightly on the door and did not wait for an answer as he opened it and stepped inside the office.
"Hey, Amanda, when..."
Cameron stopped with his hand still on the doorknob. The smile on his face disappeared when he saw that Amanda was not alone.
"Cameron," she said with a smile and walked over to greet him.
The other occupant of the office had turned as Amanda greeted Cameron. Cameron looked over Amanda's shoulder at the woman. Her blue-green eyes were intense as they swept Cameron from head to toe.
"I've still got a few things to finish up," Amanda told him.
Cameron tore his gaze from the woman and he smiled slightly at Amanda. "I was hoping that you might be done already."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Amanda said, turning away from Cameron. "Please excuse me. Cameron, I would like you to meet Cory's newest addition. This is Tess Richardson. Tess, this is my husband, Cameron Sinclair."
Tess smiled and stepped forward, extending a perfectly manicured hand to Cameron. Cameron hesitated a moment, then clasped her hand in his. They shook hands, then stepped away from one another quickly.
"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Sinclair. Congratulations on your marriage. I'm looking forward to spending a lot of time in Bay City and here at Cory."
"Are you making Bay City your home, Ms. Richardson. It is 'Ms.'?"
Tess nodded. "Yes, it is. And I do plan on sticking around Bay City for a while. There's something about this place that makes you want to plant roots here."
"I can't argue with you there."
Tess turned back to Amanda. "If there's nothing else, Amanda, I'll be going. I suppose that I'll see you on Tuesday."
A faint gleam entered Amanda's eyes that Tess did not notice but Cameron observed with interest. "Actually, if you're going to be in town tomorrow, my family is having a company picnic at our home. It would give you a chance to meet your new co-workers in a more casual setting. So, can you come?"
Tess thought a moment, then nodded. "I don't see why not. Sounds like a good opportunity for me to get off on the right foot here."
Amanda smiled and said, "Great. If you stop at the receptionist's desk on the way out she can give you a map."
Amanda and Tess shook hands. "I'm very pleased to have you joining us. I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'll be there. Have a good evening," she told them, then quickly left the office.
Cameron stared after her until Amanda slapped him on the arm.
"What?" he asked with a mischievous smile.
"No looking," she told him with narrowed eyes.
"You know I only have eyes for you, Mrs. Sinclair."
Amanda leaned forward, kissing him gently.
"Do you think you can find something to occupy yourself while I clean some things up?"
Cameron nodded. "I don't think that will be a problem."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Cory Parking Garage
Tess Richardson looked cautiously from side to side as she walked toward her car. She was out of the sight of the security guard. She held out her remote entry device to unlock her car. As she pushed the button, her body was slammed to the ground as she was tackled from behind. With a quick roll, she escaped the grasp of her assailant. She got to her feet and looked into his eyes. Her breathing was uneven.
"What do you want?" she demanded as she held her hands in front of her in a practiced karate stance.
"Answers," her assailant gritted as he watched her suspiciously.
Tess advanced on him, kicking high as she cried out. He rolled on the ground, then came back up to his knees. With one move, Tess was once again on the ground. His arm was pressed against her throat.
"Answers to what? Is. . . .this . . . . how . . . .. you treat. . . . all new employees?" Tess gasped as she wiggled out of his grasp.
"No. . . just you, " he told her with a humorless smile.
Tess pushed at him, throwing him off her for a minute. They rolled on the ground together. When they stopped, he clearly had the advantage. Tess glared at him with open hostility.
"Do you give in?" he asked.
Tess looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Never!" she yelled, even though he was mere inches away.
He reached out, causing Tess to flinch. He pulled the clip from her hair and threw it across the garage. As he loosened his grip on her, he reached up and mussed her hair.
"There. That's much better," he said with a grin.
Tess leaned as far away from him as possible. She clenched her jaw as she stared him down.
"I hate you!" she spat in his face as she reached up and grabbed both of his ears.
"Aw, come on, Devlin. I thought I was your favorite partner."
Tess let go of his ears and pushed against his chest. He got up, then held out a hand to her. Tess stared at it for a moment, then placed her hand in his, allowing him to help her up.
"You're as impossible as ever, Cameron Sinclair," Tess told him as she tried to smooth her unruly locks of hair.
"Yep, that's me. Now that we've gotten this little scene over with I want you to march back upstairs and tell my wife that you've changed your mind about taking this job."
"Ain't gonna happen."
Cameron took a menacing step toward her. Tess held her ground, glaring at him.
"I do not. I repeat, 'do not' want my wife or family involved in this case in any way. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly…but you see, I have to have a cover…and this presents the perfect opportunity," Tess told him, then paused to make sure he was listening.
Cameron closed his eyes for a moment, then glared at Tess once again. "I'm listening."
Tess began pacing. "If I'm working at Cory, then no one is going to be suspicious if they see the two of us together, right?"
"I don't like it, ConTessa."
Tess growled low at the use of the nickname she so hated. The one he knew she hated.
"You know that you have no choice."
"I've already told you what I think about this case. I don't want you near my wife. So take this window of opportunity and quit."
"I can't, and you know it."
"It's Kane, isn't it?"
Tess sighed heavily. "Of course, it's Kane. You and I have always been effective partners. He wants that to continue. With me employed by Cory... You belong here now. No one will question your movements."
"Wrong again. My brother is already suspicious."
"I will assume you can take care of Gary."
Cameron shrugged. "He's very persistent."
"Then do something to make him less persistent. You're a professional, Cameron. It's not like you're some rookie. You've been doing this as long as I have. What is it now? Ten years?"
Cameron nodded. "Don't remind me. They saved my life, and they will never let me forget it."
"Maybe... maybe they will," Tess told him as she stared off into the distance. She picked up the clip from the ground and twisted her hair up out of her face.
"Yeah, well it hasn't happened so far."
"Can you blame them? You're one of the best."
"I've always had good partners," Cameron told her.
Tess smiled. "You and I have spent a lot of time together. Shall I compare notes with Amanda?"
"Devlin," Cameron said in a warning tone.
"I'm just kidding. Don't you want her to know that she's married to a bonafide action hero?"
"I like to forget those things and you know it."
Tess shrugged. "You're the only agent I've ever known to purposely take on suicide missions and survive every one of them. You scared me to death sometimes."
"Aw, I didn't know you cared," Cameron stated.
Tess's eyes flashed fire. "You know I do."
Cameron was taken aback by her reaction for a moment. He reached out, taking her hand and squeezing it tight. "I know you do. You, Hawk, and Scout are the only ones who ever gave half a damn about me. I'll never forget that."
Tess looked away, blinking the tears out of her eyes. When she turned back, she was once again the hard-hearted agent she was expected to be.
"I need to go. I've got surveillance to do."
"Surveillance of what? What are we looking for, Dev?"
"I'll let you know when I see it."
With that, Tess walked away, leaving Cameron in her wake.