Grey got up and poured another cup of coffee. “Or Graham thinks the real culprit, meaning me, got away and is satisfied because I’m dead.”
“Jeff Graham certainly has the dough to fund a hit, but there haven’t been any large withdrawals from any of his accounts. Still checking, but so far, no off-shore accounts have shown up.”
“What the hell are you up to?” Grey turned my laptop around and scanned the screen. “Where did you get this report?”
“I forwarded you a copy as you walked in.” I grabbed my computer back. “I don’t know if you’ve given any thought to assuming the Steve Smith identity.” He didn’t answer, so I continued. “Would you be happy being Steve and letting Grey Walker rest in peace? Or do you want to continue to be Grey and hope you don’t get pulled over? When a check comes back that you’re dead, then what?”
“I can call myself anything I want as long as I don’t use phony ID to establish said identity, and I’m not doing that,” he said adamantly. “What I don’t want is you sticking your neck out and getting it snapped off.”
“Ouch.” I made a face.
“It’s hard to believe that you went to the trouble of checking out Graham but aren’t going to follow through.”
“It’s not like I’m planning to meet with the man in person.” Not yet anyway.
Grey groaned. “Repeat after me…” He held up his right hand and nodded for me to do the same. “I solemnly swear not to go knocking on anyone’s door asking questions.”
I dropped my hand, which I’d only raised shoulder high. “I won’t go without you.” I flashed him a cheesy smile.
“Pinky swear.” Grey held his out, then looped it around mine and gripped it tight.
I decided a change of subject was in order before I blurted out another of my new ideas. “The elevator at the office needs to be inspected to make sure it’s safe and probably needs an operating license. I’m not certain what the rules are. I don’t want Avery or her clients getting stuck inside.”
“I put that on the list of things that need attention. When your dad shows up, will he be okay with all the changes? The biggest one being that once the security door is installed, he won’t have a key.”
“I hope to have that problem.”
“You mind if I strand you here today? I’d like to go to the office for a couple of hours,” Grey asked and then mumbled, “At least I’ll know where you’re at. I’m getting an SUV delivered later this afternoon, and I need to be here when my new ride gets dropped off. Ender hooked me up with a car dealer friend, which made the process easy. Even threw in an extended warranty.” Grey grabbed my mug and his, rinsed them out, and put them in the dishwasher. He came and pulled me to my feet and into his arms. “You need anything, call.”
* * *
Hours later, having moved my office outside and set everything up on the glass table, I was trying not to focus all my attention on the beach below. I’d finished everything on my to-do list and then some. This was a day when the ability to multi-task came in handy. I pulled out a pad and scribbled down questions regarding Grey’s situation as they popped into my head, with a separate column for random ideas.
I’d finally had enough; my brain felt stuffed. I got up and grabbed a baseball hat and sunglasses and headed down to the white sand, taking pleasure in digging my toes in and feeling the slight breeze against my cheeks. Then I ventured into the water and ran along the shoreline, kicking my aggressions out into the bay. My phone rang, keeping me from getting totally soaked. Grey’s number popped up. I needed to take a pic of him to go with his number but didn’t know how long he’d keep the burner phone.
I answered, and before I could say anything, he snapped, “Where are you?”
“Where are you?”
“Just answer the question.”
I gave an exaggerated salute; anyone out on the water would be impressed. “Okay. But you first.”
There were a few seconds of silence, before he said, “Your living room, looking for you.”
“Walk out to the patio.”
“You’re not out here.”
“Look over the railing.” I paused and asked, “Do you see a nutjob waving wildly? That would be me.” I pulled it off with one hand.
“How do I get down there?”
“Take the elevator down to the garage, and there’s an exit at the back that puts you almost on the beach. I’ll come meet you.” I loitered in the water until I saw the door open, then hiked up the sand.
Grey pulled me into his arms and hugged me hard. “I thought you were off stirring up trouble.” He clasped my hand in his, and we walked back to the shoreline. “I’m back earlier than I thought because, frankly, I was in the way at the office. Ender sent over a more competent crew than I expected. The head guy, Hugo, came prepared with his guys, and they got busy hauling out the trash. The man even thought to bring a dumpster with him.”
“I’m happy to be losing my slumlord status.” I looked up and grinned.
“Avery stopped by. Chatted it up with Hugo. You’d think they were old friends, rather than just meeting for the first time. She snapped dozens of pictures of her floor and wants a rental agreement.”
“A handshake will have to suffice. It’s not like I’m going to kick her out.”
“It’s Avery’s idea that you rent the floors as-is, and if anyone wants changes, they can do the work themselves.”
“Sounds good. I’m going to keep the top floor as storage and let the first floor stand empty until the smell dissipates.”
Grey wrinkled his nose. “Hugo asked me what the heck. Disgruntled tenant? I didn’t know and, using one of your tricks, let him assume what he wanted.”
“Happy to be a good influence.” I ignored his snort. “I hate to plead ignorance, but my dad really did keep his business dealings to himself.”
“Before Avery roared off in her Carrera, she hit me with a hundred questions, letting me know after the interrogation that should I do anything to hurt you, there were a variety of wild animals around that could use a good meal.”
