CHAPTER 2 #3
“Is Madi ok?”
“Yeah, yeah. Look, I’m only calling because Madi won’t tell you what’s been going on and I think you should know. You’ve got connections so you should be able to sort it,”
“Sort what?” Matt asked at the pause in Dante’s words.
“Why are you using Madi’s mobile? Where is she?”
“She’s sleeping, and this was the only way I could get your number. Look, some asshole has been sending her some emails. Real messed up shit. She thinks it’ll blow over but it’s getting worse.”
Matt leaned over to turn the bedside lamp on.
“Pardon? What emails?”
“Stupid stuff, racist shit,” Dante exhaled loudly.
“Bad stuff. I can forward them to you if you give me your email address. Look, the only reason she’s getting these emails is because she’s with you. She doesn’t want to worry you because she doesn’t think it’s serious but some of the things in these emails…You need to make it stop. If you can’t, just let me know and I’ll take it to the cops or something because I don’t feel comfortable with what this asshole’s sending her.”
Matt inhaled and exhaled slowly before answering.
“Do you have a pen handy? I’ll give you my email address, forward them to me at once.”
“Are you going to sort it?” Dante asked curtly.
“Yes.” Matt replied coldly.
“There’s no need to involve the police, to do so would only risk further media attention. Are you ready to take down my email address?”
Matt gave Dante one of his private email addresses and stayed on the line while Dante forwarded the information.
Matt himself was now wide awake and currently turning on his own laptop which he had retrieved from the table where he worked last night.
“Have you got them?” Dante asked impatiently.
Matt held the mobile away from his ear and scowled at it for a second before responding.
“I’m logging on now.”
It was slightly amusing to Matt the way they both avoided addressing each other by name.
They were not friends and would never be friends, yet they both shared one very special common ground: Madi.
Thinking of her made Matt query, “How was last night’s performance?”
“Great. Another standing ovation, the audience loved it.” Dante replied, sounding at ease for the first time in their conversation.
“That’s good,” Matt said as he opened up the email and started glancing over it.
“Madi said the shows are all sold-” he stopped speaking, too shocked at the words on the screen.
“Hello?” Dante called.
“Hey, are you still there?”
Matt blinked slowly.
Growing rage and the desire to wring someone’s neck bubbled inside him as he asked tersely, “When did Madi start receiving these emails?”
“On the 18th.” Dante responded, once again sounding tense.
“And they keep getting worse. The last one made me nervous.”
Matt quickly scrolled down to the bottom of the email and scanned the words.
It was sickening…
and downright threatening.
This could not be allowed to continue.
“Thank you for notifying me of this,” Matt said, his tone dark as he started thinking of the next steps needed in order to resolve this problem.
“I will ensure something is done about it.”
Dante let out an audible sigh of relief.
“Good. That’s good. Madi doesn’t think it’s anything, she might be right. It could just be some nutter with too much time on their hands…just, just make it stop if you can.”
Matt could hear the nervousness in Palmer’s voice, he himself felt a touch of anxiety at the level of hate directed at his poppet in the emails.
“Consider it done.” Matt replied.
“Good.” Dante cleared his throat.
“Uh, and can we keep this between ourselves? Madi will kick my ass if she knew I came to you with this.”
“I won’t mention it,” Matt agreed.
“And send me any further emails that she receives.”
“Will do. Merry Christmas, by the way.”
“The same to you.” Matt replied, wanting to end the conversation now.
“You will fix this, right?” Dante asked.
“Because technically it’s your fault she’s in the spotlight like this. If she wasn’t with you this wouldn’t be happening.”
There were a number of cutting things Matt could say in response to Dante’s harsh words.
He held his tongue though.
Palmer was right.
Being in a relationship with him had stolen all obscurity away from Madi.
“I’ll fix it. Goodbye” Matt grated out before ending the call.
He uttered a foul curse and started reading the emails from the beginning.
Half an hour later he made a call to the investigator he was paying to monitor the Kincaid situation.
It didn’t matter it was Christmas morning.
The remuneration package for his services meant the investigator would do as asked when asked.
“Bradley here. I need you to look into something for me.” Matt said immediately when the call picked up.
“Of course, sir.”
“I’ve just sent you some emails. I want you to find out exactly who the originator is and from where it was sent.”
“Yes, Mr Bradley. Is that all?”
“No,” Matt said, jaw clenching in anger.
“But we’ll discuss the next steps once you have the information. Get it done. Now.”
