Relentless (17 page)

“Shit Jordan, are you kidding me?” Ian asked as Trevor sat back in his usual manner quietly absorbing the information.

“No, I wish I was. Last night when Michaela and I got back from dinner at her parents we pulled up to the curb and saw flames coming out of the window. The fire department managed to save the house but the inside was destroyed. They’re still investigating the cause. She lost all her things. The house was a rental but she still needs to replace her all of her belongings. As it stands now, all she has are the clothes on her back.”

“That’s rough. Does she know who you really are yet?” Ian asked very much aware of how his brother had kept his Fortune 500 career hidden from her.

“Oh yeah,” he said dryly. “We went to her parents last night and I was introduced to her brother for the first time and he recognized me immediately. Everything blew up in my face and Michaela was really pissed, but I think what bothered her most was that everybody else knew.”

“What do you mean everyone else knew?” Ian asked.

“Well, her parents apparently had recognized me immediately when I met them months ago and they’d just assumed she knew who I was. Once that came out she was angry with me for lying to her and embarrassed that she was the only one in the dark.”

“I’m confused.” Trevor interrupted. “Are you telling me that she’s known you for a year and didn’t know you are the CEO of ECOM Works? Doesn’t she read the business page?”

Jordan and Ian answered simultaneously, “Apparently not.”

Trevor shook his head. “Unbelievable. Never thought you’d fall for an air head.”

“I didn’t fall for an air head,” Jordan defended Michaela, “she just isn’t that interested in the corporate world. Can you tell me who the Prime Minister of England is?”

Trevor thought for a minute and then smiled. “Tony Blair?”

Ian smirked. “It’s not, it’s Stephen Harper.”

“It’s David Cameron and who the hell is Stephen Harper?” Jordan asked to no one in particular.

“How should I know? Are you sure about David Cameron being Prime Minister?” Trevor asked.

“Yes, Michaela told me. She’s into politics not business,” Jordan said.

“Then who’s Stephen Harper?” Ian wondered aloud.

“We’ll have to ask Michaela,” Jordan said with shrug.

Trevor quickly pulled out his iPhone and did a quick search. “Hey, apparently he’s the Prime Minister of Canada.” He glanced at Ian sympathetically. “At least you got the Prime Minister part right. Okay, so we’ve established that Michaela’s smart and has a smoking body.”

Jordan sent Trevor a quelling look after that remark which reminded him of someone else who irritated him. “Oh and did I mention that her brother is an FBI agent and he hates my guts now? He wasn’t impressed that I’d lied to his sister no matter what my reasons were.”

Ian nodded sympathetically. “That’s rough. Her brother who carries a gun basically wants you gone.”

Jordan thought for a minute before answering, “That about sums it up.”

“Serves you right, you idiot. Didn’t I tell you that you shouldn’t lie to her like that?” Ian asked, obviously not in the least worried about offending his brother with his honesty.

“No, you didn’t! As I recall you said
guys like us have to be careful and that she would understand
!” Jordan shot back.

Ian nodded thoughtfully recalling his earlier words. “Yeah you’re right. I remember saying something like that.” He slowly shook his head. “That was really bad advice. Next time ask Trevor for relationship advice. He’ll Google what you should do.”

Jordan grabbed a piece of paper, rolled it into a ball and threw it at his brother’s head. Really who needed enemies when you had brothers? As if he needed someone to tell him he’d screwed up.

Ian had excellent reflexes and dodged the ball of paper with no effort. Acting as if nothing unusual had happened, he turned his attention back to Jordan. “So she’s living with you because of the fire?”

“Well, yes that’s why she’s there, but I don’t plan on her leaving,” Jordan told his brothers not really caring whether they thought he was rushing into things or not.

Trevor made a low whistle sound. “Jor, it sounds like you’ve had a helluva weekend.”

“Yeah, I guess I have,” Jordan said ruefully as he pondered the events of the last couple of days. Although he had to admit he was happy.

An odd look crossed Ian’s face. “Does Michaela know Joyce is working here?”