“Now that’s a good friend.”
Grey laughed. “I have a confession. You left your files strewn across the table on the patio, and they taunted me to take a look, especially the notepad with my name at the top. I thought, ‘What would Harper do?’ Then flicked through the pages.”
I could hardly put up an argument that I wouldn’t do such a thing when we both knew I would. “That will teach me to clean up after myself.”
“Your brainstorming about me was an interesting read, especially the notes and questions pertaining to Mindy Graham’s death. Your list of suspects was short. Not sure why you think Jeff Graham would kill his own daughter.”
“I don’t, but he’d be interesting to talk to, get his perspective. I planned to ask you to add to the list, since I have no clue who had contact with the deceased other than family members.” I peered up at him to gauge his irritation. Grey was a lot calmer than I thought he’d be. “You ready for me to pitch my new idea? It’s a way for me to fill up some of the blank space on that pad.”
Grey groaned.
“Keep an open mind.” I dug my feet in the sand and came to a stop, then stepped in front of him so we were face to face. “I cleared my calendar for this new project I’m thinking about. What better cover is there than an author researching their next project? It would be natural for me to be asking questions and attempting to arrange interviews for my upcoming book… so I could do justice to the story of Mindy Graham’s death.”
“I hate to be a killjoy…”
No he didn’t, but I kept a bland expression.
“You start asking questions and the murderer gets wind of it, he or she will quickly decide that you’re an irritant that needs to be dealt with.”
“If we’re discussing the pros and cons, that’s definitely a con,” I said. His face tightened. “I’m only in the note-taking stage,” I said, attempting to placate him. “If I decide to take i
t to the next step, I’ll talk to you first. How’s that?”
Grey bent down until we were nose to nose. “You want to know what I think? You’re full of it. You uncover something, and you’ll be off.”
“Maybe not.” I struggled not to laugh, then stepped back and kicked water on him.
Grey looked down at his wet jeans. “You picked the wrong man to drench.”
“Sissy.”
He charged forward, and my attempt to evade his outstretched arms was futile; he grabbed me up and walked me into the waves, dropping me into the water. I squealed and stumbled back. Grey’s arm shot out. He caught me and, with a shift of momentum, took us both down into the salty seawater. He rolled to a sitting position and pulled me on top of him.
“I realize that getting you to drop this investigation is pointless.” He tightened his hold as a small wave washed over us. “Give me your word that you won’t be going off on a wild hair, that you’ll talk to me first. In person, sitting across a table from one another. Don’t think about blowing me off in some rushed phone call.”
I reached out with my finger, crossing his heart and then mine. “Promise. In the spirit of being upfront, the first person I’m going to interview is you.”
“I knew that was coming.”
“You know you want answers. I want to help you get them. If you come up with a better idea than me impersonating a writer, I’m all ears.”
Grey dumped me off his lap and scooped me up, setting me in the ankle-deep water.
I took off running.
He chased me up the beach, swinging me off my feet and tossing me over his shoulder as he walked inside.
Chapter Ten
Grey set me on my feet, grabbed my hand, and ushered me into the elevator. We rode to the top in silence.
I showered and pulled on a sleeveless turquoise t-shirt dress with a deep side slit, one of my favorite things to wear around the house, and went out to the kitchen, taking a seat at the island.
Grey was wearing a pair of sweatpants that hung low on his hips and a t-shirt stretched across his abs, a kitchen towel tucked in the front of his pants. He’d seasoned a couple of steaks and was chopping vegetables. He’d also uncorked a bottle of Cabernet, my favorite, from a California winery that I’d yet to try.
“I’ll take a glass.”
“Oh no you don’t.” He whisked the bottle off the counter and disappeared out to the balcony, coming back empty-handed. “I’ve got a romantic evening planned, and I need that bottle to carry it off.”
I tried to remember if there was a lime in the refrigerator. When Grey put the steaks on the barbecue, I planned to sneak a shot of tequila to calm my fluttering heart.
“You’ve got that ‘I’m up to something’ look on your face. Might as well fess up now. You know I’ll get it out of you.” Grey’s steely blue eyes bored into me.
The glint of humor had me relaxing. I slid off the stool and opened the cupboard. “Would you like a pre-dinner shot?” I pulled out a bottle of Patron.
Grey eyed me. “I don’t want you getting sauced before dinner.”
“One drink.” I held up a finger. “Two’s my max. Three, and it’s ‘dancing on the table’ time.”
“Pour me one.”
I watched as he took the platter out to the balcony and stood at the barbecue with his back to me. Then I cut up a lime, filled a small glass, grabbed two shot glasses and the bottle, set everything on a tray, and followed him outside. He’d already set the table and moved it closer to the railing.
I set the tray down on a side table and filled the glasses, handing one to Grey. “You’re full of surprises.”
Grey took the glass from my outstretched hand, and we clinked glasses and downed them. “It’s about time I showed off a few of my talents. I love to cook, and I’m good at it. Haven’t had anyone get sick yet.”
