Half

HALF

Elise VanCise

ISBN: 9781476296517

Copyright Elise VanCise 2008/ 2012 Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form is forbidden without written permission of the author PO Box 974, Altoona, FL 32702

Dedication:

This edition is dedicated to Rose Mangrobang. My Sis, my best friend, on some days keeper of my sanity. Thanks Sis for being there through it all.

Chapter 1

Thunder rolled and echoed through the sky as Valeska dressed for the evening. She had on her favorite black pants suit, with a sliver antique cameo broach on the collar. Once the final touches were done with her makeup, she headed downstairs.

Va-va-va-vooom. Was her greeting when she reached the office floor. Travis was her tech man, and thought he was the original Texas stud.

Where's Marc? She asked as she headed for the weapons closet. It was more a room at eight by ten feet. Valeska picked out a 9mm semi-automatic, tucked into a shoulder holster under the suit jacket, and throwing knives that slipped into her waistband.

Travis was leaning against a desk opposite the doorway. Not expecting any trouble tonight are we, V?

Valeska exited the room as she gathered her keys. That's what we're hired for, to expect trouble. Where's Marc?

Travis saw that she was going to be all business tonight. He's already there making sure all the 'precautions' are in place. Valeska nodded; she could rely on Marcus Zane come hell or high water to see that a job was done right. Good, let's go to work.

Valeska Gorstef was the owner and head security agent of Black Knight Securities; personal protection, bail bonds, bounty hunting, etc. Tonight, they were hired to protect the CEO of Blaze Enterprises, Alex Blazen.

There had been several death threats against him, specifically at tonight's charity event. Marc had handled the preparations for the event, so all she had to do was show up and follow Blazen around while he schmoozed.

She liked that part. Valeska didn't like to fuss with all the details of preparation. Just let her get there and do her job. Basically, she wasn't a people person.

The Blaze Enterprises building was a modern wonder of steel and glass. They had arrived a little early; the event started at seven giving them time for things to go wrong, as the Texan would say. Marc met them at the door. Travis looked up as he unloaded his equipment bag from the SUV. He looks pissed.

Valeska sighed as she followed Travis's line of sight. Marc was the opposite of easy-going Travis. Marcus Zane looked like the typical bodyguard; big muscles, square face, short brown hair, eyes to match and at six feet four, very intimidating. Problem, Marc? Marc was a pure professional, always kept his cool but hated anything that would screw up his schedule.

Nothing major, he said shaking his head. There are only two people on their security team with any real experience. Most are green; when Trav gets patched in we need to rerun checks on them all. Real experience for Marc was ex-cop or military.

Valeska frowned, Someone tweak your radar?

Marc shook his head. Naw, just don't like rent a cop kids.

She patted him on the shoulder and headed for the elevator. As the doors opened the lights flickered; the storm outside began to build. Great.

She headed for the secretary's desk and was pleased to see the guard by the door and that he was awake. I'm here to see Mr. Blazen, Valeska Gorstef.

The secretary looked to be in her sixty's very neat in her dress and work space. She smiled that 'customer service' smile. He's been expecting you Ms. Gorstef. Go right on in. The guard opened the door as she approached.

The office was huge and luxurious, with ancient tapestries and sculptures, fine rugs and antique furnishings. At a large meeting table sat two men, one of which rose to greet her. He was tall with dark shoulder length hair and she could tell he worked out but not overly. However, what gave him that handsome brilliance were his eyes, they were an emerald window to his soul. Ah, Ms. Gorstef. I'm glad to finally meet you! He shook her hand gently.

The other man now stood, Valeska nodded to him coolly. Mr. Marsh, I see you are well.

Blazen looked puzzled. You know each other?

Gavin Marsh was the typical rich guy, all flash and fashion, his blond hair was combed back, his blue eyes sparkling in the lamplight. Marsh bowed to her as in the days of old. Yes, it seems like a hundred years since our last meeting, Ms. Gorstef.

Valeska tried to remain detached but there is nothing like rubbing salt in a wound. At least that long ago, Mr. Marsh.

With a snide expression, Marsh turned toward his host. Alex, I will leave you in her capable hands. Please consider my offer. Blazen shook his hand as they walked toward the office door.

I will look through your proposal but I don't think it's going to change my mind.

Marsh smiled and it looked forced. Please let me know your final decision as soon as possible.

When the door shut behind him, Alex Blazen sighed heavily with relief and Valeska eyed him curiously. He smiled shyly. Sorry, I know it's not very professional but that guy just gives me the creeps. He walked over to the cabinet where bottles of fine liquors were lined. Would you like a drink? I need one.

