Lucas (Must Love Danger Book 5) Read online

  Haylee scrolled on her phone, while Evan sat beside her playing with his favorite action figure.

  Haylee’s social media accounts were screened by security, along with her mail and packages. But she liked to check and respond to fans. She paused at one of the messages. It was him again. Over the past few months, Haylee had received a stream of communications from a guy who signed the messages as Your Destiny. She had no idea who he was.

  Security had tried to track the guy, but he moved around, opening new accounts as he saw fit. The type of message had been the same each time. He was Haylee’s “soul mate,” and they were meant to be together. It was downright creepy, due to his persistence and the intimate nature of the communications.

  “Mommy, can I go with you?” Evan said, tugging on her sleeve.

  “Not this time, sweetie.” Haylee had explained why, but that didn’t stop her son from asking again. “I’ll call you while I’m away. And this is the last time. I’ll be able to be home with you after I finish my work.”

  Evan sighed and leaned against the seat. “Can I have ice cream?”

  “Sure, your aunt has your favorite in her freezer.” Haylee had found a non-dairy ice cream that Evan liked. Regular milk wasn’t on his diet, as it could aggravate his condition.

  When the driver pulled up, Tyler came out to usher them inside. “Hey, Evan,” he said, then lifted him up, making the boy giggle. “We’re going to have all sorts of fun, aren’t we?”

  Evan’s smile helped reduce Haylee’s guilt about leaving him. She was confident that Evan would be well cared for and would enjoy the stay, even though he would miss her. Meri would be home and Tyler had a high-tech security system.

  Haylee didn’t know why she thought of that. She guessed that the onslaught of weird messages had been unnerving and made her imagine all kinds of things happening. It would all be over, once she completed her current commitments.

  After they went inside, Meri took Evan’s hand and walked with him to the playroom. A room full of toys had been created for Evan’s benefit. Meri hadn’t been able to have a child of her own, so she doted on her nephew. Haylee watched them go then followed Tyler to the living room.

  Tyler had dark, wavy hair and brown eyes like Haylee. He was thirty-eight, and the five-year age difference between them was evident. He was more mature and set in his lifestyle. Haylee had been the younger, wilder sister, and he behaved fatherly toward her. Their parents had retired in Florida, so they didn’t see their children much. During Haylee’s career, Tyler had taken on the role of guardian.

  Haylee appreciated all that he did, but she wasn’t a teenager anymore. She could make her own decisions and resented Tyler’s pushiness. He had told her repeatedly that his actions were out of love. She was his baby sister, and he wouldn’t stop looking out for her.

  The trouble was that, deep down, Haylee felt like she needed looking out for. But she planned to change that. She was retiring from her career for that reason, to be a responsible mother and not need her older brother to run her life.

  Tyler sat in an armchair and Haylee perched on the edge of the sofa. “I’m all set. My tour manager has taken care of everything.”

  “Not everything,” Tyler said, then shoved a package across the coffee table.

  Haylee cringed, already guessing what that was about. She looked at the return address. There was no mailing address, just the dreaded signature. “Who is this guy?” It was a question that she had asked over and over, so she didn’t expect a response.

  “He sends the packages by messenger,” Tyler said. “That way they can’t be traced. That package is number fifty-two.”

  Haylee leaned away from the box without looking inside. Security would have already checked it. Whatever it was, she didn’t want it. Each time the item had been something far too intimate for a fan to send her.

  “Entertainers deal with stalkers all the time. I’m not being singled out. I just have to live with this a little longer.”

  “I think this guy is serious,” Tyler said.

  “Meaning what?”

  “He is persistent,” Tyler said. “I should have done something before now. This flood of packages and the harassment on social media tells me that he means business.”

  “He hasn’t given up,” Haylee said, “but that doesn’t mean that he would harm me.”

  “He’s a nut,” Tyler said. “The nature of these packages, and the type of messages he sends you, means that he has a real issue. And the police can’t follow up on every crackpot out there. We have to take action.”

