Page 49 of Shadow Redemption
Chill bumps surged up Ruth’s spine. The accident was eerily similar to what could have happened to her three months ago at a different photo shoot. She’d tripped and almost fell into a glass table. Fortunately, Ruth twisted, shifting her momentum enough to land beside the table instead of on it, thanks to Ben and Trace’s sessions with her in self-defense. Lindsey had been near her along with several other models.
All the models had acted horrified at the close call. Now, Ruth wasn’t so sure it had been an accident. Was it possible that Lindsey was targeting her? Was she using stalker tactics to scare her away from the Mexico job? If so, would Lindsey continue her terror campaign until Ruth was injured or dead?
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
When the Shadow unit and Ruth gathered around the conference table, Nico looked at Trace. “What did you find on your assigned model?”
“Jade Conroy has been in the business for five years and is popular with the fashion houses and designers. Photographers love to work with her. Rumors abound about her being less popular with her fellow models.”
Nico glanced at Ruth. “What do you know about her?”
“She grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm and is desperate to make it big so she won’t have to go back. Jade is a dream to work with if you’re a designer or photographer. In other words, she works hard for those who are important in the industry. The rest of us know to stay out of her way. The camera loves her. Fellow models, not so much. Her agent is a shark in a suit. Monty Benson offers Jade’s modeling services for a little less than the models under consideration for various contracts, undercutting the competition.”
Sam frowned. “Does that tactic work? I would have thought the best strategy is to jack up her price.”
“That’s usually the way it works. Fortunately for her, Jade is gorgeous and willing to do anything asked of her on a job without complaint. Because of that, she’s making a good living and gaining more exposure than the top models who are more temperamental and difficult to work with.”
Ben’s eyebrows rose. The description of a temperamental model didn’t fit Ruth.
Nico motioned for Trace to continue.
“Jade began modeling at age eighteen. She’s now 24. As Ruth mentioned, she’s doing well financially. No hiccups in her background that I found on the first pass. I can dig deeper once we’re in Mexico if you think it’s warranted.”
“Married?”
“Divorced twice. She’s engaged to Lance Coltraine, the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. The couple is planning a wedding in March.”
Nico shifted his gaze to the newlyweds.
Joe glanced at his laptop. “Autumn Wesley is 26, never married, but currently dating Tito Monterro, the star pitcher for the Dodgers. She’s been in the modeling business for eight years and is rumored to be retiring at the end of the year.”
Ruth straightened. “Retiring? Why? She still has the look fashion designers are after and she’s growing in popularity. Why would she quit now?”
“Her relationship with Monterro is becoming serious.”
She looked puzzled. “That doesn’t mean she couldn’t have a meaningful relationship with Tito and still work.”
“A dating relationship would be a challenge, but doable. Marriage, though?” Ben shook his head. “That would be difficult. I can see why she’s considering ending her career.” Building a rock-solid marriage was hard enough without adding the stress of a spouse being away from home ninety-five percent of the time like Ruth.
He blinked. What was he doing even thinking about Ruth and marriage in the same sentence? Who was he to judge Autumn and Tito’s relationship and possible pitfalls? Those problems were exactly why he hadn’t considered pursuing anything with Ruth before now. That, and the price on his head.
He scowled, knowing his past would always be an albatross around his neck. If he was smart, he’d stay far away from Ruth. He suspected protecting his heart from Ruth was impossible now. Ben was already in too deep to back away with his heart and soul intact when she decided he wasn’t worth the risk.
“The rumor mill is circulating the news of an impending engagement,” Joe said. “A couple of sources I checked mentioned that Monterro wants to start a family right away, something difficult to do if they’re not on the same continent.” When Sam elbowed him, Joe grinned and winked at his wife.
The other operatives chuckled. Ruth, however, looked wistful. Ben watched her, wondering. Did she want a family of her own? She obviously loved kids and would be a great mother. In his mind, he could see her rocking a baby with a look of adoration on her face as she gazed down at their child.
Ben’s hands fisted. What was he doing fantasizing about having a family with Ruth?
“He also wants her to travel with him during baseball season. Monterro is crazy about Autumn and hates being away from her for any length of time,” Joe continued.
“Financial background?” Nico asked.
“She’s doing okay, but her earnings have slipped in the past two years.”
“Ruth?”
Ruth’s lips curved. “When we’re on photoshoots during baseball season, she spends every spare minute on the phone with Tito. Autumn works hard and doesn’t complain on site or off. She stays out of trouble, preferring to be in her hotel room talking to her boyfriend than partying with some of the wilder models. Of all the models I’ve worked with over the past few years, I’m always glad to know she’s on an assignment with me. Autumn has been losing contracts to Jade.” She wrinkled her nose. “All of us have.”