When Day Breaks

“Thank you,” Eden murmured.

Underneath the blanket, Eden’s hand slid over Swanny’s leg as if seeking reassurance from his touch. Uncaring of how it appeared to the others, Swanny slipped his hand over hers, laying it atop hers so that it was trapped between his leg and his palm.

She immediately relaxed, and some of the anxiety eased from her forehead and the tight lines around her lips disappeared.

They questioned not only Eden but the entire team for the better part of four hours. Swanny could tell it was taking its toll on Eden, but he wanted it done with. The investigators questioned why she had such an extensive security team and if there had been serious threats made against her.

They frowned upon learning Eden had received a close call so recently, but Joe explained that the shooter had been arrested and charged and that the tighter security was simply a guard against possible copycat occurrences given the media coverage of the shooting in Boston.

The investigators seemed to become increasingly frustrated because while every question was answered, the responses were purposely vague, not volunteering anything more than what the investigators asked. On the surface they appeared completely cooperative and forthcoming, but it was clear the investigators were getting nowhere in their minds.

As the end of the fourth hour approached, just when Swanny was about to call an end to the entire thing, the investigators finally stood and gave their thanks for their cooperation and promised to follow up if any leads turned up.

Eden’s shoulders sagged in obvious relief. Swanny wasn’t sure how she’d made it this far without collapsing. She had to be exhausted and was still reeling from all Swanny had told her. He wanted to get her to bed and then meet with his team to determine their next course of action.

Sam would need to be called in with the latest developments so he could relay the information to the team tracking the source of the threat. And though he’d certainly made it clear to Eden that she was in no way obligated to call her father, Eddie Sinclair would have to be notified. Once he learned of the event—and he most assuredly would hear of it—he’d want to barge over, and that would only draw more attention to Eden and compromise her safety. It may even be the killer’s motive. To draw out Eddie and set up a scenario where Eddie had to witness his daughter’s death.

Eden would sleep tonight, but Swanny and the others wouldn’t. There was too much to sort through and decisions to be made in regard to Eden’s protection.

CHAPTER 28

THE next morning, Swanny’s team had gathered in Eden’s suite to discuss the day’s events and schedule. They’d spent the entire night tirelessly setting into motion plans for Eden’s protection. Joe had contacted the director and the executives at Aria and had arranged to reconvene to an undisclosed location for the shooting to resume. In turn, the filming crew had spent the night relocating and setting up. The security was tightened and more added, but only KGI would have direct access to Eden and be in charge of her transportation and handling.

Swanny was reluctant to expose Eden in any manner, but she’d been firm when she said “the show must go on” and that she wouldn’t allow some ass**le with a grudge to dictate her life or ruin her career. He had to admire her determination even as it scared the shit out of him.

There were two more days of filming before the launch party, and the very last thing Swanny wanted was a repeat of the last time Eden had ventured out for an event. But Eden was adamant that filming wouldn’t be delayed and the launch party would be held as scheduled. Too much time and planning had been put into this campaign, and Eden refused to be the one responsible for its delay.

Joe had reported in to Sam, who had relayed the intel to Rio’s team, which was taking the lead on tracing the source of the threat. Not that KGI had ever taken the threat to Eden lightly, but Sam was even more determined to track down the bastard and take him out. He called in Steele and his team and put them on the job along with Rio’s team so they could cover more ground and dig deeper, flushing the ass**le out from underneath his rock.

And oddly, when Swanny himself had called Eden’s father, Eddie’s response hadn’t been one Swanny had expected. He hadn’t lost his shit. Hadn’t freaked the f**k out and boomed out that he and his sons would be on the next flight to Paris. He’d even agreed with Swanny that for now he and his sons should stay put and not risk giving the attacker what he may likely want. The Sinclairs together. Eddie had agreed that it would be putting Eden in more danger and had signed off on KGI’s handling of the situation. That phone call still twisted Swanny’s gut, and his senses were screaming at him that something was decidedly off. But he put that away, because his focus wasn’t on Eddie or whatever the hell he was thinking. Swanny’s sole priority was Eden.

Eden had just come from the bathroom after dressing for the day of filming when a pounding on the door put everyone on alert.

Swanny immediately drew his gun and headed for the door, his team on his six. He checked the peephole, stunned to see Hancock standing outside, a murderous expression on his face.

What the f**k? What was Hancock doing here? And why? Any time Hancock made an appearance trouble was usually in his wake, and Swanny’s hackles immediately rose.

“Hancock,” he mouthed to the others.

The what-the-fuck looks abounded, matching his own reaction. Hancock pounded on the door again and it was clear he wasn’t going anywhere.

Swanny held up his hand and motioned for Edge and Skylar to take the other side of the door while Nathan and Joe stood just behind Swanny, and Swanny reached to unlock the door.