Saving Sophie

Saving Sophie

By Marie Kelly

Published by Marie Kelly at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Marie Kelly

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Visit the author website:

www.romancemarie.com

Marie Kelly

Other titles

Blackmailed For The Billionaire’s Pleasure

Captured

Kidnapped The Wrong Sister

My Son

Blackmailed For Vengeance

Mia

The Unwilling Mistress

The Wedding Deal

The Billionaires Mistress

Blackmailing the Billionaire

Saving the Billionaire

Substitute Starlet

Her Two Tycoons

The Billionaire’s Blackmailed Heiress

Billionaire’s Second Chance

Secretary with Benefits for the Billionaire

Billionaire’s Revenge

Billionaire’s Society Mistress

The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride

Blackmailed Merger

The Russian’s Deal

Pirate’s Revenge

Capturing Kate

Saving the Billionaire

Chapter One

Sophie Lawrence sighed, dragging her shaking hand across her face. How had things gotten so bad so fast? Chewing her lower lip, she puckered her brows. While it went against everything in her, she knew her back was against a wall with no way out – she needed help. Taking a deep calming breath she reached for her phone, dialing the one man she vowed never to allow herself to be reliant on, a man who was still very much a stranger to her.

She held her breath as the phone on the other end rang, swallowing nervously as the smooth tones of Charles Patrice filled her ears, his clipped, irritated tone changing, becoming warmer as she spoke his name. Sophie?, his surprise evident as she cleared her throat nervously. Sophie, are you OK?, his voice now filled with real concern.

Charles. I… I need your help. Please don’t ask me for details right now. I need to see you.

For a fraction of a second there was silence before he spoke again. You know you will have it. I can be with you by tomorrow. I’m coming Sophie.

Sophie felt herself smile. Nodding as warmth exploded deep within her Thank you. I really appreciate it.

From the other end, Charles laughed softly. No. Thank YOU Sophie. Thank you for giving me a chance. You will not regret this.

Hanging up, Sophie felt relief surge through her, surprising herself with the faith she had in this man, this man she hardly knew. Charles Patrice, who only months earlier had rocked the very foundations of her world with the most shocking news of her life, Sophie informing him she needed time and space to process it. Had it really only been three months ago? Her mind returned to that day, that day which was to change her life forever.

Three months earlier

The ringing of the phone forced its way into Sophie’s tired mind, pushing her from the comfortable slumber she was enjoying, her exhausted body trying hard to save her by incorporating the ringing into her dream, until the piercing noise became too hard to ignore, her eyes opening. Partly rising, she fumbled for the receiver, dragging it to her ear. Hello, her slurred out word ignored as a familiar voice snapped her awake.

Sophie. It’s Suzi. I’m in trouble. The police arrested me, it’s all untrue. Damn Mark and his lies. You have to come and get me out. I can’t stay in this place Sophie, the woman on the other end’s voice full of panic. Get me a lawyer, get me out of here!

Groaning, she dragged in a long, composing breath, her voice as calm as she could make it. Where are you? What happened? Its fine Suzi, I’ll be right there, I’ll take care of things.

Now the woman on the other end sniffled, her voice a pathetic whimper, It’s not my fault Sophie. Mark is telling all kinds of lies and he sent the police to arrest me, her tone filling with horror. They are talking about keeping me here. I… I can’t stay in a place like this!

Hissing out a frustrated breath, Sophie grabbed a pen and pad from her bedside table. The last thing she needed was Suzi moving into ‘Poor me’ mode. Suzi, give me the address where you are so I can get there faster.

Pausing, the woman on the other end seemed to see the logic, quickly giving the details asked for, Sophie ending the call as she threw back the covers. Looking at the clock, she felt anger slam into her. It was eight in the morning. She had not long got home from the overnight shoot, at which the photographer had needed the rising sun for the best shots. She was exhausted.

Pulling on leggings and a long sweater with boots she only had time to drag a brush through her long blonde hair before the taxi she ordered was at her door. Most women with as little sleep would have looked a mess, but not Sophie. Even without makeup, she would still never be missed, her looks classic and traffic-stopping.

