I was already exhausted, but words couldn’t begin to explain how deliriously tired I was after the adrenaline began to wear off.
“You look dead on your feet. Would you like a drink?”
“That wasn’t the best analogy, but yes, I’d love one.”
“Good point. Why don’t you head into my study, and I’ll be there shortly? It’s the first door on your right.”
I followed the directions of his eyes as I made mental notes of the details of his home. The place was entirely too big for one person. Powerful men seemed to have a need for the biggest, and the most of everything. As large as his home was, it didn’t feel cold. Warm throw rugs were covering highly polished hardwood floors and pictures lined the walls. The first photo I noticed was an older couple in a loving embrace smiling from ear to ear. The resemblance was strong, so maybe they could have been his parents. They seemed . . . happy.
I continued to look at the pictures, and there were children of all ages from tots to teenagers. I wondered if any of them were his. There were also a few photos sprinkled throughout of women who may or may not have been related. My eyes rested on the last picture. It was a young man who was the spitting image of Brody.
“That’s my brother, Michael.”
I nearly jumped at the sound of his voice. “Jeez. You almost gave me a heart-attack.”
“You’re still jumpy.”
I didn’t like it when people scrutinized me. It might seem like it from time to time, but I wasn’t a circus animal. “Why aren’t you? Unless getting shot at is normal for you.”
“No. Can’t say that it’s ever happened before, but there is a first time for everything. It also helps that I try to keep my shenanigans confined to a board room or a bedroom. I also sleep well at night knowing my home is more secure than the White House. You’re safe here.”
“Good to know.” I wanted to change the subject before he started asking more probing questions. “Your brother is very handsome. Are those your parents?”
A warm light brightened his eyes. “Yes. They’ve been married fifty-two years. I have no idea how they managed that.”
“They seemed to have done the impossible. Are any of those children yours?”
“Interested, huh?” He chuckled just a bit and handed me a drink. “No children.”
“Not to burst your bubble, but I’m not interested. Just a bit curious.”
“Just a bit curious means you’re interested even if it’s only a little. I’m sure I can increase your interest.”
The look on his face wasn’t smug; it was confident. I hated smugness, but confidence was sexy as hell.
“Follow me. You can make your calls in here.” I walked blindly behind him into his study.
It was just as I’d expect it not too different from Chang’s old office. The dark leather chairs, cherry wood furniture, and a vanity portrait on the wall except it was a photo of his parents not himself. Was it possible that I’d met someone who wasn’t too self-absorbed? I doubted it.
I didn’t wait for him to offer me a seat. I took it upon myself to plop down on the sofa before I fell down. Then, I took a long swig of my drink.
He studied me intently. “Better?”
“Much better.”
“Now, tell me who is trying to kill you.”
I couldn’t help the skeptical look on my face. “All the faux concern. Why? You never really did answer my questions, but yours keep coming.”
Brody ran his hand across his face. “I’ve only asked one, and you keep dodging it. For the record, I did answer your question. You just don’t seem to believe it. Look, if you tell me what’s going on maybe, I can help you.”
“What do you have to gain from helping me?”
“Is it always this difficult for you to accept help? If you tell me the real deal, I have allies in places that might be able to get you out of whatever fix you’re in.”
“People don’t just help people out of the kindness of their hearts. There is always an angle—an ulterior motive.”
“I’m a jaded man, but that’s a pretty cynical way to think about things.” His voice was a bit firmer as if he was tired of the BS. “Who’s trying to kill you, Gina?”
Sarcastic laughter bubbled up from deep within my chest.
Brody gazed at me as if I was losing my mind.
“I’m not crazy. I just think that question is funny. The shorter list might be who isn’t trying to kill me. I have enemies everywhere.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“Didn’t you say you researched me on the internet? If so, you should be shaking in your shoes.”
That sexy lop-sided grin appeared again. “If you haven’t figured it out yet. I don’t scare easily.”
“The jury is still out on that.”
“I almost took a bullet to help you, yet you still have doubts?”
“No one does anything just for the hell of it. That’s what I believe, and if you give me some time, I’ll figure out what you’re really after.”
As if the lightbulb finally went off in his head, Brody nodded slowly then pointed to the telephone on his desk. “You can use my phone to make your calls. I’m sure you’re aware from watching television that it’s probably not a good idea to use your cell phone. In the meantime, I’ll give you some privacy. If you need me, just call.”
When he walked out of the room and closed the door all I could think was,
