Kathleen Brooks - Secrets Collide

“Oh? You think?” he spat. Luckily, that prison warden had contacted Sergei or he’d never have found Cy Davies’s identity. He turned to his right-hand man, the only one he’d been able to depend on for all these years. “Get your ass to Keeneston and get a base set up. I’ll be there by the end of the week.”

*     *     *

“Come in,” Gemma yelled as she hung up the phone. Cy walked through the door and into her room. “Hey. Where did you go last night?”

“I know how important this is to you and you were on such a roll I didn’t want to interrupt. How is it going this morning?”

“Excellent. I have something big, but now I don’t know what to do with it.” Gemma jumped up and started pacing the room. “I tracked down the man with the goatee that Senator Bruce told us about. Then I had a buddy from the IRS pull his records. Guess what I found?” Gemma knew she was waving her hands around like a mad woman, but she was just too excited.

“What?”

“He has a huge house in the suburbs of D.C., but he also has a very nice condo downtown. I have a gut feeling his wife may not know about this second house because the taxes were filed separately, almost like he was hiding it from her. Do you know why I think that?”

“Why?”

“Because he writes it off as rental property he’s owned for two years. Funny thing about it, though—he’s never collected rent.”

“A perfect place to hide a girlfriend,” Cy stated with less excitement than she had hoped. “We just have to find a way to turn her. Shouldn’t be hard. She probably doesn’t know he’s married.”

“I might have already done that.” That got his attention. Gemma almost laughed as Cy’s head snapped up. “I kinda called and pretended to be his insurance adjuster and said someone filed a claim against him for hit and run. I told her he needed to come into the police station immediately as they were looking into criminal charges.” Gemma paused and took a deep breath. They finally had a lead and she did it her way. She couldn’t stop smiling.

“And?” Cy coaxed.

“And she told me he left for Kentucky this morning and gave me his cell phone number so I could call him.”

Cy stood up and hurried to her desk. “Where’s the number?” he asked.

“Here.” Gemma handed him her notes with the number circled. “What are you going to do?”

“Track it. I guess they’ve found us out. Let’s take the offensive and see what they’re up to.” Cy opened her laptop and started typing. Screens popped up and Gemma was lost as to what he was doing. Then all of a sudden a map appeared on the screen with a little dot on it. “Bingo.”

“Where’d you learn to do that?”

“Spy school. I’m full of neat tricks.” Gemma remembered some of those neat tricks and suddenly felt hot. “It looks like he’s right outside of Keeneston. Let’s see what he’s been up to.”

Cy’s fingers flew over the keyboard as he typed away. “What are you doing now?” Gemma asked.

“Pulling up all his financials and all the information I can on that address. It’s a private residence on a horse farm right outside town. It was for sale, but a cash offer was made today, probably by our guy. Oh, and look at this. He just purchased a ticket to the Mayor’s Annual Charity Ball in Lexington tonight.”

“Why would he do that? Fly into town, buy a house, and attend a ball?” Gemma wondered.

“He’s laying the groundwork. His boss is very powerful and he may have connections here . . . or he will shortly.”

“So, what are we going to do?”

“Dance. You need a gown, sweetheart.”

Gemma stepped into the beautiful royal-blue silk dress and prayed it fit. Kenna gave her the nod and Gemma sucked in as the zipper made its way up.

“Oh, thank goodness.” Gemma let out her breath. The dress fit. She had three hours to get ready for a formal ball. Cy had called Paige, who had called Kenna, who had called Dani, who had called Katelyn. Soon her room was filled with women, dresses, shoes, hair products, and things she couldn't identify.

“They give you cleavage, although in this dress I don’t think you’re going to need them,” Katelyn said as she put away the boob enhancers that strangely resembled chicken cutlets.

“This dress is perfect for you.” Kenna clapped as she took a step back and checked out the fit. “I wore this to a ball at Mo’s, so it should be perfect for the charity event.”

“I've got just the shoes for you, too,” Katelyn dug around in her bag and pulled out a pair of silver heels. “I got these at a fashion show in Milan, but they’re a size too small. I think they should fit you perfectly.”

