a-aa- Despite the blissful way I spent last night, I can't shake my s.h.i.tty mood today. While Angel was in the shower, I put in a call to my realtor, planning to set an appointment for later in the week to tour the two warehouses still in consideration for our new location.

Norman Fitzsimmons and my father go way back, and they've always had a good business relationship. Though I couldn't remember meeting him personally before we started this project, he remembered me as a child. He wasted the first thirty minutes of our initial meeting reminiscing, during which I learned two things: Fitz, as he asked me to call him, is envious of the way my father is able to step back from business a bit and let me handle things, and he also has a daughter he dotes on.

Which is probably what gave him the bright idea to have his daughter take over showing me properties. That, or maybe he realizes this is pretty much a done deal, and all he's really waiting on is for me to make a choice between the two warehouses.

Unfortunately, the daughter insisted we meet today, either from eagerness, impatience, or both. I wasn't going to agree until she told me she's heard rumors of others being almost ready to put in an offer on one of my two prospects. She casually suggested it might even be the same developer who's recently opened a new night-life bar that seems to be aimed at competing with Tuck's Tap.

So now, instead of spending the morning relaxing before tonight's annual Tuck's Tap holiday kick-off party, I left Angel at home with a mumbled excuse for leaving early and a promise to pick up brochures for her.

I am not looking forward to trying to make large, business-plan-altering decisions with an untested, inexperienced little girl who's there just to humor her father. Because of the lack of notice, my father isn't going to be able to accompany me to make the selection, not that I truly mind. I wanted his approval, but I also appreciate his confidence in me. In the end, this club is my project, and he's just there as an adviser if I need him.

Not that I'm going alone. Kevin is meeting me at the first location so he can give me his opinion on how difficult it would be to set up adequateano, scratch that, state of the artasecurity.

Dougie's meeting us there too, and that's a conversation I'm not looking forward to having.

I try to evaluate the neighborhood with critical eyes as I near the property. The street is relatively clean, the buildings nearby don't look rundown, and there are no shady characters loitering about. I try to put myself in the same shoes as the fathers of the college club crowd: would they let their daughters come here? I think the answer is yes. We aren't in a trendy part of town with a lot of foot traffic, like at Tuck's Tap, but I think I could draw a crowd to this place. There's a s.p.a.cious parking lot, rather than street parking, although it needs better lighting to be safe. I'm not sure what the two buildings across the street hold; they aren't marked.

I briefly considered scouting for a location that already draws a lot of the club crowd, like Old Town, but I don't want to be just another club. I want to repeat what my father did when he built Tuck's Tap and bring something different and needed to an area. Hopefully that will pay off in the end, even if it makes it harder to get up and running in the beginning.

It isn't hard to spot Eva Fitzsimmons as soon as I pull into a parking spot. For one thing, other than us, the parking lot is empty. But even if it had been overflowing with other cars, I don't think she would have escaped my notice. If I'd somehow missed her long, slender legs as she climbed nimbly off her motorcycle, her vibrant red hair whipping in the wind like a flag would have at least caught my eye. I can't help laughing at myself for making a.s.sumptions. Her voice might have been candy-coated and sweet on the phone, but in person I instantly get the impression she's a firecracker.

Her handshake is firm yet lingering when she greets me.

"Ms. Fitzsimmons." I tip my head with a smile.

Her nose crinkles like she's caught a whiff of something foul. "Eva. Please."

"Eva," I concede, unable to stop myself from sizing her up. She's tall, a bit taller than Angel. And though her eyes don't sparkle in that irresistible way Angel's do, they are keen, leading me to decide she's smarter than I gave her credit for.

The wind is fierce, trying to steal our words as soon as they leave our lips. Eva steps closer to me to be heard above the whipping air. "Shall we head inside and get started?"

"I'm actually waiting on two of my a.s.sociates. I'd like their opinions as well."

"Oh, of course!" She flashes me an apologetic smile. "I just got the impression on the phone that you were going to be busy today, and I didn't want to waste any of your time. But whatever you want is what we'll do."

She's right, of course. I do have a s.h.i.t-ton of things to get done today, and Dougie and Kevin will know where to find us when they see my truck sitting here. Eva shivers, and I feel guilty for making a girl stand out in the cold. "Let's go inside."

