Page 90 of Shadow Redemption
Those minutes tested his patience. Ben restrained himself when Rich and Scott continually berated the models, Ruth in particular. What was their problem? All the models did their best to follow orders and smile on command.
Good thing Ben wasn’t one of the models. He’d have plowed his fist into the faces of the dynamic duo several times over by the time the photographer declared the job a wrap.
Ben rose as Ruth hurried toward him. “I’m fine,” he said, voice soft when she reached his side. “Sam’s been pushing fluids and pain meds on me.” He tapped her nose gently. “You aren’t supposed to let on that I’m hurt, remember? I’m your invincible jerk of a boyfriend.”
She kissed him, a sweet, gentle touch that wrapped whispers of love around his heart. “I can’t help worrying. I love you.”
Ben brought her against him for a longer kiss, confident that his teammates had his back and would watch for trouble. “I love you, too.” He threaded his fingers through hers. “Let’s go. I’ve had my fill of sun and sand for a while.”
Starting them toward the suite, he said, “I understand you have a charity event tonight.”
“How did you find out?”
He winked at her. “I discover many things I’m not supposed to know. When were you going to tell me?” Later, he and Ruth would talk about the length of time needed to plan security for events such as this one.
“I wasn’t. I knew the party would be a security nightmare with too many people, entrances, and exits.”
He stared at her, eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Trace points out security risks when I spend time with him and Bridget in public.” She edged closer. “Even if I wanted to go, you’re not up to it. We can enjoy a quiet night in the suite with a late-night walk on the beach.”
He watched her a moment. “Who benefits from the charity?”
“A local children’s hospital. The money goes into a fund for patients unable to pay for medical care.”
A cause close to her heart. “We have two hours before the party. We’ll go for an hour or so, then slip out and go for a moonlit walk along the shore. What do you think?”
Her eyes lit. “We don’t have to go. I planned to donate money whether I attended or not.”
“We’ll work it out.”
Ruth’s smile conveyed her delight. “Thank you, Ben.”
“You’ll stay by my side the whole time we’re in the ballroom.”
“Absolutely.”
“And you’ll wear the jewelry.”
“No problem.”
Amused, his lips curved. “Will you always be this accommodating?”
“Not a chance. Don’t get used to it.”
Minutes later, Ben unlocked the suite and escorted Ruth inside. Joe and Sam followed them while Nico and Trace went to their room.
Ben pulled out his electronic signal detector. In Ruth’s room, the chaser lights changed from green to red. Gut tightening, he turned on the lamp and searched for the source of the new electronic signal.
He found a small camera perched between the dresser and the mirror in a section draped in shadow. Blood boiling, he detached the camera pointed at Ruth’s bed and disabled it.
He checked the signal detector again. The chaser lights were still red. Another camera or a listening device? Ben found a listening device attached to the back of the nightstand. He dropped the bug into a glass of water. One final check of the signal detector showed the chaser lights were green.
What about the rest of the suite? If the spymaster was smart, he’d wire the whole suite.
He returned to the living room and signaled Joe to check the rest of the suite. He held up the glass with the bug and the remnants of the camera.
Grim-faced, the spotter grabbed his own signal detector and swept the living room. He found a bug and camera near the wall art. After disabling both, he continued through the kitchenette and into his and Sam’s room. He returned minutes later with a third camera and bug. After disposing of the last of the electronics, he said, “We’re clear.”