CHAPTER 2—DONOVAN'S AGGRAVATION
The name stamped on the six-part file folder was 'Remy Ellis.' Donovan had had Cody dig up every bit of information he could find concerning the murdered senator's lover. Grimly, he sat behind the wheel of the midnight blue Suburban the FBI had provided and stared down at the file. He had probably read the information a thousand times, trying to understand how he had managed to get snagged into this assignment other than the fact that he owed his FBI brethren a few favors. Apparently, they had decided to call them in all at once. Sure the team was between cases right now, but what would happen when they were not? He didn't feel comfortable leaving his team for any length of time. From what he was told, this assignment had the potential to stretch for months. Of course, he was to jump that hurdle when he came to it.
Cursing and griping under his breath, he flipped open the file one more time. A couple sheets of paper were laid out on top. He read over his hastily scribbled notes: Remy Miranda Ellis, 27, college dropout. Single. Secretary in Senator Wengrod's office since April. Was with senator at time of death. Donovan frowned, retrieved his ink pen from the seat, and circled the words 'was with senator at time of death.' He vaguely wondered if Ellis was, in fact, a witness, and not the suspect. It mattered little that she had been cleared of the charges. Your job is to protect this woman, not to interrogate her, he thought.
Donovan's cell phone twittered beside him, and the sudden interruption startled him. Sighing, he grabbed it and flicked it open. "Donovan," he spat.
"Dude," a voice called. "You're late."
He fought back a laugh. The caller was a special agent with the FBI. Donovan had known Ed Lomax for quite a few years. The other man was a few years younger than Donovan, but the two had gotten acquainted during their academy training. Everything with Lomax was 'dude' or 'man.' It was an endearing, if not aggravating, trait. Ah, aggravation, he thought, what a theme.
"I know, Ed," he said. "I was looking through the file. Is Miss Ellis still at the police department," he asked.
"Yep," Lomax said. "She doesn't like the idea of having this type of protection."
Donovan drew in an inward groan. Wonderful, he thought. He wasn't looking forward to meeting this woman. "I suppose she really doesn't have a choice, now does she," he asked pointedly.
The agent blew a sharp breath through his lips, as if to say 'phew.' "This is going to be a fun one for you, Donovan."
He lifted his eyebrow and grunted softly. "I think you can consider my debt repaid, Ed."
Without waiting for Lomax to respond, he hit the 'end' button and flipped the phone closed. He tossed it haphazardly onto the seat. Time to move. Time to do this job and get it over with. On some days, it simply just did not pay to get out of bed.
* * *
Remy stood in the detective's office staring blankly out of the window. The last few days had been a nightmare, one from which she could not awaken. Her life had always had a hint of drama. But now, it seemed to be a daily thing. Wengrod's funeral was two days ago, and she had every intention to attend. However, that was not to be. Neither the FBI nor the police allowed her to go. She had had her say that was damn sure. She spent an hour or more telling the police and the FBI what she thought about them. Remy surprised herself, as she had never used that type of language before. However, she didn't care. She had loved the senator, and was hell bent to attend the services. There was only one thing that kept her from defying the authorities: Mrs. Wengrod.
The FBI and the local authorities had been pretty good at keeping the senator's wife and his lover separate. Angela Wengrod wasn't stupid, nor was she blind. She had always known about Anthony's lovers. Yet, she had never been face to face with one of them. And God help the slut who crossed her path. She had come to the precinct to speak with the lead detective about the murder. For some stupid reason, a rookie officer brought the senator's widow into the office where Remy had been waiting. They recognized each other, and it didn't take long for Angela Wengrod to put two and two together.
With little or no provocation, the normally composed Angela Wengrod flew at Remy with her teeth exposed. It had taken several officers to pull the hysterical woman away. Remy hadn't even tried to defend herself. Even though she loved the senator, she understood where the other woman was coming from.
Remy shook away the horror of it all. Her life was a mess, and now she had to start all over. My life is no longer mine, she thought. She couldn't even pick up the pieces of her shattered existence. Her life was in danger now, and the FBI was sending in some goon to watch her every move. She had little patience with further complications. She had lost her lover, her job, and her apartment all in one shot. Her eyes caught sight of a gigantic SUV pulling into the parking lot. This must be the goon. She was not interested in the slightest. She turned away from the window and curled up on the couch.
Donovan briefly shook Ed's hand after he entered the police department. "It's been a long time," he said.
Lomax cackled. "But not long enough, eh?"
He waved the comment away. He would have liked to catch up with his old friend, but he was more interested in meeting his charge and getting on his way. "Where is Ellis?"
"This way, man."
Silently, Donovan followed Lomax into the belly of the sprawling complex. They passed several offices before finally stopping. Just beyond the office, the hallway split into a huge 'Y.' He knew that the actual jail was housed to the left. He had almost begun to wonder if they were holding his charge in a cell. Tentatively, Lomax knocked on the door before entering.
