His Word...Doubt ~ Book Two in the Trusted Saga ~ (excerpt)

Title : His Word...Doubt

Book Two in the Trusted Saga

Release Date : Available now (purchase link under "Books" heading)

EXCERPT ...

“Mr. Buchanan---I found her.”

It was late, but Chalmers was standing triumphantly with a smug look on his face, knowing I wanted the information he had found, without delay. A slow smile turned up the corner of my lips. At last.

“Samantha Barnes works for Martin Meuller,” Meuller? I’ve met him. “He’s a CEO…”

“Yes, I know who Meuller is.”

“Right. She’s a clerk there. She lives in the outer western suburbs, with the receptionist,” he began shuffling through his notes in his hands, “Toni Pearson.”

Toni. I remember her mentioning that name, one of her close friends---from the picture of them all at the marina she was the athletic, sultry little vixen, with the ink black bob haircut.

“She---um, had a guest tonight,” Chalmers seemed a little reluctant to continue.

“You’ve had her under surveillance?”

“Yes, sir. I knew you’d want as much information as I could find.”

He was correct.

“Continue.”

“Mr. Webber was with her tonight.”

My blood heated up at the mention of Webber’s name.

“With her?” I asked sharply.

“He was at her house, but he didn’t stay. He left alone.” Chalmers drew his eyebrows together in puzzlement. “She didn’t come out to see him off. I’m guessing it was the receptionist, Toni, who walked him out.”

Hmmm---interesting. Angelica was always extremely attentive toward me when we were initially seeing one another. If Webber was seeing her, she would have seen him off. My smile widened. I knew her well enough to know that signified they were not a couple.

However, the fact Webber was sniffing around meant he wants her. It may be time to pay him a visit. I’ll set up an appointment tomorrow. Our paths occasionally crossed in the world of business. It won’t be anything out of the ordinary to have a meeting with him at his office. Yet, he also played his cards very close to his chest when it came to his personal life. I’ll have to pry, without raising his suspicions.

“Leave me her address. I want you to keep up the surveillance.” I wasn’t going to let her disappear again. Not now. “Excellent work, Chalmers.”

Samantha Barnes. I didn’t like the name. It didn’t suit her. She’s had help to change her identity. It’s time to find out who helped her disappear from my life. I reached for the phone, and waited for my call to be answered.

“Jaxon---she’s changed her name. Samantha Barnes---spelt with an e. I want to know who had a hand in helping her change it. She works for Meuller.”

“Martin Meuller? As in CEO of Smithson’s?”

“Correct. Sanderson, I want this information yesterday.”

“I’ll get straight on it. I’ll let you know.”

I knew I could count on him. He won’t rest until he has the information I need. I’ve dangled the tempting carrot. Sanderson would give his left arm to have Angelica again. My cock hardened as her image crossed through my mind. I’d give a whole lot more than my left arm.

*****

Today couldn’t have started any better.

As I replaced the receiver down, I swung back in the chair with the ghost of a smile. Webber’s out of the country for a week. Perfect. That little piece of information Audrey imparted when I tried making an appointment, was pleasing.

Excitement coursed through me as I relished the thought of seeing Angelica again. Waiting for Sanderson to provide me with some more information was making me tense with anticipation.

Picking up the piece of paper where her address was written, I passed it through my fingers over, and over several times, before I put it back down on the top of my desk. I had to resist the urge to park outside her house myself. I wanted to see her. But I also knew that just seeing my Cherub wouldn’t be enough. The temptation to approach her would be overwhelming, and not one I would be able to hold at bay after having her back in my arms at the masquerade.

I can’t show my hand too early. I have to be patient. However, the information I received at six o’clock this evening, increased the tension building inside me. Chalmers, unfortunately, bore the brunt of my frustrations.

“Who is he?” I demanded.

He just informed me another person was living with Angelica. Furthermore, from the description of the scene he’d just witnessed, it appeared she was more than friendly with the guy. My hand clenched the receiver, and I pressed it harder to my ear when he couldn’t answer my question.

“Find out who in the fuck he is!” I bellowed seconds before I slammed the phone back in the cradle.

I snatched the three day old newspaper clipping out of my drawer. The description Chalmers had given me fit the tall blonde guy in the picture at the marina. Chase Anderson. Yet the photograph painted a different scenario. Angelica was by Webber’s side, and Chase Anderson was standing slightly apart from the group with a sullen look on his face.

On the other hand, there had to be some sort of connection between Anderson, and my Cherub. For her to be observed hugging him the way Chalmers described, they were very close. If Webber was hoping to take things further with her, he will definitely have a battle on his hands.

The smile slowly returned when I imagined how pissed off he’d be having to contend with that situation. He was known to be extremely possessive of any woman he developed an interest in. Chase Anderson would most certainly have put a spanner in the works, and made it harder for him.

It’s been two days since I contacted Sanderson, and I was becoming more, and more agitated with his silence. Chalmers at least had more success. Chase Anderson---why is that name familiar? Chalmers answered the unasked question for me after doing some investigations.

“He’s a thoroughbred breeder.”

It instantly came to me. I’d requested the stud services of an elite bloodline for three of my mares. I would have paid double the exorbitant fees requested for that particular bloodline. Angelica came to life around horses. She loved them with a passion.

“His address doesn’t mesh with Miss William’s, so I’m assuming he’s visiting, and not living there.” An absentee boyfriend? “They’ve been very close friends for years.” Not a boyfriend---Even better! That explained the clenching hug Chalmers witnessed. She was always extremely affectionate with her friends.

The tight knot of tension that had been in the pit of my stomach the last few days eased slightly after such a productive meeting with Chalmers. Sanderson’s number came up on my phone when it started ringing, and I snatched it up to answer, while I waved my hand casually, dismissing Chalmers easily.

“Give me something good.”

“Kiara Evans, works at Gunn and Matheson. She’s the one who initially arranged things for Angelica’s name change. I’ve done reconnaissance by way of an appointment with Matheson himself. She’s a secretary. She’s a tall, leggy blonde.”

I thought for a moment, or two. It might be time for me to change my legal representation.

“You’ll let me know when you get Angelica to return?”

I smiled at the excited expectation I heard in his voice.

“I’ll let you know. There are a few small obstacles I have to get rid of first.” Webber, and Anderson, to name two.

“I can be patient. She’s worth the wait.”

I rolled my eyes. My patience was wearing thin.

© Copyright Carol Delmornay 2016

All Rights Reserved