“Good to know about the sick part. Just to be on the safe side, I’ll take a test taste before eating.” I grinned at him. “My talents consist of buying prepared fresh foods that go in the oven. That, and I know where all the good restaurants are located.” I sat in the nearest chair and leaned my head back, inhaling the slight scent of salt on the breeze. “If there’s anything I can do…” I knew I was probably worrying for nothing, but I hoped this didn’t turn out to be an evening of good news/really sucky news.
It was the start of a perfect evening. The temp had dropped, along with the humidity, and the sky was colored in shades of yellow and pink as the sun set.
Grey finished cooking dinner and served up the plates, sitting next to me and filling my wine glass. “To interesting beginnings,” he toasted.
The man knew his way around the kitchen. He’d paired the seasoned steaks with grilled vegetables and potato wedges in herbs, and everything tasted as good as it smelled. Once the dishes were cleared away, we moved to a double chaise with a view out over the water.
Grey hooked his arm around me. “It was pointed out to me that I should stop being a ‘horse’s ass’ and admit my feelings to you before you move on and leave me to moon over you.”
The horse reference was a dead giveaway that Avery had unloaded what she thought were words of wisdom on the man. I wish I’d been there or that she’d sent over a recording. I bit back a laugh as I looked up at him.
“Would you go steady with me?” He raised his brows, a smile on his face.
“Since we’re living together…” I covered my face and laughed. “And when someone asks, ‘How did you two meet?’” I asked in a prissy tone and laughed again.
“Harper kidnapped my heart.” Grey clasped a hand to his chest.
“Good thing the rest of you came along with it.”
“Don’t be a romance downer.” Grey tightened his hold. “If anyone does ask, we go with the truth—we met over coffee. I’ve been told that I’ve got a ‘none of your business attitude,’ so it’s unlikely that anyone would ask.”
“I’m hoping that going steady means you’re staying.” I snuggled closer to his side.
“The only thing that would have me rethinking this living arrangement is if I brought trouble to your door.”
“Even if you were to cross paths with someone from your previous life, I doubt they’d recognize you.” I ran my finger across his short beard. “Another thing you’ve got going for you—no one is looking for you. And even if someone did follow you here, no one’s getting up to the top floor. We have the best security.”
Grey turned my face to his and kissed me.
Chapter Eleven
Another beautiful morning, and I’d commandeered the patio table again. I’d finished up video chats with employees and just sent my last email until they filled up my inbox again. I glanced up and watched as Grey approached. “You going to the office?” My stomach growled, reminding me that coffee wasn’t a meal.
Grey wrinkled his nose. “Hugo found evidence of rats and is fumigating the place.”
“That’s disgusting.”
“Ender referred a client to me. Thought you might like to ride along and witness the master at work.”
“I’m honored that you would ask… unless you have an ulterior motive.” I eyed him suspiciously.
“It’s easier to keep an eye on you if you’re in the passenger seat.”
“How are you going to introduce me? Probably better not to say we’re cohabitating. Or doing it. Partner would be better.” I gave him a cheeky smile.
“As long as we’re agreed that as senior member of this team, I’m the lead and you’ll follow my direction. Any disagreements are to be had out of earshot of the client.”
“Yes, sir.” I jumped up and curtsied, then scrutinized him in his blue jeans and button-down. “I’ll change.” I’d figure out something that wasn’t pants, since they cut off your circulation in nine-hundred-degree heat. I settled on a cotton skirt and sleeveless top and slid into a pair of slip-on sandals, then grabbed a briefcase purse and met Grey in the living room.
Grey whistled
. He grabbed my hand, and we went out to the elevator and down to the garage. This was the first that I was seeing his new black Escalade; it had been detailed, and the exterior shone. I checked out the tag in the window, and everything appeared to be legal-like. He’d told me that the swap had gone off with a hitch.
He held open the door, and I got in and checked out the immaculate interior. When he got behind the wheel, I said, “Nice ride.”
“I thought about going with another color but figured I’d fit in with the hundreds of other black SUVs on the road. The dealer joked that it was the hottest-selling color.” Grey pulled out of the garage and onto the street.
“You know where you’re going?”
“I thought you’d program the GPS.” He pointed to the unit and handed me his phone.
It wasn’t hard to find the message with the address, since there was only one. “I know where this is. I can tell you where to go.”
Grey laughed. “The romance is dead already.”
“On second thought, you’re not going to like me jabbing my finger this way and that.” I went ahead and programmed in the address. “Tell me about this job.”
“The client, Simon Kent, owns a string of strip joints and other businesses, from which he’s recently discovered that his son, Wilson, has been siphoning off money.” Grey turned onto the Causeway.
“Call the cops, case solved.”
“Do you want to hear the rest or be surprised?”
“I’m not fond of half-assed stories, so go ahead, my dear.” I readjusted the seat and settled back to listen, figuring I couldn’t fool with all the buttons at the same time.
“Little bast— figured out his father was onto him, disappeared in the middle of the night, and is lying low. I suggested that Wilson’s probably skipped town, but Kent claims the kid doesn’t have the smarts.”
“How old is this larcenous fellow? You find him, then what?”
Hired Killer (Biscayne Bay Book 1) Page 7