Face the Music (COBRA Securities Book 9) Read online

  He was already feeling more calm and centered. Maybe that’s why he hadn’t blown a gasket when Layla appeared from the dead. Hiring a yoga instructor had been a stroke of genius. Senator Turpin from Maryland had bragged on taking classes, saying his stress level and blood pressure had decreased. He and Turpin had an intense rivalry going and he couldn’t let the man beat him. He didn’t have time to go to a class, so he brought it to him. It didn’t hurt that the instructor was drop dead gorgeous.

  Dressed in workout gear, Hunter Malone was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed when Mullins left his room. “Good. I’m glad to see you are taking this seriously,” he told the younger man. The others on his security detail had quit already. At first, they’d been excited to see the new yoga instructor in action wearing form fitting attire. But the experience quickly soured when they realized how inept they were. They didn’t like looking incompetent in front of a beautiful woman, or least that’s what he figured. Not everyone could have his natural grace and ability.

  Frankly, he hoped Malone would quit, too. Then he’d have the lovely Ms. Levy all to himself. He’d have to do something about that real soon. She’d looked amazing on his arm at the reception the other night. Heads turned and he saw the looks of envy on every other man’s face. He had a fundraiser coming up and he planned on escorting her as his date.

  “I forgot my knee brace,” Malone said. “It’s in the laundry room. Let’s detour and grab it.”

  Mullins followed the security agent and waited while he dug around for the brace. It was a stroke of luck that he’d found Malone. A thief had tried to rob him and when he refused to hand over his wallet, the man pulled a gun. Malone had been nearby and he’d tackled the man before he could squeeze the trigger, wrestling the gun away. Mullins tried to reward him with money but he refused. When he found out he was unemployed, he hired him on the spot. Loyalty was important to him and Malone earned his when he saved his life. He didn’t even care that Malone was an ex-con. In fact, it was a bonus since many of his dealings weren’t exactly law-abiding.

  “Got it,” Malone said as he stepped out of his room.

  They continued to the exercise studio, only a few minutes late. He walked in first and froze as he glimpsed the television. Talia was watching what looked like a press conference.

  “Turn that up,” he ordered.

  “She is coming out of hiding today to help bring the culprit to justice and for another very important reason. I will let her explain. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Layla Brooks.”

  Mullins staggered back a step when his stepdaughter’s face filled the screen. She went on to say that someone tried to kill her three times. Oh, she hadn’t fingered him, but it was only a matter of time. She prattled on but he had no idea what she said. Finally, the debacle was over and she walked off the stage.

  “That bitch,” Mullins seethed. “She’s going to try to frame me.”

  He stalked from the exercise room, his yoga lessons forgotten. He needed to do damage control. If he remained silent, questions would be asked. Rumors were like a cancer on a presidential campaign. They took root and spread, getting bigger and stronger until they destroyed everything in their path. Even the hint that he had anything to do with the attempts on her life and he’d be tainted. His shot at the presidency would be ruined.

  She needed to be silenced for good.

  Morris and the other two agents were waiting outside his office. They gave him strange looks so he sent them away. He couldn’t stand the sight of any of them.

  He stomped to his desk and dropped to his chair, belatedly realizing he still wore his workout clothes when his bare skin touched the cool leather. He didn’t give a shit. His life was in chaos. He could feel his blood pressure rising. If there was ever a time he needed yoga it was now, but he was too damn angry to bend his body into a pretzel.

  He tugged at the loose collar of his tank top. It was a hundred and fifty degrees in the room. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled and he had the absurd feeling that he was being watched. He stood and headed to the safe hidden behind a painting on the wall. He entered the combination and placed his thumb on the pad. The lock clicked open. He withdrew a cell phone and closed the door. He stomped outside to the gardens, baring his teeth at the housekeeper when she said something to him. Maybe he was paranoid, but he had an overwhelming impending sense of doom, like his entire career was about to crash down around him. He’d worked too hard to get where he was. He wouldn’t let that blond bitch destroy him. His approval rating was off the charts. The presidency was his for the taking.

  He punched in a number and it was answered on the first ring.

  “Yeah?”

  “You screwed up.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Haven’t you been watching the news?” He filled the man in on Layla’s resurrection from the dead. He wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but he handled the jobs that were too big for Ike Morris. Mullins scratched his chin. Maybe he should’ve used Morris to get rid of Layla. The guy had taken care of Bev and Cliff, his former employee, without blinking an eye and he’d gotten the job done.

  “She can’t be alive.”

  “Well, moron, she is. I need you to finish the job. Make it quick. She needs to be silenced before she can claim anything against me.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Luke watched from the wings as Layla answered Olivia’s questions, careful to not implicate Mullins. BeBe had called to tell him that the office phones were ringing off the hook, both with inquiries of Layla’s return and new business generated from the exposure. She’d checked in with TKO Productions and they, too, were deluged with calls. Everyone from old friends to news outlets wanting interviews were vying for a piece of Layla. It was worldwide breaking news that the Grammy-winning former Miss America had returned from the dead.

  Luke shook his head. What was he thinking, getting involved with her? He’d been tempted before working on cases with beautiful women, but he’d never crossed the line. He had with Layla last night. And it’d been amazing.

