Underworld Lover (A Guardian Angel Romance #2) by haron Hamilton Page A

wondered who could get him the information he needed: where Peter had come from, who his sponsor was, and what he had been doing since the turning.
    “You up for a little special mission of my own?” Josh asked her.
    “I guess.”
    “I want to learn about him. If he’s as dangerous as you say, shouldn’t I be prepared?”
    “You should. You definitely should, Josh.” She continued to nod. “Besides, I’m kind of intrigued myself.”
    They were silent for a few minutes. Josh had to remind himself to slow down several times before they got to Beau Bradley’s long driveway. Josh pulled up in front of the house, parked, and turned off the car, but before he could exit, Audray’s hand grasped his forearm.
    “Josh, I want to do it. I’ll help you, as long as it doesn’t cause any trouble for me, you understand?”
    “Completely. Thank you, Audray.” He leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek.
    Audray smiled at this little gesture before she commented. “And besides, I think he likes me.”

Chapter 14
     
    Beau Bradley’s house on top of the hill was well lit. This didn’t mean he was awake, since he was fond of crashing anywhere the alcohol or drugs abandoned him. Loud Spacetravelers music was blaring on two six-foot outdoor speakers, aimed at the front door, but placed next to the turquoise pool overlooking the upper end of San Francisco Bay, Sausalito and Tiburon. The front door was made of copper in need of a polish. When there was no answer, Josh tried the lock. The handle didn’t budge, so Josh and Audray walked through it after first checking their surroundings to be sure no one else would see this feat.
    Inside the house, it was almost a relief not to hear the blaring music. Josh wondered how the neighbors put up with it. Perhaps it was true after all, living next to these celebrities added value to their own real estate. Sort of bought their loyalty.
    “Beau?” Josh called his name out several times. There still was no answer.
    “I’m going upstairs,” Audray volunteered. “I’m kinda used to this.” She danced up the steps to the upper floor.
    Josh used the quiet to look around the home, which seemed like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks. A banquet of dirty dishes was stacked in the kitchen sink and on the granite countertops. A half-opened tin of cat food was dry, its contents stinking up the downstairs. A woman’s sweater hung from one of the black lacquer dining room chairs. Other articles of clothing were spread out over other pieces of furniture.
    “Josh!” The alarm in Audray’s voice called Josh to action. Instead of taking the steps, he willed himself upstairs to stand at the double-door entrance to Beau’s bedroom. The bed was a mess; black satin sheets were spilled onto the floor.
    “Josh! Quick, up here.” He heard Audray’s voice again, echoing off the granite in Beau’s bathroom. He heard the water running.
    Beau Bradley was passed out on the stone floor and was perhaps dead. He was getting blue. Josh put a hand on his neck and felt a faint pulse.
    “Shit. I think he’s tanking.” Audray ran to the phone.
    “What are you doing?”
    “Calling 911.”
    “I don’t think he’ll make it that long. We’ve got to get him to the hospital immediately. Or, we could just let him go.”
    “No. He’s mine!”
    “Not for long, my dear.”
    “Can’t you transport him?”
    “No time. He’s almost gone.”
    Audray handed Josh the phone. “Here, you call them. I can do CPR.” 
    As Josh talked to the dispatcher, he watched Audray out of the corner of his eye as she pumped Beau’s chest and breathed into his mouth after pinching off his nose. It never occurred to him this would be an option. Audray worked hard on Beau. He was beginning to get some pinkness in his lips when the siren sound of the rescue squad pierced the air.
    Audray went with Beau in the ambulance while Josh locked up the house, then followed at a leisurely pace.
    At Marin General two hours later,