  “Like what?”

  “I’ve hired a bodyguard for you.”

  “Tyler…”

  “No arguments,” Tyler said. “I won’t have you going away with this guy prowling around.”

  “You could have at least consulted me,” Haylee said. “I should decide whether I want a bodyguard or not. I’ve had a guard in the past and it’s just a hassle. I feel like a tiger in a cage, watched every second.”

  “I’m handling this,” Tyler said. “I can’t allow you to be vulnerable.”

  “I’m not,” Haylee said. “I have a security team.”

  “That’s not enough.” Tyler stood and paced the carpet. “You need close protection, a man who can take a bullet for you, if need be.”

  “Aren’t you being overly dramatic?”

  “I don’t think so,” Tyler said. “And you can’t afford to take a chance. You have a son who is counting on you.”

  “That’s not fair.” Tyler knew her soft spot. She would do anything to keep Evan safe and happy. She might not want a bodyguard, but she would deal with the annoyance for Evan’s sake. She knew her brother wasn’t about to change his mind anyway.

  *****

  Lucas moved into the townhome complex where other team members lived. It was conveniently located in West Philadelphia, close to Black Swan headquarters. The one-bedroom place was upgraded with new appliances, hardwood floors, and a walk-in shower.

  The apartment was small but suited Lucas fine. It was more luxurious than most places he had slept during his military career. Each morning, he went for a run then worked out at the company gym. Lucas received special training for his position as a close-protection agent and was educated on the nuances of guarding high-profile clients.

  Lucas successfully completed each assignment he’d been given and was ready for the next one. He understood that the trick in close protection was to avoid trouble. Much of the duty involved checking out venues in advance and ensuring security at events. The job included monitoring the client’s social media accounts, mail, and other contact points.

  It was the end of May, so Lucas looked forward to nice weather. He couldn’t complain about civilian life, as he had fit in easier than he’d anticipated. It was Monday morning and Lucas jogged to the office, wondering what his next assignment would be.

  On the way through the lobby, Lucas greeted Maddie. She was the receptionist but handled more than answering phones. She was responsible for intake forms and client acquisition. She was an important part of the company and was a respected member of the team.

  Maddie adjusted her wire-rim glasses and lifted her hand without looking up from her computer. “Hawke is waiting for you.”

  Lucas strode down the hall and passed Caleb. “He’s all yours,” his teammate said, waving a hand toward the office.

  The door was open, so Lucas went in. “You got something for me?”

  “You have a new client,” Hawke said. “Sit down and I’ll fill you in.”

  Lucas took the folder that Hawke slid across the desk, then waited for instructions.

  “She is a singer, and her business manager feels that she is in danger,” Hawke said. “I tend to agree. Once you read the background, you’ll see what I mean.”

  “Who is she?” Lucas opened the folder, while Hawke gave him more details. Flipping through the first couple of pages, Lucas came to a photo. Then he lifted it and stared at the picture.
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  “That’s a recent shot of her,” Hawke said.

  “Haylee Nichols?”

  “That’s what I just said. Weren’t you listening?”

  Lucas couldn’t take his eyes off the photo. His heart rate picked up and he had trouble concentrating on what Hawke was saying—then he took a breath. He had met Haylee once, and that had been over fifteen years ago.

  “I’m not sure I’m the right guy for this job,” Lucas said.

  “The other guys have full caseloads,” Hawke said. “Besides, you’re trained as a medic, and that might come in handy.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Her son has asthma,” Hawke said. “He’s had a few severe attacks, so Haylee is concerned. It will be good for her to have a bodyguard who understands the condition.”

  Lucas looked at his boss. “I don’t know…”

  “What’s wrong with you?” Hawke said. “Am I missing something here?”

  “No…no, it’s fine,” Lucas said. “Will her husband be on tour with her?”

  Hawke shook his head. “You’ve been out of the loop. That marriage was annulled before they made it a year. She’s a single mom. Her son will stay at her brother’s house while she’s away. The tour manager will be your primary contact.”