“I will.”
Matt hung up the phone and begun to pace.
The threat of promised violence in the last email had indeed been worrying and even though a part of Matt knew it was probably some unknown wanker trying to scare her, he did not want to make the mistake of discrediting the seriousness of this development.
Palmer was right.
The tone of the emails had gotten very menacing, very fast.
Another expletive exploded from his lips as dialled another number on his mobile.
Why hadn’t she mentioned it to him?
Matt fumed silently as he waited for the other party to pick up.
“This is Matthew Bradley.” he said as soon as someone answered.
“I want to speak to Jonas. Now.”
“Please hold, Mr Bradley.” A pleasant female voice advised.
Moments later the emotionless voice of Jonas echoed down the line.
“Mr Bradley, what can I do for you?”
“Jonas, I need you to expedite my request concerning Madison DuMont.”
There was some rustling of papers in the background before Jonas responded slowly, “The man selected for the job is still out of the country. We did agree he would start the position in the new year, January 30th, to be precise.”
Matt didn’t say anything.
He let his silence speak for him.
“When would you like him to start, Mr Bradley?” Jonas asked after the loaded pause.
“Immediately.” Matt replied, running a hand through his unkempt hair.
“How long will it take for him to return to England?”
“Approximately seven hours, Mr Bradley. Once he’s arrived, I’ll personally brief him on his new position.”
“Good.” Matt said, hiding the relief he felt behind a cool voice.
“And remember, Jonas, he must remain in the background at all times. She must remain unaware of his presence, this is imperative. If anything changes I will let you know.”
“Of course, Mr Bradley. Is there anything else?”
“No. I appreciate you handling this personally, Jonas. You’ve always ensured the safety of my family and we’ve never had any reason to complain.”
“It’s my job. Would you also like to arrange a meeting with my man? To clarify any particular details?”
Matt rubbed his jaw pensively.
“That can be arranged once I’m back in England. Right now, I just want someone on her as soon as possible.”
“Consider it done. I’ll contact you once my man’s in place.”
“Thank you.” Matt replied and ended the call, before belatedly realizing he failed to wish Jonas a Merry Christmas.
“Bollocks.”
This was not something he wanted to wake up to.
It was bad enough he was still in Russia.
Now he had to deal with this problem.
Matt sighed and tossed his mobile on the bed before heading to the shower.
As the hot water cascaded over his naked form the anger returned.
Why hadn’t she told him about those emails?
Dante’s explanation of her thinking it would blow over and not wanting to worry him was unsatisfactory.
He had spoken to her almost every day since his trip to Russia and not once had she given any indication that something was wrong.
Bloody hell.
Her ongoing reluctance to confide in him was wearing on his nerves!
Then his blasted conscience reminded him there were things he kept from her, many things in fact.
It was an extreme double standard, the way he always pressured her to bare her soul to him at every instant while he kept secrets.
But he consoled himself it was done out of love, to protect her.
Never had he felt so protective over someone who was not related to him by blood.
God.
If anything ever happened to her…
Matt vigorously shampooed his hair, not wanting to dwell on such thoughts.
Instead he pictured her smile and the way her brown eyes lit up whenever he entered a room.
She was going to be his wife…
and soon.
A long engagement did not factor in his plans.
He was finally ready to become a husband, to commit to one woman alone.
Maybe even become a father?
His mouth curled up at the thought of her carrying his child.
Was it too late for him though?
Thirty-seven wasn’t old and he took great pains to keep himself in top physical form.
Many couples delayed having children anyway, of course their reasons were made by the need for greater financial security and career advancement.
Matt didn’t have those issues.
He simply hadn’t wanted children before.
Then there was their age difference, something he forced himself to ignore.
It made him uncomfortable, especially since he was her first lover; humph, he would be her only lover.
It wasn’t just the number difference, he worried his worldly past far outstretched hers.
Would she regret their relationship down the line?
Mourn the fact she never really had a chance to experience all the things people her age did?
Matt tried to quell his unease.
He knew his domineering personality had gotten them to this stage in such a relatively short space of time.
He demanded and she usually gave in to him, but he was trying his hardest to address that.
Hell.
He hadn’t kicked up a fuss over McGregor, even though he wanted to.
When she’d told him of McGregor’s actions it was all he could do to stop himself from getting on the jet and flying home.
Bloody man.
Who did he think he was fooling?
McGregor was trying to woo his woman and Madi was too kind-hearted to see it.
