The next few hours were like reliving the nightmare of the past night. Steve appeared with surprising suddenness, again with the forensic team and a partner in tow. They took over my trailer pulling it apart from top to bottom. The movie soundstage became even more crowded, as police mingled with the crew asking their questions as they tried to piece together what little information they had. I sat numb amongst it all disbelieving that this could happen to me. Kevin hovered solicitously about me, his thin chiselled features looking stern with worry, but with me he was all patience and concern.
Steve appeared with the photo, and showed it to me. "Jac, this is from today's shoot isn't it.'
I looked at it with some distaste, it was a picture of Ken and I from our earlier scene together. Proof that the stalker had access to the set and soundstage. 'Yes, that's from earlier today.' I whispered softly. Kevin stood at my back as I sat, his hands resting lightly upon my shoulders, I leaned back against him tiredly as Steve questioned me. Just feeling him close helped me relax and his silent comfort took the edginess off my nerves.
'Ok then, well it's another piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Kevin, I want you to look into getting Jac a bodyguard. Look this is just precaution at the moment, until we can get his profile made up, we won't be sure just how he's thinking, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Mr Branagh has asked the studio for security to be beefed up around here, he's really shocked that this has happened to you Jac. He thinks things could be a lot safer around here, and I have to agree there, Its far to easy for any Tom, Dick or Harry to walk onto this set.
'But I'm never going to be totally safe am I? Even if I have all the precautions in the world, safety is never guaranteed is it? I mean he obviously has a lot of technical knowledge, he seems to be able to access my life with impossible ease, my phones, my house, now my place of work, and who knows what else he can and will do.' I was probably overtired and overwrought, but I promptly burst into a fit of tears. Kevin at once sat down beside me offering me a handkerchief, into which I loudly blew my nose and sobbed. Gently like he was nursing a child Kevin wrapped his arms about me. He looked up at Steve. 'Can I take her home Steve? I really think she's at the end of her tether, it's been a long night and a tiring day for her, and finding out he has been here was something of a shock, more so than last night I think.'
'Yeah, take her home Kevin. I'm sorry I've had to go all over this again, it's a tedious business but necessary I'm afraid. You never know just how important the most trivial bit of information may be, it's quite often the small pieces of the puzzle that are the most important.'
Kevin nodded acknowledging Steve's statement, out of the corner of his eye he saw Eric and Lizzie hovering about in the background, obviously waiting to get close to Jac. 'Look Jax, here's Lizzie and Eric waiting to help you get changed, you go with them and I'll follow in a few minutes, ok?'
'Kevin promise?' I sniffed blowing my nose again.
'I promise, I'll be there waiting before you're even dressed' he reassured me as he waved Eric and Lizzie over. 'Can you help Jac get changed? I'm taking her home as soon as she's ready.' And with them both fusing over me I left Kevin and Steve alone together.
Kevin watched Jax walk away his brow furrowed and a worried look colouring his bright green eyes, with a sigh he turned towards Steve and said. 'I'll be blunt Steve. I don't like the look of this situation. Not one bit, this guy seems nuts. I'll make sure Jax gets all the protection available, but she's right isn't she? We can't protect her totally, I mean if he wants to really get to her, he would be able to couldn't he?"
'You want the truth Kevin?' Steve asked and Kevin nodded 'Yes if he really is that skilled, and that determined, maybe nothing we can do will stop him. Just pray that he won't, pray that he'll slip up before any of these precautions are really needed. And make sure she doesn't take any silly chances, make sure Jac is aware at all times and on her toes at all times. I don't like the look of this guy either Kevin. I've a feeling in my gut about him and my gut feelings are seldom wrong.'
'Jesus Christ Steve, I sure hope you are wrong this time, but somehow I think you're right.' With a sigh he stood up and offered his hand to Steve. 'I'll get our security guys to see what they can come up with, then I'll run it by you to get your opinion.'
