Chapter 6
AIDEN
W hile I appreciated good conversation as much as the next bloke, Kiernan’s near constant chatter was frying my brain cells.
Maybe it was a good idea we were heading back to the ship because I needed quiet. And sleep.
And a smack upside my head.
Alex’s bossy tone had fired me up.
He was so different from Jared, yet very similar. Both men had hidden depths I was drawn to. Too much so.
And stupid me, I couldn’t stop flirting with them. I was playing with matches, ready to light a big fucking bonfire.
But the timing, and the men, were all wrong.
One was my client, the other was my client’s employee.
I shouldn’t be having filthy thoughts about either of them.
In part because I guessed that Alex had feelings for Jared that he didn’t dare entertain. I saw the way he watched the movie mogul. Not in a methodical ‘I’m looking out for your safety’ kind of way but ‘I want to get you alone and do dirty things to you’.
And something more. Was Alex in love with Jared? Quite possibly.
And in no way was I going to interfere with that.
I don’t know why I was even entertaining these thoughts. It’s not like I had a hard time finding a willing body to fuck. One that I’d never have to see again.
The problem was that casual was getting boring.
Never ever would I admit that out loud. But it was true.
While I always enjoyed a new, eager man to explore, the lack of real passion and connection was starting to make itself known.
A decade of steeling myself against such things began to crumble around me.
And the timing couldn’t be worse. I was edgy, restless, and ready to tempt fate by making a move on a man—or two in my case—that I couldn’t avoid for the foreseeable future. That was just asking for trouble I didn’t need.
Not smart, Aiden.
Our driver dropped us off at the port, and I had to admit that I was looking forward to a hard drink and a soft bed.
Charlie, the first officer on Now, Voyager , was talking to another crew member, the deck all but deserted at nearing on 10 p.m., save for Alex’s security staff roaming about.
“Permission to board?” I asked as Kiernan and I made our way over the plank and onto the deck.
“Of course,” Charlie replied with a big smile. “You’re back early.”
Charlie, like Jared (and every American I’d ever met), had such a bright, shiny smile I was nearly blinded. He was a handsome bloke with dark eyes and a slick undercut, but he was far too chipper for my liking.
Or maybe that was just my jet lag kicking in.
“I got booted off the set. My bodyguard here needs rest,” I replied and pointed at Kiernan.
“Not surprising given the length of your flight. Is there anything you require before you settle in?” Charlie asked.
“Could I get something to eat?” Kiernan asked as he slapped his abs. “I’m right famished. And I can’t sleep on an empty stomach.”
Charlie turned to him and looked up. Kiernan was six foot five after all. Even I strained my neck a time or two when conversing with him.
“The chef is off duty, but I’m happy to prepare a sandwich and bring it to you in bed. I mean, I can bring it to your room. Not your bed,” Charlie stammered, his face turning a bright shade of red.
Kiernan smiled. “Make that two, and load ‘em up. And crisps. Please and thanks.”
“Of course,” Charlie answered, leading us inside. “I’ll walk it up to your room in twenty minutes, is that okay?”
“Works for me. ’Night, Aiden,” Kiernan replied and sauntered off.
I turned to Charlie. “I’m going to search the bar for a drink and then off to bed. See you in the morning.”
“Sleep well,” Charlie replied and ambled down the stairs.
I entered the lounge and headed straight for the bar.
Pulling out a bottle of twenty-year-old scotch, I poured a generous two ounces and then made for the stairs, glass in hand.
After entering my room, I quickly washed up, checked my mobile for messages, and set my alarm.
Then I slid under the silky sheets and reached for my drink. The quiet hum and the gentle sound of the water hitting the side of the ship soothed me. The liquor burned a path down my throat and left behind a warmth that lingered.
Placing my glass on the nightstand, I closed my eyes.
My mind drifted in and out for a while but eventually, sleep won out.
I woke up the next morning at 5 a.m., a full hour before my alarm was set to go off.
Never one to lay about—even if I was still tired—I got up, showered, contemplated shaving (didn’t), and headed up to the bridge deck for breakfast.
The sky was just beginning to lighten, and the port of Bangkok was already brimming with activity.
Ships were docking and loading up, and others were leaving port. I was surprised to see not only George on deck, but Alex and Jared having breakfast with him.
All three men looked like they needed more sleep. Alex and Jared appeared tense, and when they looked at me, my pulse kicked up.
“Good morning.”
“Morning, Aiden. Did you sleep well?” George asked and I nodded.
“Soundly. The slight movement of the ship is very hypnotic.”
Alex got up and held out a chair for me. I stood there like an idiot for a moment until I finally took the offered seat between him and Jared.
Being sandwiched between the two, my day was already starting out on a positive note.
“What time are you due on set today?” I asked Jared.
He looked like he’d hardly slept, dark circles under his eyes.
“Not until noon,” he mumbled.
“Perfect. We can start our prep work this morning.”
Jared flinched and reached for a glass of what I assumed was juice. The green color threw me off. It was far too early in the morning to be consuming such things.
The patio doors slid open and Jana, the chief steward, appeared.
“Morning, Aiden. What would you like for breakfast?”
I usually lived on coffee in the morning, but the sea air had my appetite raging.
“Two eggs, scrambled, with sausages. White toast, marmalade on the side and an espresso. Thank you.”
“Anyone else need a coffee refill? Juice?”
“Another juice, please,” Jared said.
“How can you drink that stuff? I bet it tastes as vile as it looks,” I quipped.
Jared rolled his eyes. “It’s healthy. Good for the immunity and digestion, amongst other things.”
“Are you feeling all right?” I asked, suddenly concerned.
“Sort of.” He rubbed a hand over his eyes. “I’m just a bit off. I’m having problems sleeping.”
