Under Pressure

She’d worry if she wanted to, and apparently she did because dread churned in her stomach. The questions were piling up, but she’d save them for Leese, after they were alone.

A tap sounded on her door and Enoch stuck his head in. “I apologize for interrupting, but you might want to take this call.”

Unhappy with the intrusion, Sahara asked, “Who is it?”

“Webb Nicholson, and he says it’s urgent.”

CHAPTER FIVE (#ulink_ea4f6a17-40c0-5793-be56-fbc0ebfebaac)

NEVER MIND THAT it was inappropriate behavior for a bodyguard—especially with his boss watching—but Leese needed to comfort Catalina, to reassure her. Later, he’d explain to Sahara. One way or another he’d make his boss understand—and if she didn’t, well, then he’d find another job.

But regardless, he’d see to Catalina’s safety.

Aware of her unease, Leese stood close behind her, silently reminding her that she wasn’t alone. Like a deer caught in the crosshairs of a hunter’s rifle, she’d gone deathly still the moment Enoch had announced the call. He could almost feel her gearing up to bolt, so he put his hands on her shoulders, and under his palms her muscles eased.

Amazing that he could have that much influence on her feelings. He didn’t question it; she said she had good instincts and apparently she was right, because no way in hell would he let anyone hurt her. That, he told himself, was his own code of ethics, a protective nature toward women—now more finely honed given how he’d once inadvertently played a role in putting a woman at risk.

Never again.

With the phone on speaker so they could all hear, Sahara said smoothly, “Mr. Nicholson, how are you?”

“I understand you found my daughter.”

“Me? No.” She twittered a laugh. “I run the company, that’s true. But I’m not in the field, so—”

Growling, Nicholson said, “Your man found her.”

“Really?” Pausing for emphasis, she asked, “How do you know?”

A beat of silence passed. “You know damn good and well that he—”

“Don’t raise your voice to me.” The words hit like a whip, not loud, but sharp enough to draw blood.

Stunned silence proved that Nicholson felt the burn.

Clearly appalled at the way Sahara had just spoken to her stepfather, Cat tipped her head back to look at Leese in query.

He smiled and used his thumbs to further loosen her taut shoulders. She’d get used to Sahara, eventually.

“Now,” Sahara said, “if there’s anything else you’d like to say to me, I suggest you calmly say it.”

“Your services are no longer needed.”

“Odd.” Sahara tapped one manicured fingertip to her bottom lip. “You already paid so substantially. I do believe it’ll cover things for quite some time. Maybe even for a month or two.”

“Keep the money, I don’t care about that.”

“Don’t be silly.” She gave another of her phony, teasing laughs. “We owe you the work. What type of businesswoman would I be if I didn’t fulfill my obligations? And as I recall, you said it was of utmost urgency that we—”

“I’m firing you,” Webb growled. “Your part is done.”

Again Cat stiffened. Leese just waited.

“My part? Well, I’m so sorry you feel that way, Webb.” Sahara softened her tone until it almost sounded pitying. The use of Nicholson’s first name was a clear warning. “But understand, you merely paid. Catalina is our client. The transaction has been made, and we are on the job. At this point, only your daughter can fire us.”

He sucked in an angry breath, but wary of her earlier warning, he didn’t raise his voice. “Now you listen to me.”

“Believe me, I’m all ears.”

“Catalina isn’t thinking clearly. I’m concerned. We’re all concerned. She should be home with her family during this difficult time in her life. We want her home. Once she’s here, she’ll be fine.”

“I have no doubt whatsoever. After all, family should always support each other in times of need. I promise, if my agent checks in, I’ll ask him about it and then he can speak with Catalina. Not that I expect to hear from him anytime soon.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I assume, being as good as he is and given your initial concerns and financial investment, he’ll go to ground to ensure her safety.”

“What are you talking about? He’s not there with you?”

“Why ever would he be in the offices? I assure you, he’s far from a desk jockey.” Sahara propped her shapely ass on the edge of the desk and crossed her long legs, letting one high heel dangle off the tips of her toes.

How she walked in those things, especially in the winter weather, Leese had no idea.

“But...I thought...”

“Mr. Nicholson, you sound alarmed. If there are new concerns I need to know about, please let me know and I promise to share them with my guy as soon as he checks in.”

Muffled whispering came through the line, then Nicholson asked, “When do you expect him?”

“I assume when he feels it’s safe. No idea when that might be.”

Impatience crept back into his tone. “There’s no damn way you don’t have contact with your men!”

The smile faded off Sahara’s mouth. Her foot stopped swinging. Slowly, she slid off the desk to stand looking down at the phone. “Body Armor is by far the best agency you will find in the States, possibly in the world.”

“I never said—”

Lacerating him with contempt, she cut him off. “I don’t babysit my men because they don’t need it, and further, if they did, you wouldn’t have come to me.”

After a gruff, “Harrumph,” Nicholson said, “I apologize for losing my—”

“I understand. You’re rightfully overwrought given your concerns for Catalina. Let me assure you, no one wishing her harm will get anywhere near her. Absolutely no one. You have my word. Now I must go. Have a good evening, Mr. Nicholson.” And with that, she hit a button and ended the call.

Impressed, Justice applauded.

“This is awful,” Cat whispered.

Wearing an evil smile, Sahara paced the room. “You should know, Catalina. I am a mean, mercenary bitch.”