“I didn’t want to get into that with her. We’re not supposed to disclose this FBI undercover operation and I would have a hell of a time explaining why I had Joyce working for me otherwise. My plan is to get her into jail and then tell Michaela.” Jordan had to admit he felt extremely guilty about once again keeping something so serious from Michaela. He’d hoped to have this situation with Joyce concluded months ago. Things were getting far too complicated.

Trevor gave him a doubtful look. “Good luck with that.”

“Which is why I want to get this situation with Joyce settled. Trevor why don’t you see if you can lure her in so she thinks she’s hit pay dirt. If she believes her job is done hopefully she’ll contact her employers and the FBI will be able to arrest all of them.”

“Believe me, it will be my pleasure. I hate hackers and I especially hate incompetent hackers like Joyce,” Trevor said with a slight edge to his voice. He shifted in his seat anxious start working on a trap that would get Joyce for good. “Hey, just curious, whatever happened to Michaela’s fiancé, the guy Joyce slept with? Is he still in the picture?”

“Noah is no longer in the picture. He was offered a tenured professorship at a prestigious California University.” Jordan answered.

“Interesting,” Ian said. “Did you have anything to do with his departure from Boston?”

Jordan raised his brows. “Now why would you think that?” he asked in an innocent tone.

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe because about six months ago we made a significant donation to a prestigious California University and now I find out that Michaela’s ex-fiancé was offered a tenured professorship.” Tenure was a coveted position of a professor that offered permanent job security. No academic would turn that down. “Admit it. You had her ex moved across the country.”

Jordan shrugged. “I merely ensured he was offered an opportunity that he couldn’t turn down. Really, we both benefited. He got a coveted position and I made sure he wouldn’t be anywhere near Michaela.”

Ian shook his head in amazement. “You’re scary when you want things your way.”

“Look, the last thing I needed was Noah coming back into Michaela’s life and trying to reconcile. I didn’t want him in my way, and besides he wasn’t good enough for her anyway or he wouldn’t have screwed around.”

Trevor nodded at Ian. “He’s got some good points.”

“You know Trevor, that’s what frightens me the most. He’s made all of his actions sound perfectly reasonable and rational,” Ian said with a little awe in his voice.

“Hey, that’s why we put him in charge,” Trevor pointed out not seeming the least concerned with Jordan’s manipulations. “It makes him a great CEO.”

“Weren’t Joyce and Michaela friends? Isn’t that how you met Michaela?” Ian asked in a slightly suspicious tone.

“Yes, they worked together at Michaela’s firm. Joyce was in HR there, I believe. Why?”

“Aren’t you concerned they could be working together? I mean first Joyce sleeps with you to try to get information and that didn’t work. So now Michaela is sleeping with you. Just saying…” Ian let the sentence drift because to him the conclusion was obvious.

Jordan gave his brother a look of disgust. “Ian, don’t make me hit you. I had to work pretty hard to get Michaela into bed. She was hardly trying to seduce me and besides she didn’t know who I was.”

“That’s what she would have you believe,” Ian said.

“Another word and I’m going to have to break your nose,” Jordan warned losing patience with what he considered his brothers stupidity, “and you know I don’t make idle threats.

Ian gave him a broad grin. “Relax Jor, I’m pulling your chain. I know she’s not conspiring with Joyce. Man, you’ve got it bad.”

Trevor grinned at Ian. “You just figured that out? I thought having her ex moved across the country was a big red flag,” Trevor said as he got out of his seat. “I’ve got to gather the evidence for Gonzales so I’ll see you to later.” He turned back to Jordan, “And I expect an invitation to your house to meet your girl.” Not waiting for an answer Trevor left Jordan’s office.

Michaela sat in Jordan’s den in his big comfy leather chair with her laptop resting on her legs going through her email. After she finished her shopping she’d had Paul stop by her office so she could pick up her computer and some current files she was working on. She was so grateful that she hadn’t brought any work or her laptop home on Friday night because of the Christmas party; otherwise it would have been toast like the rest of her stuff.