  Lucas closed the folder and let out a long breath.

  “The full background should answer your questions,” Hawke said. “The stalker has harassed her for months. We have no ID on the guy. He signs his communications to her as Your Destiny, whatever that means.”

  “That’s not much to go on.”

  “Haylee requires protection,” Hawke said. “Her summer tour will put her in a vulnerable position, and she needs a skilled bodyguard.”

  Lucas accepted the assignment then went to his desk. He put aside any reason for not taking the assignment. He was officially Haylee’s bodyguard, a duty he took seriously. For the rest of the morning, he pored over the data and learned all he could about Haylee’s situation.

  Later that afternoon, Lucas had an appointment to meet with the tour manager and the rest of the security team. Haylee was at rehearsal and the manager would be on site. At the theater, Lucas made his way toward the stage area to find the manager.

  The room was semi-dark, but the stage was lit up. Music filled the room, and Lucas stood at the back to watch. Haylee was on stage, looking as gorgeous as ever. Her long hair flowed over her shoulders, and the tight outfit she wore showed off her figure.

  Lucas listened to her sing, moved by the emotion of the lyrics and spellbound at Haylee’s ability to captivate the stage. It was only a rehearsal, but he could imagine what the actual performance would be like. Watching Haylee belt out the song and move on stage, Lucas was smitten.

  Until that moment, Lucas hadn’t seen her perform live, and videos didn’t do her justice. It was no wonder that she’d stolen the hearts of the public. When the lights went up, Haylee turned toward the people watching her, probably her director and the tour manager plus security.

  Lucas walked down the center aisle, figuring that he had better introduce himself. He certainly didn’t want to appear to be a stalker in the back row. The closer he got, the more gorgeous Haylee looked. He had met her before, but she had matured. In her early thirties, she was as fit as any twenty-year-old, but with an allure that came with life experience.

  It was a good sign that security greeted Lucas and asked for ID. It put his mind at ease that Haylee had some protection. He would work with her crew and get a solid team together, but Lucas was ultimately responsible for her safety.

  Lucas shook hands with Jeffrey Martin, a freelancer acting as tour manager for the summer. He would take care of booking accommodations, transportation, and equipment, as well as running the stage crew. But he played no part in security.

  “Glad to have you,” Jeffrey said. “Haylee needs a bodyguard, whether she agrees or not.”

  Hearing that, Haylee interrupted the interaction with her director. Then she stepped to the edge, peering down from the stage.

  Lucas looked up, and when their gazes locked, his heart skipped a beat.

  Haylee put her hand up to shield her eyes from the bright light. Then she wrinkled her brow. “Lucas Parker…the guy from the airport?”

  Lucas was surprised that she recognized him. “Good to see you, Haylee.”

  “But you joined the Navy and went overseas.”

  Lucas grinned at her; he couldn’t help himself. “That was years ago, but…I’m back.”

  Chapter 3

  While Haylee finished the rehearsal, Lucas met with her security team. A few key team members were there, and more would accompany her on tour. Their level of expertise was adequate for the job, but the one thing that had been missing was a personal bodyguard.

  Haylee had hired bodyguards in the past, but each had been temporary. She was independent and confident, so disliked having anyone follow her around. Lucas guessed it was an objection to one man hovering close, as opposed to being around people. From what Lucas could tell, there was hardly a minute in public when Haylee wasn’t surrounded by a crowd.

  After Haylee changed into her street clothes, she came over to Lucas. “If you’re going to be around day and night, we should talk. How about buying me a cup of coffee?”

  Lucas stared at her.

  “You’re a bodyguard,” Haylee said. “I’ll be safe in public with you, right?” She turned to her security team. “You guys can tag along too, if you want.”

  “After you,” Lucas said, with a sweep of his arm.

  Once inside Haylee’s car, she told the driver where to take them. “It’s my favorite café. They only serve breakfast and lunch, but my assistant called and they will stay open for me.”