  He thought she was beautiful before, when she was disguising herself. But now, seeing how she normally looked, was intimidating. She was a world-class beauty…had officially been crowned as one. She was so far out of his league, he wasn’t even on the same planet. Her hair was shiny and lush, her makeup smooth and flawless. The royal blue outfit she wore brought out the color of her eyes.

  Just then, she glanced over and smiled at him. His heart flipped in his chest. This was not good. He liked her, sure. She was courageous and strong. Maybe it was that their backgrounds were similar. But he’d never felt this way about a woman before, not even Daisy, whom he’d planned on marrying. Surely it wasn’t love. Was it?

  After the interview wrapped up, he guided Layla to the SUV. A crowd had gathered by the entrance, people chanting her name. It was surreal. She was an international superstar and he’d been inside her less than ten hours ago.

  #

  Mullins looked like hell warmed over when he stalked from the exercise room. Talia had almost expected to find him passed out from a stroke. She and Hunter hurried to her room to check the feed to his office but he didn’t stay long. He removed something from his safe and then stalked outside. She jumped up and raced from the room, hoping to follow Mullins outside to find out what he was doing. Had he taken a gun? Would he take the cowards way out? She didn’t think so. He was too arrogant.

  She came to a complete stop when she spotted all the people on the front lawn. Television cameras, reporters, photographers were all clamoring for an interview with the senator. Apparently, they’d left Layla’s press conference and flocked here. Several had made it to the house before the security team managed to corral them behind the gate. She hurried back inside and hid around the corner as Logan, Dorian and Alex stood in the doorway of Mullins’ home, requesting permission to meet with the senator and search the twins’ rooms. A flustered Mrs. Anders
hurried off to fetch Mullins, but he wasn’t back in his office yet.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted movement down a hall. Mullins strode forward, dressed in an immaculate suit and tie, with Hunter close behind. Talia ignored the fluttering of her heart. It was probably heartburn. Mullins said something to Hunter and he moved to the doorway. Mullins checked his appearance in a mirror hanging in the hall. He fixed his tie and adjusted his hair. She recognized his politician’s smile. No sign of his earlier anger showed on his face.

  He walked over and shook the COBRA Securities agents’ hands. Then he herded them outside where the press and paparazzi were now gathered.

  “What’s going on?” she asked through the comm.

  “Looks like the jackass is using our arrival as a photo op,” Logan muttered.

  Sure enough, Mullins held an impromptu press conference. She slipped outside to listen. Mullins stood on the top of the steps with Logan, Dorian and Alex flanking him. Cameras flashed at a frantic pace and reporters shouted questions. He held up his hands to silence the crowd.

  “Thank you, thank you. As you all know, my stepdaughter, who we thought was dead and have been grieving for the past year is alive and well. It’s a miracle!” He clapped his hands together and gazed at the sky, as if giving thanks to God. Cameras snapped away. Talia felt like puking. “As you all know, this has been an extremely difficult year for me, first losing my beloved wife, then my stepdaughter and then the excruciating disappearance of my two precious children,” his voice cracked. “The grief has been unbearable.” He dabbed at his eyes with a handkerchief.”

  “Gag me,” Alex muttered.

  “The Lord has granted me a miracle with the return of my stepdaughter. I’m asking Him for another one…the return of my dear Sean and Tiffany.” He turned and indicated Logan, Dorian and Alex. “These fine men are with the prestigious COBRA Securities agency. They have an impressive track record and I have no doubt they’ll bring my children home safely.”

  “Senator Mullins,” one reporter called out. “Do you have any information on why Layla Brooks faked her death?”

  “Do you know who is responsible?” another shouted.

  “Did you know she was alive?”

  Mullins shook his head and held up a hand. “I know you all have questions, but I’m not at liberty to discuss any details of the case. Right now, we just need to focus on the good news that Layla is alive, and in bringing my other two children home. That’s all for now. Thank you.”

  #

  Tiffany Mullins snuck a peek at her brother to find him totally engrossed in the video game he was playing with Kai Costa. Assured they weren’t paying attention, she clicked on the app to open Underwater World. Her pulse kicked up. She hadn’t been on in over a year and she missed it so much. She’d promised Layla she wouldn’t play, but they were safe now, right? What harm could it do for her to just visit and make sure her home under the sea was doing okay.

  Underwater World was a virtual fantasy land under the water. You used tokens to buy houses made of shells or an old shoe or whatever you wanted. Then you purchased items to fill the house. There were common areas where avatars mingled. There were scuba divers and sea horses and star fish. There were several mermaid avatars, like hers.

  You could buy tokens or you could earn them by playing games or puzzles or other tasks. She had a pet seahorse and she missed Glenda. She navigated to her house and almost cried. It was covered in kelp. She guessed that was because she hadn’t been on in so long.

  A message bubble popped up. Serina? Is that you?

  She recognized the other mermaid instantly. “Pearl!”

  “What?” Sean glanced up from his game controller.

  “Nothing,” she mumbled. Another message appeared. Where have you been? I’ve missed you.

