Read Online Shadow Soldier by Dana Marton - Free Book Online

had half a dozen appointments this week, in addition to the one with Du Shaozu on Monday. Shehad worked long and hard on those accounts. “Thank you. You might have saved my business.”
    Spike shrugged. “Thank Alex. He called in the shopping list.”
    Of course. After having watched her every move for two months there was probably little the man didn’t know about her. The thought made her uncomfortable. Her privacy had been violated, and for that she had trouble feeling thankful.
    Alex lifted his hand in the no-thanks-necessary gesture, solving that problem for her.
    â€œI don’t suppose I could use your phone?” She turned back to Spike to push her luck.
    â€œI’d rather you didn’t, but if you put together a list of people and give it to me I could probably arrange for someone to call them for you.”
    Same response as Alex had given. She would have to make do. “It’ll only take me a minute.” She rummaged through the kitchen drawers until she found a pen, then copied the most essential names and numbers to a napkin from her electronic address book.
    â€œHad to leave town on urgent business, will be in touch at the earliest opportunity,” Alex dictated to Spike as he glanced at his watch then flipped on the TV.
    The eleven-o’clock news came on and they didn’t have to wait long before the anchor got to the shooting in Devon. He called it a drive-by, without mentioning her, the rescuing vehicle or the fate of the attackers.
    â€œYou had a bouquet of flowers by your door,” Spike said. “From a gentleman by the name of Du Shaozu.”
    â€œA new client. Flowers? Can I see them?”
    â€œNo,” Alex said.
    â€œThey’re out in the car in an evidence bag.” Spike threw him a curious look.
    Alex flipped the TV off and came around to check out the birds. “Kind of scraggly, aren’t they?”
    In her usual abrupt manner, Tweedle Dee backed up to the bars and squirted, barely missing him. Nicola winced. So much for making a good first impression.
    Alex took a quick step back. “Hey, I think I’ve just been insulted.”
    â€œYou know, a lot of people have that kind of opinion of you, Rodriguez,” Spike needled him.
    â€œOh, yeah?” Alex pulled up to full height, but then smirked at Spike. “What kind of opinion will they have of you when they find out a girl did you in with an ashtray?”
    Spike cleared his throat. “Um…I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention—”
    His ringing cell phone cut him off. He listened to the caller for a few seconds, then handed the phoneto Nicola. “Your father. They’ve got him on a secure line.”
    Among the slew of emotions that swirled inside her, relief was the strongest, surprise a close second.
    â€œAre you okay?” they said at the same time.
    â€œI’m fine,” she said as her father waited. “Somebody tried to shoot me this morning.” Her knees went weak as the words brought back the memory.
    â€œI know. Are you okay?” he asked again.
    â€œThey missed.” She walked to the living room so she could sit on the sofa. “I’m a little shaken, but I think I’m safe now.”
    â€œYou are. I’ve been assured that you have the best protection. Just sit still. Is there anything you need?”
    She couldn’t remember the last time she heard him this worried over her. Over bills, vetoes, votes, sure. But not her.
    â€œI’m sorry I’m not there for you. They wouldn’t let me come.”
    â€œIt’s fine. Really. I’m taken care of,” she said after a moment, resorting in her surprise to her old if-you-don’t-want-me-that’s-fine-because-I’m-selfsufficient-and-I-don’t-need-you routine.
    Except that right now it seemed he really did care and wanted to know that she was all right. She didn’t doubt the sincerity of his concern, but