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CHAPTER 19
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Milton had always been a stickler for detail. And Be
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To Be
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Then he listened to the other messages. The first one said, This is Gwen Anders. I have valuable information regarding Rick Rousseau. Then she gave him the unfamiliar number. The second message, also from Gwen Anders, advised him to disregard the first one. Be
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He tossed the cheap plastic cell phone back to the table, thinking that Gwen Anders had certainly picked the wrong time to play him for a fool.
There was a polite knock at her door. Because Gwen was expecting a FedEx delivery and was chatting on her cell phone, her guard was down. She opened the door, smiling.
Directly into the barrel of a handgun.
The man knocked the phone from her hand and stepped inside.
Pick it up. Then hang it up, the man whispered. Gwen did as she was told. Gotta go, Mom. Sorry. She snapped the phone shut.
Get inside.
Gwens body began trembling as her mind struggled to reconcile the aristocratic New England voice with the ridiculous appearance of her assailant. The man was of medium build, in cheap clothes, and it looked like he was wearing a fake wig and mustache, of all things.
She gasped. /Be
But… Gwen didnt know if the realization should make her less frightened, or more so. I told you to disregard my message.
He flashed a cold smile while keeping the gun trained on her forehead. /Oh, God, what have I done?/ Gwen began to have trouble breathing.
This wont take long. Just give me your valuable information and Ill be gone.
Its nothing. It isnt even important, she said, her eyes darting to the gun and then to his face.
I beg to differ, Miss Anders. Cummings took a step closer. Its pure serendipity, and serendipity is always important.
Gwen frowned and shook her head. I dont understand…
When you called I was already on my way here. See how interesting that is?
Gwen tried to back away but bumped into a small hall table, knocking over a vase of fresh flowers. She jumped. Then she stared at all the broken glass and spilled water. If only she could grab a piece with a jagged edge… /Click./ The cold steel of the gun tapped against her left temple. She straightened.
What do you have for me, Gwen?
She swallowed hard. This was a nightmare. How could she have done this to herself? To Rick? She closed her eyes and tried to drag some oxygen into her lungs.
If you lie, I will know, and I will kill you. The pressure against her temple increased. Dont think I wont.
Rick Rousseau has a girlfriend, she sputtered, her eyes flying open. He started dating someone and its serious. He says he loves her.
Cummings tilted his head to the side, obviously puzzled. And this girlfriend is not you, I assume.
No. Gwens body began shaking violently. Black spots swam in her vision.
She thought she might throw up. Im not feeling well Give me everything you know about her, Cummings said, spi
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He was preparing to call it a night when who should exit the building but Rick himself, walking an oafish-looking dog. The bodyguard joined him and they strolled down the sidewalk, past the figures crouching behind the tree. Maybe hed been too quick to judge the evening a total waste.
He rolled down his windows and strained his ears.
Nice night for a proposal. Teeny tucked his hands in his pants pockets while strolling next to Rick and Genghis. Wouldnt you agree?
Dont rush me, Rick snapped. Shes just started di
It was an i
Rick laughed. Well, back off. I think youre more nervous than I am.
Teeny ran a hand over his bald head. This is as close to proposing to a woman as Ill ever getIm a wreck.
They got about halfway down the block when Rick noticed Teeny tense up.
He kept strolling, but there was no longer anything casual about it. He was on alert.
Teeny whispered to Rick, Not a life-and-death thing, man, but prepare yourself.
Cummings? Rick asked.
You wish.
What the hell does that mean? Rick tried to look behind him, but Teeny grabbed his arm.
Eyes front and keep moving, Teeny said. Dog ladies at two oclock.
Rick Rousseau!
Rick took a deep breath and turned toward the voice. Three women stood on the sidewalk, jaws set firm, feet apart. The oldest and biggest oneBea Latimer was her namewas clearly in charge.
Were Josies friends. We need to talk to you, she said.
Rick nodded, noting how glad Genghis was to see them. You obviously know /me,/ he said, then gestured toward Teeny. This is my associate, Timothy Worrell.
Teeny produced a charming smile. Its nice to be formally introduced, ladies.
A pleasure, the redhead named Ginger Garrison said. Beas eyes flashed at her with reprimand.
Rick decided to defuse the situation with hospitality. Im visiting Josie right now, as you know, so why dont we all go up to the apartment? Im sure shed love to see you. Shes told me all about you.
That sounds very ni Ginger stopped herself mid-sentence.
This isnt a social visit, the youngest one said. Roxa
Rick admired Roxa