It seemed like an odd coincidence that she showed up as my neighbor, but stranger things had happened.
I continued down the beach until rocks blocked the way, then I turned and headed back in the other direction.
I had just passed my house, heading north to the other end of the beach when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
"Who's interrupting our peaceful morning, Mo?" I pulled the phone out. The caller ID read Archer. He understood my goals in exiting from the company so he wouldn't be calling if it wasn't important. I poked the answer button "Archer. You're up early this morning."
"Bran Erickson was trying to get a hold of you."
The mention of Bran's name, suspicion about Harper regrouped. "About what?"
"He didn't say. All he would say was that it was crucial that you call him. To be honest, it didn't sound like anything related to Saint Security. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be calling you this morning. But he’s been insistent. Persistent. Anytime I expect him to stroll in here demanding an audience with you."
I couldn’t imagine what Bran would want to call me about except, of course, his sister was now my neighbor. I could feel the sense of peace and calm slipping away and I hadn't even talked to him yet.
"Okay. I'll give him a call. Thanks Archer."
I hung up the phone. Before calling Bran I looked down to check on Mo. He was sound asleep against my chest. A well of emotion flowed through me at how sweet and peaceful he looked. I had moved out here wanting the same serenity I saw in Mo.
With a sigh I typed in Bran's number on my phone. I had gotten a new phone for personal use, which I suppose was why Bran didn't have my number anymore. But now with my calling him, he would have my number. I wasn't too thrilled about that idea.
"Noel. Thanks so much for calling," Bran said when he answered the phone.
"What can I do for you Bran."
"I've got this fantastic opportunity that will not only help me, but will raise your profile as well—"
"I'm no longer in charge of Saint Security. Any sort of partnership you're thinking about you should call Archer."
"No, this, this operation needs you. Or more exactly, it needs your image. The epitome of strength, rugged individualism, and money. You’re a guy who knows what he wants and how to get it. That's what I need."
My Spidey senses were flashing. It was no coincidence that Bran was calling me and his sister now lived next door to me. I scoured my brain for information I knew about the two of them to try and figure out what was going on.
I remembered that when he had hired us to protect Harper, they had talked about how Harper would sometimes use her feminine wiles to help Bran attract business. She had used her beauty and charm on the wrong person and ended up being stalked.
I didn't get the feeling that Harper was using her feminine wiles on me, that didn't mean she wasn’t part of whatever scheme Bran was up to.
"I'm retired these days, Bran. You have to find someone else."
"Please just come and hear me out. It would mean a lot to me. This isn't any sort of manipulation or anything having to do with Harper. In fact, Harper's already involved. So please hear me —"
"I'm sorry I need to go now Bran." I hit the end button before he could say anymore.
I continued my walk on the beach feeling annoyed. I realized that after my last interactions with Harper that I was starting to like her. Not just in a way that a man appreciates a sexy woman, but as a person. There was definitely more to her than I had thought.
But Bran's call had me rethinking that. Maybe her newfound depth was all an act to lure me into whatever scheme they were working on.
Whatever was going on, I knew that the answer was for me to stay away from her. If Mo got upset again, I’d just have to figure out how to soothe him myself or find another option because I knew now I needed to avoid Harper at all costs.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Harper
Tomorrow night I was hosting a housewarming party, so today I was getting the house ready and taking care of a few food items for tomorrow. Most of the edibles were going to be catered but I enjoyed baking, so I was going to make the cake.
I was delicately folding egg whites into batter when my phone rang. I cursed because now was not the time in the cake baking process to be interrupted.
I grabbed the phone, answering it. "This better be good, Bran. I'm in the middle of something."