Silver Lining, page 20
Female.
I collapsed against the seat. “A woman.” Sjögren’s syndrome was an immune system disorder that attacked the healthy cells that produce saliva and tears. “Isn’t that syndrome mostly in older women?”
Adam and Kelsey shrugged.
My thoughts focused on women I’d wronged. The world of high finance was male-dominated. A new idea came to me as I watched the nonverbal exchange between my bodyguards. “It wasn’t CJ.”
Adam shook his head. “Same as Logan. He could be working with a woman.”
My fist pounded the table, making my phone jump and the tea in my glass slosh. “It is not CJ,” I said emphatically. With two sets of eyes on me, I lowered my tone. “Can they determine the person who licked the envelope?”
“It takes time and depends on the sample size and if the person is in the federal registry,” Kelsey explained.
“Gwen.”
Adam and Kelsey sat straighter.
“Gwen Butler?” Adam asked with a nod. “She and her husband Marlin are sweating the SEC.”
“Right,” I said. “Stop fucking around with the theory that CJ is involved. Find out where Gwen and Marlin Butler have been for the last three months.”
Both of my bodyguards stood. As Kelsey walked away, Adam remained.
“Talk,” I said.
“Who is Michael Ricks?”
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly.
Adam’s jaw clenched and his nostrils flared. “He’s an hour away from Missoula with a few of his team.”
Van.
I smiled. “Van sent them.”
“Are you firing us?”
“Not if you’re innocent,” I said, repeating what Adam had said about CJ.
“What the fuck, Lena?” Adam growled.
“Ms. Montgomery,” I corrected. “I told you to get your thumbs out of your asses, and I meant it. I’m a little busy for the next fifty years to end up dead before my ninety-third birthday.”
“And who has been at your side, keeping you safe?”
“You,” I admitted. “And Kelsey, the whole team. That shit you pulled in Austin, whisking me away and not listening to me about CJ.” I stood, meeting Adam in the aisle. We had the attention of Liz and Kelsey. “I’m still in charge, Adam. Van sent his trusted people to help. Either they’ll help or they’ll run the show. You decide if you’re still on my team.”
“I run this team and that isn’t changing.”
“You’ll work with Mr. Ricks. Someone told me that fresh eyes were valuable. Mr. Ricks and his team are fresh eyes.”
Adam’s head was shaking, but his lips were sealed. At the moment, that was wise.
“Are we clear?” I asked.
“Yes, Ms. Montgomery. We’re clear.”
“Oh, and CJ is coming to Missoula.” Before Adam could comment, I added, “And he’s staying with me. You can post people outside and keep the cameras and alarms. Kelsey will no longer be necessary.”
Adam stood taller. “Do you know when he’ll arrive?”
“No. I don’t know what airline he’s flying, but when he arrives, he’s allowed entry. No more BS.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
CJ
As we traveled northwest, I stared helplessly at the tops of clouds, wishing I’d been more prepared—a laptop, a change of clothes, anything. When I’d first entered Lena’s plane, I’d detected the lingering stench of fish. Now, as the wheels landed on the tarmac, I didn’t notice it. That probably meant I’d grown accustomed and needed a shower.
Three-and-a-half hours was a long time to sit and think.
I’d come to a few conclusions and constructed a list of questions. Thankfully, I’d found a tablet and pen in one of the cupboards. One recurring thought was of the picture Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum showed me. I hadn’t looked at it long enough to remember every detail, but what I could remember was a grainy image of a person in a sweatshirt hoodie. The Executive Airport wasn’t without security. The planes I’d seen when I arrived came in all sizes and no doubt with hefty price tags. No random person would be able to get to Lena’s plane. There was something else. Other than the person, there was nothing—no container of fish. According to the pilot, the fish had been in a container that resembled other containers in the luggage hold, those filled with supplies.
Could it have been there since before they left Missoula?
“Mr. Thompson,” Mr. Evans said, coming from the cockpit. “Mr. Wilde sent a car for you.”
“A car.”
I fucking hoped it wasn’t being driven by Adam or the Tweedle twins.
Releasing the seal on the door allowed a rush of fresh air to enter the plane. I looked around the cabin, knowing I had nothing but the clothes on my back and my list in the pocket of my shorts. I was hardly dressed for a private aircraft. “Thank you again for the ride.”
The stairs lowered as Mr. Evans nodded. “I had to fly back, so I’m happy it worked out.”
Standing at the top of the stairs, I looked around at the mountains in the distance. “This isn’t a private airport?”
“No, sir. This is the private runway of the international airport.”
“Where is this plane stored?” I asked.
“We have a hangar over that way.”
“May I see it?”
The pilot nodded. “You will. It’s where the car is waiting. If you want a quick tour…”
“I do.”
As we walked across the pavement, Mr. Evans explained the process of the tugs that move the planes from one place to the other. Montgomery Holdings had multiple business jets. Lena mostly flew the one we were in.
“Is the luggage hold temperature controlled?”
“No, it’s pressurized,” Archie said. “These planes are different from commercial airplanes. The temperature can get very cold during flight.”
“That makes sense,” I said, “considering the air temperature at high altitudes.”