"Great!" Her demeanor instantly brightens as we head to the door with a large keypad lock around the handle. She punches in a code and removes a key. "Also, if we have time today, there's a third property I'd like to show you."

I feel like I've already combed every inch of the city looking for the right property, and I doubt there's anything I've missed. Her father had tried hard to steer me to a few that he thought were better, but the two warehouses we're scheduled to revisit this morning were the only two worthy of my short-list. "Your father didn't mention anything about that."

"Then it's a good thing I'm taking over your project, because I think you'll love the spot." Eva lightly touches my arm, guiding me inside the open door.

I tune her out, looking around the expansive, mostly empty s.p.a.ce. It's exactly as I remember it. The warehouse is a great blank canvas; I could do pretty much anything I want with it. There's ample s.p.a.ce for a central bar, a DJ platform, seating, a small stageaanything I decide to do. The problem is that anything I picture is just more of the same. It's just going to be another club, like all the rest, unless I can figure out how to set it apart.

I glance up as Dougie comes through the door, looking exhausted. Motherf.u.c.ker. I was hoping Kevin would make it here first, so I could occupy myself with going over security plans rather than talking with Dougie. "Sorry I'm late," he mumbles.

"All good, man." Except it isn't. He's taken his breakup with Chelsea extremely hard, and it's obvious he's deteriorating. And now I've got to make it worse. "Eva, could you give us a minute?"

"Sure. I'll just step away and call the agent for the third location and let them know we'll be by. Sound good?"

She's a sneaky thing. If she thinks we're going to play by her rules rather than mine, she's going to have to find a new game. "No."

My rejection barely causes her to miss a beat. She walks away with a bright smile, though she pouts a little when she thinks I can't see.

"So what is this place?" Dougie looks around skeptically.

How to word this so it seems like a positive? "We've been friends a long time, right?"

He nods.

"That's why I know I can trust you with this. I've been working on a plan to open another venture, and I've decided to move ahead, just as soon as I pick a location."

"Another bar?"

"I was thinking more like a club, but I don't want it to be just another run-of-the-mill club. I need to find a way to make it special."

"Sounds like a lot of work." Dougie has always been the kind of guy to just go along with what life hands him. I think that's part of what drew him to Chelsea; they both had the same mentality. Some would call it a lack of ambition, but I don't think it's that. He's just genuinely content with life. Or he was, until my sister dumped him.

"It is. It will be. And with me about to propose to Angela"

He actually smiles at this, the first sign of genuine interest I've seen since he walked through the door. He's liked Angel from day one.

"aAbout d.a.m.n time."

I nod. "But with that, and planning a wedding, and Tuck's Tap, I can't do it all on my own."

"You know I'll help out at Tuck's with anything you need."

And I know that he would. I've always been able to count on him. Which is what makes this situation so s.h.i.tty.

"Actually, about that. I was wondering if you'd be willing to be my project manager for the new location. I'm going to want eyes I trust leading things on-site from day one. Overseeing construction, hiring, everything." I know he doesn't believe it, but everything I just said is true.

He doesn't smile now. In fact, his eyes grow darker than I think I've ever seen them. There's no sign of the laid-back guy now, and I briefly wonder if he's still in there.

"Why don't you just say it like it is, Axel? You don't want me around Chelsea, because I'm making her uncomfortable. Well, I'm sorry if I can't just get over her and move on like she has. I love her, man, like you love Tess."

I have to bite my tongue. The way he's been acting lately, making things worse for Chelsea, I don't think he feels one tenth of what I feel for Angel, but saying so won't help the situation. "I'm offering you a good opportunity here, Doug, because we've been friends for a long time. But I won't make this offer twice. I want you to look at this as a promotion, because it truly is. Even though the situation that prompted it sucks, something good can come of it."

"Whatever you say, boss-man." In all the years we've been friends, I don't think he's ever spoken to me in such a biting tone.

I inwardly sigh, but let it go. "So what do you think of this as a potential location?"

He glances around. "I don't see much draw to it, but I guess it could work."

