Free Fall

CHAPTER ONE

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Some days Erica Tyler couldn’t believe her life.  She loved her job as office manager of Callahan Securities.  Her best friend and former boss, Cadence Callahan Hartman, was expecting her first baby and would soon be returning to Virginia for a visit.  And Erica was dating her new boss, Chris Callahan.  Everything was going great.

To actually say they were dating might be a misnomer.  Oh, all the elements were there:  handsome, charming successful man, willing woman, but since Chris had taken over as lead investigator at Callahan Securities, dates were a luxury that neither could afford. Understandably, since taking over as her boss, Chris had been working near 80 hours a week.  He’d been officially in charge for six months and in that time they’d managed to squeeze out a date a month. 

Erica didn’t mind.  It gave her time to get used to the idea of dating a very sexy and handsome man.  Chris was definitely that.  He was six feet of drop dead good looks.  His tall, lean frame came with brown curly hair and green eyes.  And she couldn’t forget that smile.  That was her weakness.  All he had to do was smile at her and she was putty in his hands.

Mondays were always busy in the office.  Today was no exception. Erica had to use all her skills of diplomacy not to go off on the man standing before her.  Men never listened to her.  Most likely equating her to the office lackey and had no knowledge of how the office actually ran.  Boy, was that wrong.  Somehow men looked past her, looking for an official representative of Callahan Securities. It wasn’t even nine in the morning and she was having to deal with crazy. 

I’m sorry, sir, but Ms. Callahan isn’t in the office currently.  I’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with Mr. Callahan for you, she said through gritted teeth. 

Where’s Cadence?  I want Cadence.  I don’t know who this Mr. Callahan is.  Is he even qualified?

Yes, Mr. Claremont.  He’s very qualified.  Like Ms. Callahan, he’s also a former government agent as well as being her brother.

Edward Claremont stared at her with steel gray eyes.  He straightened his six feet plus frame and took a deep breath.  Where’s Cadence?

"Ms. Callahan is out of town currently.  Would you like me to schedule an appointment for you with Mr. Callahan for later in the week?

I’ll wait.  This is really important.  I needed Cadence’s flair for discretion on this.  He took a seat on the leather couch in the corner. I’ll see your Mr. Callahan and will decide if I want him to handle my problem.

Great, Erica said through gritted teeth.  It was going to be one of those days.  She was so looking forward to a little peace and quiet, but no such luck.  Now this idiot was going to wait until Chris came into the office.  She needed caffeine.  Erica rose from her seat and walked to the coffee bar.  Would you like some coffee or tea, Mr. Claremont?

What I’d like is for your boss to walk through that door as soon as possible.

You and me both, Erica thought as she fixed her a mug of coffee.  She smiled as she poured hazelnut creamer in her coffee.  She inhaled the aroma of the coffee and it settled her rattled nerves.  The office phone rang before she was able to take a sip.  She carried her coffee back to her desk, and reached for the phone.  Callahan Securities, this is Erica, she said.

Hey baby, her boss said.  I‘m running a little late this morning.  Be there soon.  Any problems?

Yes, we’re open for business, she said. 

Chris chuckled.  Glad to hear you using my code phrases.  So someone is waiting to see me.  Must be an impatient future client?  He sighed.  So much for an intimate morning meeting.  I was so thinking about laying you across my desk and giving you my business.

Erica felt herself blushing at Chris’s visual.  Yes, sir, we close at five.  An after hours meeting will cost you extra.

Good. I’m so ready to pay.  See you in a minute.  He ended the call.

Erica placed the phone in its cradle. That man could get her engine going with just a few words, what would happen when the blessed event actually did happen?  Was she ready to explore that side of her boss?

If there was a down side to working with the object of his affection, Christian Callahan didn’t see it.  Except for days like this when a little harmless flirting had turned lusty.  He was just trying to turn her on, but he was the one nursing a hard-on while he drove to work. When was the last time that happened?  He shook his head in disgust. 

What had happened to him in the last six months? 

He grinned.  He knew exactly what had happened to him.  Erica.  She’d finally consented to date him.  It only took a little crawling and a lot of being the man he hadn’t known he was, but it was worth every minute of hell.  As a man of Irish and African American parents, he was blessed with good looks.  At the age of 28, Chris no longer dated a bevy of women.  He had settled on one. 

He always thought his brothers were crazy for giving up a variety of women to get married.  Now he could see what each one of them was up against.  His mother was right.  Sometimes love was a free fall and there was nothing he could do about it.  His heart wanted Erica and that was just that.  And right now he was definitely in a free fall. 

He turned into the parking lot.  He noticed Erica’s black Nissan Maxima and parked his Jaguar next to it.  Just imagining her pretty face greeting him, put him in a much better place.  He was ready to face the day.  Hopefully, it would be uneventful and he could take Erica out for a night of well deserved intimacy.

He walked inside the office, and smiled at Erica.  Good Morning, Erica.

She smiled at him.  Good morning, Mr. Callahan.  Her shoulder length black hair hung free about her shoulders.  Her blue silk blouse had just enough cleavage to drive him nuts.  She motioned toward a distinguished gentleman sitting impatiently on the sofa.  Mr. Claremont would like to speak with you.  I informed him that Ms. Callahan is currently of town.

He nodded.  Erica was always professional in the office.  Not so much as a kiss.  Chris hoped that would change real soon. 

