Free Star Crossed by Emma Holly Page B

surprise.
    “Once,” A.J said. “Before I went to work for you.”
    “And may I assume this meeting didn’t involve playing Pinochle?”
    A muscle flicked in A.J.’s jaw. She didn’t blush, though that seemed to require willpower. “It was a one-night stand.”
    “I see.” Her dad shifted his über-cool gaze to Luke. Luke suspected this was his version of pulling out a shotgun. “You do understand Hoyt-Sands isn’t an escort service. My daughter isn’t for hire in that capacity.”
    “Yes, sir,” Luke said, absolutely certain the extra politeness was called for. “I’m not hoping to hire her for that. I know she can handle this. She saved my life before.”
    “Did she?” Parker’s eyebrows were up as he turned back to her. “I guess A.J. was too modest to mention that.”
    “It was a chance thing,” A.J. said. “I happened to be around when Luke got in over his head in a bar fight—which he didn’t start, I should mention.”
    Her defense of him amused her father. Parker’s mouth curved slightly before he smoothed it again. “All right. Thank you for laying that on the table. Shall I go over the security arrangements we’re proposing to put in place for you, Mr. Channing?”
    Luke tried not to relax too obviously. Parker wasn’t going to fight A.J. being on the team. More importantly, she wasn’t objecting.
    “It’s Luke,” he said. “And I’d like to return to LA tomorrow. I understand you have an office there.”
    “We do,” Parker confirmed. “A.J. has worked with them before. One thing I should make clear.” His expression had been serious, but now it turned severe. “This isn’t a one- or two-man job. The threat against you is serious and—until we establish otherwise—ongoing. Hiring a couple bodyguards to join you for public appearances won’t cut it. You need a full team, with equipment, set up at your residence and accompanying you everywhere. We’ll coordinate with law enforcement here and in LA to identify whoever went after you. Until the threat is neutralized, you need to cooperate with our efforts. We can’t keep you safe if you won’t let us.”
    “So don’t be a brat,” Luke said.
    A.J.’s father smiled faintly. “I suspect that isn’t who you are, but, yes, don’t be a brat.” He hesitated. “If it’s agreeable to both of you, I’ll put A.J. in charge of the protection side of the operation.”
    A.J.’s striking whiskey eyes widened. She flattened her hands on the tabletop. “Me?”
    “I want to run the investigation. You’re ready. I know this is a big job, but you’ve taken lead before. Martin can join you once Ms. Davis makes her own arrangements.”
    A.J. looked at her dad like she half-thought this was a trick. They had an interesting dynamic. Lots of history, Luke decided, and not all of it smooth.
    After a moment, she let her doubt fall away. “Okay. If Luke agrees, I’ll organize the on-site detail.”
    “Fine by me,” Luke said, trying not to sound too eager.
    He wasn’t certain he pulled it off. Parker looked wry as he slid the small, closed laptop across to him. “This is for you. It has state of the art encryption. Please read the file labeled ‘DON’T’ before communicating any plans to anyone—including people you’re close to. A public figure like yourself is too easy to pin down. That sniper knew where you’d be ahead of time.”
    “The police told me they didn’t find much evidence on the roof,” Luke said. “The gunman must have cleaned up after himself.”
    “Or herself,” A.J. corrected. “Women shoot rifles too.”
    “Or herself,” Luke agreed. A chill he didn’t like slid through him. He’d have to be suspicious of everyone.
    Parker saw the awareness dawning behind his eyes. His weather-seamed face softened. “We’d appreciate receiving the same information you gave the police. A list of enemies. Anyone you fired. Letters from overenthusiastic fans. Anything you think might be relevant. You can either