Page 8 of Evidence of Secrets

Tomorrow, she would deal with installing more cameras in the restaurant. Although how she’d be able to afford them was up in the air. At the rate food and liquor were walking out of the restaurant, she’d be the next to go.

Laura rolled her neck and shoulders. She swallowed the bile that was gripping her stomach. Wasn’t it enough that she couldn’t sleep at night, tossing and turning, wondering what would become of her, or that she couldn’t eat during the day because her stomach was tied up in knots?

Who would steal from her? She paid well. She thought she got along great with her employees. Remembering how hard it was for her mother, Laura tried to be fair. But why was this happening now? Maybe it was a game for someone.

She needed to get out and mingle in the restaurant, welcome guests, and make sure everyone had a drink or nibble. Laura loved talking to customers. It was one of the perks of her job. It made her feel like her family came to dine. She knew many of the people here tonight.

Laura walked out to a noise-filled room and looked past the bar. She saw a man with brown hair and a scruffy beard she didn’t know standing by one of the plantings. Observing. Looking all hunky and mysterious, looking handsome in a dark suit and tie.

Laura looked around to ask Sam who he was, but Sam was talking with a group of people. She took a deep breath and walked over to introduce herself. She didn’t like anyone feeling left out.

“Hi.”

The man was lost in his thoughts and didn’t see Laura approach. He was startled. She held out her hand, and he shook it. Her hand felt tiny in his huge hands. “I don’t believe I know you. I’m Laura Clark.”

His blue eyes looked down and directly into hers, and he gave her a slow smile.

“Hank Peterman. I work for…”

“KnightGuard Security. I knew it! Thank you for coming.” She looked down at their hands.

Horrors. She was still clasping his hand. She let go, but not before Hank smirked at her. She felt a hot flush start at her throat and work its way down.Way to be cool, Laura.

“It’s my pleasure. We all support the shelter and the excellent work Penny does.”

“So why haven’t I seen you before? I thought I knew everyone at KnightGuard.”

Hank shrugged. “Don’t know. You weren’t here when I installed the security cameras out back.”

“Oh. Gosh. Thank you so much. We feel much more secure walking out at night.” And they did. The employees, especially the women, often commented on how much safer they felt after the cameras were installed about walking out to the lot late at night.

CHAPTERSEVEN

“I’m glad to hear that.”

That was the reason Hank got into security.

People should feel safe at night, especially women. He hated when women were catcalled while they walked down the street in broad daylight. He hated they had to look over their shoulders when they parked in a garage or got into their cars late at night.

Laura fidgeted with her hair. “So you work security. What do you do for fun?”

Fun? What was that? Hank sighed. “I don’t have a lot of fun. I mostly work. Sometimes, I play poker with the guys. But mostly work. When I’m on a job, the days can be pretty long, and if I’m on a night detail, I sleep days.” He shrugged. “It’s the nature of the business. What about you? What do you do for fun?”

He leaned closer into Laura’s space. How would she react? Hank was definitely interested in her.

She didn’t move away. Laura’s eyes widened. She licked her lips before answering. “Ha ha. I have little spare time. Sometimes I get away to have lunch or drinks with my friends. I clean my apartment, and…” She stopped. “Not much, I guess.” She smoothed the side of the dress.

Laura was every man’s dream. Well, at least his. Easy on the eyes but intelligent and successful. They talked for a bit longer. Hank learned more about the restaurant business and what Laura was up to. Hank thought it was now or never. He’d ask her out.

“Would you like to…”

“Laura, the bartender needs to see you for a moment.” A server interrupted them and pointed toward the bar. Damn, so much for that conversation. It ended before Hank could ask her out for a cup of coffee or a drink. He would try to catch her later.

Laura’s shoulders tensed, and she huffed. “I’ll be right there.”

She looked at Hank and grimaced. “Duty calls. It was nice meeting you, and thanks again for coming.” She turned and walked over to the bar. Something must have upset her, because her shoulders slumped as the bartender talked to her. When she turned, Laura’s eyebrows were pulled together in a frown.

Why the frown? By any stretch of the imagination, the fundraiser was a success. Hank already asked his accountant to send a $150,000 check from his trust-fund account. It wasn’t under his name, so they couldn’t trace it back to him. His wealth was a closely guarded secret. It was nobody’s business, and he intended to keep it that way. The money would help more women and children escape their hell. He’d do whatever he could to stop bullies and abusers from getting their way. Thank you, Dad.

---