decided it was time to change the subject. The past wasn’t necessarily a good topic when talking to a beautiful woman over a bottle of wine.
“So you have a daughter in college, is that right?”
“Yes—Hannah. She’s a great girl. She’s at the University of Colorado. I sent her to Denver when she was a child under circumstances that were very stressful for both of us, and she fell in love with the place. I can’t wait for her to come home for Thanksgiving.”
“That’s great. I’m sure you two are close.”
“We are. She only has me. Her relationship with her father is superficial. We divorced a number of years ago and he spends most of his time chasing younger women.”
“Really?”
“Really. It’s a way of life in Oak Vegas. That’s what I call this place. There are tons of pretty young women running around looking for rich men to help them along in life, and plenty of wealthy men who think with their little head.”
Jack had to laugh at that line. “You haven’t given up on men, have you?”
“I hope not. I haven’t been looking really. I spent my time raising Hannah, and I always had my work.”
“Hannah’s gone now, and you’re retiring soon.”
“I know. And those changes will bring other changes. In the meantime I’m concentrating on adjusting and finding happiness in everyday life. I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving. I’m going to make a big turkey with all the trimmings. What are you doing for the holiday?”
“Nothing to speak of. Henry will probably come over if he doesn’t have a better offer. We might cook a small bird or go out to eat, depending on how we feel.”
“That doesn’t sound like much fun. Why don’t you and Henry come to my house for Thanksgiving dinner. Hannah would love to meet you. She’s been talking about going to law school.”
Jack didn’t hesitate. “That sounds great to me. I’ll ask Henry.”
They left soon after, and Jack drove Danni home. She gave him a brief kiss on the cheek at the door before saying goodnight.
Maybe this is what I’m really here for, Jack thought as he walked back to the car.
Chapter Twenty-Four
It was after nine when he swung his Mercedes SLS roadster into the driveway and clicked the garage door opener. He checked his watch to be sure. No calls to make tonight. He needed to get to bed early so he could run on the beach in the morning. Got to work those extra pounds off right away. Maybe one cigar on the veranda before calling it a night. What’s the use of living in a mansion on the beach if you can’t enjoy it?
It was a mansion—seven thousand square feet right on the water. Maybe it was too much for one person. Maybe the place needed a woman’s touch. He wasn’t ready for that, however. He’d just turned forty—way too young to settle down, especially when there were so many nubile young women out there eager to satisfy his needs. Marriage might happen down the road, but he didn’t need a wife in his profession, so why have one?
The lights went on automatically when he pulled into the garage. He stepped out of the car and headed for the door leading into the house with his keys in his hand. He always kept the inside door locked. He’d read about burglars often coming through the garage door. He had an alarm system, but there was no downside to taking extra precautions in order to feel perfectly safe. He stuck the key in the door but before he could turn it the lights in the garage went out.
It was pitch black. He couldn’t see anything. Before he could think, two powerful hands grabbed his arms and pulled them back. He could feel the handcuffs lock on his wrist. What the hell is this, a bust by the cops? He had some coke in the house but they’d never find it. He started to get angry to get his courage back. Then he lost it again.
Whoever it was that had handcuffed him grabbed his throat and lifted him up with his back to the wall with one hand! He could hardly breathe and he was too afraid to speak. He was sure he was going to die. All this work, all he had accumulated—for what? To lose his life to a two-bit robber? He needed to do something. Beg, plead, bargain. Whatever.
“What do you want? I’ll give you anything you want.”