Page 23 of Hidden Desire

Robert shook his head and smiled again. “No, he’s not. As her husband, I’m her guardian. There is nothing the man can do to get his daughter back.”

The man scowled. “He said you had a daughter?”

Robert’s smile grew cold. “You touch one hair on my daughter’s head or even think about it, and I’ll take out all three of you.”

All three men stiffened.

The one in front took a menacing step forward. “Are you threatening us?”

Robert stood abruptly, making the man back up. He flattened his hands on the desk and leaned over. The fact that he was taller than all three and muscular made them cautious.

“I am threatening you. I’ve got you three recorded, and I know people that can get your names within minutes. After that, I’ll have information about you on file. You might think that’s nothing, Gentlemen, but I guarantee you’ll regret ever dealing with Nichols. I’m only going to say this once. Don’t come around my family. Ever.”

He waited for it to sink in. “Do you understand?” he barked.

The three nodded but looked even angrier than a minute before they turned and walked out.

Claire came to the doorway. “Is there anything I can do, Sir?”

“Yes. I want you to go home, pack a bag, and visita relative. Can you do that?” He wanted her away from the situation until he knew it was under control.

She nodded. “I can do that.”

“I’ll call you when the problem is taken care of. In the meantime, have a nice vacation.”

“Call me if you need anything. I’ll be at my sister’s in Arizona.”

Robert nodded. “Good. Be careful.”

“You, too, Sir.”

He waited until he heard the outer door close before he made a call.

“Crenshaw Residence?” Taylor answered.

“It’s me. Where are the other girls?”

“Out in the backyard. What’s going on?” she asked.

“I’ll tell you all of it later, but for now, I think they might be in danger. Bring them into the house and lock all the doors. I’m going to send some men to watch over you three. Have the guy give you a code word before you open the door.”

“I can do that. Tell him the code word is ‘spaghetti.’”

Robert smiled. “I’ll tell them. I’m headed home now.”

“We’ll be here. Be careful.”

Robert started to stuff papers in his briefcase as he called down to the doorman.

“Cliff, can you call an Uber for me and have it waiting in a few minutes?”

“Yes, Sir. It will be here.”

“Good. Thank you.”

Robert planned to drive his own car, but one, he may be being watched, and two, it would let him concentrate on the phone calls he had to make.

As he walked out of the elevator, he had already set up several men who were headed to his house.