Bedeviled Angel Page 3
Misty scowled. “As a telepath, you should be more sympathetic to my distress.”
“You’ve got me confused with an empath. They’re much better in the sympathy department.” They jogged up the main stairs and into Rena’s room. “As a telepath, I know you wanted to kiss him, not the other way around.”
“Don’t you dare laugh. I know he wanted to kiss me,” she insisted. “But nothing. Not even a handshake.”
Rena flopped on her bed. “Maybe he wants to take it slow. After all, he did ask you out again. Before you know it, you’ll be ripping each other’s clothes off.”
She threw one of Rena’s small stuffed animals at her. “You’re impossible to talk to when you get like this, you know that?”
“What’s the matter?” Rena cocked an eyebrow. “Jealous?”
Misty laughed. “Not hardly.”
Rena sat up, crossing her legs. “So what’s he like? All I’ve heard about is you, and I kind of know that story.”
Misty sat at Rena’s desk, rocking the chair back on two legs. “He didn’t talk much about himself. He just asked about me.”
“You’re kidding, right? This guy is a gem,” Rena muttered.
“All I really know is that he’s looking for a job, he has a friend named Frank, and his wife died thirteen years ago.” Misty shrugged. “That’s about it.”
Rena shook her head. “Too weird. Are you sure he’s not the guy ULTRA’s after?”
Misty headed for the door. “I’m not discussing that tonight.” She waved over her head as she left. “See you tomorrow, Red.”
****
Misty tossed and turned in her bed, picturing Taylor in her mind and reliving their first date. Every time he touched her, she felt she’d turn into a puddle right then and there. Rena was right. She’d wanted him to kiss her, or try something more intimate, but he’d been the perfect gentleman all evening.
She could still see his right eye, the azure blue a perfect complement to his fiery red hair. His hands had been so gentle every time he touched her. What would it feel like to have him touch her all over? She turned on her other side, punching her pillow. Thoughts like that were going to make it a long night.
****
The afternoon sun was warming up the day quickly as Jack drove to where he was supposed to pick up Frank. Drumming his fingers on the steering wheel as he sat at a red light, a familiar face pushed her way to the front of his mind. Misty hadn’t left his thoughts since he’d taken her out. It was a good thing he remembered to tell Frank about the new identity he’d created before they’d met him.
Jack’s eyes scanned the people walking and those in the cars around him. The scanners in his eye let him see right through the patch like it wasn’t there. The eye-patch was in place as usual when he was out in public. He didn’t need it. He used it to stop too many questioning looks, too many raised eyebrows. He stared at the people again. Who was the most likely one out to get him? The woman walking the dog? The guy on his cell phone? He shook his head, tired of suspecting every person walking the face of the earth.
Movement to his left caught his attention, and he turned. Fenmore was heading into a small cafe with some other people in suits. Jack looked for a parking space, but found no open spots. As he watched his enemy laugh at something one of the men with him said, Jack’s hands shook
He sat there staring until blaring horns made him move. Turning a corner, he saw Frank wave to him, and he pulled over. He decided against telling his friend that he just saw Fenmore. After all, it wouldn’t do any good, and they’d probably end up doing something stupid.
Frank climbed in and Jack looked at him as they pulled away. “Got anything for me, yet?”
He shook his head. “Not much, right now.” He flipped through a small pad. “Fenmore leaves the house around seven in the morning with a couple of ULTRA security guards. He has morning meetings with the ULTRA commander. He lunches at the better restaurants and when he’s with others, he always treats.”
Jack frowned. If Fenmore could afford the better places in town, why would he go into such a lower end cafe? “He can’t be making that much at ULTRA. Can he afford it?” Something was wrong with the whole scenario.
“Oh, yeah,” Frank said, nodding his head. “I had Amy poke his bank account. He can afford it. He and his wife both lead an extravagant lifestyle.”
“Probably lets out the wife if we need help to take him down.”
Frank nodded and turned to stare out the window. “We just need a little more time.”
“Time,” Jack said with a small laugh. “We’ve been running scared for more than a decade, and now ULTRA is pushing to wrap it all up. I don’t think we have any more time.”
He closed his eyes, seeing his painful past, and the friends he’d lost over the years. “Why didn’t I leave it alone? None of this would’ve happened if I’d just ignored what Fenmore and his crowd were doing like I’d been warned.”
“You couldn’t. None of us could,” Frank said, his voice hard. “Even if you did, Carol would’ve pursued it. You know she would’ve.”
Jack hesitated and then nodded slowly. “I know. But I should’ve planned better, thought things through more.” He snorted. “Now Fenmore’s out there acting the good public servant, and I’m still locked in as the bad guy.” He glanced at Frank. “Some world, huh?”
“So, tell the truth,” Frank insisted. “You know the evidence. Make a statement to the press.”
Jack’s shoulders sagged as he stared at the traffic ahead of him. “I’m tired of this same conversation, Frank. I won’t be believed.”
Frank turned to him. “You think I’m not tired of saying the same thing, trying to get you to see reason? You always took chances before. Take one now and go public with what you learned at the beginning of this disaster. It may place a few doubts.”