Remy looked up, only vaguely curious. The FBI goon was tall and slender. His black hair, with a scattering of gray at each temple, was short and stood up a bit from his scalp. She was sure that if she touched his hair, it would cut her finger. He had a smooth olive complexion, dark piercing eyes, and high cheekbones. His lips were mismatched, the bottom fuller than the upper. A neatly trimmed goatee framed his face, somehow making him look older, more distinguished. His face was blank and hard edged. His demeanor told her he was younger than what he looked, but he also seemed stiff and impersonal. He was, she decided, a goon.
Donovan was no more impressed with his charge than she was with him. She was of average height and build with long blonde hair and violet eyes. Her oval face was slender and held prominent, almost Nordic, cheekbones, a sharp chin, widely set eyes, and full lips. She sat with her arms and legs crossed, letting him know that she was not going to cooperate with him easily. He could see what attracted the senator, but she had one terrible character flaw. This woman was a spoiled brat, and she was going to make his life hell.
"Miss Ellis," Lomax began, "I'd like to introduce you to Frank Donovan. He'll be keeping tabs on you for a while."
Lomax's jovial attitude did nothing to dissuade Remy's irritation. "Is he one of your goo-uh-agents," she asked, correcting herself before the word 'goon' slipped out.
Donovan's sharp ears picked it up right away. Oh yes, this is going to be so fun, he thought sarcastically. I'd rather spend the weekend with Cody than deal with her for five minutes.
"Well, let's say he sorta kinda is," Lomax said. Not really knowing what else to say to break the ice a bit further, he burst out, "Frank, this is Remy Ellis."
Neither made a move toward greeting the other. Lomax noticed the tension right away. He had no idea how long Donovan could tolerate Remy Ellis. He and the other agents had failed to mention that Miss Ellis was quite disruptive when she wanted to be. He hoped that Donovan would still be his friend after this assignment, but he doubted that highly. They needed to hit the road, but the agent wasn't sure if he should leave them alone right now.
"Shouldn't you take Miss Ellis to pick up her things," Lomax spat, hinting gently.
"Yes," Donovan said. "We must be going. Miss Ellis?" Don't you dare argue with me, he thought. He would pick her up and carry her out if he had to. He didn't intend to prolong the ordeal. She would cooperate, easily or not, it didn't matter much to him.
Much to the two men's relief, she stood. Donovan reached out to take her arm, but she pulled back. "You don't have to do that," she said stiffly. "I'm not going to run away."
Donovan glared at her. "Very well," he said.
Lomax stayed back, stifling a grin. Donovan, sensing his friend's amusement, turned around and fixed his glare on him. Oh Lord, Lomax thought, he's going to get even with me some day.
* * *
Shirking his gallant side, Donovan didn't even attempt to open the passenger door for Remy. He mutely went around to the drivers' side, opened the door, and climbed into the vehicle. Remy slid inside and glanced around at the Suburban's interior.
"Big enough?"
Not sure if he heard her correctly, Donovan glanced at her. "Excuse me?"
She rolled her eyes incredulously. "Never mind."
"I would prefer it if you put on your seatbelt," he told her as he secured his across his lap.
Remy didn't make a move toward hers. "You would prefer I wear a seatbelt, and I'd prefer staying at home. Neither of those is happening tonight."
He gunned the engine and put it in gear. "Suit yourself."
It had nearly taken a crowbar to wrench Remy's address out of her. When the two arrived at the rundown apartment building, Donovan turned to her. "I go in first, you follow. Understand?"
What did he think she was? Stupid? "Of course," she said. "No one is here, Mr. Donovan."
"That may well be the case, Miss Ellis," he said, lightly mocking her. "But we can't take that chance, now can we?"
She shook her head, hating this goon more and more as each second passed. "Whatever."
Grudgingly, she allowed Donovan to take her arm and lead her inside the building. She directed him toward the flight of stairs that would lead to her door. He went upstairs first, and she followed behind. Both were greeted with the same scene. Remy's door had been kicked in, and the apartment was ransacked.
"Oh shit," she cried.
Donovan drew his gun. "Stand back," he demanded.
This time, she was not going to argue. She carefully followed him inside the apartment as he ensured that the people responsible for this mess were gone. Once he was certain the coast was clear, he called the police.
Two hours later, the police were gone. Remy moved through her ruined belongings, wondering what the idiot had been looking for. In tears, she gathered what clothing she could find and stuffed it into a bag. She didn't take care about folding things or keeping them from ripping. She went about the task as quickly as possible.
Donovan wanted to talk to Remy, but he hesitated. She was clearly and rightfully upset. She turned away from her packing and noticed the goon staring at her.
"What do you want," she demanded as she wiped her tears away.
She was in no shape to answer any questions. He decided to put it on hold for a bit. "I need to get you to a secured location immediately."
Remy said nothing. She snapped her suitcase closed and dragged it out of the room. Donovan was on her heels. He took hold of her forearm and drew her back. Knowing that she had broken some type of witness/bodyguard rule, she stopped and allowed the goon to lead her out of the apartment.
They rode in silence for more than half an hour before Donovan decided it was time to talk. "Miss Ellis, what do you know about Senator Wengrod's past?"