  Tiffany chewed her lip and glanced at her brother again. He was riveted to the television.

  Travelling.

  I was afraid you were dead. I have Glenda.

  Tiff gasped and both her brother and Kai snapped their heads in her direction. “Sorry.” She smiled and they went back to their game.

  You took care of my sea horse?

  I didn’t want her to starve to death.

  Thank u.

  Are you still in Georgia?

  Pearl was eleven years old, from New Jersey. They’d talked before about trying to meet but they lived so far apart.

  No, I moved.

  I did, 2! Where are u?

  Where are u?

  I asked first.

  She added a smiley face. Tiff tried to decide if she should tell her. What harm could it do? It wasn’t as if her father knew she played this game.

  Indiana.

  Oh my gosh, me 2!

  No way

  Way! What city?

  Bloomington.

  This is meant 2 be. I’m coming to Bloomington on Saturday. My older sister wants to check out the campus. Do you think we could meet?

  I didn’t know you had a sister.

  They’d talked about her being a twin but Pearl never said she had siblings.

  We don’t get along. She’s mean to me. I hope we can meet!

  Tiff’s heart pounded. She couldn’t invite her here…there was too much security. Maybe she could get someone to take her to the library. She didn’t know the city so she couldn’t suggest anywhere else to meet.

  Pearl readily agreed when she suggested it. They made plans to meet on Saturday. Tiff couldn’t wait.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Layla sighed out a relieved breath to discover the throng of reporters had dispersed as she left the studio with Luke. He guided her to the SUV and helped her inside. Once they were driving away, he reached over and squeezed her hand. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m exhausted.” She was mentally and physically drained. She’d fielded calls all day from former associates and friends. Her agent was beside herself and wanted to book a concert right away. She’d wanted to fly here but Layla talked her out of it. Several news outlets were clamoring for interviews and she’d had offers to appear on every late-night show and early morning news program on network television. Her former publicist was already promoting her next album, never mind the fact that she hadn’t re-hired her or that they hadn’t even discussed one. Her old music company wanted to overnight her a contract for any future music. It was overwhelming.

  She’d written enough music to fill more than one album and some of it was her best work. She just wasn’t ready to go back to the studio to record. She needed closure first…and that would come with the arrest and conviction of Senator Mullins.

  The interview had gone smoothly. The women of TKO Productions were consummate professionals. “It was incredible seeing Kendall and Olivia in action. They’re amazing.”

  Luke smiled. “They are. Dorian and Alex were both worried when they gave up their television news careers. They were afraid the women would miss it but they’re busier and happier than ever.”

  “That’s great. Are Dorian and Alex flying back with them today?”

  Luke shook his head. “They headed to Mullins’ house with Logan.”

  “I hope he’s sweating, wondering if I’ll—”

  A loud bang sounded and the SUV lurched violently.

  “Hang on,” Luke gritted, as he fought the wheel. “We blew a tire.” The car spun sideways and before Luke could wrestle control, they toppled down an embankment, coming to a jarring stop against a tree.

  Layla coughed as the air bag exploded and then deflated.

  “Are you okay?” Luke was pushing his airbag out of the way to get to her.

  She took stock, noticing a small ache from where the seat belt pinned her in, but otherwise, she was unharmed. “I’m fine.”

  “Stay there. I’ll come around and get you.”

  Luke opened the door and stepped out. Another bang sounded and Luke went down. A gunshot. “Luke!” She scrambled over the seat to reach him.

  “Get d
own, Layla,” he ordered. She dropped to the floorboard, her heart thundering in her ears. She heard more shots and realized Luke was returning fire. Tires screeched and then there was silence. A face appeared in the passenger window and she screamed.

  “It’s just me,” Luke called out.

  Scrambling up, she shot out the open door and flung herself at him. He grunted in pain. She jerked back and then saw the blood. “Oh God, you’ve been shot.”

  “Just a scratch,” he said between clenched teeth.

  Just a scratch, her ass. The entire sleeve of his left arm was soaked. “We’ve got to get you to a hospital.”

  “We need to stay down. The shooter might swing back around.”

  Sirens wailed and grew closer. “Stay there,” Luke ordered, pointing behind the SUV. She crouched down and watched him flag down the patrol cars. Once they parked, she bolted to his side. He looked annoyed she didn’t obey his orders, but she didn’t care. He needed an ambulance.

  “The tire, it didn’t blow, did it?”

  “No,” he confirmed.

  Two cops stepped out of their vehicle and approached them. One was older, with salt and pepper hair and a thick mustache. The other resembled a young Denzel Washington. Two other cops headed down to the crashed vehicle. Young Denzel spoke first. “Is anyone hurt? Do you need an ambulance?”

  “No.” Luke’s tone was adamant.

  “Yes,” Layla insisted. “He’s been shot.”

  The cops snapped to attention and gripped their weapons.

  “Perp’s gone,” Luke told them. “Took off in a black, four-door Taurus, windows tinted black, rust on the back fender and sporting a couple of bullet holes in the driver’s side.”

  “That’s a pretty detailed description.” The older cop’s eyes narrowed in suspicion.

  “I own a security company now but I’m a former police detective.”