Cat 'N Mouse

Chapter One

Samuel O’Malley’s car rolled to a stop in front of a seven-foot high wrought iron gate constructed to keep uninvited guests out. Warren Prescott, a corporate tycoon owned the estate nestled on the backdrop of a lake.

He pressed the intercom button located on a curved metal pole sticking up out of the ground, and waited. He reached for his coffee in the cup holder and removed the plastic lid from the cup, blowing on the hot liquid.

Sunshine State my eye, Sam grumbled, as he drank his coffee. There were too many people and some of them shouldn’t be wearing swimsuits. It didn’t matter if it was a hundred degrees in the shade.

He should’ve stayed put in Boston and not let Matt Landrin talk him into uprooting his life. Then again it’s not like his high school buddy had to twist his arm. A move had been on his mind since he’d lost his job. Most of the severance package he’d gotten from his job went under the hood of his ‘72 Corvette. Smart move? The jury was still out deliberating on that.

Prescott residence, a cool crisp voice answered. Can I help you?

It’s Sam O’Malley. I’ve an appointment with Warren Prescott, Sam said, checking his watch. If he didn’t have this ‘must keep appointment’ Matt had set up for him, he wouldn’t be anywhere near Winter Park, a city in Orange County. He had to pull the map out for that. Staring at the sprawling estate, he was already regretting his decision.

One moment please, the voice on the intercom said.

Sam could never afford anything on this side of town. Then again, why would he? Rich people were all the same. It didn’t matter how much money they had, they wanted more. They would destroy or step on anyone’s neck that got in their way. He had experienced that first hand.

Why was he here? Because he wanted a fresh start, he reminded himself. For that he needed money. Easy money Matt had said and threw him a bone. He’d set up the meeting with Prescott. With the money he would earn from shadowing Prescott’s daughter, Alexandria, he could finish his car. He stared at the picture Matt had given him. She had skin the color of soft caramel. Hair, a mass of black curls, red lips curled into a pouty smile with hot hazel eyes staring right back at him. Definitely pin up material. He tore his eyes away from the picture and shoved it back into the glove compartment.

Sam raised the coffee to his lips, the one he paid almost six bucks for. It wasn’t coffee by his standard. The stuff he was used to woke you up and stained the bottom of a good mug. This was a latté grande something, a watered down—

Suddenly the car jolted forward with a bang right into the gate and a wailing noise that could’ve woken the dead went off.

What the hell…

The cup slipped out of his hands and he fumbled to catch it. It hit the steering wheel and he grabbed a handful of napkins quickly mopping up the liquid that landed on his lap trying to protect the family jewels. Working feverishly to prevent the coffee from disappearing into the dashboard was a futile effort for the liquid disappeared like a sponge soaking up water.

Coffee soaked his shirt, and wouldn’t you know it, he had a nice big wet mark right in the middle of his lap. He looked through the rearview mirror. A red Porsche had crashed into the back of his car.

Sam threw the soiled napkins on the seat, shoved the door open and got out of the car. To his amazement, the woman behind the wheel was on the phone while her car was wedged into the back of his. Whether she was on the phone before the crash or after, he couldn’t tell. She was lucky her air bag hadn’t deployed.

She pushed the door open, stepped out on to the asphalt, stumbled then grabbed onto the car door.

Sorry.

Sam didn’t know if the apology was meant for him or the person whom she was talking with on the phone because she continued her conversation without so much of a glance in his direction.

"Sorry?! Your car is in my trunk and all you can say is sorry!"

Her forefinger went up to silence him, and she turned her back to him and continued with her phone call. She was decked out in a white halter-top getup. It looked like a dress, but there wasn’t enough material to classify it as one.

That’s it. He reached over her shoulder and snatched the phone out of her hand.

Give me back my phone! She whirled around on him and grabbed at the gadget encased in a pink-jeweled case. He held it from her reach above his head.

You just wrecked my car, he stated calmly.

I apologized, didn’t I? She held out her hand and started tapping her right foot. Can I have my phone back?

Sam drew in a breath, trying to control the anger bubbling up inside. He stared at the woman who looked like she wanted to scratch his eyes out with her long red claws.

Let’s try this again, Sam said because he was sure she was under the influence of some form of narcotic. He spoke slowly annunciating every word You… he pointed to her, wrecked….my…car. He pointed to the broken taillights and the chrome bumper pushed into the metal of the trunk.

Give the bill to daddy and he’ll pay to fix it. He’ll buy you a new car if you’d like. She stared at his car as if it belonged in the junk heap. Let’s try this again. Cold hazel eyes bored into his. Give…me…back…my…phone."

