Deadly Peril_Military Romantic Suspense Read online

  Wild game hunters often strayed to areas where shooting wasn’t allowed. That was against the law, but it didn’t mean a shooter had tried to kill Jana. So, she didn’t expect a lot of support from law enforcement unless she got injured or worse.

  That seemed ironic, since the police were supposed to protect civilians. Yet their caseloads likely prohibited devoting extensive effort to a random event. When Jana had noticed the gouge in the tree from the bullet, she’d looked around for a shell casing.

  But with no luck. The snow had been thick, and soft enough from recent precipitation that it was useless to search anymore. The police weren’t even going to try, stating that it would be harder than looking for a needle in a haystack.

  Once the adrenaline rush died down, Jana had been shaky and starving. After the police interview, Coley had suggested lunch, which Jana accepted. The café served some of Jana’s favorites, so she ate with abandon.

  Eating had seemed to calm her down, and she’d been nearly back to normal by the time she finished her coffee. She hadn’t talked about what had happened. Coley knew all that she needed to know, and that was as much as Jana knew.

  There was no use moaning about it. Jana had no idea who might have shot at her or why. She was inclined to agree with the accident theory, since no one had any vendetta against her. If she let her imagination run wild, she could make more out of it.

  But that was pointless. It was best to let it go. However, Jana had made the mistake of telling Eva, and her grandmother didn’t take the news in stride. It had been upsetting to hear that her granddaughter had nearly been injured, so she’d made no effort to hide her distress.

  Jana had tried to reassure her grandmother by holding to the random-event theory. It was scary that the bullet had come so close, but it wouldn’t happen again. The solution was to avoid those slopes, until the errant hunter found more fertile ground to pursue his game.

  But Eva didn’t buy it. She was certain there was more to it. And the more she talked, the more it upset Jana. In the heat of the argument, Jana bowed out and went upstairs. Her grandmother would calm down and everything would be okay.

  Yet a day or two of avoiding the subject didn’t make the issue vanish. Eva had been away, so Jana assumed she’d gone to visit friends, which she often did. Being apart would be good for them until the upset passed. Only it didn’t seem like that was going to happen.

  With a mug of coffee in hand, Jana ventured out to the covered porch to test the waters. Eva was up and dressed, looking ready for the day. Her attitude didn’t reveal any lingering animosity. It might be safe to discuss other subjects.

  Yet it seemed that no other subject interested Eva. She sipped her tea and offered Jana a scone then reinitiated the debate about safety. “You must take it seriously.”

  Jana plopped into the chair across from her. “What makes you think I don’t? I was skiing on a slope I’ve been to…hundreds of times. There is no way I could have predicted the danger.”

  Eva’s gaze was unflinching. “Then why didn’t you tell me about the threatening letters and messages?”

  “I told you that I didn’t want to upset you. I didn’t take all of that seriously, and I still don’t. I have no reason to.”

  “I disagree. You have every reason to. Mere days ago, someone tried to kill you.”

  “You don’t know that. The police think it was a fluke, and I’m inclined to agree.”

  “Well, you shouldn’t.” Eva set her teacup on the table. “You’re smarter than that.”

  “It has nothing to do with intelligence. It’s about being rational. It makes no sense for me to get into a tizzy about the event…at least until I have evidence that it was intentional.” Jana took a breath. “And I don’t.”

  “Well, I do.”

  “And what evidence do you have that I don’t?” Jana could hardly wait to hear Eva’s theory.

  “The threatening letters tell the story.” Eva’s brow wrinkled. “The messages were clear, and the shot was a warning at best, an attempt on your life at the worst.”

  “You’ve been reading too much crime fiction.”

  “And you haven’t been reading enough,” Eva said. Her grandmother glared at her, leaving Jana frustrated.

  How could she put Eva’s mind at ease, particularly since hers wasn’t? Deep inside, Jana was unnerved by the near miss. Yet she wasn’t convinced that it was an intentional act. If that was true, it meant that she really was a target and another attack could be expected.

