Chapter 4
Jasper
I’d read through her résumé several times, but there was something about Alysa that didn’t fit. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it gave me the same feeling I get when I’m around the Hendersons. I felt uneasy around her, alert, suspicious. But someone so fragile looking couldn’t be a threat. The Hendersons, on the other hand, were up to something. Not only was their brother-in-law Bennett Stone in Tabiq, but the addition of James Burke working full-time security made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Standing on the balcony of my suite and watching tourists from around the world swarm the resort didn’t please me, either. Tabiq had already lost so much at the hands of foreigners. Granted, these people were here on vacation–just temporary visitors. But someday someone in power would realize Tabiq had more to offer than sun and relaxation and move in with a force that changed us forever.
The Hendersons are no different from their father James Henderson had been. His offspring are just more…discreet.
The rest of the world might not be familiar with the Henderson family legacy, but every Tabiqian had been affected one way or another. Some just seemed more willing to forget, or at least turn a blind eye, than I was. My mother had gone through hell because of what had been done to Tabiqian women. I would get every last one of the Hendersons out of my country for good if it was the last thing I ever did.
Staying at the resort so I could meet with Alysa was just the cover story. My real intent was to monitor what the hell that family was doing here. The Hendersons were so tight lipped the last few times I’d spoken with them. It made me certain they had something to hide. Was it from me or from everyone? Since I planned on being president, I needed to find out. It would be my duty to protect Tabiq at all costs.
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Checking my watch, I noticed it was almost time for Alysa to arrive. I preferred my staff to be prompt. It showed they wanted to impress me. Few did. Time would tell if in face Alysa was up to the challenge, or as I expect, she will fall short.
Reluctantly I left the balcony, closed the large French doors, and headed to greet Alysa. When I opened the door, someone much larger than I expected stood there.
“Mr. Stone. Is something wrong?” I asked.
He shook his head and asked, “May I come in?”
I’d love to decline and slam the door in his face, but I opted to play nice, at least for the moment. Opening the door, I stepped aside, and he entered. Bennett didn’t bother to sit. Instead, he turned to me and asked, “What brings you to New Hope? Not that we mind your patronage, but in all the time the Hendersons have owned it, this is your first visit.”
“I have had no need to visit,” I answered.
“And you do now?” he asked.
“As you’re aware, I am running for president. I want a neutral place in which I can hold my meetings with key towns constituents as well as other officials. If you’d prefer I do so elsewhere, please let me know. I’m sure the good people of Tabiq would like to know they are not welcome here,” I said with a penetrating glare.
Bennett didn’t flinch. “The only thing we don’t welcome at New Hope is trouble. All I ask is that you inform me of any larger gatherings you may be hosting while you stay here.”
“I shall have Mikal provide you with my agenda. Is there anything else?” I said, placing my hand on the doorknob.
“No. That is all. Enjoy your stay,” he said.
I opened the door so Bennett could leave, and Alysa was standing there, poised to knock. “Oh, I’m sorry. Should I come back?” she asked.
I shook my head. “He’s leaving.”
Bennett tipped his head slightly and said, “Have a good evening, Miss LaHouse.”
“Thank you,” she replied softly.
“You know each other?” I questioned.
Bennett replied, “I make it a point to familiarize myself with each guest.” Then he left my suite and Alysa entered.
“May I ask who that was?”
Closing the door, I explained, “Bennett Stone, the Hendersons’ brother-in-law. He was head of security here until he hired James Burke.”
“I am not familiar with either of them,” she said.
“Robin Wellington, the woman you were speaking to earlier today, is engaged to Mr. Burke. As you see, this place is a close net of relatives and friends.”
She sighed. “I can see that I’m going to spend a lot of time in my room if I’m going to successfully avoid them all. Are there any more I need to distance myself from?”
I waved for her to have a seat and said, “Actually, there are a few I want you to spend some time with.” She looked puzzled and I continued. “Not right away, but in the next few days.”