Leopard 04 - Wild Fire

from my grandfather that this occurred, but Harry was there with his shotgun to make certain she was safe.” There was a hint of impatience in her tone and she tapped her foot, frown lines etched deep into her forehead and around her mouth. “She was never in any danger.”
    “The bodies buried there?”

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    “Clearly Philip Sobre’s. My security man had nothing to do with the bodies. Unless you’re implying my grandfather had his own burial plot there.” She laughed gaily as if she’d made a wonderful joke. “It was so sad about Philip, don’t you think? The police are questioning everyone, but they think a parent of one of the women got to him. The guests saw him throughout the rest of the evening and even after I left. He locked up his house after the party ended, and they believe his killer was hiding inside.”
    “How terrible,” Marcos murmured approvingly. “Although if he did kill the young men and women they’re finding in his garden, I can hardly blame the parent.”
    Isabeau shivered and Alberto patted her hand again.
    Elijah frowned. “Still, Imelda, it would be a good faith gesture to allow me to have a word with your security man.”
    Imelda scowled. “He’s gone.”
    Elijah’s eyebrow shot up. “Gone?” He sounded skeptical.
    “He threatened to kill my grandfather,” Imelda said, her face revealing her true personality. All trace of beauty was gone, leaving a mask of twisted malevolence. “Did you think he would stay around to see what I would do to him? I have a certain reputation for protecting my own. The man worked for me and he betrayed me over a . . .” She bit off an obvious insult.
    Two spots of color appeared high in Isabeau’s cheeks, but she didn’t raise her head. Elijah, however, took a threatening step toward Imelda. Instantly Rio and Felipe moved with him, facing Imelda’s security guards.
    Alberto rolled his chair between his granddaughter and Elijah. “Imelda had no intention of insulting your family, Elijah, or anyone you care about. She’s very distraught that a man we trusted betrayed our family.
    She gave you her word your woman would be safe with me, and we both believed it. Zorba not only betrayed us, but it appears he killed his partner as well. I apologize on behalf of our family and assure you that everything that can be done to find this man and bring him to justice is being done by my granddaughter.”
    Imelda, for the first time, sent a small smile toward her grandfather. “He always reminds me of my manners. Living the way I do, running such a big business, I tend to lose the small courtesies that count.
    I’m sorry, Elijah.” She inclined her head like a princess.
    Elijah allowed a small smile to slip out, bowing slightly in a courtly manner. “I have the same problem, but with no grandfather to remind me.”
    “Please sit down and make yourselves comfortable. Your men can relax a little.” Imelda gestured toward the most comfortable chairs.
    Conner, Felipe, Rio and Leonardo spread out, covering the entrances, stationing themselves where they had a good view of every direction through the windows.
    “My men are the best,” Marcos said. “I like to use family, men I know who are loyal to me and mine.
    Men with a stake in my success.”
    Imelda sank into a chair, her greedy gaze on Conner’s face, devouring him with her eyes. “You should count yourself very lucky, Marcos. Unfortunately, I have no family left other than my grandfather.” She picked up an ivory fan and coquettishly began to fan herself, using an idle indolence that was purely feigned for Conner’s benefit. She wore a skirt and blouse that showed off her figure and when she crossed her legs, allowed her thighs to show off to their best advantage.
    “Come, my dear,” Alberto said. “With Elijah’s permission, we’ll go out to the garden. Bring your drink with you.” He turned his head. “Harry.”
    The man came striding in, shooting Isabeau a wide smile. “He’s going to take you to his little paradise, is he? Prepare to hear a dissertation on every plant.”
    “Elijah?” Isabeau turned to him.
    Elijah tapped his finger on his chair and then looked at Conner, indicating he follow her to the garden before nodding his permission. Imelda looked instantly dismayed, while a wide, grateful smile curved Isabeau’s mouth. Elijah shrugged. “Neither of us will be distracted while we talk.