Valeska noticed with interest that he poured himself not the brandy she expected, but a cup of coffee and added a spoonful of cream and half a packet of sweetener. He folded the packet over and set it aside for next time.

No thank you. My crew is doing the final set up and checks. He finally settled on a sofa in a sitting area of the office. Valeska walked over to one of the tapestries there, though it was very old the colors were still vivid and most of the fine stitches were still tight. She remembered this pattern; it depicted Mt. Olympus and she wondered if Mr. Blazen fancied himself a god.

She felt him shift behind her. That is one of my favorite pieces of the collection.

Valeska turned to him.

It's still very beautiful. He watched her as she admired the piece as if she had seen it before. Still, that is an interesting choice of words. Especially considering the age of the piece.

It was woven about the mid 1300's.

Yes, he could not keep the surprise out of his voice. Damn, she had to stay focused Marsh had rattled her.

Mr. Blazen has there been any changes to the guest list since we received it this morning?

He recovered his stature as well. No, no additions. Everyone should be here setting up as instructed by Mr. Zane. He is very … efficient. Valeska couldn't help the small smile that played at the corner of her mouth; Marcus Zane was efficient bordering on anal.

Yes, he is very reliable. I should let you finish getting ready for the event. I'll be waiting outside.

Alex Blazen smiled all the way to his eyes. Sure, I won't be long, I just need to change and fax this proposal to my board. Valeska nodded and stepped into the foyer.

When the door shut, Alex kicked himself. A beautiful woman walks in and you turn into a babbling fool! As he dressed, he couldn't get the image of her face as she looked at the tapestry out of his mind. She couldn't have seen it before tonight. The only other home it had was a castle in Europe; it had hung there since the mid 1300s.

Valeska called Marcus as soon as she left Balzen's office. Marc what's your location?

I'm back in the lobby. So far all the employee checks are clear.

Good. Make sure Gavin Marsh has left the building. He left Balzen's office about five minutes ago.

Yeah, he's here in the lobby making some calls. I'll make sure he is tossed before the guests start to arrive.

Valeska had that heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach that usually meant it was going to be a long night. Thanks Marc, just don't let him out of your sight until his limo speeds away.

Balzen's office was on the tenth floor the waiting area was floor to ceiling glass. The view was breathtaking, as the sky darkened with the dying light and the storm clouds gathered. Maybe it will pass, just rumble and go away. Like an answer from heaven lighting flashed and thunder clapped, then rain began pelting the glass. Valeska closed her eyes and felt the rhythm of the drops through the cooling glass.

She felt movement behind her and smelled Balzen's cologne, heard him take in breath to speak. I've always loved the rain, he said. Though I'm sure it can make your job more difficult, Ms. Gorstef.

She turned to him, his suit was charcoal black and he wore a deep green colored shirt that darkened his eyes, no tie. Before she drifted over her personally drawn line, Valeska responded. It can. We should get down stairs your guest will be arriving soon.

He nodded and they got on the elevator. The event was being held in the atrium on the first floor. Too much glass for comfort but there was also a lot of security to cover the area. Travis greeted them as the doors slid open. Party favor for ya, V.

He handed her an earpiece and clipped the tiny mike under her lapel. Mr. Blazen this is my Tech wizard, Travis Criton. They shook hands.

Pleased to meet you sir. V, I'm waiting on two reports to come back yet but all the others have checked out.

Let me know as soon as they come back. Travis left to run his final tests as Alex gestured for Valeska to go in before him. Mr. Blazen, I appreciate your being a gentleman but please just pretend I'm not here. I'm your shadow tonight, you don't need to introduce me to anyone or worry about my comfort. I'm your protector, not your date.

He seemed a little ruffled but smiled, nodded and went into the reception area. She kicked herself, ease off girl, don't be such a witch.

The guests flowed through the reception lines. Valeska noted each one. An hour and a half later Blazen was moving through the crowd thanking them for coming and for their generous donation for the Children's Adoption Fund. Valeska was impressed as he greeted each patron by name, remembering the smallest detail to ask about.

He tried to resist the urge to look back at her. When he would wonder where she was, his shadow, he would catch glimpses of her as he turned his head or her reflection in the glass. Otherwise, she was a ghost, a spirit passing in and out of the mass. None of the guest even noticed her following him around.

It was about eleven o'clock when the party started to break up. Valeska was off to the side of Blazen as he bid Goodnight to Mr. and Mrs. Pulaski. As they walked away, he turned to her. I know it's a no-no, but you've been following me all night, would you like something to eat or drink?

Valeska tried to see through his intentions. No thank you, Mr. Blazen. I'm fine.

He handed her a glass of punch. "Call me Alex, please. I would feel better if you at least had something