Deadly Straits (A Tom Dugan Novel) by R.E. McDermott Read Free Book Online Page B

before succeeding.
    “He’ll leave soon,” he said. “Until then, make sure Cassie is never alone with him.”
    “Did you understand what I said, sir?”
    “Perfectly,” Alex said through tight lips, “but I can’t discharge him yet. He’s a bodyguard. There have been … kidnap threats against Cassie.”
    “Good Lord. From whom? Have you notified the police?”
    “Anonymous e-mail threats,” Alex lied, reciting the story Braun invented. “The police are investigating. I hired Farley at their recommendation.”
    Mrs. Farnsworth digested the news but focused on the imminent threat.
    “Understood, sir. But I still don’t trust Farley. We must replace him.”
    “Impossible,” Alex said.
    “But surely the agency you engaged—”
    “God damn it, woman!” he said, red-faced. “I’ll thank you to stop meddling and do as you’re told!” He glared at her, then seemed to deflate as he sat, elbows on the table and face buried in his hands, as if hiding from his own outburst.
    Mrs. Farnsworth sat shocked until Alex spoke again, his head down, avoiding her eyes.
    “That was unthinkable. Please forgive me, Mrs. Farnsworth. I’m overwrought with concern about Cassie.”
    She stiffened. “As am I, sir. Will that be all?”
    “I’ll hire another car and use Daniel to run errands around the office. That will salve his feelings and spare him contact with Farley.”
    She rose. “Whatever you decide, sir. I must check on Cassie.”
    Alex called her name as she reached the door, and she turned.
    “About your … suspicions. Please watch Cassie closely.”
    “I always do, sir. I always do,” she said softly.
    ***
    Alex smiled as he watched Dugan rub his stomach in mock distress.
    “It’s clear I’ll have to find my own place quickly, Mrs. Hogan,” Dugan said to the cook. “If I stay here too long, I’ll be needing a new wardrobe.”
    The cook beamed as she poured coffee. “Sure, and it was nothing fancy, Mr. Dugan,” she said, retreating to the kitchen.
    Another Dugan conquest, thought Alex. Thomas had even managed to defrost Mrs. Farnsworth a bit this evening. He noticed the housekeeper’s approving glance as Cassie chatted happily with their house guest.
    “Cassie, you have homework, so say good night,” Mrs. Farnsworth said.
    “Please, please, may I do it in the morning?” Cassie pleaded.
    “No, dear. I’m sure your father and Mr. Dugan have matters to discuss.”
    “Oh, all right,” Cassie said, standing to hug Dugan. “I’m so glad you’re here, Uncle Thomas.”
    “Me too, Cassie,” Dugan said. “We’ll talk tomorrow after school. Daniel will be driving you home before you know it.”
    “Not Daniel, Farley,” Cassie said.
    “We’ve a new driver,” explained Mrs. Farnsworth, her distaste obvious.
    “And he’s really creepy, Uncle Thomas,” Cassie said. “But Papa says he’ll go away.”
    Dugan looked at Alex, confused.
    “I’ll explain later, Thomas,” Alex said. “Now Cassie, where’s my kiss?”
    Cassie hugged Alex and pecked his cheek as Mrs. Farnsworth stood.
    “Will that be all, sir?” the housekeeper asked.
    Alex smiled and nodded, hoping to hide the sudden tension, but the look on Dugan’s face signaled he’d been unsuccessful.
    “So, what’s up?” Dugan asked, after Cassie and Mrs. Farnsworth left.
    Alex hesitated, then lowered his voice. “There have been kidnapping threats against prominent families.”
    “You’ve been threatened?”
    “Not directly,” Alex lied, “but I was concerned. I engaged Farley as a bodyguard. Turns out he’s not the most personable chap.”
    “But why’s Mrs. Farnsworth upset?”
    Alex sighed. “I didn’t consult her. You know how proprietary she is regarding Cassie. Farley being a lout made things worse.”
    “I see,” Dugan said, but the look on his face said he didn’t see at all. Tactfully, he changed the subject.
    “Fill me in on the work situation,” Dugan said. “What about this other guy? How do you