Sitting in the back of the cab, she pulled out her cell. What the hell had her mother gotten herself into now? Most children got to call their parent mum or dad, but not Sophie. Suzi felt it aged her, throwing tantrums if she ever forgot to call her by her name. Flicking through the list of names, most ones she would never use, because most were her mother’s lovers or ex-lovers, she finally found Mark Thompson’s number.

Pressing dial, she waited. Mark was a classic example of what her mother liked most in men. He was good looking, with superficial charm and money, however Sophie had already had to deal with him making a pass at her. Yet another douchebag boyfriend, her lips curving into an unpleasant grimace. Not as if her mother was any better.

Sophie. This is a surprise.

The sound of Mark’s voice, he attempting his best seductive tone made her cringe, anger filling her. Can it Mark. Why is my mother sitting in prison?, her clipped voice bringing a sigh from the other end.

Because sweetness, your mother stole ten thousand dollars from me.

Closing her eyes softly, she held back the curse on her lips. She was not surprised – Suzi had done it before. Sighing wearily, she allowed her voice to soften, I need you to drop the charges Mark. I will make sure you get your money back.

The laugh on the other end made her skin crawl. She hated this part of the negotiations. She knew what he wanted more than the money, but she would be damned if she would play along.

I think we could do that Soph. I will happily drop the charges, if you accompany me this weekend. I plan on spending some time at the beach on a… work retreat. We could spend some time getting to know each other better.

No.

The word was bitten out in a firm voice, the man on the other end of the line becoming less amenable, his words snarled out, Your loss sweetheart. But it’s the only deal on the table.

Laughing gently, she could almost feel the confusion coming from the other side. I am only going to pay you back your ten thousand Mark. But if YOU don’t want to take that deal, then perhaps I should speak to your wife, and yes I know all about your wife. Let’s see if she would like to take the money instead.

Pulling the cell from her ear, she chuckled at the barrage of abuse which came down the line before once more speaking. Decision time Mark. I am nearly at the station.

The huffed out, Fine. But I want all my money or I will have her re-arrested, filled her with relief, her voice businesslike.

You will have a cheque by the end of the day. Now make the call, hanging up as she sat back into the leather seat. Well, no holiday for Sophie again this year – her mother had a habit of eating into any savings she managed to pull together. She was getting really tired of it.

Two minutes later, she entered the police station. Standing at the front desk, she was not aware of the way the officers turned to look at the stunning woman who had just entered, the duty Sergeant greeting her with a warm smile. Hello Miss. Can I help you?

Returning the smile, she gave him the name of her mother, informing him that she wanted to talk to somebody. The officer regarded her with a strange expression, Sophie recognising it. Here she stood, calm and polite while she had no doubt her mother had been a major pain in the ass to everybody from the moment she was brought in. The officer was most likely wondering what she could have to do with Suzi Lawrence.

Is there an officer in charge? My mother assures me she is innocent, not even she managing to sound like she meant it, the duty officer giving her a ‘Yeah right’ look before sighing and lifting a receiver. Indicating that she should have a seat, he offered her a drink, Sophie rewarding him with a dazzling smile as she nodded, the man unable to stop himself from staring at the way her features shone. A coffee at that moment sounded like a little slice of heaven.

Detective Cameron Doyle, known to all as Cam, replaced the receiver. What now? He was tired and majorly pissed off. The woman now sitting in a holding cell had been a giant pain, her dramatics and tantrums rivaling even those of his two year old niece, and that was saying something. Now her daughter was here? Dragging his hand through his thick black hair he exhaled, praying for calm. Great, just what he needed. How bratty was the daughter going to be? He had just about reached the end of his tether. He was not sure how well he was going to deal with another scene. Gritting his teeth, he growled. To hell with department policy, if she started then so help him he would shut her down so damn fast she would not know what happened. Pulling out the report on the incident, he filled out the required fields. Well, he had no intention of rushing. She could wait.

The coffee which appeared before him brought a smile to his lips, his head rising seeing his partner, his eyes full of laughter, Hell man, she was nuts.

A bubble of laughter finally left Cam as he nodded, Oh yeah, one sandwich short of a picnic I would say, his partner laughing back with him before gesturing towards the front of the building.

Patting his back, Rick Jones grinned, Yeah, but she was a looker… And speaking of lookers, go check out the front desk. You should see what just walked in the door. I swear Cam, if I was thirty years younger I would be ALL over that vision of beauty, the older detective pulling in his belly. Hell, she might be into older men.