Her lack of relationship experience was apparent, but he couldn’t very well forbid her from speaking to the man.
The discussion they’d had after his Netherlands trip when he first raised the issue of her friendship with McGregor played on his mind.
His jealousy was a problem, he knew this…
Madi knew this.
And Matt didn’t want it driving a wedge between them.
He trusted her, he knew the thought of being unfaithful would never cross her mind.
Madi wasn’t that type of person.
McGregor though, ah, Matt would give him just enough rope to hang himself.
The moment he stepped out of line would be his undoing.
“Tosser.” Matt muttered as he rinsed the soap suds away.
“Scottish wanker.”
By the time he was changed, his mood varied between annoyance and frustration.
The investigator had yet to call back with an update.
Two hours later when Adam walked into his room, Matt’s disposition had worsened.
“Merry Christmas, Matty.” Adam greeted as he sauntered into the large living space.
“Have you ordered breakfast yet?”
Matt grunted under his breath and tugged the neck of his cashmere jumper in discomfort.
He glared at his silent mobile, willing the investigator to phone back.
“What’s wrong with you?” Adam asked in surprise, his grey-blue eyes travelled over his younger brother’s features.
“Don’t I merit a Christmas greeting?”
“Merry Christmas.” Matt grumbled before walking over to the sleek drinks cabinet.
He pulled out a bottle of chilled vodka and got himself a glass.
Adam’s eyebrows shot up.
“A bit early in the morning for vodka, don’t you think?”
“Well I need something stronger than tea.” Matt replied, pouring the clear liquid out before tossing it back.
Adam came over and got himself a glass.
Moments later he too downed a small shot of vodka.
“So? Are you going to tell me why you’re in such a bad mood?”
Matt narrowed his eyes at his brother and poured another drink.
He stared at the liquid in the glass, not yet consuming it.
“Besides the fact we’re stuck in Russia on Christmas morning?”
Adam let out an amused snort.
“Since when do you care about the festive season? Usually it’s with begrudging resignation you make an appearance at our parents’ home.” This time he chuckled out loud.
“Or perhaps this has something to do with a certain young lady back in England, mmm?”
“Sod off, Adam.” Matt growled then quickly drank the contents of his glass.
He absentmindedly rolled the glass around his hand.
She was never far from his thoughts.
“Have you spoken to your fiancée yet?” Adam asked, stressing the word.
Matt regarded him silently.
The small clenching of his jaw was the only indication that his brother should tread carefully.
Adam sighed and ran a hand through his wavy brown hair.
“It’s a simple question, Matt. No need to give me that look. I’ve already told you, if you want to marry her, go ahead. It’s your life.”
Matt visibly relaxed and put the empty glass down.
“It is my life, you’re right and no, I haven’t spoken to Madi yet. Today is her first day off since opening night, she’ll most likely be sleeping in.”
“It would have been nice to see one of her shows,” Adam mused, pouring himself another drink.
“Did Hannah mention she’s got tickets for the last night? She’s taking Stuart, I think she’s planning on interrogating your woman, Matty.”
“Stop calling me that, Adam,” Matt groused.
“You know I don’t like it.”
Adam grinned at him and sipped his drink.
“Are you ready to tell me what’s on your mind then? I know something’s bothering you. There’s a vein ready to pop out your forehead. Quite dangerous that.”
Matt shook his head at Adam’s brotherly teasing then confided, “Some worrying developments back home. Madi’s been receiving some emails.”
Adam lost all jovialness and frowned at him.
“Well, she’s in the public eye now, Matt. It’s to be expected.”
Matt rubbed both hands over his face and avoided his brother’s scrutiny.
It was his fault she was in the current position as it stood.
“Look,” Adam continued.
“She’s accessible to them. Madi isn’t like your usual women. She doesn’t have money and connections to hide behind, she’s just a normal woman going about her normal life. From the moment your relationship with her became public you knew this was going to happen. She doesn’t have the wall of protection people in our circles do.”
“I know this, Adam.”
“You proposed to her, that’s like oil on fire to the media.” Adam said with reproach.
“You did that yet you failed to put steps in place to protect her.” Matt’s mouth parted in surprise at his brother’s disapproval.
Before he could speak Adam continued with an arched eyebrow.
“It’s a modern day Cinderella story, an interracial Cinderella story in the media’s eyes, and Madi is still going about her life as if you’re just a normal man. You’re not, you are a Bradley and our family has always interested the media because we tend to keep our private lives, well, private.”
