I did. Thought we could use someone with carpentry skills who could also work with the horses since Juan is no longer with us.
She nodded curtly. Ill be right back with the coffee.
As soon as PJ was out of earshot, Hank leaned closer. I dont want anyone to know I hired you to protect PJ. The less connection she has to me, the less chance of her being hurt.
Whats going on? All you told me was that I needed to provide protection to an employee of the resort. What made you think PJ needed protecting?
I got a call from an adoption agency in Flagstaff, Arizona. They noted that their computer system had been hacked, and PJs files had been the target.
And why would they call you?
Hank glanced around the diner, his blue eyes darkening. I knew PJs birth mother, Alana Rodriguez. She made sure that if anything happened to PJs adoptive mother, all correspondence or concerns should be directed to me.
Why you?
I helped her escape her abusive fiancé twenty-six years ago in Cozumel, Mexico. It was easy for her to fit into a new life in the United States. She spoke fluent English and had sandy-blond hair and green eyes just like PJ. I suspect her coloring was a throwback from her European Spanish heritage.
Chucks eyes narrowed. Something tells me theres more to this story.
Hank sighed. I told her if she ever needed me for anything to let me know. He stared across the table at Chuck. When she disappeared, her fiancé had the Mexican police arrest me, claiming Id murdered Alana.
What happened to her?
I arranged for her to get to the States, gave her a new identity and she disappeared. I didnt see her again.
How did you get the Mexican government to drop the charges?
With no body and no evidence of foul play, they couldnt keep me. Although I barely got out of Mexico.
So why is this all surfacing again?
Her fiancé, Emilio Montalvo, Hank slid a blurry picture of a Hispanic man in front of Hank, had connections deep in the Mexican Mafia. He swore when he found Alana, hed make us both pay. I stayed away from her, sure that any contact with her would put her at risk of him finding her. I didnt know shed had a child and the child was PJ until last year.
How did you find out?
Hanks gaze dropped to the empty coffee mug in his hand. I found out when Terri Franks, a woman I barely knew whod worked at the resort for the past eight years, died.
PJs adoptive mother. Chucks gaze slipped from Hank to PJ, headed their way with a carafe of coffee.
Hank turned a smile toward PJ as she stopped to fill his cup.
Ready to order? PJ directed her question to Hank, refusing to lock gazes with Chuck.
They had a lot to discuss, but Chuck didnt want to do it in public. It would wait until that evening when he could get her alone.
Hank and Chuck ordered breakfast, and PJ walked away.
How did you find out PJ was Alanas daughter, not Terris?
I received a package in the mail from Terri Frankss attorney. In it was a letter from Alana, asking me to look out for her daughter should anything happen to Terri. In the letter Terri left with her lawyer, she explained how shed been PJs nanny when they lived out in Arizona. Alana had arranged to have Terri adopt PJ if something should happen to her. I only wish Id known then.
Why do you think the hacking into the adoption agencys files points to you and PJ?
My corporate and personal computer systems were also maliciously hacked. All the data was downloaded to some site in Mexico.
Was your letter from Alana in those files?
No.
Then how would the hacker connect you to PJ?
PJ doesnt know it, but the scholarship shes going to school on comes from one of my corporations. The bank statements and money trail were part of the system hacked.
Any leads on who might be hacking into your system, or who might want to hurt PJ?
Anyone could be getting to me by targeting PJ.
Chuck drummed his fingers on the table. But hacking into the adoption files...that makes it a little more personal.
Hank nodded. Exactly.
You think Alanas ex-fiancé might have traced PJ through the adoption agency?
Its a possibility.
How long ago did you say it was when you helped this woman, Alana?
Hank stared across the table at Chuck. Twenty-six years ago.
Chuck did the math in his head. PJ had turned twenty-five while hed been in Afghanistan. His gut tightened. The next questionand I wouldnt ask if I didnt think it might be importantbut just who is PJs father?
The older man opened his mouth and then closed it and smiled, his head turning toward the woman in question.
Your breakfast. PJ set a steaming plate of eggs, sunny-side up, in front of Hank and one in front of Chuck, her arm brushing against his, sending sensual shock waves across his senses.
Chucks fingers tightened on the napkin in his lap to keep from reaching out and pulling PJ into his arms.
PJ jerked her arm back, her eyes flaring wide for a moment. Her chest rose and fell on a deep breath. Is there anything else I can get you? she asked, her voice shaking.
No, thank you, Hank answered for them both.
Chuck couldnt speak, his throat tight around his vocal cords. He wanted to hold PJ so badly, he had to remain completely still or risk leaping from his seat and taking her into his arms.
When PJ turned and hurried away, Chuck let go of the breath hed been holding and faced Hank. Were you and Alana more than just acquaintances?
Hank nodded.
So PJ could be your and Alanas daughter.
The older man lifted his fork and put it down again. I dont know. Without informing PJ of our connection, I dont know how to get a sample for DNA testing. If shes my daughter, she runs the risk of kidnapping attempts.
Like your wife and son... Chuck had heard about Hanks family before hed deployed. Everyone in Wild Oak Canyon knew theyd disappeared two years ago and Hank had been looking for them ever since.
Hank stared across the table at Chuck, his face haggard, older than his fifty-something years. I couldnt bear for her to be hurt because of me.
You need to tell her, Chuck said.
When I know for sure.
The only way youll know for sure is to do DNA testing. Youd have to tell her something to get the sample you need.
Hank threw his napkin on the table, his brows furrowed. I couldnt bear it if someone targeted another person because of me.
She might not be yours at all. Alana could have had another relationship with someone else shortly after disappearing.
Hanks eyes narrowed. Then why leave the letter for me?
She counted on you to help. Chuck stared across the room at PJ, leaning close to an elderly woman, taking her order. What if PJ is the ex-fiancés daughter?
Things might get even worse. Hanks lips tightened. Hell want what is his and will stop at nothing to take her and the child.
Chapter Four
PJ felt as if she was walking on eggshells the entire time Chuck and Hank were eating their breakfast. Several times she fumbled coffee mugs, almost dropping them.