Her shopping trip had been fairly successful. She had picked up the necessities of life like make-up and underwear as well as the clothing she needed for work and some casual wear. On a self-indulgent impulse, she had splurged by buying some expensive yoga wear, which she immediately had changed into when she got back to Jordan’s home. It was going to take forever to actually rebuild her wardrobe, but she wasn’t going to worry about that now. She would just have to do it little by little. Right now she needed to concentrate on work. While her boss Dan had understood about her not going to the office today, he still expected her to meet her deadlines so she was planning on being back at her desk tomorrow.

She gave a sigh dreading the idea of working on the files when she heard pounding on the front door. The loud noise startled her and she couldn’t imagine who could be knocking on Jordan’s front door in the middle of the afternoon. Rising up from her chair she walked over to the front window and peered out feeling a bit nervous about being alone in the house. Samantha had left earlier in the day and wouldn’t be back until tomorrow morning as was her schedule. To her relief she realized it was her brother, Donovan, but why was he pounding on the door like a lunatic?

Walking out of the den to the front hall, she opened the front door to see Donovan’s large imposing frame filling the doorway. He was wearing his standard FBI uniform of a conservative blue suit, white shirt and tie. If he hadn’t been her brother she would’ve been intimidated but instead she just felt irritated.

“Michaela, you’ve got to get out of Marsh’s house,” he told her as he grabbed her hand and tried to pull her out the door.

She snatched her hand back while moving away from him. “Donovan, what’s wrong with you?” Michaela wondered what had happened to make him so anxious. He was not the type of person that was easily fazed.

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong with me,” he said, “I went to do a background check on your boyfriend.”

“You did what?!” she yelled. “I specifically told you not to do that! You just can’t run background checks on people I’m dating. It’s beyond paranoid.”

Donovan’s black brows drew together as he frowned at her. “Paranoid? Well guess what little sister, I couldn’t run the check because his file is red flagged.”

“Well, what does that mean?” she asked as she leaned against the wall for support. He was beginning to make her nervous and she was getting a sick feeling in her stomach.

Donovan looked behind him to the open front door and quickly shut it. Obviously he didn’t want to have this conversation in front of anyone who might be passing by. “It means he’s under investigation.”

She crossed her arms and raised her brows. “For what exactly?”

“I don’t know. When a file is red flagged you have to contact the investigating agent. I haven’t been able to get a hold of him,” Donovan explained with an apologetic shrug.

Michaela pushed away from the wall feeling relief course through her body. Her brother was definitely over reacting. “So you have no idea what this is all about? Is there a possibility that he’s not a suspect in an investigation?”

“Well, it’s possible he’s not a suspect, but it definitely means he’s involved in something,” he told her in a belligerent tone.

“So what you’re telling me is that you know nothing?” Michaela asked in a slow patient voice as if she were talking to a child.

“A red flag is a red flag and you’re my sister,” he told her as if that explained everything. “Why don’t you come and stay with me and Alaina?”

“I’m not doing anything until you can come up with more than ‘there is some type of investigation’. I really can’t believe he’s involved with anything illegal,” she defended Jordan.

Donovan almost sneered as he said, “You can’t believe he’d be involved in anything illegal? Until yesterday you didn’t even know who the hell he really was.”

Okay, so that was a little harsh, she thought. Absolutely true, but harsh. “Hey, he didn’t lie to me! He just didn’t happen to mention he was a billionaire.” Now that sounded stupid even to her own ears, but really Jordan had his reasons. Why wasn’t she dashing out the door at Donovan’s news? It was because she had a deep faith in Jordan’s values and ethics. She realized that Jordan was right; she did
know
him in all the ways that were important and that’s why Donovan’s accusations weren’t making sense to her.

Donovan’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “I don’t think you’re safe here. Humor me and think about the last seventy-two hours. Someone tried to run you over, your house burned down and Marsh is under investigation. It stinks and you need to get away from him and somewhere safe.”