“Jared got back late and was reviewing changes to the script well past midnight. Even though he knew he had to be up early today,” Alex muttered.
“I know my own limits, and when and how I should work and sleep. Can you just back off for one goddamn day?” Jared snapped and the table went silent.
Alex hardly reacted; the only outward sign of struggle was his hands forming into fists.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.” Jared shook his head, tucking a long piece of his hair behind his ear. “I just couldn’t wind down last night. I got a few hours, at least. I’ll take a nap before I head to set.”
Alex nodded.
“I’ve got to talk to Kiernan. I’ll meet you back at your room when you’re ready to leave,” Alex replied and stood up.
I watched Alex as he walked away, the tense posture telling.
He was worried about Jared, and I understood.
Jared had been sober for many years, but his sobriety was a daily struggle. And it would be all too easy for him to reach for a drink or drugs to ease his mind, especially during times of stress.
“Alex has a point,” I conceded. “Between your film and this upcoming case, it’s a lot to take on.”
“It’s not my place, but I would agree,” George added. “Rafe tends to get so caught up in his art that he neglects his sleep. I have to remind my husband that his health comes first.”
Jared nodded. “I know. We’ll be shooting for three days in a row, but then the next day is unscheduled. I’ll take the time to head to a beach and sleep all day.”
As I stared at Jared’s face, I came to a decision.
“I’ll be staying on for three weeks instead of two. We can arrange our legal discussions around your film schedule with greater flexibility.”
I had meetings and briefings that would need to be re-booked, but Lairin could work it out. And I could do most of my work remotely.
Jared needed support more than anything, and I never left a client to tread water alone.
“That’s good news,” Jared replied with a smile. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
His golden eyes caught mine and I was hesitant to look anywhere else.
Until George stood up and broke my trance. “Speaking of work, I need to get back up to the wheelhouse. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
Then it was just me and Jared.
“Do you want to talk in the lounge? Or your suite?”
“I’d prefer to be outside if it’s all the same to you. I need the fresh air.”
“Wherever you feel most comfortable.”
Jana returned with my breakfast order.
Jared received a phone call from one of his frantic production assistants while I scarfed down my meal in record time. I headed to my room to gather my notes and my tablet, then headed back on deck.
Jared was in conversation with Kiernan and Charlie, and all three of them stood on the starboard side.
“Are you ready?” I announced and Jared turned to face me.
He nodded and Kiernan and Charlie made their leave.
I set up my laptop and slipped on my specs.
“Tell me about your first encounter with Delaney Seuter.”
Jared sat down and ran a hand through his long hair, tugging on the ends.
I noticed that he tended to play with his hair when he was nervous.
I wasn’t sure whether I should say anything to him about it when it came to his testimony.
As long as it wasn’t to the point of distraction, I would let it go.
“I met Seuter twelve years ago in 2011. I had just turned twenty-five and finished directing Long Road Home . The studio organized a wrap party at a nightclub in L.A. called the Lotus Room. In addition to the cast and crew, there were studio execs, media, and the like in attendance. I was making the rounds that night and was introduced to Mr. Seuter.”
“And do you remember what day it was?”
“Saturday, March 22, 10 p.m., 673 Sunrise Lane.”
“That’s very specific.”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Jared had outlined Seuter’s campaign of harassment, but he hadn’t gotten into details about the assault.
I had a bad feeling that I was about to find out just how evil Delaney Seuter was.
“Do you remember what was said during your first interaction?”
“The usual niceties—hello, nice to meet you. He congratulated me on the film, said he’d heard nothing but rave reviews about my work and that he wanted to discuss another film opportunity.”
“Did your interaction with him end at that?”
“No, he insisted on buying me a drink, said he wanted to chat about my next production. We grabbed a booth at the back of the club.”
“Was there anyone else seated with you or near you?” I asked and watched his countenance carefully.
“His assistant was on site. I remember meeting her during the initial intros, and she brought the first round of drinks to our table. I can’t recall her name—” Jared bit his lip.
“There were other people sitting at nearby booths and tables, but I don’t know offhand who was where.
There were so many people, and loud music and dim lights. ”
I made a note to check Seuter’s staff records. Maybe this assistant had heard or seen something. Either way, they’d need to be subpoenaed.
I nodded. “And then what happened?”
“We talked about the promo for the film, about my aspirations, and what was next on the studio’s calendar.
Which actors I wanted to work with. The usual movie talk.
But after about ten minutes, I started to feel off.
I wasn’t sure what was wrong. I was hot and sweating like I had a fever.
And dizzy. It was also difficult for me to speak.
Like I knew I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t.
My mouth felt dry and fuzzy. It’s hard to explain. ”
I didn’t like where this was going. Suddenly my stomach pitched dangerously.
“Then he offered me another drink and I said yes. But I don’t remember if I finished it. I don’t know. I remember that he reached across the table to take my hand. The rest is blank…until I woke up hours later.”
Jared stood up and paced.
I quietly kept making notes.
If Seuter had drugged Jared, he had to have bought it from someone. You couldn’t just grab Rohypnol or the like at the drugstore. Another lead to investigate.
Not only that, but the tactic of drugging someone reeked of a serial predator. The PI would have more digging to do. The odds were that Jared wasn’t the only victim.
“And what happened when you woke up?”
Jared stopped pacing and wrapped his arms around his waist.
“I came to in the club washroom, slumped over a toilet in one of the stalls. When I looked at my phone, it was almost three in the morning. I had been passed out for about four hours. But I knew as soon I came to that something bad had happened. I was in a lot of pain. My pants and my underwear were down around my knees and?—”
Suddenly Jared stopped talking and I looked up at him. But it wasn’t just Jared standing, Alex was there too.
And judging by the look on Alex’s face, he’d heard every word.