“I know,” Jack said. “I’d like to see what kind of information we get before making any kind of move, if that’s okay with you?”
“That’ll do.”
“Anything else?”
“Not now, but I’ll be in touch.” Frank watched his friend closely. “I didn’t know you were dating again. How long have you known her?”
Jack squirmed in his seat. “We just met.”
“Please tell me it was just the one date.”
“We’re going out again on Saturday,” he mumbled.
“Maybe you should take it easy.”
Jack sighed. “It’s two dates.” He pulled up to the curb.
Frank grabbed the door handle. “Someone’s always watching you. I don’t want to add her to our list of casualties.”
“You think I don’t know that?” he said, his voice raising. “Damn it, I’m tired of being alone. There’s nothing serious between us. I just want to be with someone who doesn’t know anything about me for a while.”
Frank got out and leaned on the door before Jack pulled away. “At least go armed. It’ll make me feel better.”
Jack nodded. “Yes, Mother.”
****
Jack drove back to where he’d seen Fenmore. Using the scanners in his left eye, he studied the cafe and saw Fenmore still inside. He waited until a space opened up and pulled in to wait for the man to come out. He looked at his watch. It looked like they’d just gotten their food so he had some time to kill.
He pulled out a small, digital camera from under the passenger seat. It wasn’t the greatest quality, but he could at least get pictures to his people and see if anyone knew the men with Fenmore. He got out and found a spot that wouldn’t be too conspicuous where he could take a few good shots.
Jack just got himself settled when they appeared. He quickly snapped off a few shots and tucked the small camera into his pants pocket. The others left and Fenmore stood there alone while his bodyguards brought his car around. Jack couldn’t resist and stalked his way toward his nemesis.
“Hello, George,” he growled. “What brings you down to my neighborhood?”
; Fenmore jumped and jerked his head around. “Jack!” He took a deep breath and the smarmy smile was back. “I had meetings with some friends of mine. They seemed to think this place had good food.”
Jack stepped closer to him. “And does it?”
“It’s passable. I couldn’t eat here on a daily basis, but it’s a nice change.” Fenmore looked him over. “I didn’t think you knew how to come out in daylight anymore. You’re paler than you used to be.”
“I’m out and about more than you think. You know, I could get rid of you right here and now, and if I didn’t need you alive, you’d be the top story on the six o’clock news.”
“Too bad you don’t have the guts to do what it takes,” Fenmore said. “If you were smart enough, you wouldn’t need me alive to get what you want.” He nodded toward his car. “And now, you’ve lost your chance.” He leaned close to Jack. “You’re pathetic, McClennan.”
Jack stood there while Fenmore got in the car and was driven away. He hung his head on the way back to his van. He really was pathetic. If he was going to conclude this situation in his favor, he needed to dig up the cold-hearted killer—the one he’d summoned from inside himself so many times before—and let him loose.
Jack started the engine and headed home.
Chapter Five
Misty yanked the brush through her hair. “This has been the slowest week of my life.”
“Seeing your mystery man again?” Rena grinned. “And no wardrobe advice this time. I guess you’re not as nervous?”
“Yes, I am and no, I’m not.”
Rena watched her finish getting ready. “Ha!” She pointed. “You are nervous. Your hands are shaking.”
“I am not, I tell you.” Misty turned, staring at her. “It’s anticipation.” She passed through the floor, and Rena ran down the steps, meeting her at the front door.
“You need to quit doing that when you’re done talking.”
“But then, how would you get your exercise?” Misty grinned.
“When I think of a comeback for that, you’re in big trouble!” Rena shouted as Misty hurried out to her sports car and drove away.
****
When Misty pulled up next to the curb in front of Taylor, he opened the door and frowned at the tiny interior.
Pointing to the small seats and almost nonexistent legroom, he grimaced. “You want me to fit in that?”
She grinned. “You can make it.” She waited while he squeezed his large frame into the small bucket seat, reaching down to put it all the way back. He sighed as he put the seat belt on.
“See?” she said. “I told you. Now, how would you like to see how the other half lives?”
“I’d love to,” he said, still adjusting himself to get comfortable in the tiny car. “What did you have in mind? Dinner with the Hiltons then off to England to visit with the Royals?”
She laughed. “Nothing so elaborate. How about dinner at one of my favorite restaurants then maybe a movie?”
The corners of his mouth twitched. “I suppose it’ll do. But I thought I was paying for this date since I did the asking.”
“Nope. Tonight, everything’s on me.”
His smile broke out fully. “I like you modern women. Can I borrow five bucks for gas?”
She turned sharply, his smile catching her off guard. God help me if he really turns on the charm. “What?”
“I’m kidding.”
“Oh,” she said, not sure if he was kidding or not.
They stood at the dining room entrance and Misty greeted some of the servers. She looked around, taking in how the deep burgundy carpet glowed under the golden lights from the chandelier and the diners speaking in hushed tones. This is how a restaurant should be, she thought.
The host rushed over. “Ms. Severin, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
She smiled as she shook his hand. “Same here. I made sure to make reservations tonight instead of just dropping in.”
He smiled. “Your usual table will be ready in a moment.”