She ran her hand through her hair as she walked back into the den. She could feel Donovan following close behind her.

Michaela turned to face her brother once again. “Bad driver, faulty electrical and you really don’t know anything about Jordan.”

“Maybe you should trust me instead. Remember me, the FBI agent who also happens to be your brother?”

She plopped herself into the leather chair feeling exhausted. “Look, once you talk to the agent in charge of this supposed investigation and have something a bit more concrete than a red flag, then we can discuss this again. Until then, I’m not going anywhere.” Michaela’s feelings for Jordan were complex, but she trusted him despite her brother’s warnings.

“Why are you being so stubborn? Can’t you just go stay with Mom and Dad until I find out what’s going on?” he asked in an irritated voice.

Honestly, Michaela thought, protective brothers were a pain in the ass especially ones that carried a badge. “Uhh, no, I’m staying with Jordan so drop it.”

Donovan was about to say something when the doorbell rang. He looked startled and asked, “Are you expecting someone?”

She smiled and nodded. “Yes, Trixie is supposed to come over.” She got up and went over to the window. “Yep that’s Trixie, right on time.” Without looking back at Donovan she went to the front door to let in her friend.

She pulled open the door grateful for Trixie’s timely arrival. “Trixie, I’m so glad you made it.” Michaela gave Trixie a quick hug as she stepped into the foyer.

Trixie stepped into the house looking around her slightly awed. “Wow, this is Jordan’s place?”

“Trixie, I need to ask you something,” Michaela said.

“Okay, go ahead,” Trixie said as she kept taking in her surroundings.

“Do you read the business page?” Michaela asked in a neutral tone.

“Every day,” Trixie answered without hesitation.

Michaela took a deep breath before asking, “So you’ve heard of Jordan Marsh?”

Trixie grinned, obviously pleased with this last piece of the puzzle. Not missing a beat she said, “Oh, that’s perfect! And you had no idea?”

Michaela nodded, beyond embarrassment at this point, because really it had all been said.

“Well that explains the Bentley and the house doesn’t it?” Trixie added, totally delighted with this new discovery. She shook her head. “I can’t believe you’ve never mentioned his last name before. If you had, I’d have known right away. I should’ve insisted on doing that background check.”

Michaela held up her hand. “I don’t want to hear about background checks again.” This is what happens, she thought, when you are
surrounded by investigators.

Donovan suddenly appeared in the hall. “That’s what I keep telling her Trixie.” Her brother had found an apparent ally. “Marsh can’t be trusted, he lied to her.”

Trixie threw a dismissive hand in the air. “Oh please, she could’ve Googled him at any time. I think it’s kind of romantic.”

Donovan crossed his arms over his chest and not surprisingly appeared unconvinced. “How do you figure?” he asked in a belligerent voice.

“Think about it, now he knows she loves him for himself not his money.” Trixie explained.

“That’s exactly what Jordan said. I think you might be a bit psychic Trixie.” Michaela told her only bringing up psychics because it always succeeded in irritating her brother. He had told her many times how he really hated psychics, believing them all to be frauds.

Trixie shot her a delighted smile apparently on board with provoking Donovan. “Oh, I’m definitely a little bit psychic, that’s what makes me so good at my job.”

“Oh, for God’s sake Trixie, you have a degree in criminology and a Masters in organized crime and terrorist activities and almost ten years of experience. Maybe that’s why you’re good at your job?” Donovan asked in a disgusted voice.

Trixie arched a delicate brow. “I know, but I think I might have a psychic edge.”

Michaela bit the inside of her cheek to stop from laughing; Trixie knew how to annoy her brother almost as well as Michaela herself, and she’d had a lifetime of practice after all.

Donovan gave Trixie a hard look and then turned to Michaela. “I’m not sure which one of you to strangle first,” he told them as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Trixie looked over at Michaela in sympathy. “I’m so glad I never had a brother.”

Michaela was just about to thank her for her support when the doorbell rang again.