  That was difficult to fathom. In her life, Jana had been treated well. The people she knew or associated with weren’t killers. And if it was a stranger, then why her? The only thing that made any sense was that it was all just a big mistake.

  Plus, the threatening letters and texts had stopped. It seemed that the prankster had lost interest. Jana had slept better, despite the drama on the slopes. She could get past this, and Eva needed to also. But the look on Eva’s face told Jana that was going to be a challenge.

  “I’ve hired security for you,” Eva said, and pursed her lips.

  “You what?” That was too much.

  “I took matters into my hands, since I knew you wouldn’t. And as evidenced by your attitude this morning, I was right.”

  “Can you be more specific? What does security mean? Have you coerced the cops to stake out our house?”

  “Oh, Lord, no. That wouldn’t do any good.” Eva’s lips thinned into a repressed smile. “I found a man I trust.”

  “Oh, really?” Jana was astounded by her grandmother’s nerve. She wanted to go on a rampage about how this was her life. But hadn’t she done that many times before? It hadn’t done any good then, and wasn’t likely to at that moment.

  Jana walked over to the window to gaze out at the wintry scene, and wished she was skiing instead of arguing. She would go skiing later to blow off some steam. The shop was in good hands, and she could drop by in the afternoon to check on things.

  “Jana, are you listening to me?”

  After a longing glance at the snow, Jana turned to face her grandmother. “Are you going to tell me who this man is? And where you found him?” That was going to be a good story; she could just tell.

  “Don’t prejudge,” Eva said. “I can tell good character, and I’m certain I made the right decision. I hired a bodyguard for you.”

  “Oh my God, that’s not going to work.” Jana lifted her hands. “You can’t be serious. I’m not some celebrity who wants to be followed around everywhere she goes.”

  “You’ll have to get used to it, because I won’t take no for an answer.” Eva glanced at her hands in her lap. “You must understand that you are my only granddaughter. What would I do without you?”

  Jana couldn’t argue with that. The next thing would be her grandmother telling her how much she loved her, a sentiment she valued but didn’t want to hear in the heat of the debate. It was a sure way to lose.

  “Please, cancel the request.” Jana got on her knees in front of her grandmother and took her hands. “I will be fine. I promise you.” She paused. “And a bodyguard must be expensive. It’s an extravagance we can’t afford.”

  “What I can’t afford,” Eva said with tears in her eyes, “is to lose you.”

  Jana hugged her grandmother, at a loss as to how to undo this disaster. She worked for a living and wasn’t about to have a bodyguard tagging around behind her like a puppy dog. It would attract attention. If she wasn’t already a target, that would make her one.

  But Jana had no ready solution for how to convince her. She was stubborn, but her grandmother was more so, and her overconcern had taken a step up in annoyance. But she didn’t have the heart to reject the offer of protection outright.

  Possibly, Jana could broach the subject later on, before the guard showed up. Any reputable company would return the deposit. Then life could return to normal. Eva would eventually agree that a personal bodyguard wasn’t needed.

  Before Jana could parry her grand
mother’s comment about losing her, the doorbell rang. Eva’s face lit up, the tears gone. Jana had a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  *****

  Thaddeus had caught a flight to Lake Tahoe without delay. Then he’d rented a Jeep with snow tires and driven to Soda Springs. He’d been fully briefed on the situation and was expected to be on duty immediately. The length of the assignment depended on how long it took to discover if Jana was in actual danger, and to handle the situation if she was.

  Recent weather had painted the landscape white, and branches of the trees were laden with snow. The area was filled with resorts, but Thaddeus wasn’t there to enjoy snow sports. He took in the environment as he drove to the Tomasson residence.

  The atmosphere was placid, and about as unthreatening as it could be. But this was Northern California, full of tourists, plus residents who thrived on the nearby slopes. There were too many resorts to count and opportunities to engage in just about any snow sport imaginable.

  The snowy scenery was a comfort, very much like home to Thaddeus. If any threat existed, it was connected to Jana. He was determined to find out what was going on as soon as possible. Then he could move on to another assignment.