“You don’t want to ride in there. Frostbite” —he shrugged— “if you don’t succumb to hypothermia first.”
The large door of the hangar was open, and Mr. Evans waved at a man driving one of the tugs. “He’ll be back with the plane,” he explained.
Beside the waiting car, there were two other jets with the same MH monogram on the side. Their doors were closed. There was also another plane with Sherman written on the side.
“This building is huge.”
“As you can see, we can fit additional planes.” He pointed at the Sherman plane. “Mr. Sherman sent that one for Ms. Montgomery to fly home.”
“Sherman?”
“Donovan Sherman.”
Now that was a name I’d heard before.
I peered at the walls and ceiling, spotting multiple security cameras. “The planes stay in here. I assume it’s secure. Who sees the security footage?”
“Oh yes, it’s secure. Most of the cameras belong to Montgomery Holdings. There’s one in each hangar that belongs to the airport. They don’t want anything to happen to the private planes either. Looks bad for business and the astronomical monthly rental charge.”
The driver of the waiting car opened the back door and Jeremy Wilde got out.
“Chandler.”
A smile came to my face at the sight of a familiar face. “Jeremy, I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Lena asked me to make sure you had a direct trip to her house.”
“Yeah, there was an issue earlier.”
“So you mentioned. I can fill you in on what’s happening.”
I offered the pilot my hand. “Thank you, Mr. Evans, for the trip and the tour.”
“Mr. Thompson.”
Settling into the back seat with Jeremy, the driver drove us out of the hangar moments before the plane I’d been flying in was tugged toward us.
Jeremy’s nose scrunched. “Fish.”
“Yes.” I lifted my t-shirt to my nose. I was still wearing the softball clothes from this morning. “I could use a change of clothes.”
“I see you traveled light.”
“There was the slight issue with my apartment being ransacked and two suits who weren’t going to let me leave.”
His eyes opened wide. “I didn’t know about the ransack.”
“Lena is safe?”
For the next ten to fifteen minutes, Jeremy filled me in on recent happenings. DNA tests on the envelope’s glue indicated it had been sealed with female saliva. He also told me about Donovan Sherman. Not only had Mr. Sherman sent his plane, he’d also sent a few of his trusted security team.
“Does that mean Lena is suspicious of Adam and Kelsey—her own team?”
Jeremy shrugged. “Honestly, she’s probably suspicious of me. Right now, I think the only person she trusts is you.” He narrowed his gaze. “If that’s misplaced, you’ll regret it.”
“It’s not, but I think the culprit is closer to her than she realizes.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Did you know that the luggage hold is pressurized but not temperature controlled? Mr. Evans said it gets very cold.”
“I haven’t given it thought.”
“I have,” I said. “What if the fish were put in there before you took off for Austin? Think about it. They wouldn’t be detected until the plane sat in the hangar. Then when it was moved outside, the temperature must have skyrocketed. No one gets into the plane to move it. They have those tugs. Therefore, if the smell was starting to infiltrate the cabin, no one would have known.”
“Montgomery security would have been notified if someone entered the hangar here.”
“Unless that someone was supposed to be there.”
“I’ll have Adam look at the footage.”
“I want to look at it and not the footage from the Montgomery cameras, the one from the Missoula Airport camera.”
“You don’t trust Adam.”
Jeremy didn’t ask, but I shrugged and said, “I trust Lena, and maybe you.”
The car approached a white iron gate with two large brick columns on either side. The car slowed and the gate opened. The long driveway was surrounded by a lush green yard. “How much land does Lena have?”
“A little over ten acres.”
“How did someone get inside her house?”
“Adam’s upped the cameras since then. The culprit cut the power to the house, rendering the security useless. When it was turned back on, that’s when the fish tank fried.”
I shook my head. “Backup generator.”
“Yes, sir, she has that now.”
The excessively large light-brick house came into view. A second gate lowered into the pavement as we approached a circular driveway complete with a fountain. The driver pulled up to the front door. I turned to Jeremy. “Are you coming in?”
He shook his head. “I’ve been in. Lena’s in a mood.” He grinned. “I wish you luck.”
“As long as her security doesn’t shoot me, I think I’ll be fine.”
“I like your positivity. She needs it.”
As I got out of the car, the front door opened, and Lena’s smile took my breath away. She waved to Jeremy as the car pulled away. Taking her in my arms, I pulled her close until my lips met hers.
“I missed you,” she said, ushering me inside.
I stood in awe as I took in her home, the massive two-story foyer with the large staircase leading up to the second level. Above me was a giant chandelier hanging from a glass dome filled with mirrors and reflecting the light. “I’m glad I didn’t take you to my apartment.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Lena
“It’s just a house,” I said, securing the front door.
When I turned, CJ was staring at the various pieces of art. “Is that a Van Gogh?”
“Yes.” I shrugged. “I think my art collection is my way of feeling closer to my sister.” I pointed to a framed piece over the staircase. “That’s Madison’s work.”
“She’s talented.”
I nodded. “This piece was from years ago. Since then…” I wrapped my arms around my midsection. “She’s been diagnosed as bipolar with psychotic features. Hallucinations or delusions,” I explained.
