“Someone planted a device on the underside of your car. It looks like some sort of explosive.” Ranvik stood and walked around the vehicle with the scanner. “It seems to be the only one.”
“A… a bomb?” Blossom asked, the blood draining from her face and her eyes going wide.
“Is this the first time something like this has happened to you?” Ranvik asked. “Because I would think Moretti wouldn’t want to harm Blossom if he plans to sell her. It wouldn’t make sense for him to plant a bomb that could kill her.”
The studio security came running when they saw Ranvik examining Brexton’s vehicle. He watched as the security team conferred with the Zelthranite warrior, and he held Blossom tight against his side. She trembled and he hated that she was scared. If he found out who had planted that device on his car, or how they’d even gotten access to it, he would make them all pay. The lot where he parked was supposed to be secure.
Ranvik approached, his expression fierce. “They admit they took a break, at the same time, and left this area open. There are hidden cameras so they’re going to pull up the footage and see who was near your SUV. Maybe the two of you should review the video with me, in case you see someone familiar.”
Brexton nodded and followed Ranvik to the security room. As they looked over the recordings for the day, a redhead crept around Brexton’s car, glancing around as if she were afraid of being caught. She motioned to someone, and a short, skinny man came into view. The device was attached to the underside of his car, then the redhead paid the man and they parted ways.
“We know her,” Blossom said.
“We do?” Brexton asked.
“She’s one of your fans from the baby store. The one who was so pushy? It’s definitely her,” Blossom said.
“I’ll have her picture run against DMV records,” Ranvik said. “We should have a name and address soon. I’ll make sure the two of you get home safely first. The station can send a limo to pick up the three of us. I’m not an expert on human explosives, but their local authorities should have someone who can defuse it.”
“We’re really sorry, Mr. Brexton,” one of the guards said.
“Sorry?” he asked, adding some bite to his tone. “Because of you, my mate could have died. Our unborn child could be dead right now. And why? What was so fucking important you both had to abandon your post?”
The younger one flushed and glanced at the other guard.
Blossom leaned up and whispered to him. “I think they wanted some alone time.”
“For what?” he asked.
“Um, same reason we wanted some alone time?” She glanced at the men then back at Brexton. “I think they’re a couple.”
He blinked a few times and looked at the men, who were shifting from foot to foot and both flushed.
“You left your post to have sex with each other?” he asked.
“We didn’t think anyone would notice we were gone,” the younger one said.
Brexton wanted to beat the hell out of them. His gaze clashed with Ranvik’s. “Watch Blossom. I’ll return in a few minutes.”
Ranvik nodded and Brexton stormed out of the security room, heading straight for the main offices. There was always at least once studio exec on site. He didn’t care which one it was, as long as they handled this mess. Blossom could have died. He could have died. If they were both gone, who would care for Drew and RaeLynn? The thought of them being left in the hands of the human government left him cold. Yes, Borgoz was arranging for Brexton to be listed as their birth father, but he doubted it was in place right now.
He didn’t bother knocking and just barged into the first office he came to. Mr. Ortiz looked like a startled owl as he blinked at him.
“Brexton, is there a problem?” Mr. Ortiz asked.
“Yes. A deranged fan tried to blow up my car, and the two guards who were supposed to keep people out of the lot were off screwing each other instead of doing their damn job. I want them gone.”
“We have gay guards and you want me to fire them because they’re together?” Mr. Ortiz asked.
“Don’t be obtuse. I don’t give a shit who they fuck. It’s not uncommon on some worlds for males to be with males. What is unacceptable is that they left their post and my mate and child could have been killed.”
“Of course, of course. I understand completely. Firing them outright could be a PR nightmare if they decide to cause trouble. Perhaps instead of firing them, we can simply move them to a different position. Something that doesn’t require as much diligence,” Mr. Ortiz said.
“Keep them out of my sight.”
“Absolutely, Brexton. I’ll see that it’s handled immediately. I hope your mate is okay. I wasn’t even aware you had one.”
“Now you are,” Brexton said as he exited the office, slamming the door in his wake.