Gemma slid on the expensive designer shoes and got a tingly feeling. She’d never tell Cy, but these shoes were almost as hot as he was. Almost. “This is amazing. Thank you so much. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”

“Wait, we’re not done yet.” Dani dug around in her purse and pulled out a velvet bag. “Sometimes less is more. Especially when less is a huge diamond.”

Gemma gasped at the large diamond pendant. “I couldn’t possibly wear that.”

“Sure you can. It will make a statement and statements without words are the best way to get information. People will be clamoring to find out who you are and will gladly answer your questions.”

Paige stepped over to fasten the necklace. “You look perfect. Remember, just smile.”

“Oh no, it’s time! Okay, purse, shoes, dress, hair, makeup, jewelry,” Kenna checked off. “You’re good to go. We can’t wait to hear how it goes.”

The ladies grabbed their things and headed downstairs with Gemma. Gemma was so caught up in talking that she was halfway down before she saw Cy standing by the door in his black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and perfectly tied black bowtie. The tuxedo emphasized his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and hugged his muscled legs.

“I think I’m going to cry,” Kenna whispered to Dani as she sniffled.

Crying wasn't what Gemma was thinking about. Roaring emotions flooded her as she felt happiness, fear, and guilt. Cy was fun to be with and she felt a closeness to him that she couldn’t even describe. She just knew that no matter what, through the highs or the lows in life, he’d be there for her with a cocky smile and a gentle touch. But thinking of a future she badly wanted was scary, too. What if he didn’t feel the same way? What if he really was the player that he seemed to be in California? And then there was the guilt. The loss of her sister was overwhelming at times and she felt horrible that Gia would never have these feelings. It was that feeling that was winning out. She shouldn’t be engaging in an affair while her sister’s killer was free.

Cy had been waiting for what seemed like forever when he finally heard the group of women emerge from Gemma’s room. He was lucky he already owned a tux and was ready and waiting for Gemma as soon as he ironed the wrinkles out. One look at her, though, and the wait had been worth it. She looked breathtaking as she came down the stairs. It was going to be hard to remember tonight was a job.

“You’re beautiful,” Cy said as he took her hands in his and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

“She is, isn’t she?” Kenna blew her nose into a tissue and batted her teary eyes.

“What is the matter with you?” Dani whispered as she nudged her.

“It just reminds me of Will and me and this house and . . .” Cy didn’t know what to do as Kenna wiped the tears from her eyes. She was all red in the face and teary-eyed and he felt a slight moment of panic.

“Oh, bless your heart,” Miss Lily cried as she too grabbed a tissue and raced across the entranceway to embrace Kenna.

“What?” His sister seemed as confused as he was.

Dani smacked Paige and then joined Miss Lily in the hugs and tears. Cy almost laughed as Paige’s eyes widened before squealing and leaping into the knot of friends.

“I think we’re missing something,” Cy whispered to Gemma. When she didn’t answer, he looked down at her face and saw a single tear running down her face and a huge smile on her lips. “Okay, what’s going on?”

“She’s pregnant, you goof,” Gemma said as if he were the stupidest man in the world. But it was the envious yet happy look on her face that had him picturing her carrying his child.

“I’m so sorry to ruin your moment. These pregnancy hormones kick in and won’t stop until I’ve cried them out,” Kenna apologized as she fanned her face with her hands.

“Don’t worry. I’m very happy for you and Will. Now, if y’all will excuse me, I have a gorgeous woman to dance with. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.” Cy turned and held out his arm for Gemma before leading her down the stone path toward the truck.

Gemma looked up at the old colonial house where the ball was being held. A valet came and opened her door before taking the keys from Cy. A red carpet ran up the brick pathway lined with roses. She felt as if she were both in a fairy tale and a nightmare. She didn’t know which to attribute to the nerves she was feeling.

“Relax. We’re just here to have a good time,” Cy whispered as he led her into the large open ballroom. Couples were dancing, drinking, and mingling as Cy led her straight onto the dance floor.

Cy put his arm around her waist and swept her into the dance. Gemma fumbled and cringed when she slammed her foot onto his toe. “I’m so sorry. I’m used to dancing in clubs, not like this.”

She relaxed some when he just laughed. She didn’t hear it, but she felt his shoulders bounce. “It’s okay. We can go clubbing next. For now, just stop looking at your feet. Look at me and trust me to lead you safely around the dance floor.”