Accidental Bodyguard by Sharon Hartley Page A

island is buzzing about?” Marsali asked.
    â€œYes,” Jack replied. His jaw tightened, which by now Claudia knew meant he wasn’t happy. “I didn’t know that was common knowledge.”
    â€œAmericans are such gossips,” Marsali said with an offhand wave. “Do you want to move in with me, cherie ? He couldn’t find you at my house.”
    Claudia blinked back unexpected tears, experiencing a rush of gratitude that this woman, a stranger really, would be so kind. But of course Marsali didn’t know what she was offering, the danger her generosity would bring down on her household.
    â€œNo,” Claudia whispered. “I couldn’t do that. But thank you.”
    Marsali nodded. “Then you must remain here, Jackson. If this man is managing to get aboard the ferry, you must personally guard Louise all night.” She turned back to Claudia. “Jack is an expert in martial arts, a black belt.”
    â€œThanks for the security advice,” Jack said.
    â€œYou are quite welcome.” Marsali moved to her fur, took a pink business card from a pocket and returned to Claudia. “This is my cell number. Call me anytime. Even if you just want to chat.”
    Claudia looked down at the card, which contained Marsali’s first name and a phone number in a lovely, flowing script. The same fragrance emanating from its owner floated up from the card.
    â€œThank you,” Claudia said.
    â€œBut of course, cherie . We women must stick together.”
    Claudia glanced at Jack. He watched Marsali with hands on his hips and narrowed eyes.
    â€œNow, I really must be off or risk being late,” Marsali said. “Do you require something else, Jackson?”
    â€œJust your promise not to mention Louise.”
    â€œOui.” Marsali placed an expertly manicured hand over her heart and said, “I promise to tell no one about Louise.”
    Jack held up the fur, and Marsali slipped her arms into the sleeves.
    â€œThanks for coming, Marsali.”
    â€œMy pleasure.” She patted Jack’s cheek with her long, graceful fingers, and exited in a sweep of expensive perfume.
    Jack moved to the monitor, and Claudia followed him. Marsali appeared on the screen and gracefully entered a long, black limo just outside the gate. Of course she wouldn’t drive around in a golf cart. Not Marsali. A uniformed chauffeur—complete with a hat—closed the door and disappeared.
    When the limo drove out of sight, Jack relocked the gate and armed the security system.
    â€œDon’t worry about the chauffeur,” Jack said. “He’s been with the Winthrops for years and is very well paid.”
    Claudia nodded. “Do you believe her?”
    â€œYes,” Jack said. “She didn’t mention you to anyone. And she wouldn’t forget. She’s not that kind of woman.”
    â€œSo you know her well?” Claudia couldn’t resist asking. Even I’m entranced by her, for heaven’s sake. She’s like a force of nature.
    Jack smiled. “Let’s just say I know what kind of woman she is.”
    Part of Claudia longed to pursue that comment, but now was not the time to worry about Jack’s relationship with the enigmatic Marsali. He wasn’t her boyfriend. Just someone she hoped would help her. Would he?
    â€œSo how did they find me?”
    Obviously deep in thought, Jack stared into the monitor, which now only showed the gate. “Could they have planted a tracking device somewhere?”
    â€œI didn’t take anything from my apartment. I even destroyed my old cell phone.”
    â€œWhat about your car? I got the impression you’ve had that vehicle awhile.”
    She nodded. “I can’t afford a new one, but I looked for a bug if that’s what you mean. I even crawled underneath with a flashlight.”
    â€œDid you have the car swept?”
    â€œSwept,” she whispered, horror dawning. Oh, my