Doranna Durgin - Survival Instinct

“No,” he told her. You, but…not what you are. “And yes. I want Longsford.”

“Any way you can get him?” She gave him that look, the one from beneath her lashes, the gray of her eyes still piercing even through that veil.

He couldn’t bend that far. “Within the limits of what we talked about earlier, yes.”

Sudden frustration crept into her voice. “Then why the hell are you blowing my cover?”

He smiled back at her. Grinned, actually, freed up from the personal byplay to attend the practical. “I’m not. I’m observing his guests, and you’re a new face to me. I’ve accosted you so we can talk. And by the way, I’ve got someone to play the role of the developer. You want the phone number? It’s a Florida cell. I had it shipped to her just for you.”

She blinked. “Who?”

“Her name is Kimmer Reed. She works for Owen, but she owes me a favor or two right now. She can play him any way you like-and she’s got an incredible ability to read people, even over the phone. She can tell you what he’s really thinking.”

“Maybe you should talk to her, then. Maybe she can tell you what you’re really thinking.”

“Ow.” Dave mimed taking a blow to the heart. “Nice hit.”

“Far from a killing blow. Give me the number.”

He pulled out his notepad, and she shook her head. “That’s just plain evidence, and I’m headed for the lion’s den. I’ll memorize it.” And she did. When he gave it to her, slowly, she immediately rattled it back off at him. Then she gave him her own number-a new cell, apparently-and said, “Go ahead. Write it down. You’ll feel better, you and your notes.”

Flushing slightly, he did, then tucked the notebook back inside his suit. The one that dressed him up too finely for his cop role, but would have been perfect for the chauffeur boy-toy role she’d had sketched out for him. “And now? You really got an invitation to this thing?”

“I really do. And now that we’ve been standing here for so long, I need you to grab me.”

“You-what?”

Her face flashed impatience. “We’ve been here too long. We’ve been noticed. I’m going to walk past you, and I want you to grab me-like you mean it, too. And you should know I’m gonna slap you.”

“You’ve been planning this?” While they stood there and talked, she’d choreographed interpersonal mayhem?

“Make it up as I go along,” she said tartly, shifting the shawl over her shoulders as she straightened in offense at some imaginary thing he’d said, raised her chin, and stalked past him.

But two could play that game. He dug into his pocket, searching for the tiny device there even as he turned on her, grabbing her arm. She tugged away, hissing through her teeth, “Make it real!” and he latched on to her with the other hand, planting the device on the soft skin beneath her upper arm.

“Real enough?” he asked, as they struggled on the sidewalk in incongruous contrast to the continuing arrival of the beautiful people.

“Not quite,” she said, and yanked one arm free to deal him a resounding slap. A slap hard enough to stagger him, and she sprang away, readjusting her shawl and stalking down the sidewalk as though she owned it.

Had to hand it to her. For that moment, she did.

Karin’s hand still stung with the impact of the slap she’d dealt Dave; anger and chagrin warred for dominance within, somehow settling into a churning stomach. Get it together, Karin.

She followed another couple up the impeccably maintained walk surrounded by a colorful splash of iris and forsythia. Tulips lined the stairs; clumps of hyacinths clustered beside them. Two hanging pots flanked the doorway, spilling over with bright fuchsia blossoms. The beautiful life, with the beautiful people.

Things change, Longsford.

She smiled at the perky young thing who served as door greeter, and knew enough to flash her invitation at just the right moment so as not to create an embarrassing hesitation.

And then she was in.

Her goal for the day? Just to catch Longsford’s attention. No pushing, no sales talk. To judge by the sound of things, the main activity would be out back, taking advantage of the huge, long backyard and the weather. But no rush. There was a small number of people circulating in what was once a parlor, and Karin folded her shawl over her arm and went to introduce herself as a friend of the Braddocks’-one of the two traveling couples from Dave’s notes. By the end of the party they’d all know that the gregarious couple had wielded influence to get her the invitation. A kindness to someone from out of town, with just enough implication that they thought the introduction could be beneficial to Longsford, too.

Except she’d only taken one step into the parlor when a hand fell on her shoulder. A heavy hand, full of authority. In some ways, a hand she’d been expecting since she was eight years old. She turned, a smile ready on her face.

At the sight of Longsford, she faltered momentarily. His pictures hadn’t conveyed the impact of his presence, not one bit. Not just because his features were attractive, if flawed enough to keep him real, or that he was a large man. More that he was a man used to exerting power and influence; that confidence radiated from his very core. If there was some part of him still frustrated with the struggle to take control from his domineering mother, it didn’t so much as peek through. For the first time, Karin felt a trickle of doubt. What if it’s not him?

Then no harm done. She’d run her scam without finding evidence, she’d relieve him of a little extra cash and she’d be on her way. His reputation would be unsullied, and Dave Hunter would have to get used to being wrong. He’d have to find a new suspect. Meanwhile Karin would start her new life-again. As fast as the thoughts flickered through her mind, Karin recovered her smile. “Mr. Longsford,” she said warmly. “I’m so pleased to meet you. Lily and Kent have told me so much about you.”

“And they’ve told me nothing of you,” he said. “I frankly can’t imagine how you made it on the guest list.” But when she opened her mouth to explain, he cut her off. “We’ll deal with that later. Right now I want to know what that was all about.”

She discovered he had a hand on her arm, and that he’d drawn her aside-still in the parlor, but just barely. Those who had recently occupied the space drifted oh-so-casually away, their perfume and their alcohol fumes still on the air. “I’m not sure-”

He jerked his head toward the front windows. “There’s a good view of the street from there. I saw you talking with that man. Do you know who he is?”

No lying here. The tone behind his question gave away the fact that Longsford had recognized Dave. Not a big surprise.

“I know he’s arrogant, rude and pushy. I know he’s investigating something.” She smiled. “If you saw the conversation, I expect you also saw how it ended.”

Longsford smiled, too. “In fact, I did. But I still need to know what you told him.”

Time to take a little control. No one had the right to interrogate her like this, and if she allowed it she’d give the wrong impression of Maia. Longsford wouldn’t trust her to represent his interests if she was easy to push around. She held out her hand. “I’m Maia Brenner,” she said. “I saw the Braddocks in Florida before they left for their cruise. They were interested in some land I’m representing. They learned I was coming north on business, and said they’d arrange for us to meet. When I received this invitation, I assumed that’s what they meant.”

His expression remained thoughtful-absorbing the implications, pondering the explanation. Probably pondering her vague familiarity, too. Not pleased.