Letting out a loud guffaw, Cam shook his head, his eyes now full of humour, Yeah, right. And if she didn’t kill you, then Adele would.

Winking as he walked to his desk, Rick chuckled. That wife of mine is a very understanding woman, and she’s been saying I’m due a midlife crisis… I think I could pull it off.

Shaking his head again, Cam pushed from his desk, Sure you could, but I would hate to have to be the one to pull Adele in, might have to put it down as a ‘You asked for it’, lifting the folder on Susan Lawrence. OK. Let’s see what psycho woman’s daughter is like. I am going to guess she is every bit as unpleasant.

Rick shot him a sympathetic look. Give her hell man, but if she is the one that I’m talking about, maybe you should get her number first. Cam spluttered out another laugh. His head shook as he pushed wearily from his desk. That kind of trouble he certainly did not need.

Sophie relished the coffee. Sitting as far into the corner as she was able, she felt uncomfortable in the waiting room. Around her sat an assortment of mainly men, many leering openly at her, others eyeing her designer handbag, Sophie pulling it under her arm tightly.

Sophie Lawrence.

The sound of her name being called was a relief, Sophie hurriedly putting down the disposable cardboard cup and jumping to her feet. Here, she called, her eyes flicking to the open door, shock thudding into her. Standing in the doorway was the most attractive man she had ever seen. Not model good-looking, she having worked with many incredibly handsome men in her time, but arresting, a man she could not help but stare at. Huffing down the laugh which bubbled up, her body more tired than she realised, she managed to not look at him as her mouth curved up into a smile at her own thought: ‘Arresting’ – that was funny. Damn, but she was tired.

Cam Doyle watched the woman who appeared from the corner of the room. Holy hell, Rick had not been kidding. The woman was gorgeous. She looked out of place in the old run-down waiting area, she tip-toeing around the outstretched feet of the other occupants. She was tall, at least 5’6. The woman could have been a model, he not able to take his eyes off her. As tired as he was, she certainly seemed to make parts of his body come to life. As she looked at him, she seemed to pause before looking away, her mouth curving into a grin. What the hell was she laughing at? The hairs on the back of Cam’s neck prickled. If she thought that he was going to be someone she could sweet talk into letting her mother go, she had another thing coming. Especially not after the crap he had put up with during the two hours of her interview. Nope, as lovely as she was, he had no time for women like her or her mother.

In a sharper voice he repeated her name, the woman once more stepping forward, this time an apologetic smile on her lovely lips. Reaching him, she extended her hand. Hi. I’m Sophie Lawrence, my mother phoned. I think there has been a terrible mistake, one I am sure will be rectified at any time now.

Giving her hand the briefest of shakes, he sighed with irritation. Follow me Miss Lawrence, holding the door for her to enter as he led her into one of the many interview rooms.

Sergeant, she began, interrupted by his gruff, Detective.

Sophie looked contrite as she nodded, Sorry. Detective. When can I see my mother, take her home?

Cam Doyle looked back at Sophie Lawrence. Unbelievable. I’m afraid that it is not that simple Miss Lawrence. Your mother is being held on some serious charges of theft.

Across from him he could see the way her eyes fell to the phone on the desk, almost expectantly, her brows furrowing. I really think that you should check. I am sure that…

At that point, the phone rang, Sophie jumping, even as her mouth shaped into a large grin, an embarrassed laugh leaving her at her reaction as she turned to look at him, her teeth snatching her bottom lip as she levelled large blue eyes on him. Perhaps that is it now, his eyes narrowing even more as he picked up the receiver.

Sophie tried not to stare as the detective before her listened to the person on the other end, managing instead furtive looks. She could tell he was mad, his mouth flattening into an angry line, his attempts to argue finally resulting in a Yes Sir, she knowing that he had been overruled. She heard the phone being slammed down, the man taking a few seconds to bring himself under control, before he sat back in his chair, his gaze fixed on her. Seems that you were right.

Turning her look once more to him, she pulled a shaky smile to her lips. Well, so long as things are sorted, no harm done. The gorgeous man before her said nothing, but radiated fury as he stood, lifting his folder as he walked to the door. Standing also, she smoothed down her sweater, feeling more than just a little uncomfortable, she really hating being put in this position, stepping up to join him.