Hell, no! Give the bill to daddy? He had to be dreaming. That was the only explanation that crossed his mind. He shook his head as if that would wake him up. Yeah, that’s right. He must be asleep because things like this…this crazy woman with a sports car, didn’t happen to him.

The iron gate opened and a white-haired man accompanied by a security guard, he assumed came barreling down the driveway in a golf cart.

Princess, what have you done?

Oh daddy, it’s just a little scratch.

‘Daddy’, who Sam recognized right off the bat as, Warren Prescott of The Prescott Corporation, stepped out of the golf cart and walked toward them. His goatee was nearly trimmed. The designer black suit he wore was tailor made for him, complimented with the white shirt and the red silk day cravat at his neck.

Prescott was on the front page of the newspaper Sam had picked up at Matt’s door earlier that morning. He was one of Florida’s most eligible bachelors at sixty-five years old. The article went on to talk about some big acquisition he was currently negotiating. What Prescott did was gobbled up helpless companies, split them up and sold them off.

‘Princess’ ran into his open arms and hugged him. It was as though she was a child looking for reassurance after doing something wrong and she got it. She had Prescott wrapped around her little finger. Sam wanted no part of the Princess or her rich daddy.

The security guard, an Arnold Schwarzenegger look-a-like he pegged as an ex-cop or ex-military asked for ID as he emerged from the golf cart. Sam waited until Arnie peeled his eyes off Princess for he was sure there was an unrequited love thing there, but that was none of his business. Sam gave him his driver’s license. He stared at the picture then back at Sam.

"What Princess has done is wreck my car," Sam stated flatly, trying to suppress his anger. He didn’t want a confrontation with Arnie. The man looked liked he wanted to hit somebody, and it wasn’t going to be him.

The front bumper is barely scratched. Prescott said walking toward the Porsche, brows wrinkled, inspecting the two cars.

Sam waited with his arms folded across his chest for Prescott’s assessment of the damages because that’s what he was gearing up to do. Along with being an expert in corporate takeovers, it appeared he was also an expert in collision damages. Princess looked on saying nothing because Daddy was taking care of everything.

The damage is minimal. If anything her car will cost more money to repair than yours. I’m sure your car can easily be fixed, Mr. O’Malley, Prescott said with an air of arrogance that snapped the control Sam held on his anger. Minimal damage, my eye. Well, he couldn’t care less what His Royal Highness had to say.

Whether it can easily be repaired or not, is not the issue.

There’s no reason to get upset, Prescott said looking at his Rolex. Colt, he pointed to the Arnie look-at-like, will take care of it.

He pulled a neatly pressed handkerchief from his inside breast pocket and dabbed at his forehead. I expected you half an hour ago. I see no point in standing out here in the sun arguing about trivial matters.

I expected you half an hour ago. That was code for: this little mess was his fault. For had he arrived earlier, his daughter’s car wouldn’t have ended up in his trunk. What Prescott failed to remember was that he was the one who had changed their meeting time to 9:30 a.m. to accommodate a business call.

The man spoke with the same disregard for his property as his daughter. There was no way in hell he was going to baby sit Alexandria "Princess" Prescott.

You’re right, Sam said when Arnie returned his ID. We’re done here.

Mr. O’Malley, Prescott called as Sam turned away.

Sam ignored him moving swiftly toward the Porsche. The keys were still dangling in the ignition. He slid into the driver’s seat and the steering wheel ended up between his legs. Adjusting the seat, which barely gave him enough room to move, he turned on the engine. The car roared to life. It was a spitfire like its owner. He reversed the Porsche slowly dislodging it from his car.

Prescott and Arnie watched him in silence. He guessed they weren’t quite sure what to do since no one had probably ever walked away from the great Warren Prescott. Princess was another story. Her mouth was wide open. Where was a fly when you needed one?

What he should’ve done was call the police and get Princess arrested. She was probably drunk. But none of that mattered. The more distance he put between him and the Prescotts the better.

He unfolded himself out of the car and pulled the key from the ignition. "I’ll leave you to your castle with your Princess. He dropped the keys in Mr. Prescott’s hand. As for my car, since you’ll be paying for the damages I’ll be in touch."

•  •  •

Are you okay, Princess?

I’m fine, Alexandria said still clutching her chest. The accident had shaken her up and the little shouting match with Mr. O’Malley didn’t help any to calm her frayed nerves. She was trembling and wasn’t quite sure if it was from the accident or the man himself.