  “You are a special guest.”

  “That’s very flattering,” Haylee said with a smile. “The truth is that I can’t waltz into a public coffee shop without creating a stir, which kind of ruins the experience.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “This will make your job easier,” Haylee said. “We’ll go in the back way and we’ll have the place to ourselves.”

  Lucas loved the way her eyes sparkled. “I should hang out with you more often.”

  When they arrived, the manager ushered them inside and seated them at a wooden table. “I’m at your service. What may I bring you, Ms. Nichols?”

  It was as though Lucas didn’t exist. The focus was on the celebrity in their midst. The staff gawked at her from behind the counters. She might have been there before, but the excitement over her presence had not waned.

  Haylee was familiar with the menu, so ordered her drink without scanning the items. It was called chagalatte, a superfood drink made from mushrooms. “I have to stay healthy,” she said, beaming at the manager.

  “I’ll have the same,” Lucas said, then looked at Haylee. “Do you mind telling me what I’m drinking?”

  “Two shots of espresso mixed with chaga tea and milk over ice.”

  “Glad to hear there is caffeine involved.”

  “Are you sure you want this job?” Haylee said.

  “Guarding you?” Lucas couldn’t think of anything that he would rather do than watch Haylee.

  “It’s not as easy as it sounds,” Haylee said. “This is a tiny taste of what my life is like. I can’t walk out my front door without bumping into photographers or having fans crowd around.”

  “Sounds stressful.”

  “Very much,” Haylee said.

  The drinks arrived, and they took a moment to sample the treats.

  “It’s not that I don’t appreciate what I have,” Haylee said. “I adore my fans and I love performing. But I have to make a change and lead a more private life.”

  “That’s your choice,” Lucas said. “I’m here to make sure you get through the tour safely so you can do that.”

  “What about you?” Haylee said. “Tell me what’s been happening in your life.”

  “Mine hasn’t been nearly as glamour
ous,” Lucas said. He told her a few highlights, but there was much that he couldn’t share or didn’t care to. His job on deployment had been about duty. What happened over there didn’t make for good stories.

  “And now you’re a bodyguard?”

  “It suits me,” Lucas said. “I have the skills.”

  “I’m sure you were given the details about the stalker?” Haylee said. “I’m not sure if I should take him seriously. There are a lot of fans who are overexuberant. But since it turns out that you’ve taken the job, maybe it won’t be such a trial to be shadowed by a bodyguard.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Lucas said. “You should know that part of security involves looking into all aspects of a client’s life. Threat can come from the least suspicious places.”

  Haylee widened her eyes. “Is there someone you have in mind?”

  “No, but I wonder about your ex-husband,” Lucas said. “Former spouses are often disgruntled about the breakup.”

  Haylee laughed. “Ryan Lamont…a stalker? That’s very unlikely. For starters, he couldn’t get rid of me fast enough. We separated when I was still pregnant, and that was over five years ago. My ex hasn’t shown any interest in reconnecting, or in having a relationship with his own son, for that matter.”

  Lucas couldn’t imagine leaving Haylee, if he was ever fortunate enough to have a relationship with her. But that seemed outside the realm of possibility. Whether she retired or not, she was still a celebrity.

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Lucas said.

  “We shouldn’t have married,” Haylee said. “Ryan was the wrong man for me. He was my publicist and we started seeing each other discreetly. One thing led to another.”

  Lucas could figure the rest out.

  “But I have Evan, and I wouldn’t change that,” Haylee said. “I’m all he has, and that is okay with me. He is my priority.”

  “That’s why you’re retiring?”

  Haylee’s eyes filled with tears. “Yes, for my son…so I can be with him. After this last tour, I won’t have to leave. I’ll be home to care for him.”

  *****

  Haylee was scheduled to fly to Chicago the next morning, so her best friend came over to say goodbye. Nina Cooper had gone to high school with Haylee and they had been friends ever since.