“Who else are you expecting?” Donovan asked.

Michaela shrugged. “No one,” she said as she turned to open the front door feeling slightly curious at another unexpected arrival. Donovan was standing close behind her.

“Are you crazy? You didn’t even look out the window to see who it was.” Donovan’s voice was strained as he reprimanded her.

Michaela glanced back over her shoulder, rolling her eyes. “Really, I think it’s okay,” she said dryly, “and besides you’re packing heat aren’t you?” she asked as glanced pointedly at the side arm strapped to his waist. Pulling open the front door she confronted with a very attractive younger version Jordan wearing jeans and a Bengals football jersey. Using her deductive reasoning she said, “And you must be Trevor?”

Trevor grinned. “I must be and you must be Michaela?”

Michaela nodded as she said, “You got it. Are you looking for Jordan? Because he’s not back from the office yet.”

Trevor sauntered into the house. “No, actually I wanted to meet you. My brother has been keeping you a secret so I thought I’d just come over instead of waiting for an invitation.” His eyes drifted around obviously curious about the tall man standing behind her. His eyes widened at the sight of Donovan’s sidearm.

“By all means come in and join the party she said as she lead the way back into Jordan’s den. “The man with the gun is my brother, Donovan, he’s an FBI agent so don’t be frightened,” she paused indicating Trixie with a slight wave of her hand, “and this is my friend Trixie.”

Trevor looked relieved at the explanation. “Well that’s a relief, for a minute I thought you were some mob boss’ daughter and he was your bodyguard.”

“Donovan does have that look, doesn’t he?” Trixie said to Trevor.

Michaela gave Trixie a sideways glance at that remark before saying, “Why don’t we move this party to the den. No point in standing here in the hall, is there?”

“Actually, Michaela I need to be going. I have another agent I really
need
to get in touch with.” Donovan informed her letting her know not so subtly that he was following up on the red flag on Jordan’s file.

“Okay, Donovan, I’m sure I’ll hear from you soon,” she said wryly.

Donovan went into the den to retrieve his jacket before leaning forward to give her a tight squeeze. “Be careful, okay.”

She hugged him back, because even if he was driving her nuts, it was because he loved her. “I’m fine. Stop worrying.”

He turned to Trevor. “Nice to meet you Trevor and I’ll see you later Trixie,” he said as he left the house.

Michaela and Trixie returned to the den and Trevor followed closely behind them. She found it sort of odd that he would just show up unexpectedly without Jordan. She certainly wasn’t comfortable with the idea of acting as hostess in Jordan’s home. “So what brings you here today Trevor,” she asked as she leaned against Jordan’s desk.

Trevor sat down making himself at home in the big leather chair that Michaela had favored earlier. He gave her a big grin. “Today is the first I’ve heard of you and not only do I find out that Jordan’s got a girlfriend, but I also find out that you’re living together.” He shrugged apologetically, his brown eyes had a slightly amused twinkle. “I just couldn’t stay away.”

Okay, so it was impossible not to like him. “Well, don’t take the living together thing too seriously, it really just happened unexpectedly because my house burned down last night,” she explained to Trevor hoping Jordan would get home soon. “I assumed Jordan would’ve told you about that.”

Trevor leaned back crossing one leg over his knee as he made himself more comfortable. It didn’t look like he was leaving anytime soon, Michaela thought.

Trixie had taken the chair opposite him apparently content to listen to the conversation. Michaela shot Trixie a quick glance with an unspoken request to help her out. Trixie just arched her brows and remained silent, letting Michaela know that she was on her own on this one.

Trevor inclined his head slightly. “Oh, he told me about the fire, but he was pretty adamant that you’d be staying. I think he’s got you where he wants you. You realize he’s bit controlling don’t you?”

Now that was an odd thing to say about your brother to someone you didn’t know, she thought. “I’ve come to realize that he has some control issues,” she said in a dry tone. “Were you afraid I wasn’t aware of that?”

“Just curious about how well you actually know him,” he told her.