She sighed sadly and crossed her arms. She didn't want to talk about Anthony with this man. She had had more people than she cared to think about judging her due to her involvement with the good senator. She didn't need it from her so-called 'protector.' She had no desire to rehash her affair. She came close to asking the goon if he wanted to know Wengrod's favorite sexual position.
"Not much," she said, combating her ugly thoughts.
"Did he ever talk about his dealings," he asked.
She turned in her seat and glared at him. "Mr. Donovan, he never spoke to me about anything. Haven't you heard? I was his mistress, his whore. All he did was fuck me," she spat bitterly. "Why would he talk to me?"
"I didn't mean to upset you," he said gently.
He has a soul after all. "Can't you just drop it?"
"I would if your life didn't depend on it, Miss Ellis," he said grimly.
She turned away from him and fixed her eyes on the window. It was obvious she wasn't going to say another word to him. For now, he was willing to let it go.
* * *
Remy sat up straight in the seat. She hadn't realized that she'd been dozing until the SUV came to a sudden stop. She had hoped the last several hours had only been a dream. Of course, it wasn't. She glanced contemptuously at the goon beside her. He was looking at her with concern in his piercing eyes. She wasn't aware of it, but she had been moaning and groaning in her sleep. Donovan had felt a bit like a voyeur as he listened to her mumbling about 'Anthony.' Remy Ellis knew more than she was letting on, and he needed to discover all her secrets to keep her alive.
Reaching across the seat, Donovan placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "Are you all right?"
His touch surprised her, startled her. She shrugged away from him. "I'm fine."
Sighing, Donovan sat back in the seat and ran his hand over the side of his face in frustration. He was going to strangle Ed Lomax. "Miss Ellis, I know you're upset, I know that your life has hit a snare. I have been sent to ensure that nothing happens to you. To be brutally honest, I'm not any more pleased to be here than you. But we must work together and try to get along. This doesn't have to be an ordeal. Neither of us has to like each other, but I need your cooperation."
"Can we go inside," she asked.
He gaped at her with incredulous disbelief in his eyes. Had she not heard a word he said? Had he just been talking to the air? "No we cannot," he said as he bit back his anger. "We have to come to some kind of understanding. Otherwise, I'll lock us both in here for the night. It's your choice."
It was Remy's turn to face him with her mouth ajar. His deep brown eyes were fixed on her face. His left eyebrow was lifted, challenging her. The goon bastard was serious. They've sent a crazy man to be my bodyguard. "You arrogant piece of shit," she spat.
"Thank you," he replied as if she had bestowed upon him the ultimate compliment. He was not going to budge. If she wanted to act like a spoiled brat, then he would treat her like one.
He kept his eyes locked onto her face for several minutes. Secretly, he hoped she would relent. He had been driving for most of the day, and he was exhausted. He had no desire to spend the night sitting upright with this aggravating woman. Aggravating. There's that word again. However, he was as stubborn as a bull, and he could play the game as long as she wanted.
"Okay, fine," she said. "I'll cooperate, but don't paw around on me again."
Donovan said nothing. He took the keys out of the ignition and exited the Suburban. After a few moments, she followed his lead. She watched as he opened the back doors of the vehicle and began to drag out their luggage. He was slightly aggravated [there it is again] that she hadn't made one move to retrieve her bag.
Remy stood and glanced around at her surroundings. They were in the parking lot of a Bates Motel'esque lodge. It was dark and desolate. She wasn't sure if she could trust this man, and this place gave her serious bad vibes.
Donovan came up beside Remy and dropped her bag at her feet. "Is the hotel not to your liking," he asked with the slightest hint of a grin on his lips.
"Anything is better than this damn bus," she said.
Her bravado was forced, and Donovan couldn't help but wonder if her difficult behavior was some type of defense mechanism. He could see the concern in her eyes as she glanced nervously about.
"Get your bag," he said.
She hadn't even noticed that he had left it for her. She reached for it and slung the strap over her shoulder. She fell in beside him and tried to keep up with his long-legged stride.
The outside of the hotel was like a horror movie. However, the rooms weren't so bad. The bed was soft enough and inviting. Her ass ached miserably from the long ride over, and she couldn't wait to climb under the covers. Much to her chagrin, she noticed that her room was adjoined with Donovan's. She heard vague bumping noises coming from his room. After a moment, the noises ceased, and she heard a soft knock on the door.
"I'm decent," she said.
Donovan opened the door just enough to stick his head through. "If anything should happen-"
She interrupted him. "I know, Mr. Donovan. I assure you, I can scream for help."
Defeated for the night, he simply shook his head. "Good night, Miss Ellis." He closed the door, not bothering to wait for her to return the sentiment.
"Jerk," she mumbled under her breath. How dare he treat her like a child.
Donovan lay back in bed and stared at the ceiling. He had encountered many difficult people in his career. However, Remy Ellis seemed to have the power to annoy the calmest of men. Donovan's resolve was hard to break, but damn if she hadn't cracked it a little today. As he drifted off to sleep, he vowed again to strangle Ed.