“I know this, Adam.” Matt replied curtly.
Adam snorted under his breath and shrugged.
“I like her, Matt. She’s…she’s different. You should have done more to keep your relationship from the prying eyes of the media, or at least done some damage control.”
Matt sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
“I asked her to move in with me, but she’s not too keen on doing that right now. I can’t do anything about her career, she’ll always be vulnerable when it comes to that. Bloody hell. The paps were lining the road to her premises when they found out we were engaged, and I still don’t know how they found out in the first place! She’s loathed to let our relationship change her day-to-day life-”
“You need to discuss that with her, Matt. If she’s going to be your wife, she’ll need to make some major changes in her life.”
“If?” Matt asked drily.
Adam rolled his eyes.
“When she becomes a Bradley, things will change drastically. You need to ensure she’s able to handle those changes, and for God’s sakes, get her to do her shopping online or employ someone to do these menial tasks for her. If I see another picture of her coming out of a supermarket or store, I’ll go mad.”
Matt let out a bark of laughter.
“Madi would never let me hire an assistant. She won’t even entertain the thought of a bodyguard.” His expression darkened then and Adam immediately noticed.
They were close after all.
“What?” he asked pointedly.
Matt didn’t answer.
He walked over to the table where his laptop rested and beckoned his brother over.
“Read that.” was all he said.
Adam picked up the laptop, eyes moving rapidly as he read.
He paused once or twice, shooting Matt an alarmed look.
When he finished, he simply put the laptop back on the table and sighed.
“You need to call Jonas.” Adam said after a few minutes.
“I have.” Matt replied, gaze focused on his brother’s face.
“I’m not overreacting then?”
Adam shook his head.
“No, you’re not. That…those things are vile, Matt. Even if it’s just some tosser spouting nonsense…I’d feel better if you had someone on Madi.”
Matt nodded in relief.
Adam agreed with him, he wasn’t overreacting.
“It’s being arranged. The only problem is she can’t know, she’s adamant about this issue. She believes it’s pretentious and unnecessary.”
“It is pretentious, but completely necessary. Remember when the girls were ten? If Hannah and Stuart hadn’t taken the required steps to ensure their safety-”
“I know, Adam. I was there.” Matt grumbled.
The memory of Hannah’s face when Jonas had notified her of a possible kidnap threat was forever etched in his mind.
The twins still had people watching out for them, they knew it was a necessity and rarely complained.
“We protect our family, Matt. It’s our responsibility and if - when you marry Madi, the same rules apply.”
Matt sighed.
“I know, I know. She’s not going to be happy about it though.”
Adam shrugged and wandered over to the large windows.
“She’ll get used to it. Have you two set a date?”
“Not as yet.” Matt hedged, not wanting Adam to know Madi was strenuously avoiding the date issue.
Any other woman would be eager to get him down the aisle as soon as possible.
Not his poppet though.
Matt needed to change the topic.
“What about you? How is your love life?”
Adam chortled at his brother.
“Busy.”
“Yes.” Matt mused with a knowing smirk.
“I’m sure it is. You should settle down, Adam, you’re not getting any younger.”
Adam’s grin didn’t waver but Matt saw the flash of regret in his brother’s eyes as he said, “Marital bliss isn’t for everyone. Look at our own bloody parents.”
Matt peered at him.
“Do you miss her? Caitlin, that is. Do you miss her at all?”
Adam turned back towards the window, shoulders drooping slightly.
“Ah, sometimes, but it’s been what? Almost five years? I made my choice and she made hers, it’s the past.”
Matt felt pity for him.
And immense gratitude that the woman he loved was waiting back home for him.
“God. I can’t wait to go home.”
Adam turned around with a chuckle.
“Missing your poppet?” he teased.
“Yes,” Matt replied without hesitation.
“I bloody well am.”
“She is petite, isn’t she?” Adam continued to tease.
“In comparison to you I mean, how do you fit your-”
“Shut up, you twat.” Matt cut him off with a shake of his head and a good-natured grin.
“Right then,” Adam smoothed his brown hair back.
“Shall we order room service or have breakfast in the restaurant?”
“Whichever you prefer, Adam.” Matt said, attention going to his mobile.
“I need to make a few calls.” He grabbed up his phone and walked away.
First he would call the investigator to check where things stood.
Then he would call his woman.
He needed to hear her voice.
He needed to go home.