A WAR HERO RETURNS EXCERPT

A WAR HERO RETURNS

EXCERPT 

THE FIRST LOOK INTO WHO MATT IS

Chapter 2

Matt glanced at his two guards as Suzan roared away. “I think this is a little ridiculous, don’t you? Why do I need you? You can’t even keep one little girl out of here!”

Phil Ector, the man on Matt’s side who hadn’t spoken yet, pointed toward the exiting car. “She was a hell of a fireball, and this could escalate into a problem. I don’t think it would have been good for us to have her assaulted on your grounds.”

Matt slapped Phil on the shoulder. “Well old buddy, public relations is what your job is. How do you suggest we handle her?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll start working on it now. She looked very determined, and shall I say, mad as hell.” Phil ran his hand through his silver hair as his mouth tightened.

Matt glanced at the guards nursing their injuries. “It appears they teach the woman to fight in the Army much better than I had realized. She definitely knew how to handle herself.” Matt turned toward the door. “See if you can make sure these guards say nothing about this. Make sure their injuries are looked at by a doctor before you fire them, and hire me some real guards.”

The three men walked back inside the house, where the large foyer stretched three floors high. The display of art work decorating the walls made Matt proud of what he had accomplished. His fortress in the heart of where some of the wealthiest people in the world lived had been an excellent investment. To build his empire he needed funds and lots of investors, since he found many investment opportunities on a daily basis. In fact, in this market, banks begged him to take properties off their hands, while often providing additional funds to the deals to make improvements. The parties he threw here attracted the right people he needed for his future plans.

Matt turned toward Dan as they walked through one room after another to the back of the house. “You told me all was in order when we closed this deal.”

“Don’t worry. The sale was completely legal. Her mother had a power of attorney we verified, and we obtained a title binder to protect us.” Dan carried a small attaché with him, a trademark he appeared to be stuck with for life. Dan’s dark black hair, a gift of his French-born parents, grew almost down to his shoulders, but he combed it straight back and tied in a small ponytail. Matt always wondered how Dan managed to act as the peacekeeper in the group.

“It appears Suzan was never told about the sale. Shouldn’t we have contacted her?”

“We attempted to do so. She was off in Afghanistan fighting a war. I think it would be good to do some more research on her now since she has surfaced.”

“Good, I can tell you and Phil need to compare some notes. I’m curious to see what you find out. This Suzan is much different than any woman I think I’ve ever met. Did you see how she handled the guards outside?”

Dan rushed ahead to open the door exiting to the pool. “You know, it was hard to see beyond the military uniform, but I think she might be a beautiful woman under all of the fury we saw.”

Matt turned to grin at Dan. “Fury is a good word, but I think passionate is a better choice. And you know, you might be right.”

“Whatever, she definitely isn’t my type.” Dan walked fast to stay next to Matt.

Matt retrieved a set of sunglasses and adjusted them as he surveyed the pool area. The Olympic size water garden attracted many guests who lounged around the edges. With the waterfalls creating a slight cooling mist for those soaking up a little too much sun, the afternoon party looked successful. “I think I might enjoy some sun today. I assume we’ve accomplished all we can for a while.”

Matt watched Phil analyze the crowd as he pointed to some of the guests for Matt. “I think it would be good to take some photos of you mingling with the people here today.” He waived toward Big John Townsley, one of his main associates he had attending.

“Yes, it’s good to see him enjoying himself. With some good photos of us circulating, it will make it hard for him to say no to us when we need some more funds.” Matt allowed his eyes to search for Chelsea, Big John’s daughter.

Dan stepped forward and whispered. “In case they’re needed, I prepared several agreements for Big John to sign. Let me know which one you want to hit him with.”

“Patience, my boy. We have lots of time to close this one. For right now, I want you to double check on this Mercer case.”

“Like I said, I don't foresee any problem.” Dan looked flustered at being doubted in his legal ability to handle Matt’s affairs. “However, I’ll check more into it.”

“Good.” Matt continued to study his guests, as he was glad to see that none of them had noticed the confrontation in front of his estate. Suzan had really made an impression on him as his interest in learning more about her grew. But for now, where was Chelsea? If only Big John knew how little Matt actually liked his daughter. Matt knew Big John hoped the two would unite, but Matt knew such a union would never happen.

Dan motioned toward the inside of the house. “I think Ronald and Tony are waiting for you in your office to discuss a few details. They’re planning to fly back to New York soon.”

“Yes, they have some details we need to discuss, however I want them to stay until after the party tonight. I purchased some special Cuban cigars I want to share with everyone.”

Dan grinned at the mention of a good old boy’s time they would enjoy later. “I’ll let the pilot know to expect a late night flight.”

“I also want Gail to stay behind with me. I might need her to arrange a few meetings.” He always needed Gail, his secretary, to handle some changes to his calendar.

“When do you think you’ll return to New York?” Dan asked.

“In a day or two. The timing depends on how long Big John wants to stay. I think he might like a fishing trip.” Matt glanced at Big John one more time before turning to go inside, as he realized how much Big John loved the pool side women–women Matt had hired for the occasion. Although he appeared to be enjoying the view, Matt knew him as a happily married man in many respects and harmless.
Suddenly, Matt noticedChelsea walking around the side of the pool. She stood at close to six feettall, with long legs and inflated breasts. The bikini she wore revealed a sexbomb shell that could excite any guy. Well any guy but him. Women like her wereso easy to obtain, and nothing like the fireball he had seen earlier on hisfront steps.