Steve shook Kevin's hand. 'Ok sounds a plan, I'll be in touch later today. Hopefully the forensic fellas have found something to give us a lead. At the moment the leads are very far and few between and that's another worry.' He turned as his partner called him over. 'Coming Dave, I'll catch you later Kevin.' Kevin sighed again, wearily running his hands through his hair. He didn't like this situation at all, he hated things he had no control over. And he had a feeling that this madman was like a master puppeteer who held all the strings and would make everyone dance in time to his own tune.
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He watched impassively as the police swarmed around the set. And the centre of all the attention sat visibly distressed comforted by that pretty boy husband of hers. At the thought of him, his stomach tightened and a sneer of hatred crossed his face. Letting go of the breath he was holding, he thought to himself, soon. Soon she would let him offer her the comfort. It would be to him she would turn those pretty pale green eyes to and look on with love. If she didn't, well he was sure he could persuade her, one way or another.
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As soon as they both got home, Kevin made Jac shower and get changed. She appeared later, dressed in an old pair of track pants and a soccer jersey of her favourite team. Her short hair was damp from her shower and pushed back off her face. Her pale green eyes were reddened with tiredness, but she gave him a weak smile and a shake of the head when he tried to make her go to bed for a sleep.
'No Kev, I'll think I'll sit on the deck and read for a bit, I can listen to the stereo out there. If I doze that'll do me just fine.'
So he saw her settled on a sun lounge, book in hand, her script on the table beside her, then flipping the music to the outside speakers, he settled down to make some phone calls. Kevin sat at the breakfast bar, phone in hand talking to Miles, and from his vantage point sitting on the stool he could keep one eye on Jac, and still talk to her father. His first priority had been to get hold of Jac's father and appraise him of the situation. Miles was instantly concerned, and ropeable that his stubborn daughter had kept the phone calls to herself and had not told him anything about them. Kevin brought him up to date, and asked his advice on his plans for upgrading the security around Jac, and they discussed the best ways to go about this. They tossed around a few ideas, but in the end Miles seemed content to let Kevin organise the details, as he had more experience in dealing with bodyguards and security firms. With a promise to keep his father in law up to date with how things were progressing, he was about to hang up when Miles stopped him. 'Kevin, thank you for taking the time to keep me informed. I love my daughter very much, she's precious to me and I'm glad she is in your hands. They seem good capable hands for her to be in. I know your marriage was a rushed affair, but I think somehow she made a wise choice, you are good for her, I think you will have a settling influence upon her. Goodbye Kevin, you can ring me anytime, night or day it doesn't matter ok?'
'Sure Miles, and thank you, I'll be in touch.' Kevin hung up, he liked Jac's father. For all his title and wealth, the Earl was like his daughter, surprisingly down to earth. And he had unconsciously echoed Kevin's earlier thoughts about his and Jac's relationship and their compatibility for one another.
He peered out the window, and saw that Jac had indeed dozed off. 'Stubborn woman you are Jax.' He spoke out aloud with an affectionate smile, before placing a call through to the company that dealt with the Backstreet Boys security. After an hour's conversation with the man in charge, he had arrangements in hand, and two bodyguards hired. He knew he'd have a battle with Jax over having two bodyguards, but he was going along with the company's recommendations, and this was one battle he was determined to win, he just didn't relish telling her. He rang Steve and told him what he had arranged. Steve was pleased and said if he got time he'd call by later. The investigation was proceeding slowly, but you couldn't rush these things. Kevin got the feeling Steve was frustrated at the lack of evidence so far. With another look at Jax, he saw she was still asleep, he went to the fridge and got out a coke, just as he unscrewed the cap the front door bell rang. Hurrying down the hallway, he looked out the peephole, mindful of Steve's instructions to be careful, and seeing who was on the doorstep he opened the door.
'Bloody hell Kevin, what on earth is going on? Is Jac ok? Man the traffic here is horrendous, makes London look like a Sunday drive, Where is she? I've been to the set, but Ken said you brought her home, I've worried myself sick about her. Aj can tell you how scared I was for her, I've worn his poor ears out.'