“You’re just too good to me.” She watched him hurry away.
“Do you own this place?” Taylor asked her.
She shook her head. “No. Just a lot of patronage on my part. You can’t beat good service and excellent food.”
They were shown to their table, and Misty looked up from her menu to see Taylor staring at her. “What?”
“I’d like to cook for you one night, if you’d like.”
Warmth spread through her at his suggestion. “Sounds great.” She bet she’d get a whole different service than what she got here. At least, she hoped she would.
They ordered and Misty asked for a bottle of her favorite wine. She kept glancing at him while they waited for their food and then while they ate. He caught her staring at him and smiled, reaching over to hold her hand.
The waiters cleared their table and Taylor looked at his watch as Misty settled the check. “It’s almost eight thirty. We’ve been here over two hours.”
She watched him. Everything he does is sexy. “Really? The next features for the movies don’t start until after ten. How about a walk instead?”
“Perfect.”
They strolled in the early June evening, the temperature still not too warm. As they walked, Misty noticed him again, constantly checking over his shoulder.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure,” he said. “I think we’re being followed.”
She frowned as he glanced over his shoulder again. “Get down,” he barked, pushing her behind a large planter near a storefront as a shot whizzed over their heads.
He glowered in the direction of the shot then turned to her. “Stay here and keep out of sight. I’ll be back soon.”
Misty watched as he sprinted down the street. Her power kicked in instinctively, and her left arm had faded halfway in the sidewalk to stop her from being injured. What the heck was going on she wondered. She pulled herself together, climbing to her feet with the rest of the crowd.
She smiled as people went about their business like nothing happened. With the rise in the number of paranormals, a gunshot wasn’t nearly as frightening as someone shooting lasers from their hands, changing the weather, or conjuring huge alien weapons from thin air. Ah, life in a city populated with paranormals. She moved to a doorway to wait.
****
“Bloody hell,” Jack muttered. “Doesn’t he have anything else to do with his time?”
He ran around the corner, barely getting his arm up to block the large metal fist aiming at his head.
“Cyber-X,” he said flatly. “You need a new hobby.”
The metal arm and legs looked out of place on the middle-aged man with the military haircut and goggles perched on top of his head. The light blue, thickly padded leather vest creaked as the mercenary rested a wicked looking rifle on his hip.
“That would mean not fulfilling my contract. The contract is to bring in one ULTRA Field Commander Jack McClennan. That would be you.” Cyber-X watched him closely. “And I’ve never left a job unfinished.”
Jack rolled his shoulders, loosening the tenseness building. “What if I bought my contract? I can pay you ten times what it’s worth.”
Cyber-X shook his head, looking bored by the offer. “No, I don’t think so. You see, you’re the closest person that’s ever come to being my equal. It’s not about the money any more. It’s about who’s the better cyborg.”
“You have a partner and that gives you the advantage. I’m alone.”
Cyber-X shrugged. “She’s my ace, and as I’ve been hunting you for six months and you’re still free, I’m guessing you don’t really need a partner.”
Jack frowned. Six months? He needed to start keeping better track of the time. He didn’t realize the cybernetic mercenary had been hunting him that long. “Then let it go. I’m taking up way too much of your time.”
“Sorry,” he said, shaking his head. “ULTRA wants you back. You’ve got a lot to answer for.”
He jerked back as Cyber-X quickly drew a small, double-bladed knife and swung in a wide arc. He felt the familiar burn as the blade sliced his face open. He grabbed the mercenary’s wrist and flipped him over his shoulder before he could take another swipe.
Blood ran down his face, dripping on his shirt. Jack’s lip curled as anger raged through him. He cocked the gun. “Stay away from me, or I swear I’ll kill you where you stand.”
He fired off several rounds in quick succession, forcing Cyber-X to dive for cover. Jack ran back the way he came, slowing to a walk as he drew closer to Misty. He shook his head. “Leaving an enemy alive now?” he mumbled. “You’re getting soft, hero.”
Ignoring the looks people gave him, his mouth set in a grim line, he stomped down the sidewalk. He’ll never stop, he thought. Not until he’s completed his contract. He could admire determination in others, but in Cyber-X, it was getting downright annoying.
****
Misty waited, looking for Taylor. Why would someone shoot at him? Of course, they could’ve been aiming at her. As a member of the Angels’ hero team and an ULTRA liaison, she always had some nutcase after her. It was only a matter of time before she was caught in her civilian identity.
She checked for him again. Still no Taylor. She started walking in the direction he’d gone. He could be hurt. Her desolidification powers would keep her safe from whoever it was, but then how would she keep that secret from him? She sighed. Sometimes life is way too complicated.
When she saw him coming, her eyes widened at his face. A bloody line ran from his forehead down the right side of his nose before tapering off near his chin. “What happened to you? Is that cut from a knife?”
He ignored her, brushing aside her concern. “Can I get a rain check for the rest of tonight?”
She nodded. “Sure. Is there anything I can do?”
He wiped blood out of his good eye. “I need a ride back to my place.”
“All right.” She paused, “Do you want to go to the police?” She unlocked the doors and they climbed in.