  The neighborhoods he passed were upscale, not surprising for a ski area. But he didn’t ogle the expansive homes built in an elaborate chalet style. It wouldn’t do to get distracted before he’d even arrived. That was how stupid stuff happened.

  He turned onto the road and slowed to look for the home. He recognized it from photos, but it looked more striking in person. The Tomassons lived well, if the house was any indication. The structure was composed of three levels and was built tall, not wide.

  The roof was slanted, and the home was made of stained wood. It was architecturally impressive, with many angles and asymmetric lines. It was partially hidden in a grove of trees. There were no cars visible, but there was a large garage attached to the home.

  Thaddeus had his gear with him, but left the pack in the vehicle. It would be better to do the meet and greet before looking like he was moving in. He had his weapon under his parka. That was one item that it wasn’t smart to leave behind.

  Not that he expected to need it. After a quick analysis, he deduced that the danger wasn’t on premise. But he’d double-check once he was inside the place. One couldn’t be too careful, and making assumptions could get a guy, or his client, killed.

  Thaddeus scanned the property, noting that the neighboring homes weren’t too close. He didn’t see any sign of a dog or a security system of any kind. Likely, the Tomassons had lived at the residence for a while and knew their neighbors. It wasn’t like the city, where most people had alarm systems installed at home.

  He rang the bell and waited. The wooden door appeared heavy and thick, so he didn’t expect to hear any noise from inside. Then the door opened, and Eva grinned at him. “Come inside, Thaddeus. You’re right on time.”

  The woman looked as well groomed and lovely as she had at the office the other day. Her greeting was welcoming and gave assurance that she hadn’t changed her mind.

  Eva was sharp as a whip, something he’d do well to remember. The gleam in her eyes said it all. A young woman stood behind her but didn’t speak or make a move to shake his hand. He recognized her from her photos.

  “Pleasure to see you again, Eva.” After greeting his employer, Thaddeus waited. He didn’t want to be overbearing. Often his size and demeanor made him appear intimidating. That wasn’t how he wished to start off with the client.

  Jana was fit and lovely. Her photos didn’t do her justice. Under the sweater and jeans, the outline of her toned body was evident, a result of many years of competitive snow sports. He steeled himself not to study her too close, lest she get the wrong idea. Her light brown hair flowed to just below her shoulders.

  And her green eyes bored into him.

  He’d predicted that Jana might not be glad about her grandmother’s decision. He’d have to play it cool until she got used to the idea. He let Eva take the lead.

  Eva waved her hand. “This is my granddaughter Jana.” She glanced at the woman behind her, who still hadn’t moved. “There’s no need to stand in the foyer. Please, come in. We can talk in the sitting room.”

  She ushered Thaddeus into another room, and Jana followed. There was a massive stone fireplace, wooden floors, and a padded area rug. The tall windows covered one entire wall, making it appear that they’d stepped into the forest.

  Eva motioned to a chair, so Thaddeus sat down but didn’t relax. Social situations weren’t his forte. He was uncertain how to behave. The meeting seemed more like a personal visit than a new assignment. He removed his parka and draped it over the arm of the chair.

  Jana sat on the edge of a chair, as far away from Thaddeus as was possible. She folded her hands in her lap but didn’t offer any comment. Her grandmother smiled at her, without appearing to be thrown off by the unfriendly behavior.

  “This is Thaddeus Jonsson,” Eva said to her granddaughter. “He is the bodyguard that I was telling you about. He works for a company in Los Angeles called Stealth Security.”

  At that, Jana’s eyes widened, but she didn’t voice her surprise at the choice of employee from so far away.

  “I met his boss, a family man.” That seemed to satisfy Eva. “He hires former SEALs, so I was assured that their qualifications and dependability are beyond question.”

  Jana blinked.

  “Thaddeus is an Icelander, like us. Well, he was born in this country, but his family is from a place near Reykjavik.” Eva seemed pleased with herself.

  A knowing look came into Jana’s eyes. That last revelation had explained her grandmother’s choice of bodyguard.