'Come in Kez.' Kevin said with a smile waving them both inside. 'Hi Bone'
' Gee's man she's right there, even I've not been able to get a word in edgewise.' he grinned, but sobered. 'Serious Kev, how is Jac?'
'Tired, freaked out, she's on the back deck, she was asleep a few minutes ago, come on through.' They made their way through to the kitchen, and found Jac coming through the back sliding door. The two friends found themselves in each other's arms, as Kerry fussed and Jac sniffed back tears. Kerry chattered away in a way that Kevin sensed Jac would respond to, both women shared a strong bond of friendship, and each knew the other well enough to know what support was needed and when. And Kerry's down to earth laid back Australian attitude was just what Jac needed right now.
Aj sidled over to Kevin and swiped his coke, taking a big gulp of the dark brown liquid. 'So Kevin what's going to happen?' Kevin pulled a face at Aj and opened the fridge getting a couple more bottles out so everyone could have a drink, then Kevin explained his plans to Aj, when he got to the two bodyguards he had hired for Jac's protection, she interrupted him.
'Two bodyguards, two of them?' The light of battle lit up her pale green eyes as they flashed angrily. She stood hands curled on her hips defiantly.
'Yes Jax, two of them.' Kevin stated calmly as he turned towards her.
'I don't want two, two is an intrusion, I'll never have any peace or privacy with two of them following me about all the time.'
'Two bodyguards are what was recommended to me. Your father has left the arrangements in my hands, and he'll back me up on this Jax.'
I saw red. 'You told my father? How could you Kevin? He'll smother me now he knows about this, I won't be able to breathe without having someone following me.'
'Don't be so frigging stupid Jax. He has every right to know what was happening, and I told him, and I'd do it again, whether you like it or not. You're tired and you're not thinking straight and these arrangements are for your own good.' Kevin stuck his chin out stubbornly. Kerry looked across at Aj and mouthed 'Oh boy here's trouble.' Aj grinned and settled down to watch the fireworks, he sensed that this pair had met their match with each other.
'Who are you to tell me what's good for me?' I was fired up now, and even though I knew Kevin was making sense and that I was being unreasonable, the events of the last twenty four hours had shaken me, and I was all out for a good fight and wanting to take out my frustration on someone else. Unfortunately Kevin stood in the firing line, even though it was unjustified, he copped the brunt of my frustration and anger at the situation I found myself trapped in. And he knew it as well, because he was so calm and reasonable it fired me up even more.
'Jax, calm down baby. You're tired and being silly.' He reasoned calmly.
Aj grinned at Kerry. Kevin was being unusually calm and understanding, Aj knew Kevin had the devil's own temper when roused and he was intrigued by the kid glove treatment he was giving Jax, who was showing all the signs of having a devil's own temper herself.
'Don't patronise me Kevin Richardson.' I fired at him.
'I'm not patronising you Jax, for Christ sake use some of that brain of yours and show some common sense. I know it exists in that head of yours. You're being stubborn, silly and childish.'
'I'm not childish, I'm not.' I said sounding extremely childish and knowing this I bit my lip as it trembled. His green eyes flashed in exasperated frustration and he grabbed my hand and yanked me closer to him so that I brushed against the length of him. The sparks of sexual tension between us added fuel to the fire at this forced closeness. A flaming blush stole over my cheeks and along my limbs from the impact of our bodies being so near to each other. I could feel the electricity crackle and spark around us as this suppressed longing and need for each other quickly bubbled to the surface and flowed over and around us. It felt like I had been scalded in hot water so sudden had the intensity of the emotion singed and burnt me. Kevin had not escaped unscathed either. I could feel his uneven breath upon my cheeks as he lifted my face close to his. His face was flushed and the rise and fall of his chest was unsteady, I could feel his heart pounding through his shirt as he gently he cradled my face in his hands. Raising my eyes to his, and oblivious to the fact that Aj and Kerry were in the room, I felt his eyes burn into mine. A deep intense green, the colour of which I'd never witnessed in another man's eyes before, bored deep into my soul. There was tenderness, caring, and amusement there and yet again that indefinable emotion that I couldn't place flashed across his face, but it was quickly gone as he shielded his thoughts. Also he knew exactly how I was feeling with my dummy spit which had obviously amused him, like he was expecting it to happen. Did he know me so well? His mouth hovered temptingly close to mine, a slight smile tugged at the corner of his thin lips.