“And you’re helping her get help.”
“I’m trying. It’s not easy with her in prison.”
“I’d like to meet her.”
A lump formed in my throat. “You would?”
CJ reached for my hand. “Yes, Lena. She’s important to you. Of course, I want to meet her.”
As he stood closer, I scrunched my nose. “Jeremy told me that he got you on my plane. I can tell the fish smell isn’t gone.”
CJ smiled. “A shower would be nice.” He reached for my hand. “Now that I’m with you again and know you’re all right.”
“I’m not, but I’m better with you here.”
“You don’t happen to have some men’s clothes in this giant house, do you?”
It was then I realized CJ didn’t have any luggage. “No, but I can get some.” I grinned. “Or we could go with plan B.”
His turquoise stare shimmered. “You know I’m a fan of having a backup plan.” He looked around the adjoining rooms. “You have a lot of windows.”
“I also have a bit of land. No one can see inside.”
I tugged on his hand. “Come upstairs. I’ll show you the shower and call for some clothes.”
Once on the second level, I led CJ toward the master bedroom suite.
“This is a lot of house for one person.”
“There are other bedrooms.”
He stopped at the threshold of my bedroom and cupped my cheeks. “I’m willing to share.” His lips brushed mine.
Despite the fish aroma, I melded against his chest. As his arms surrounded me and the beating of his heart sounded in my ear, I sighed and wrapped my arms around his torso. When I looked up, his gaze was on me. “Thank you for getting here as soon as you could.”
“I never intended for us to be separated.”
I took a step back. “Oh, what happened with Mathew?”
CJ scoffed. “Is that Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum?”
“There were two?” I asked. “I only saw one.”
He ran his thumb over my cheek. “None of that is important. I’m here now. You’re not getting rid of me.”
“I don’t want you to be in danger.”
“Lena, I won’t leave your side.” His grin grew. “With the exception of a shower.”
I tilted my head toward the bathroom. “Make yourself at home. Towels are in the cupboard. And I’ll call Kelsey. She can run and get you some clothes until you have a chance to shop tomorrow.”
As CJ walked toward the shower, I remembered that members of my security stayed out at the pool house. Maybe there were some men’s clothes in there.
“You can join me,” CJ called from the bathroom as the sound of water told me that he’d turned on the shower.
Going to the bathroom door, I pushed it inward in time to see his round ass, the V in his lower back, and wide shoulders. The tattoos on his arms reminded me of the waves in Mexico. His hair hung loose as he stepped under the warm water.
“I could get used to the view,” I said.
His handsome smile turned my way through the glass. “Good. The view from this side is stunning.”
“Hardly.” My skirt and blouse that I’d worn for two days was in the hamper, and I was currently wearing a gray tennis skort and light blue tank top.
CJ opened the shower door. “You’re a beautiful woman, Lena. You don’t get to negotiate that fact.”
“Let me throw these in the washer,” I said, picking up his clothes. “And I’ll find you something. In the meantime, I know how sexy you are in a towel.”
“You’ve had this planned,” he said with a laugh. “Ever since that first breakfast when you said you’d like me without clothes.”
“You’re right. It’s all part of my master plan.”
That breakfast was nearly a month ago, and somehow it felt longer as if I’d known CJ for a lifetime. Simply in his presence I was lighter. I could put away the Lena Montgomery and live in the moment.
Leaving CJ in the shower, I considered who could go shopping. Adam was with Michael Ricks. Mr. Ricks met us in the hangar and introduced himself and those with him. I’d called Van again once I was home and offered him my thanks. He’d told me that he trusts Michael implicitly, and he could stay as long as necessary.
I hoped it wouldn’t be that long.
After tossing CJ’s clothes in the washing machine, I called Kelsey. “Can you go to someplace in town and pick up some clothes for CJ?”
“Yes?”
“He literally arrived with the clothes on his back, and since he flew here with Archie, there’s a little problem of a fish aroma.”
“He flew with Archie?”
“Yes, Jeremy arranged it.”
“We weren’t notified.”
“Kelsey, the clothes. Shorts and shirts are fine. He can go shopping tomorrow.”
“How long is CJ staying?” she asked.
I never want him to leave.
I didn’t say that. Instead, I replied, “As long as he wants. Please hurry.”
I disconnected the call and walked down the stairs, past the main floor, to the lower level. This floor was only visible from the back of the house. Beyond the glass doors were the pool and pool house. My land behind was flat and went on for acres. Since the first break-in, the number of surveillance cameras had increased. No one other than groundskeepers should be there.
Purple and crimson hues settled near the mountains as the sun fell lower in the evening sky. Opening the door, I lifted my face to the sky, enjoying the summer air that was not as stifling as in Texas. I stepped onto the pool deck as lights illuminated in the water, changing colors. A few feet away, the pool house door opened from within. The small hairs on my arms stood to attention.
My panic subsided as Kelsey came out, carrying a pink bag and juggling her large refillable water bottle.
“I didn’t know you were here,” I said, letting out a breath.
“I was getting a few things to take home,” she said, patting the cloth bag.