He was tall and muscular with skin the color of rich dark chocolate. His black, wavy hair was cut short neatly around his face. It was the indifference that she’d seen in his dark eyes when he looked at her that had gotten under her skin. She’d watched as he reversed his car, kicking up the gravel, and left the gateway at lightning speed.

The man was a bully and she was glad that she wouldn’t have to lay eyes on him again which was fine by her. He was obviously doing business with her father and she had to wonder what business that was. Mr. O’Malley wasn’t the kind of business partner she had ever seen her father work with. Business partners didn’t walk out on her father. He walked out on them. Therefore, it was safe to assume Mr. O’Malley would not be welcomed at the estate again.

You don’t look fine, Warren said, his thick white brows raised in concerned. Come into the house Mimi has breakfast on the table. She made your favorite.

Good. I’m starved.

Alexandria joined her father in the golf cart and Colt drove them toward the house. She pushed Mr. O’Malley from her mind, but other memories came flooding back as they reached the circular driveway. Memories she would rather forget.

Colt stopped the cart at the wide interlocking rose-colored bricked pathway that led to the front door and they got out.

I’ll go back to inspect the damage to the gate and look about your car, Ms. Prescott.

Thanks, Colt. It doesn’t look like I’ll be driving it for a while with the front bumper all dented like that.

I’ll have to see what the damage is first then arrange to get it fixed, Colt said smiling, touching her arm. He turned the golf cart around in the direction of the front gate.

You’ll be staying here for a while then? her father asked. He didn’t wait for her answer as he headed toward the front door.

Alexandria lingered for a moment staring at the house as she followed him inside. The front door opened into a grand entryway that led to a large sitting room which was an entertainers dream with marble flooring, marble fireplace and sweeping views of the backyard with multiple fountains, pool, spa and the lake

The smell of coffee mingled with homemade waffles drifted from the kitchen into the hallway. Mimi’s breakfasts were legendary and always served in the large formal dining room. For all her talk of being hungry, Alexandria knew it was just talk because not even Mimi’s homemade waffles could persuade her into putting a bite of food in her mouth. She didn’t want to think about the accident. Not yet. For that would mean confronting her fears.

•  •  •

I want to talk to you, her father said about half an hour later after he’d finished his breakfast. He laid his knife and fork down across his plate. Mimi picked up his plate from the table and he clasped his hands in front of him, elbows on the table. He looked like he was about to conduct a board meeting. Alexandria knew what that meant. He’d come to a decision. More than likely it had something to do with her and he would tell her what he thought was best for her.

Alexandria pushed her plate away putting her knife and fork at the edge of the plate when Mimi topped up her orange juice.

Thanks.

For what? You only moved your food around your plate.

I’m done. She dabbed at the corner of her mouth with the napkin.

Mimi pushed her plate back in front of her. "Mange!"

Her father smiled. She only speaks French when you’re around.

That’s how I ended up with an A in French in high school.

Oui, maintenant manger, Mimi said and picked up the silver teapot. I’ll bring some more hot water.

What did she say?

That I should eat up. Is she still against hiring more kitchen staff?

Every time I bring it up she threatens to quit but since you’re not living here anymore she gets more rest.

I know. You don’t have to remind me that I was a handful. Still, she’s getting old and…

Not to worry, when I entertain I hire a full kitchen staff despite her objections.

I miss her, Alexandria smiled as she watched Mimi. As long as she could remember, Mimi had worn the same hairstyle, a bun at the nape of her neck, held together by a million hairpins. Her hair had gone from black to gray over the years. There were a few more wrinkles that creased her olive skin, but she was still the same woman who raised her. She was round and full of life. Her infectious laughter always made Alexandria feel loved.

You can always come back home, Princess.

Is that what you wanted to talk to me about, moving back home? Alexandria stiffened, pushing her breakfast plate away.

No. It’s about Sam O’Malley.

The Neanderthal who stole my phone?

He’s the man Matt Landrin recommended.

What reason would Matt have to recommend him to you?

But Alexandria already knew the answer to that. At lunch a few days ago, she’d confided in Matt about the feeling of being watched and begged him not to say anything to her father. Maybe she was just being paranoid—she hadn’t been sleeping well of late and chalked it up to just being tired. That was her explanation. No one was following her and no one was breaking into her apartment.

Matt told him about your suspicions.

And that’s just what they are, Alexandria stated firmly.

Are they? her father asked, his eyes daring her to lie to him.

She couldn’t. Not to him or to herself any more. When she couldn’t find her red silk scarf, panic had gripped her for she knew she had left the scarf on the sofa in her living room.

I don’t know, she said with a heavy sigh.

Come home.

And do what, Daddy? she asked frustrated. Hide? I have a life and a job.

