Page 18 of Shadowed Agenda
“There’s another option. You can let my company handle it.” Pavlo sat down on a sofa chair opposite her.
Regan sat up straight, and her eyes narrowed. “What company? You’re a spy thriller author.”
“After I retired from the Navy, I teamed up with four of my SEAL buddies, and we started Shadow Defense Security.”
Regan didn’t need to know why all five had retired after their last mission or their connection to the government.
“Shadow Defense provides security solutions for high-profile clients and international corporations. Most of our contracts are government jobs. Private corporations hire us when an overseas employee is kidnapped, they need bodyguards, or the political situation in a foreign country has exploded and they need to evacuate their personnel. We’re private military contractors,” Pavlo said, watching her eyes widen. “We can help you.”
“How?” she asked as her face clouded with unease. “The only thing I know about private military contractors is what I’ve seen on TV and read in all your books. It doesn’t paint a picture I’m comfortable with.”
Pavlo smiled inwardly. She’d just admitted to reading his books—all of them.
“We can start by providing security for Emmeline at the cottage.”
“Mackenzie would never agree,” Regan said quickly. “She doesn’t like her routine disturbed.”
“She doesn’t have to know. We can place someone outside who can monitor people going in and out of the place and follow Mackenzie to make sure Emmeline is safe.” Pavlo had the feeling the two sisters weren’t close and that if he met Mackenzie, he wouldn’t like her.
“I’m certain your services are more than I can afford,” Regan said, shaking her head.
“It was tough going when we started our company, and the community supported us. Now we support them any way we can,” Pavlo said, not wanting to waste time listening to Regan insist she pay for their services. “We started a charitable foundation focusing on protecting children’s rights. Our kickoff gala is being held next month. Instead of paying for our help, we’d like to auction off a signed collection of your books and a dinner with the author.”
“Wow! Are you sure your partners are okay with this?” Regan asked as she played with her pendant, complete surprise on her face. “If I’d known you were doing this, I would have offered my help. It doesn’t seem like an equal exchange. If you send me information on the foundation, maybe I can think of more ways to help.”
His partners better be good with it because it was the only idea Pavlo could think of that would have her agree to Shadow Defense’s help. He’d read somewhere that she’d done something similar for a children’s hospital.
“It’s settled then,” Pavlo said, relieved.
“I’d never have expected Mrs. Aster to be a fan.” Regan leaned on the back of the chair and looked up at the ceiling.
Neither would have Pavlo. Someone was going to great lengths to encourage Regan to agree to the gig. It brought him back to the question that had plagued him ever since the incident in Central Park—why?
Regan wasn’t safe in her hotel suite. Speaking to the manager and reprogramming the suite’s key card wouldn’t give her the protection she needed.
She was stuck with him.
The fireworks would fly when he informed Regan he was sleeping on her couch.
Chapter nine
Regantookasipof her coffee after she told Pavlo about the text message she’d received after Nicholas had left her hotel suite yesterday. The perpetual scowl he’d had on his face since they’d discovered the Senator’s campaign brochure deepened. She’d read that frowning caused more wrinkles than smiling. Now was probably not the time to share that fun fact.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this yesterday?” His voice matched his scowl.
“The Senator will continue sending texts until the book signing is a done deal.” She gestured to a server holding a coffee carafe and then pointed to her cup.
It was best to shift his attention slightly. Pavlo didn’t need to know she was working on trusting him, even though he’d proven himself several times. It was her problem, not his. “They’re not going to back off. They get their kicks out of terrifying others.”
The server stopped and topped off Regan’s coffee. She thanked her before continuing.
“There is only one way to avoid receiving text messages.” Regan had thought this through last night after Pavlo had handed her a new cell phone. “Turn it off. Not happening. Mackenzie would need to check online to figure out whatlandlinemeant so she could reach me at the hotel. Isla would insist on having the number. If someone has been keeping tabs on me through Isla, it’s just a matter of time before she gives them the new number.”
Pavlo remained silent as he tapped on his cell phone. He was probably sending a text message to Javier, asking him to trace the text messages that had bombarded her old phone. Regan had learned he was the tech guru on their team. Whoever sent the text would be smart enough to use a burner phone. They’d have destroyed the SIM card and pitched the cell phone into a dumpster. It was a dead end.
Pavlo’s bossiness had increased exponentially after last night. At first, he’d rejected the idea of breakfast in the hotel restaurant—too open, too many people. The list went on. Strategically placed lush plants, trees, and low decorative chain barriers divided the restaurant from the lobby. It was the type of place where Regan loved hanging out for an hour or two. She liked watching people stroll past and make up stories of who they were and their lives. Some even made it into her novels. All Pavlo saw were security risks.
After yesterday’s events, Regan needed some normalcy in her life. Eventually, he’d given in, not that he could have stopped her. While she appreciated Pavlo’s kindness, she was an adult capable of making decisions.