Free Danger in a Red Dress by Christina Dodd

your—”
    “Age and my father’s sexual preferences? Yes, I got a lot of that when I first moved here, but when he was in college, Dad experimented and here I am.” Gabriel watched as Hannah transmitted the information, as Mrs. Manly digested it, nodded, and reclined once more.
    Relieved, Gabriel leaned back in his chair. One hurdle down.
    Hannah came back on the line. “Thank you for reassuring us, Mr. Sansoucy. Now—Mrs. Manly is reviving the Balfour Halloween party, and we are in need of security. Would you be able to handle it?”
    “Halloween is a busy time for us, but I’m sure Dad would insist we do everything we can for Mrs. Manly and Balfour House. I assume you’ll want the full party security treatment?” Gabriel had arranged security for many a party, and as he talked about the arrangements, he watched Hannah relax. He had reassured her that this part of the planning would go without a hitch.
    Mrs. Manly sat up again. “Ask him if he can come early to look the house over.”
    Hannah interrupted him and in a firm voice, said, “If you could transmit a copy of your plans for Mrs. Manly to look over, that would be appreciated. In the meantime, can you come to see what arrangements you’ll need to make?”
    Mrs. Manly continued. “Because when he finds cameras and microphones, I’m going to grab Carrick and shake him until his teeth rattle.”
    Damn. She was a smart woman. She’d figured Carrick might have commissioned surveillance. A good thing he could hear their conversation. That would be the only thing to save his ass.
    Smoothly, Hannah said into the mouthpiece, “Since it’s been so long since Sansoucy Security has been to Balfour House, we’d like you to do a thorough examination of the house and gardens and see what needs to be done to bring security here up-to-date.”
    “We’d be glad to do that,” Gabriel said with the right mix of eagerness and professionalism. “Dad’s technical specialist is Susan Stevens. Can I make an appointment for her to visit?”
    Hannah put him on hold again, and said, “He’s sending someone named Susan Stevens.”
    “I want the boss,” Mrs. Manly said fretfully. “Have him come instead.”
    Hannah came back. “Mrs. Manly would like to have you personally handle her security.”
    “I intend to, and that means giving it my best. And my best is Susan Stevens. Believe me, Miss Grey, you don’t want me to do anything technical.” He put humor in his tone. “I’m a disaster with a camera or a computer.”
    She responded to his humor with a smile of her own. “What is your specialty, Mr. Sansoucy?”
    “I tell people what to do.”
    “So you don’t do anything.”
    “That’s right. I’m an administrator.”
    She laughed, a low, warm, soft chuckle that made him break a sweat. “I’ve worked with men like you. Hospitals are full of them.”
    “You understand I’m not really good at being an administrator yet. Sometimes I forget I’m in charge and actually do something, like file a paper or make a decision.”
    “If you keep that up, you’ll never get promoted to . . . whatever it is that’s above administrator.”
    “Dictator.”
    “So you’ll be conquering a small country soon?”
    He was looking straight at her—not that she knew it—when he replied, “I already have one in mind.”
    But she seemed to know what he meant, because she caught her breath and sat up straight. “All right, Trent. You’ve convinced me about Susan Stevens.” She nodded reassuringly at Mrs. Manly, who reluctantly nodded back. “Let’s set up that appointment.”
    “Right.” Gabriel responded to her efficient tone with one of his own, and they concluded their business and hung up.
    But although she didn’t know it, he was still there.

NINE
    Gabriel leaned back in his chair and smiled. He had done that well. Very well.
    For Hannah hung up and sat with her hands in her lap, a bewildered smile on her face.
    “You were flirting with that man.” Mrs.