Chapter 1

He checked his messages and heard a voice he hadn't heard in years.

"Hi, Win. It's Jessica, Jessica Culver." Long pause. "Myron's Jessica."

Win smiled at that – as if he didn't know who Jessica Culver was. He'd know the name even if his best friend of twenty-plus years hadn't been head-over-heels in love with her for more than ten of those years. Jessica Culver was the extraordinarily sexy author of multiple New York Times' bestsellers. If she hadn't dated his best friend Win likely would have laid her years ago.

The message continued, "I know we haven't spoken in quite awhile, but I was hoping you'd be able to help me out, well, actually, help one of my friends." Pause. "Well, she's my cousin, actually. She needs the sort of help that only you could provide, although I guess maybe Myron could, but that's….uncomfortable. Anyway, I have seen you when you're in your zone and it's…well…it's what she needs."

Win's smile grew at the compliment.

"I apologize. I'm rambling. I would very much appreciate it if you could give me a call back."

Win deleted the message. He went to the other side of the hotel suite's living room and poured himself an obscenely priced cognac. The lights were dim. He sat in a plush leather club chair and crossed his legs. He took a sip of his drink and looked out into the room, seeing nothing as he thought about his best friend. He hadn't seen Myron in almost a year, the longest amount of time they had been apart since meeting in college. He'd spoken to him on the phone twice and sent a handful of emails to let his friend know he was still "kickin' it" (Myron liked it when Win used the modern slang).

He missed his friend.

Using connections at his disposal, Win had kept tabs on Myron and his other few close friends. He knew his friends were okay and no one was in any trouble they couldn't handle without him.

Win took another sip of his drink. He would never admit it to anyone, hell, he could hardly admit it to himself – he not only missed his old friend but he missed his whole life. He missed his favorite golf clubs – Merion and Pine Valley. He missed his apartment in the famed Dakota in Upper Manhattan. He missed his Jag. Lately he'd gotten around in a chauffeured limousine with very darkly tented windows, but he preferred being the one in control.

Win did not regret the actions he'd taken that put him into hiding. What he'd done was necessary. If he hadn't taken the steps he'd taken then Myron would surely be dead. Win took the last sip of his drink and set down the empty glass. He stood and went to a drawer in a table across the room. He retrieved one of his untraceable cell phones and dialed Jessica's number.

As the phone next to his ear began ringing Jessica's number, he powered off the cell phone Jessica had called. Best to leave his "real" unlisted phone off even if he'd had the GPS capabilities scrambled so that the phone couldn't be used to pinpoint his location.

Despite the late hour Jessica picked up on the second ring.

"I hope it isn't too late. I wanted to return your call as soon as possible."

He heard her sigh away the weight on her shoulders. "Oh, Win. Thank you so much for calling me back."

"Your message piqued my interest."

"How much do you want me to get into now?"

"Who is your cousin?"

"Parker Graham."

Win thought a moment. "Why is the name familiar?"

"She is a journalist. You may have seen her work in the New York Times or other publications. She has also been on news programs."

Silence.

"Win?"

"Why does she need my help?"

"I want to clarify. I think she needs your help. She doesn't think she needs help, or at least she won't admit it."

Silence.

Damn. Win would not make this easy, Jessica thought to herself.

"She was doing journalistic research and happened across, how do I put it….delicate information."

"She put her nose where it should not have been."

"I wouldn't say that."

"What would you say, Jessica?"

"I would say she was doing her job. She wasn't looking for what she found, but now that she's found it she can't erase it."

"But those that want to keep the information hidden can erase her."

Win heard a sob come from the other end of the phone. "I feel responsible. I told her to pursue the lead, that it would be great for her career."

"Your cousin's actions are her own." Win paused. "She is certain that those that want to keep the information secret know she has it?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"Her apartment was ransacked a week ago. They went through all of her work-related files and her computer hard drives. She moved out after that and has been going between hotels in the city. Yesterday she noticed someone following her and I know how that sounds, but she is not the paranoid type."

"Did she lose her pursuant?"

"Yes."

"She's sure?"

"I think so. Yes."

"Where is your cousin now?"

"The International Hotel on Columbus Circle. She's listed under the name Selina Kyle."

The Batman reference drew a grin on Win's face. "Really?"

Jessica heard the smile in his voice and understood. "Yes, really."

"Interesting." Still grinning.

"Can you help her?"

"Of course I can."

"Will you help her?"

"Do you know the details of what she found?"

"No, she said she did not want to endanger me, too."

"But you're certain it's put her in danger?"

"Well, someone isn't happy with her, Win!"

Silence.

"When she told me she was being followed I knew she needed some sort of help or protection and I could think of no one else but you."

Win's tone was flat. "Gee. I'm flattered."

"Please, Win. I just want to know that she's safe. I want to know that she won't end up like my sister or my father."

"I will call you back."

Later...

"A friend of mine is coming to see you this evening."

Parker sighed. "Who is coming to see me, Jessica?"

"Someone that will keep you safe."

Parker held back a slew of four letter words. "I didn't ask for help, Jessica."

"You never do."

"I can handle it myself."

"I don't think you can."

"How would you know what I can and cannot handle?"

Jessica's voice was suddenly soft, "I know."

Parker sighed.

"Please, Parker. Just meet with him. Let him hang around for as long as he wants."

"For as long as he wants? What about what I want? What if I don't want someone following me around?"

"He won't be following you around. And chances are he won't hang around long."

"Then why bother at all?"

"Because he can help fix this. It's what he does."

"Fantastic. Did it ever occur to you that I can fix this on my own?"

It was Jessica's turn to sigh. "Would you please stop being so damn obstinate?"

Parker's tone softened, "You're not responsible for me, Jess."

Pause.

"He will most likely be by this evening, but I have no idea when. I have given him your cell number and the name you're using for your reservation. He will find you when he's ready to meet."

"How will I know it's him?"

"He's gorgeous."