Stranger in Paradise Read Free

down.
    “Lives in Chicago, but takes an annual writing sabbatical north on Lake Superior. Prefers the solitude.”
    “Sounds rough.” Zack’s lip tugged in a half-smile. “Seems to me if this woman is getting kinky emails from a nut job, I’d reconsider the solitude in lieu of staying where she’s surrounded by her friends and family.”
    “No family left. Just her agent. And he did try to convince her to do that very thing.” Riley looked up. “A bit on the stubborn side, but you and I don’t know anyone like that, do we?”
    Zack blew out a sigh followed by a quiet chuckle. “Sounds like a barrel of fun. So your friend wants me to babysit Miss Hardhead during her writing sabbatical.” He hesitated and narrowed his gaze. “Just how remote are we talking? Are we talking indoor plumbing? Is it one of those renovated monasteries with no television or phone?”
    “It’s a resort a few miles north on the Superior lakeshore. Figured you might enjoy spending some time up there. Maybe get in a little fishing?”
    “Fishing.” Zack stared dumbfounded at his boss. “You’re kidding, right? My first real assignment in almost two years and you have me taking a fishing trip north with a stubborn writer?” He watched Riley’s gaze drop away. Dammit. His only other option might be more desk time. He tapped the pencil against his thigh. Hell, he’d had worse assignments, some that included cold fries in crappy stakeouts. “Okay, say I’m interested. What do I have to do?”
    Riley nodded once and handed him the file. “You’ll get your usual pay, and really all you have to do is keep an eye on her. Watch out for any suspicious activity. You have no obligation to interact with Ms. Winters at all unless you have concern for her safety.”
    No interaction with the erotic romance writer. Got it. Seemed a shame. “So she has her own room at this resort?”
    Riley grinned. “She rents out a six bedroom, two-story cabin on the resort’s most secluded point—same time, every year.”
    “Nice.” Zack raised his brows. This might not be such a bad deal after all.
    “But we’ll get you a room at the lodge.”
    Zack looked puzzled. “Wouldn’t it be smarter if I were at the house?”
    “She’s not really on board with the idea of having a bodyguard.”
    Zack leveled him a look. “You want me to protect someone who isn’t interested in being protected?”
    Riley held up his hands. “Their dime. Their rules.”
    “Seriously?”
    “I’m assured that she agreed to protection, but she doesn’t want anyone to invade her space.”
    Jesus. Artistic types could be such a pain in the ass.
    “And she is very insistent on not being disturbed. Guess her writing time is sacred.”
    “You hear yourself, right?” Zack tossed the file back across the desk. “Sounds to me like she needs to be turned over someone’s knee. But she might enjoy that, come to think of it.” Zack chuckled.
    Riley cleared his throat. “Listen, this is as good as it gets for now. You’re getting paid to fish, contemplate by the lake. Chances are, this whack-a-doodle is playing email games and nothing more and it could be a very relaxing few weeks for you.”
    Zack sighed. This was not his idea of getting back in the saddle. “And my other choices?”
    Riley leaned back in his chair. “I’ve got a bunch of paperwork that needs filing.”
    “Shit.”
    “Look, Zack. It’s not that bad. This will ease you back into things. It’s been awhile—“
    “Like I don’t know that?”
    “Look, I want to get you back out there, back on my team. You’re familiar with the area, right?”
    Zack nodded. Sure, he was. He’d been on trips to the shore with his dad and his little brother. He released a quiet sigh, not wanting to pick the scar of that wound. “Okay, when do I leave?” He stood, stuffing his hand into a glass jar filled with chocolate candies. He tossed the entire contents into his mouth.
    “We’ll take care of getting you a flight