With his hand on the doorknob, the detective paused, turning to her, barely controlled anger in his dark eyes. You know Miss Lawrence, I really do not like my time being wasted. I think that we both know that your mother is as guilty as hell, so next time perhaps you could go and bat those lovely lashes of yours at the right person a little quicker. God knows I would certainly have appreciated it. Ending my shift five hours earlier when it was meant to end would have been awesome.

Sophie could feel the colour rising to her cheeks, her discomfort clear. Did this man think that he had a patent on the no-sleep situation, a spark of anger now making her lift her chin, her eyes hardening. Well perhaps you could have allowed my mother her phone call earlier Detective, then I would have done my best. And as for her guilt, I am pretty sure that we have courts and juries to determine that. Or does the ‘innocent till proven guilty’ thing mean nothing to you?

Cam swallowed down his scathing come-back, his hand pushing down on the handle and swinging the door open as he managed a cold smile. Not at all Miss Lawrence. I am a great believer in the justice system, especially when it is not circumnavigated by a pretty smile. You have a good day now. Your mother is being released as we speak. Try and cover up faster for her next time, he gaining some satisfaction in the way the stunning blonde glared back at him, her hands fisting by her sides before she huffed out an exasperated breath and strode through the door.

Watching her leave, he exhaled slowly, the realisation hitting him of what he had just said. Well that was damn unprofessional, one hand dragging down his face. He badly needed some sleep, he only having grabbed a couple of hours the night before, having spent most of the previous day at the emergency ward with his sister and her two children. On her own now, Sandra had needed him, he normally only too willing to help. A rueful smile flit over his features as he watched the receding figure of Sophie Lawrence. The woman was completely out of order, but perhaps he could have been a little less preachy, a tired sigh leaving him.

Sophie charged through the doors back to the waiting room, her anger flashing from her eyes as all those still waiting moved out of her way. Damn the man – what an arrogant, self-righteous ass, unease prickling her. Yeah he was, but he was not wrong, guilt sending her anger fleeing as she dropped down onto one of the hard plastic chairs. She really hated the positions her mother put her in.

Within ten minutes Suzi Lawrence exited the door, Sophie hearing her mother long before she saw her. Groaning, she could hear the fuss the woman was making, complaining about anything and everything. Stepping up to the door, she could see the angry looks on the faces of the escorting officers, her mother threatening to have her lawyer deal with a false arrest.

Mother, she hissed, the woman’s mouth snapping shut as her eyes swiveled to her daughter, her features pinched as she glowered back.

Suzi – I told you to call me Suzi. Are you so stupid you cannot remember a simple thing like that? Sophie saw the way the officers looked at each other, disbelief in their eyes.

Grabbing her mother’s arm, she managed a warm smile to the men, her, Thank you resulting in a scornful snort from the other woman.

What are you thanking them for? They treated me like a criminal. Her mother glared at the two officers, both now looking sympathetically at Sophie.

Leaning forward, her voice lowered, she snapped back, One more word Suzi and I will leave you here and you can find your own way home.

Instantly her mother’s features changed, her voice becoming pitiful, You can’t do that Sophie. I have had the night from hell. I need you. I don’t have anybody else, she managing to push out some tears, self-pity filling her. That bastard Mark. He lied because I ended things. He is a snake Sophie – a poisonous, jealous snake.

Sucking in a calming breath Sophie signed the form that one officer held out to her, once more thanking them, this time her mother remaining silent, a vision of misery. Let’s get you home, she bit out, gritting her teeth at the way her mother seemed to have so easily slipped into victim mode. Did she really expect her to believe that? It was not like it was the first time she stole from her boyfriends, and once again, Sophie was the one expected to pull her out of the fire. Tiredness filled her. She needed sleep.

Two hours later, having dropped her mother at her apartment, refusing to join her, having no desire to listen to any more of the self-pitying whines of the older woman, she finally got home. Having stopped at her bank and deposited ten thousand dollars into the account, the details of which Mark forwarded to her, she was exhausted. It seemed Mark was no longer prepared to wait for a cheque.

Throwing off her boots, all she wanted to do was to crawl between the sheets of her bed, let sleep take her and