Read Online I Spy a Dark Obsession by Jo Davis - Free Book Online Page A

concussion—”
    “What?” he shouted. His knees turned to rubber. “You said he was okay! I’m on my way.”
    “That’s not necessary. I wanted you to know, that’s all. The assailant’s in a cell, but he’s not talking.”
    “I’ll be there in forty minutes or less.”
    Ending the call, he yelled for Simon. Like magic, the man appeared from around the corner. No doubt he’d listened to every word. He handed the old butler the phone. “Bastian had some trouble on the way to work. I’ve got to go.”
    “Will he be all right, sir?”
    “I think so. See my guests out, would you? They drove their own car, so they won’t need a ride.”
    He sniffed. “With pleasure.”
    There it was again, the disapproval. He didn’t have time for this. “I’m driving myself to work, and before you say anything, yes, I’m well enough.”
    “I was going to ask whether that’s wise, considering that his trouble might have been calculated to goad you into rushing off alone.”
    He stared at the old man. “You’re pretty smart, you know that?”
    “So are you, but you’re upset. One of us must retain his wits.”
    “You’re right.” His mind scrambled for calm despite his urgency to get to Bastian. “Ring security. Tell them I need the car and an armed man to ride with me. I’ll have a shower and meet them out front in ten. And, Simon, thanks.”
    “You’re most welcome.”
    The old man left to do as Michael asked. Michael returned to the bedroom and gave the ladies a lighthearted smile he didn’t quite carry off. “Emergency. I have to go, so you’ll need to get dressed. Simon will show you out.”
    “Aww, I thought we were gonna spend the day together,” Jackie whined.
    Jeri punched her in the arm. “Shush. Can’t you see something’s happened?” To Michael, she said, “I hope everything is all right. Call us?”
    “Sure.” Somehow, he didn’t think he would, no matter how much he’d enjoyed their company. “I had a great time. Truly.”
    They began gathering their clothes and getting dressed. He gave them each a brief kiss, but didn’t wait for them to leave before hitting the shower. He made short work of the task, and donned a pair of nice black pants and a white dress shirt. A shoulder holster containing his gun and a jacket over it completed the ensemble, and he made it out front with one minute to spare.
    With the attempt on Bastian, all bets were off.
    Michael Ross was officially back at the helm, and God help Dietz or anyone else who hurt those he cared for. His gut twisted in cold rage.
    “You’re going to pay, motherfucker.”

Four
     

     
    K atrina was headed for Michael’s office to report her findings on the pinhole camera when the man himself rounded a corner ahead and dashed for the elevator.
    “Michael, wait!” She quickened her steps to catch up, reaching him as the elevator doors slid open and he ducked inside. Following him, she blew out a breath. “I was just on my way to speak with you.”
    “About?”
    “The camera,” she reminded him. “I stayed up half the night, but I located the problem.”
    “Oh. That.” He looked distracted, and practically vibrated with impatience.
    She frowned. “Yes, that . You know, the little technical failure you reamed my butt over last night? Seems the unit had a faulty microchip, a manufacturer defect isolated to the batch we recently received. I mailed them all back this morning and they’re sending out a new order.”
    He nodded, expression tense. “Good.”
    Good? That’s it? “Okay, what’s going on?” Her gaze strayed to the panel and she noted the single lit button. “Why are you going to the fourth floor?”
    “I don’t recall making it your business.”
    “You’re obviously upset, and I care,” she said softly. “So I made it my business.”
    The elevator glided to a smooth stop and the doors slid open. As they emerged, Michael grasped her upper arm and gently steered her away from the open doors of the