  Silence descended, and Eva looked from her granddaughter to the new bodyguard.

  Jana sighed. “Listen…I need to—”

  Eva went over to her and grasped her hands. “I’ll leave you two to discuss things. Your bodyguard can have the guest suite. So, when you’re done, why don’t you show him where he’ll be staying?”

  Then Eva turned to Thaddeus. With a nod toward her granddaughter and a roll of her eyes, she left the room, finished with the introduction.

  Thaddeus took his cue and looked at Jana, prepared to give her some guidelines about staying safe. If he was to protect her, then she’d have to do her part.

  “You can’t stay here,” Jana said, and waved toward the door. “My grandmother means well, but she’s made a mistake. I apologize that you’ve come all this way.”

  Thaddeus was at a loss for words. Physical encounters he understood—verbal, not so much. He wished for a suave vocabulary that he didn’t have. He tried to think of the right thing to say, and of how to assure Jana that he would do his job, that she could count on him.

  The words escaped him. He stared at Jana, hesitating for only a moment. “I won’t be leaving.”

  ****

  Silence filled the room. Jana stared at her new bodyguard. He looked like a modern-day Viking. The man was taller than she was, and she guessed he was a touch over six three. He had long blond hair tied back in a manly style.

  She looked into his blue eyes, trying to read him. He wore faded blue jeans and a sweater that draped over his broad shoulders. His chest and arms filled out the garment, and his muscular thighs stretched the denim of his pants. The outfit was completed by snow boots.

  Staring up at him, Jana was struck with the notion of his power. All he needed was the prow of an old wooden ship to stand on, and he’d be a real Viking. She would have found it sexy if she hadn’t been so annoyed.

  To top it off, the bodyguard was of Icelandic heritage. Her grandmother must have had quite a challenge finding such a man, but she’d managed. And now, Jana was expected to accept him without question.

  Thaddeus watched her, as if trying to read her mind. But she wasn’t about to reveal her thoughts. Having him in the same room wasn’t going to work. He had an effect on her that she wasn’t comf
ortable with. It was more irksome than taking him on as her bodyguard.

  Jana was frustrated. How dare the man announce that he was staying? He’d stay if she said so, and not otherwise. “First of all, I didn’t hire you.” She crossed her arms. “And I wasn’t consulted about this.”

  Thaddeus didn’t say a word, which annoyed her more. He wasn’t going to get away with this by maintaining silence. “What do you have to say?”

  “I’ll give you time to get adjusted to my presence. For many clients, it’s uncomfortable to have a bodyguard with them at first.”

  “You aren’t going to be with me,” Jana said. “You don’t get it. I don’t want you here.” Even as she spat the words, her gut said otherwise. A tiny voice spoke, assured her of safety with him around, and she made the mistake of listening.

  Jana looked at her bodyguard. She wanted him around, all right, just not for protection. She was about as vulnerable as could be. Her eyes moved of their own accord, scanning his magnificent form. And she thought she saw his eyes gleam with a hidden smile.

  “We’ll discuss this,” Jana said. “I need to have a conversation with my grandmother. You’ve come all this way, so you can stay in the guest suite for now. This house is big enough that we won’t run into each other.”

  Thaddeus nodded.

  What was with the guy? Did he have a limit of the number of words spoken daily? Jana wasn’t used to that. It threw her off. Yet she found it uniquely attractive. She hadn’t known she went for the strong, silent type.

  Which she definitely did not. It had been a rough few days, that was all. She was disturbed and furious with her grandmother. She wasn’t thinking straight. If she was, she wouldn’t be drooling over a guy who looked like he’d stepped out of the pages of history.

  The guest suite would be more than adequate for him to get lost in, so Jana wouldn’t have to encounter him again. She showed him into the rambling quarters, unnecessarily pointing out the bathroom, closet, and bed. What had gotten into her?

  She was nervous around this prospective bodyguard. How utterly ridiculous. “Make yourself comfortable,” she said. “I’ll go have a word with my grandmother and get this whole thing straightened out.”