Love Never Dies by Loren Lockner Page A

father had been a breeder of the furry dogs, and when I mentioned what kind of puppy I’d chosen, she agreed you could have one, declaring the Keeshond is the most noble of dogs since it rarely barks and is always polite to strangers and other dogs. We’ll pick up your present on the sixth since the puppy will be eight weeks old. I just hope Angie doesn’t mind her roommate receiving a Christmas present that isn’t housebroken.”
    “She better not mind,” growled Julia , looping her arms affectionately around his neck and giving him a long sweet kiss. Seth enjoyed the first kiss so much he bent his lips down for another until the distant shrill jar of his cellular phone caused him to flinch.
    “Saved by the bell,” he chuckled , and gently moved Julia from his lap onto the soft leather cushions of the sofa. “Now just don’t forget where we were. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
    He dashed to his cell phone which rested upon the mahogany dresser next to his bed. It was Mandy Gaskill.
    “We’ve got a tail on Ad am Gable,” she said without preamble, “and I just wanted you to know that your cousin Lucas is safe and has been moved to another province in Canada, though I have no inkling as to where that might be.” Seth gave a sharp sigh of relief.
    “If anything I think we’ve bought you some time. We’re going to tail this Gable fellow and find out what his game is. I still wouldn’t be surprised if he’s after your vehicle.”
    Seth gave what could only be classified as a dismissive grunt. “I have my doubts about that.”
    “Anyway I want you to watch yourself. You have a weapon?”
    “Yes,” said Seth slowly.
    “Then I suggest you start packing it. One can’t take their own security for granted. Like I said, we’ll tail him and do the best we can to keep you safe until we find out what is going on. Have you told the woman?”
    “You mean Julia,” he said softly, her very n ame a caress upon his lips. “No I haven’t. I’ll wait until I get your final report. Just keep my cousin safe.”
    “And regarding the other party? What do you want me to do about him?”
    Seth gave a sharp intake of breath. “Don’t move on that at the present moment. And whatever you do, don’t tell Lucas what’s happening. Let him live thinking I’m safe. Promise me that okay?”
    “He, as well as all your family, has a right to know,” said Mandy stiffly.
    “ Neither he, nor anyone else for that matter, has a right or a need to know. You and Angus promised me to keep all this quiet and I’m going to hold you to that. I’ll stay in touch.”
    “I’d like you to fax me tomorrow with all the n ames of people employed at your firm, even though we may have already checked them out; we’re going to double check again. And Seth, the woman you’re involved with, do you think you could possibly see a little less of her or maybe...?”
    “When hell freezes over! Whatever you’re contemplating just put it out of your mind! There’s no way I’ll stop seeing Julia Morris, now or ever. And about my tail Stan Garten? He needs to reveal himself to me so I know friend from foe. Tomorrow morning, at seven a.m., I’ll make a trip to the mini-mart at Cornwall and Fifth to buy a newspaper. Have him relate the code word to me so I have a face to go with the name.”
    “Got it,” said Mandy, deciding she’d gotten off easy, and hung up on the phone.
     
     
    The next morning Julia barely stirred as Seth kissed her on the forehead. She opened her eyes languidly.
    “You sleep , love; I’m just whisking off to get a newspaper. When I return, I’ll make you breakfast in bed. Would you like that?”
    Julia sighed and reached a finge r up to caress his cheek. “I’ll be waiting,” she answered sleepily before drifting off once again.
    The Quick Stop was already busy for a Sunday morning. At 7 a.m. Seth moved to the magazine section and browsed the sports and car magazines, keeping a watchful eye upon the stream of