I'd be frustrated with his lack of enthusiasm, except I feel it too. The dark walls, bare floors, and general shabbiness don't make this place much to look at. It's in the running purely due to the neighborhood. Kevin shows up a few minutes later, a man I don't recognize with him. The stranger hangs back, listening but not speaking, as Kevin and I walk the property, discussing security concerns and potential solutions. He doesn't seem enthusiastic, but he also doesn't seem to rule the location out.

Feeling frustrated with everyone and everything, I follow Eva's motorcycle to the second warehouse, about five minutes away. Dougie and Kevin park their own vehicles beside mine and we all head inside.

"Well, this one looks more modern at least. Shouldn't need as much of a wiring update for the security system." Kevin shrugs.

"You've got a few restaurants nearby too, so maybe you can draw an after-dinner crowd," Dougie offers. I'm not sure that's the crowd I want to target, but I'm happy Dougie is contributing, so I say nothing.

This day feels like a bust, and I'm no closer to making a decision. I just want to go get Angel's pamphlets and head to the bar, unwind for a bit before tonight.

Eva turns a blinding smile on me. "Ready to see the third location? I think you'll love it."

I'm fairly certain I already told her no. This chick is pushing my b.u.t.tons in all the wrong ways. I get that she's young and eager, but enough is enough. "I've had enough for one day. I'm just not sure, and I need to weigh my options. Maybe come up with a few potential floor plans before I commit to anything."

"Axel, I know this can be overwhelming, but you aren't the only one interested in these properties."

"Then let someone else have them," I snap. "There are others, and I won't rush this." I don't remember telling her to call me Axel rather than Mr. Chadwell, but maybe she just a.s.sumed when she told me to call her Eva. It doesn't really bother me, but it takes me by surprise. I remind myself she's inexperienced and doing this on her father's behalf. She's probably not used to dealing with clients.

She lightly places her hand on the middle of my chest. "Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Why don't you sleep on it and we can meet in the morning to talk."

"I don't know. I'll call you."

Kevin has an odd expression on his face as Eva leads us out of the building so she can lock up. Dougie takes off right away, leaving behind just me, Kevin, and his mysterious friend. "What? Spit it out." It's obvious Kevin has something to say.

He just shakes his head. "Watch yourself, brother. That's all."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I'm not sure what he's getting at, but I don't like the disapproval I hear dripping from his words.

"Just that speaking as someone who's been hired to do surveillance on more husbands than I can count on both hands, you need to be careful. You might not have any notion of cheating, but I can promise your girl won't like how close that chick stands to you, or the way she looks at you."

I didn't notice anything off about how she was looking at me, but then again, my attention was on the prospective property, not my realtor. "I think she's just young and inexperienced. I highly doubt she has delusions of anything else."

"Just be careful. I know you're upset with Tess right now, but don't let that lead you to ruin a good thing."

If Kevin were anyone else, he'd be flat on his a.s.s after a comment like that. But because he is Kevin, I know better. "I don't like what you're insinuating."

"Good. Keep it that way. But let me ask, have you talked to her about this project?"

I haven't, because there's been no reason to. I don't want her worrying that I won't have time for her. She hasn't shown any real interest in Tuck's Tap, so why would she care about me opening a second location? "I'll mention it to her eventually." I think a change of subject is in order. "So who is this?" I nod my head at Kevin's friend.

A look pa.s.ses between the newcomer and Kevin, causing my bulls.h.i.t meter to instantly start clanging inside my head.

Kevin's expression is steely, like he's ready for an argument. "You wanted someone better with the tech side of things. Maclean's your man."

"Call me Ian." Maclean extends a hand to me. His back is straight, his shoulders are squared, and his posture is very rigid. He reminds me a lot of Kevin when Kevin first got out of the military. His eyes, though... Kevin's were haunted when he first came home. Ian's are just plain dead.

Surely Kevin doesn't think just because I'm rich I'm willing to buy the bulls.h.i.t he's trying to sell. I thought he knew me better than that. "What's your real name, Ian?"

"I'd prefer not to say, sir." Ian's reddish-blond hair is the only thing about him that doesn't scream asoldier.' It's just a bit long, like he only recently started letting it grow.

I let out a long, slow breath. My eyes float to Kevin. "I don't want to be lied to, Kev. You know me, and you know I trust your judgment. But I will not be lied to."

