the actual process of first “collection day” or the stress of dealing with Calamity. Whatever it was, Kip set it aside quickly when he heard what had taken place the day before in the club’s lot. The only question his younger brother had asked was, “Do you know who the stalker is?” When Phoenix gave him a short list of possibilities, he’d simply reminded Phoenix to watch his back before ending the call.
Mitch paced the room as he spoke, “We found evidence of someone sitting on the hill south of the club. It was the place where Aspen indicated she’d felt the strongest energy.” Mitch shook his head and smiled. “I’m telling you now, this woman is going to keep us on our toes. Hell, her damned gaming name was dead on. Her instincts are sharper than hell; she’s doing her goddess namesake proud.”
“I’ve listened to the tape of the phone call several times, and I keep coming back to the reason she’s here. The first thing she mentions is that someone she’d done a clearance on was being stalked? Do you think that’s why she’s here?” It was almost beyond his imagination—he’d never had anybody but family put themselves on the line for him.
“The fantasy she wrote is a window directly into her soul. Remember, in the beginning, she described Athena as a protector. I believe the phrase was a champion of other victims . Personally, I think that is just the first of many things we’ll discover are clues to the core of Aspen Andrews. Remember, she said Athena had run out of places to hide—I’d say Aspen’s subconscious knew we were closing in on her. She doesn’t appear to be aware that we’re on to her, but she had to know it was just a matter of time.”
“We’ll know soon enough. It looks like everything downstairs is almost ready.” They’d been standing in Nate’s office looking down over the club’s main room through the large glass window. From the main room, all anyone could see was their silhouettes, Phoenix loved the specially treated glass and planned to utilize it when he remodeled his suite in the ranch’s main house. With the touch of a button, the glass could be changed to anything from clear to completely reflective, it was a great piece of technology.
“I can hardly wait to peel the layers of clothing from her. Damn, I thought we’d done a great job with the costumes, but the treasure trove Gracie brought put everything I’d put together look pathetic.” No doubt he’d be hearing about Kip’s wasted effort for days, but his younger brother’s complaints would fall on deaf ears. Phoenix knew Nate had already extended Kip a personal invitation to tonight’s special event. And even though he didn’t know why—everyone knew Nate Ledek’s actions were never random. If he’d made the effort to call Kip personally—there was a reason, and probably a damned important one.
“Gracie said Tobi helped with the costumes for the subs. And she was—and I quote, ‘pissed seven ways to Sunday’ that she wasn’t allowed to fly up here with Jax, Micah, and Gracie. If she really is pregnant, her Masters will have their hands full. She knows they won’t spank her until well after the baby is born and she’ll rack up punishment points like a champ until then.” Micah always had the same grin on his face when he spoke about Tobi. Phoenix didn’t even want to think about how challenging she could be if she was deliberately acting out. Hell, the woman was a spitfire when she wasn’t even trying to challenge her husbands.
Gracie sat on the bed watching Aspen pace the length of the large room. She knew Nate and Taz had insisted Aspen stay in one of the club’s large guest suites last night instead of returning to the hotel where she’d checked in. After the scare she’d had yesterday, Gracie was sure any protest Aspen had waged had been token at best.
“You’d better save some of that energy, I can assure you you’re going to need it.” Gracie didn’t even
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