Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 42829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Kole made some notes on his phone and asked, “What else has happened? Has the staff reported any lurkers around the property? Any break-ins? I found two police reports from the last two weeks reporting visits to this residence when the alarms went off.”
“I’m sure that was simply the staff forgetting to close the door thoroughly. Or it could have been me. Those things happen.”
“They don’t,” Kole said bluntly. “Have you noticed anything missing?”
“No.”
“But you haven’t actively searched the premises to know someone didn’t take something?” he asked.
“Well… No. I didn’t see anything obvious. The TV is there. No one took my jewelry box.” Gabriela struggled to think what else someone would have wanted. “I don’t live lavishly. I’m not even here most of the time.”
He made a note about that as well before commenting, “You will probably find something else missing. When you do, I need to know what it is.”
Gabriela nodded in agreement, and he continued, “What else? I understand you’re an actress. Any problems at work?”
“A few things have gone missing. That’s not too unusual on set. People want souvenirs.” Gabriela tried to make light of the disappearances.
“What was stolen?” he asked, watching her face closely.
“On the set? A collar-style necklace from a BDSM scene can’t be found.”
Kole didn’t react to the reference at the kink contained in the movie. He obviously understood because he simply noted it and moved on. “What else?”
“A set of lingerie I wore in two different scenes vanished.”
“On the same day?” He zeroed in on specific information.
“No. Two different days.”
“Has the studio investigated or taken any steps?”
“They put up additional cameras—one outside my trailer and in other spots. As far as I know, nothing has shown up,” Gabriela reported.
“But you haven’t asked?” Kole probed.
“No. I assumed they’d let me know.”
“Are you going to the set today?” he asked.
“No. I wasn’t needed for filming for a couple of days. I’ll head back this afternoon for the next month.”
“Call the studio and inform them I will accompany you.”
“You’re going with me?” she squeaked.
“Yes. I’ll be blunt. I don’t know, but what you’ve told me is concerning. I’ll pull up a camera close to the incident last night. The footage should demonstrate whether it was random or not, as you suspected. I’m going to check your car for a tracker planted on your vehicle during one of the break-ins. If you counted all your lingerie, I bet you’d find at least one set missing from here. This is personal, sexual, and targeted.”
Gabriela stared at him. “But why? I’ve done nothing to warrant this.”
“Someone knows where you live, where you work, and your hours. They’ve gotten past the security at your gate and on set. This isn’t a teenager in love with a movie star. This is targeted and cunning.”
“You’re trying to scare me.”
“Do you need to be scared to take this seriously? I’m simply listing the facts. Your agent was wise to call me.”
His impassive face gave nothing away. No emotions. No thoughts. This was simply a job for him.
Needing to poke holes somewhere in his assessment of the threat, Gabriela lashed out. “You’re going with me? The owner of the company? Are you the only one on your payroll?”
“No. I don’t usually go out in the field. I make exceptions only for the biggest clients or those I wish to help.”
“So, I’m a big name? You can use me to get more star accounts?”
“I do not need additional stars to protect. There is a six-month waiting list for my services. I will never reveal your name or ask you for a reference, Little girl.”
“Little girl?” she spewed. “Don’t treat me like a teenager!”
“Little girl is not a reference to your age but to your sexual orientation,” he said bluntly.
Completely taken aback, Gabriela stared at him. How did he know? She didn’t practice age play. The paparazzi would eat her alive. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she stated firmly and stood to end the conversation.
“Sit down, Gabby. Don’t panic. You already have my promise that I’ll never reveal any information I know about you. My reputation as a security expert requires that. My Daddy side would put myself in front of a raging bull before I’d ever jeopardize you for being Little.”
“I think you are mistaken,” she said quickly. “Thank you for stopping by. Please bill me for your time.”
Kole didn’t stand. “I will step away from your protection detail when someone equally proficient takes my place. Until that time, I will work to keep you safe.”
“You can’t just decide that you’re working for me and I don’t have to agree.”
“I’m sorry I panicked you. I should have realized how far you have your Little side locked down. If it makes it easier to work with me, I promise to never bring it up again,” Kole said, leaning forward.