'Are you finished arguing with me?' He raised one of his thick brows in inquiry, but he spoke gently there was no anger in his voice, just a calm reasoning tone.
'Kevin.' I stammered, after all he had done for me, I had the grace to feel ashamed of my behaviour, crestfallen I whispered softly. 'Yes I am, I'm so sorry, I don't know what got into me. Oh Kevin, I really am sorry, why I should take it out on you of all people I don't know. It's not fair or warranted and I apologise.' I tried to look away ashamed of my behaviour but he held my face captive.
'No it isn't fair, but you're tired, overwrought and not thinking straight and I understand how you're feeling but we only have your best interests at heart here. And this isn't a game Jax. This is a serious business and I promised you that I'd do what ever in my power to keep you safe, and I take my promises very seriously.' His fingers brushed lightly over my face, stilling my heart before his lips slowly claimed mine in a sweet tender kiss that left me reeling.
Kerry looked wide eyed and open mouthed at Aj who returned her incredulous look, as the storm between both their friends passed. There was obviously a lot more going on in this strange marriage than anyone had realised, the undercurrents between the pair standing so close together were fraught with a super charged atmosphere.
She whispered across to AJ 'I've never seen Jac give in to any man like that before.'
Aj shook his head as he grabbed her hand. 'And Kev's never looked at any woman like that before I'd swear.' He answered her in a whisper, giving her a look of his own to which she coloured and said 'Oh a look like that.'
Aj grinned and kissed her fingers softly. 'Precisely.'
Kevin raised his head and smiled down into my eyes, my hands fluttered about his chest fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. Aj coughed and we both became aware of not being alone. I struggled to regather my thoughts and turned to look at the two smiling faces sat at the table with some semblance of equanimity.
'Ok you two, are you both finished?' Kerry asked with a raised eyebrow. I glared at her in answer but she laughed at me. 'Don't give me that look Jac, it doesn't affect me one bit, so stop being stubborn and sit down.' I obeyed unusually meek, doing as I was told, causing Kevin to bite back a smile, which I didn't miss. Flashing him a glare just made him grin wider, so with a sigh I rested my chin in my hand and gave up. Round one to Kevin, it wasn't often a man got the better of me, and only then it was usually my father. I looked at Kevin with a newfound respect, realising here was one man I would never be able to push around.
Kevin then calmly explained all the other arrangements to me, and Aj and Kerry offered suggestions as it turned into a round table discussion on how to best cope with this problem. The late afternoon turned into night, and we had pizza delivered and drank a couple bottles of wine as Aj and Kerry provided a buffer between heightened awareness that Kevin and I were feeling towards each other. Surprisingly my tiredness vanished, as we laughed and relaxed allowing me to forget for a few hours.
Then in the wee hours of the morning tiredness finally hit us. Aj and Kerry made their way to the guestroom. Kevin held out his hand as I stood wavering uncertainly in the hallway reluctant to use my room again. 'Come on Jax, I want you to sleep in here with me, I don't want you left by yourself.'
'Thanks Kevin.' I smiled shyly. ' I'll think I'll sleep better if I know your close by.' With a tired smile he took my hand and tugged me into his room. 'Come on sleepyhead let's hit the sack.' But as much as I needed to have him close so I would feel safe, being so near him would be a torture of different kind. And we crawled into bed, tired and sleepy, it would set the pattern for the following weeks of us sharing a room and a bed wherever we were.