Thank you, Erica.  He smiled at her.  Then he looked to the distinguished gentleman and everything slowly clicked into place.  This was Edward Claremont.  The terror of Capitol Hill. 

He walked toward the gentleman still seated on the leather sofa and extended his hand.  Hello, Mr. Claremont.  I’m Christian Callahan. I’m running Callahan Securities in my sister’s absence.

The man stood and shook his hand.  No smile.  I’m glad to see you finally made it into the office today.  He glanced at his gold Rolex watch, then back at Chris.  I have an urgent matter that needs attention.

Of course, Mr. Claremont.  Let’s talk in my office.  He motioned toward the closed office door.  As they walked passed Erica, he grinned at her.  She smiled back and made a face at the potential client.  There was hope for Erica yet.

Once the men were settled in the office, Chris sat behind his desk and faced Claremont.  How can I help you?

My nanny is missing.

Chris waited, but nothing more came.  So why do you need to find this nanny? 

She was a trusted family employee.  My children loved her and have been crying for her.

Lie. How long has she been missing?  He took out a pad and began to scribble down some information. 

About two months.

Police?

Claremont looked shocked.  What?

Have you called the police about your beloved nanny going missing eight weeks ago?

Claremont cleared his throat.  Of course not.  I can’t afford a scandal right now.  It would make me look like a hypocrite.  Here I am the chairman on the Alien Act, I can’t go to the police saying my undocumented nanny is missing.  That’s why I’m here.  I need you to find her, assess her condition, pay her some money, and then send her packing back to where she came from.

Chris mulled over Claremont’s statement.  So you’re saying this girl may be pregnant?

Possibly.

It was going to be one those days, he thought. Why don’t you start from the beginning?  Then I’ll let you know if I can help you.

What do you mean?

For the first time since this man sat in front of him, Chris smiled.  Let me rephrase that.  I know I can help you.  The question is, do I want to?

I’ll pay any price to keep this out of the media.

That I have no doubt.  Start talking. 

Claremont, who clearly was not used to having someone talk to him in such a manner, began his tale.  About six months ago, a few chairmen and I started having parties.  You know what kind of party I’m referring to.

Chris nodded.  Sex.

Right.  Anyway, I got my nanny involved about four months ago.  I told her if she wanted citizenship, this was what she’d have to do.  The first few times she was okay with it, but right before she took off, she refused to attend any more parties.

And that’s when your troubles started, Chris said.  He hated when innocent people were victims.  This idiot and his friends should be the victims. 

Exactly.  I haven’t seen or heard from her since the incident.  Just find her, and send her back.

Who was present at the incident?

My assistant and four chairmen.

I’ll need full disclosure from everyone about the incident.

My assistant was in the room most of the time. You can come to my office and interview him."

No, your assistant can come here.  I prefer no one, including you, know when I’m on Capitol Hill.  Chris fought against every nerve in his body to remain calm and not reach across his desk and punch this man.  When I start a case, I don‘t stop until it’s done.  So if you want me to find your nanny, I can do that, but I will also make sure that she’s taken care of.

Claremont nodded like a marionette. Like I said, money is no object.

Great.  You’ll need to bring a check for ten grand for the deposit.  Rates will be ten grand per day, plus any expenses I incur, such as travel, hotel, etc.  My assistant will have the contract ready when you and your assistant come back.

I can be back this afternoon.

I’ll check with my assistant and be in touch with the time.

Here’s my private number. He handed Chris a business card with one phone number printed on it.  I have your assurance this will not reach the press.

You have my assurance that I’ll find your nanny.  Whether it reaches the media will be up to you.

Claremont rose from his seat and shook Chris’s hand.  Thank you so much for being able to take the case.  With this election year coming up, I can’t afford adverse publicity.  Liberals are chomping at the bit to get me out of office.

Right, Chris said, leading him out of the office and bade him good-bye. 

After the office was silent again, he finally let out a breath.  He sat down in the seat across from Erica’s desk.  What a way to start the day!

Coffee?  She was already rising from her seat and heading for the coffee bar.  Looks like you need some serious caffeine.  That man has a lot of nerve.  I’m glad you charged his sorry behind double your standard fee.

He couldn’t help it.  He watched that sexy behind walk to the coffeemaker.  Something about a woman in a tight skirt and stilettos. You’ve been listening in again, Chris said. He was so glad he listened to his instinct s and installed the listening device in his office.  I’m glad you heard that mess.  We’re going to make a lot of money on that idiot.

So you are going to look for that girl?  Erica poured him a cup of coffee.  She put two sugars and one creamer in the hazelnut mixture, just the way he liked it.

Yes, just to satisfy my own curiosity.  Claremont was vague about a lot of things.  I can just imagine what those pervs did to that girl. Makes me sick to think about it.  His been on this alien campaign for the last eight years and now he’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

She walked to him and handed him the coffee.  Sounds like a lot more than that.  We’ll see when the smoke clears how much he was actually honest about.

Chris took a sip of coffee.  The hot liquid soothed his soul, much like Erica did.  Just talking to her about the crazy case, gave him so much insight about how to proceed.  I’d bet very little.  He hadn’t even given me the girl’s name, but I already know it.  Martina Santiago, called Mary by the Claremont family.

"That evil man couldn’t