Club hopping? Is that what you call a life? He pointed to her outfit.

Daddy, please.

A job, by the way, is something you do and get a pay check. It’s not wasting your time with this Nest Foundation.

He flicked his hand in the air dismissing her work at the Foundation as unimportant. That’s what he did. It was all about control. He wielded his power and everyone obeyed, but not Sam O’Malley.

It’s called Robyn’s Nest Foundation. Don’t belittle what I do. I enjoy it.

If that’s what you’ve chosen to do with your life, that’s fine for now, we can discuss it further another time. Let’s focus on this person that’s following you. What if he decides that’s not enough?

Alexandria’s face dropped when she thought about what happened earlier when she turned onto the estate approaching the gate. The driveway leading up to the estate was on an incline. When she pressed the break pedal the car didn’t stop.

What is it?

Two nights ago when I arrived home, someone had laid out a white laced nightgown on my bed. Then the car…when I came off the hill I couldn’t stop. I pressed the breaks but the car just kept going…it wouldn’t stop. Alexandria watched as her father’s tanned face paled.

He jumped up, practically lifting the table off the floor. Colt!

Where are you going?

I want Colt to inspect your car. Then I’m going to call Mr. O’Malley back. You need someone with you. Perhaps he’ll have some ideas about your security problem at your condo.

I’ve changed the security system since then, daddy, and I can take care of myself. I won’t let you run my life.

It was like déjà vu all over again. That’s why she had left home in the first place. But she always came back to the same thing. Why? He was the only parent she had. Her mother was dead. He knew what was best for her, or he thought he did. Well, no more. Why did she even agree to join him for breakfast? She should have gone home to bed after the party.

Do you still want my money for this Robyn’s Nest Foundation?

He had promised to contribute two million dollars to the Foundation that her friend, Robyn, chaired. They were depending on his donation because the Foundation had already started construction on the new building. They needed the money.

You wouldn’t.

Yes, he would. He didn’t get to where he was by backing down from anyone or anything. He always got what he wanted without compromising because he was Warren Prescott.

Watch me, he said as he left the dining room.

Chapter Two

I’m not a babysitter, Matt.

After his little run in with Princess, Sam had spent the better part of the afternoon searching for a body shop specializing in corvettes. He found one between Water Park and Orlando and had one of the mechanics look at his car. Four grand to repair the damage they could see. That’s why it was called an estimate. There was the work that he needed to get done but he didn’t have the money for pushed it to six grand. Work he had planned on taking his time to complete himself but because of Princess’ stupidity, he had to think about doing it now. He was still stewing over the quote when Matt called.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

She’s a spoiled child and I refuse to waste my time with her.

Sam shoved the quote aside and got up from the table. He opened the freezer and took out a frozen chicken dinner. He needed to buy real food, not the junk Matt had stocked the fridge with.

"Either you’re blind or we’re not talking about the same woman, Sam. You know…the one with the hour glass figure."

Hadn’t noticed, Sam lied.

Peeling back a part of the plastic from the frozen dinner, he opened the microwave, shoved the food in and set the timer for four minutes. He almost lost the phone balanced between his shoulder and ear.

Your nose is growing. Come on, admit it, every time you think about her it makes you want to go to confession.

Not Catholic.

The microwave roared to life when he pressed the start button. Plates. He didn’t see any as he opened cupboard after cupboard, trying to block out the image in his mind of Alexandria wearing that white dress.

You lie like a cheap rug, Pinocchio. I’ve been out with her a few times.

The thought of Matt and Alexandria crumpling the sheets bothered him more than he wanted to admit. He quickly told himself it had nothing to do with him. What she did and with whom was her own business, but it didn’t stop the knot from forming in his gut.

Here he was jealous of the guy he had lip-synced the Ebony and Ivory song with in high school for the talent show. They’d roomed together in college and even dated the same girls. No jealousy had entered their friendship. Then Matt joined the Marines after college and he joined the Police Academy.

They’d kept in touch sporadically over the years, and then two weeks ago, fed up with his life, Sam had called Matt. The next thing he knew, he was moving to Florida. Well, moving south didn’t mean that he had to babysit a spoiled brat and have Matt throw their relationship in his face.

You obviously have a thing for Princess. Why don’t you shelve your day job at daddy’s corporate tower and babysit her full time?

I play in my own backyard. Matt paused for a moment. If I didn’t know you better I’d swear the green-eyed monster was rearing its ugly head.

Jealous? Me? I think you’ve been in the sun too long.

I’d told Mr. Prescott you would be able to help.

"Then I suggest you tell him