Another look pa.s.ses between them. Ian nods, though he doesn't look happy about it.

Kevin's gaze doesn't waver under the weight of my own. "His old name isn't important. His papers will pa.s.s whatever scrutiny they need to, and you won't be catching any trouble from this. On paper he's got no work history, but between the three of us, he and I go way back. We were stationed together, and I'd trust him with my life. I'm willing to trust him with yours. And you know I don't say that lightly. He's almost as good as I am with a gun, but when it comes to computers, there's no one I know who's better. If you need information, he can get it. Just don't ask him for information about his past. Let his past lie, and trust me when I say the only one burned by it is him. It won't affect you."

"No lies. I mean it. Don't answer if needed, but don't feed me bulls.h.i.t when I ask you questions from here on out. I don't care what story you tell the rest of my staff, but I only want the truth."

Ian studies me quietly for a moment. "I can live with that. If you want to call me something other than the name I'm going by now, my friends used to call me Ghost. But honestly, I just need a place to tread water for a bit while I get used to being Ian. In the meantime, I can get your security system upgraded, and I can be on hand as a liaison between you and Kevin when he returns with Lexi to Chancellorsville. Whatever you need me to do while I'm around, sir, I can do it. Pour drinks, sweep floors, or dig up the dirt on just about anyone. I'm your guy."

I hope I'm not going to regret this. "To start with, stop calling me sir."

Chapter Eleven.

a-aa- My bad mood persists through Sunday. The police have no leads on either of our two break-ins. Eva has tried to call me three times, and I've let each go straight to voicemail. I feel no closer a decision than I was yesterday. There's another number that's tried to call as well. I don't recognize it, but when I look up the area code online I confirm that it's a North Carolina number. So either my mother or Ware, neither of whom I'm in a hurry to talk to.

By noon I'm so frustrated I just shut the d.a.m.n thing off. That lasts for all of a minute. Angel's home by herself, and if she needs me I want to be reachable.

Ian's waiting outside the bar when I arrive, his shoulders hunched up nearly to his ears and his hands burrowed in his pockets. "Not from around here, huh?" I ask as I unlock the door, motioning for him to follow me inside.

"That obvious?"

It's colder today than it has been, but it isn't what I'd truly consider cold yet. The wintry chill to the air has definitely arrived, though, and it's only going to get worse. That reminds me, I need to encourage Angel to go shopping for some winter clothes.

Thinking of taking Angel and taking her shopping is like an ah-ha moment, and suddenly the dark clouds of my mood clear, as if I've suddenly been bathed in sunshine. I've been trying to figure out the perfect way to propose to Angel now that she's ready, and I'm positive I've just come up with the winning idea.

"Just a bit." I smile, and it's genuine. We head into my office and Ian sits on the opposite side of my desk. "Did Kevin find you a place to stay in the area?"

Ian nods. "Yeah, I'm renting a place not far away."

"Good. Let's get to work then." Soon my desk is covered with blueprints of our security system, a list of our current features, and a list of Ian's preliminary recommendations.

It's a lot to take in, but after about an hour of going over it again and again, I think I get it. Our security was inferior, but it can and will be fixed.

"So how do you feel about implementing a two-stage improvement plan?" Ian c.o.c.ks his head to the side, waiting for my answer. One thing I've noticed is that silence doesn't seem to bother him. Unlike a lot of people, he seems to have no need to fill lapses in conversation with idle chatter. I like that about him.

"What do you have in mind?"

"We could redo some of the wiring now, add a backup for your current system so that even if the power is out or the network is disabled, the system is still running. Most importantly, we'd add cameras to cover every inch of that parking lot, and upgrade some of the motion lights. Then we'd work out a full overhaul, to be done on a slower schedule. By not rushing we'll make sure we get all the features you need and want, without sacrificing an immediate improvement in security."

My phone rings again. I silence it after a brief glance, a grimace twisting my face. Funny how she's so eager to talk to me after being silent all these years. Let her have a taste of what it feels like to be waiting and hoping.

"I'd like you to have at least two different plans for the long-term upgrades on my desk, including a detailed a.n.a.lysis of cost and benefits, by Tuesday. In the meantime, I want the cameras around the entire property installed as soon as possible."