Master Unchained (Stealth Guardians Book 2) by Tina Folsom Read Free Book Online Page A

doctor or a lawyer?”
    “I think I can handle a guy who writes instruction manuals just fine.” In fact if that were Hamish’s real profession, maybe she would find him less intimidating. But as things stood, being in the presence of a bodyguard, even if he was her bodyguard, was still something she needed to get used to.
    Tessa pointed to the side of the hall where the stage was located. “I should make my way to the stage and get ready to say a few words.”
    Hamish took her arm. “I’ll walk with you.” He started guiding her through the crowd. “So what was this building before anyway? Looks pretty industrial.”
    “It was a tool factory once. But the work was outsourced to a country where labor was cheaper, and since then the space has lain empty. It turned into an eyesore. Gangs hung around here, doing their worst. The owner turned a blind eye.”
    “So he sold it to the center?” Hamish guessed.
    “Not exactly. He donated it. Big tax write-off apparently.”
    “All’s well that ends well.”
    She shrugged. “I guess so.”
    Arriving at the stage—a simple wooden construction only about three feet off the floor—Hamish let go of her arm.
    “I’ll be watching from here.”
    She nodded and took the three steps leading up to the platform where several people were already assembled. She wasn’t surprised to see Gunn there. He was cozying up to the director, Bill Mantle, while Gabriella and a volunteer adjusted the microphone and some cables at the podium. Poppy waved at her, looking all dressed-up and sparkling for the occasion. She wore black pants that flared at her feet and a blouse of the same color covered in silver sequins that reflected the light of the room in rainbow colors. She looked like she’d stepped out of an 80s movie and was going to break into song and dance any second. But before Tessa could go say hi to Poppy, Gunn noticed her, and she had no choice but to greet him.
    She nodded to Mantle first. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Mantle.” Then she turned to Gunn. “Robert. Didn’t realize you were attending this event.”
    He smiled broadly. “As the mayor—”
    “Acting mayor,” she corrected him.
    “… acting mayor, I have to attend important events like these.” His smile didn’t waiver. “Besides, I’m a staunch supporter of drug rehabilitation.”
    That last sentence was clearly added to butter up the director. But Tessa knew better. Gunn didn’t care one way or another about drug rehabilitation as long as it didn’t take place in his backyard. He didn’t represent the underprivileged in this city. He was on the side of the rich.
    “And your support is very much appreciated,” Mantle said before Tessa could find the right words to refute his claim.
    Gabriella joined them at that moment. “We’re ready to start. I’ll make the introductions, then Mayor Gunn will speak, then Miss Wallace, and you, Bill, will do the closing.”
    “I insist on Miss Wallace going first,” Gunn interrupted. “I don’t want to steal her limelight. After all, she worked very hard to get the City Council to approve this center. I really don’t need to speak at all. I’m happy with just being here, observing.”
    Surprised at his words, Tessa raised an eyebrow.
    “Are you sure, Mr. Gunn?” Gabriella asked. “We do have enough time allocated for everybody to speak.”
    Gunn waved her off. “No, no. Please let Miss Wallace have her day in the sun. It’s all her achievement.”
    “That’s very generous of you, Mr. Gunn,” Mantle said and motioned to Gabriella. “Let’s start then.”
    Tessa glanced back at Gunn. “Thank you, Robert.”
    But in the back of her mind, questions started to pop up. Since when did Robert Gunn surrender the stage to a political opponent?

8
     
    The chatter of the attendees simmered down in anticipation. Hamish listened only halfheartedly while Gabriella introduced the people on the small stage. Instead, he let his eyes roam, perusing the