* * *
With the looming threat of Brice walking away, it seemed Mrs. St. Simmons had become much more amenable to many of the previously debated contract terms. The negotiations were finally moving forward, and Brice was glad that he could soon devote his attention to something -- someone -- more exciting. It was already difficult focusing on the final details while haunted by the knowledge that in just a few hours he'd be back in her company, free to stare into those revealing blue eyes, to touch her smooth skin, to smell her enchanting scent.
It was hard to understand exactly why Janna affected him like she did. He'd never felt this way about a woman before, not even Evetta, who'd taken him to hell and back. Not even when he'd been anticipating their child. It was shocking to admit it, but Janna had dug her way in deeper than any woman before, so deep that Brice didn't know how to proceed.
He only knew that he wanted to spend more time with her, that he wanted to drag her away to some deserted hideaway, to cloister themselves together for an eon or two, and spend that time talking, laughing, and making love. An eon or two to explore Janna's mind. Her body. Her soul. And to share his with her. This was the only thing that seemed important.
Brice felt a faint vibration coming from his pocket and pulled out his phone. He checked the number, then excused himself to take the call. All thoughts of seductive seclusion fled his mind as he answered his phone.
"Tony, what'd you find out?"
"We can confirm that the threat comes from your cousin. He seems serious."
Brice exhaled heavily. His cousin had painted him with the villain's brush for the takedown of Chester's father, and Brice was also blamed for the downfall of their reputation. He'd recently found out that Uncle Wesley was in debt to some very shady characters, and his once prominent fortune had nearly evaporated.
Brice hadn't expected such an intense reaction out of his cousin, however. Chester was an affable drunk, one who talked too much and often embarrassed himself in polite company, but he'd always been relatively harmless. His recent behavior was quite unexpected.
Last night during the fundraising dinner Tony had called to inform Brice that someone had thrown a brick through the window of their offices, triggering the alarm. When security arrived, they'd found that the brick was wrapped in a note.
The note said only one word, written in dark, block letters: "Revenge."
But the more frightening thing, the thing that had prompted Brice to call in an independent expert, was the picture attached to the note.
Pulled out of the local paper, the photo showed Brice and Janna, holding shovels and accompanied by Mrs. Waltz from the Afterschool Program.
He instructed Tony to have an analysis performed on the note before he made any decisions. If Chester were elevating his threat level, then new measures would have to be taken, ones that perhaps even included bringing in the authorities. He hated to do so, because Chester was still family, and was clearly experiencing some hardcore mental anguish. But Brice couldn't ignore the threat, especially if, as his heart tried to deny, it in any way affected Janna's safety.
"The consultant confirms that the DNA on the note belongs to your cousin Chester." Tony paused for a few beats, and when Brice didn't respond, he continued. "It makes sense. You don't have any other enemies currently, at least none that would resort to physical threats against you. And your cousin's behavior has been growing more and more...unpredictable."
"He's gone off the deep end, you mean." Brice's laugh was harsh, tinged with regret. "I should have done something about this sooner. I just didn't expect this from him. But if he's going to threaten me...if he's going to threaten the people I care about, then something has to be done. Was the security team able to locate my cousin?"
"Not yet. He was evicted from his apartment in the city, and he hasn't been spotted at his father's home, which is now in foreclosure. None of the family members we contacted has heard from him either. They're still looking, though."
"Make finding him a priority. And arrange for heightened security around all the properties and at the mansion." Brice took a deep breath, wondering if he was going to regret the next order, but unable to withhold it, not if it meant putting Janna in danger. "And hire a full security detail for Ms. Puchina. I want them tailing her 24/7 beginning tomorrow when she returns to her residence."
"I'm sure Janna's gonna love that," Tony mumbled under his breath before he realized that Brice could hear him. "Uh, I'm sure Ms. Puchina will appreciate you looking after her safety."
Brice chuckled. "Riiight. Tony, make sure the security team watches over her, but for now, let's have them stay out of sight. No reason to upset Janna. I'm sure we'll find my cousin soon, so let's inconvenience her as little as possible."
Tony blew out his breath. "Whatever you say." His tone said he disapproved, and Brice knew Janna wouldn't appreciate his heavy-handed tactics, especially withholding information. But their relationship was at such a delicate stage. One false move and she'd bolt.
He knew she didn't think he was sincere in saying he wanted a real relationship with her. And he'd seen her reaction when he'd suggested, very reasonably, that she avoid Alex Drake. He couldn't imagine the fireworks when he told her she'd be escorted every hour of every day by a fully-armed security detail. She'd turn tail and run so fast; he'd get whiplash. Better to keep things quiet for now.
Brice ended the call and made his way back into the conference room, his thoughts in turmoil. He glanced at the time, then counted the hours until he'd see Janna again. Seeing her again, being with her again, seemed more imperative now than ever. The thought of something happening to tear them apart, or worse, of some harm befalling her, made his veins fill with ice water. He wouldn't be able to relax until he made sure she was safe, that she was content. That she was his.