Wylie sniffed under the grape vines, butt in the air, tail wagging. After a moment, he moved on, nose held high to sniff the breeze, eyes bright and full of life.
Waiting for Grace would be worth it.
* * * *
“I like him. So does Kane.”
Grace stepped through the open sliding doors and glanced over her shoulder at her sister. “You like most of the guys I date.”
“They’re always polite and charming for the whole two minutes I spend getting to know them before you dump them and move on. Is that what you’re going to do to Travis?”
A light breeze blew her hair around her face as the sun sank low over the western horizon. Out on the lawn, Travis, Kane and her brother Will, played Frisbee with Rachel’s two younger daughters. Her parents and Will’s wife, Sharon, sat at the outdoor table, enjoying glasses of wine while Lark had retreated to a corner of the patio after dinner to spend the last half hour on her phone texting.
Grace dried hands still damp from washing dishes on the seat of her shorts then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “We’re not exactly dating. Our relationship is—complicated.”
“It must be. You never bring men home to meet Mom and Dad. I’m honored that I get to meet some of them on occasion.”
“I didn’t really have a choice.” She nibbled the edge of her nail then jammed her hand in her pocket. “Uh, there was a bit of a situation in Alaska.”
“I saw your byline on the Casey Sutton story. Fishing article, my butt!”
“I didn’t want you to worry about me.”
Rachel’s gaze narrowed as she crossed her arms over her chest. “What happened?”
“There may have been a teensy incident with a hit man.”
Lips tightening, Rachel grabbed her hand and pulled her down the steps.
“Aren’t you going to join us?”
She glanced over her shoulder. “In a minute, Mom. I have something to discuss with Grace first.”
“Seems like you could have had a private conversation while you were doing the dishes since you wouldn’t let me help.”
Grace shrugged. “We did, but Rachel’s being bossy. You know how she is.”
Out on the lawn, Kane laughed and missed the Frisbee Jade tossed to him. He bent to scoop it up. “I’ve missed you, Grace. No punches pulled. You have to stay on your toes with my sister-in-law, Travis.”
“That was apparent about two minutes after I met her.”
Grace smiled and skipped a couple of steps to keep up with Rachel. “Glad we understand each other. Be right back.”
She dug in her heels when they reached the front lawn. “We could have talked on the patio.”
“I expect I’ll raise my voice, and I didn’t think you wanted Mom and Dad to hear all the details of your Alaskan adventure. Spill it.”
Grace dropped onto the wooden glider under the spreading arms of an oak tree and sighed. “I wasn’t the only one who learned Casey Sutton’s location when his girlfriend opened her big mouth at a party. I suppose I should consider myself lucky I was the only reporter who headed up to Alaska.”
“Yeah, who else was there?”
“Travis. His buddy is a federal agent, and he sent Travis north to retrieve Sutton.”
“Your friend works for the government? I thought you said—”
“No, he has a private investigation company, but he used to be a Navy SEAL. His friend wanted the best, and that’s Travis.”
“I don’t doubt it. What about the hit man you mentioned?”
Grace ran a hand through her hair. “Juan Estrada hired a man to eliminate Sutton. He took a few shots at Travis and me since we were in his way. Casey wasn’t at the lodge when we got there, so all three of us—me, Travis and the assassin—went looking for him out in the wilderness.”
Rachel dropped onto the seat next to her and wrapped her in a quick, hard hug. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’re happy I’m a fast runner.”
“Is that what saved you?”
“Pretty much. That and Travis. His skill and experience got us out of there alive.”
“So, why do I get the impression your new friend didn’t come down here just for a visit?”
Grace took a breath. “Don’t freak out.”
“Oh, God, what else happened?”
“Mason Rogers—that’s the assassin’s name we found out later—may have taken a shot at me in the park when I was walking Wylie.”
“May have?”
“Travis thinks he’s in the city to finish off poor Casey. I’m not sure why the man still believes I’m some sort of threat, but apparently he does.”
Rachel pressed a hand to her chest. “He tracked you to your house?”
“Where I live isn’t exactly a secret, but Travis made sure no one followed us when we left this morning.”
“I can’t believe this is happening—again.”
“It isn’t the same as it was with your stalker. This isn’t personal.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure. I spent time in Alaska with this man before we knew he was the one trying to kill Sutton. I didn’t recognize him. He’s young, early twenties.”
“Maybe you did a story—”
Grace shook her head. “No, I’d remember someone like that.”
“Mason Rogers—the name sounds familiar.”
She leaned against the back of the glider and closed her eyes. “David’s last name was Rogers.”
Rachel laid her hand on Grace’s knee and squeezed. “I’d forgotten. It was so many years ago, and I was already in college when you were dating him.” She snapped her fingers. “One of my regulars at the bookstore is Mason Roper. Double latte and a cinnamon roll every morning at eight sharp. That’s probably why the name rang a bell with me.”
Grace shrugged. “Rogers is a pretty common last name. I used to work with a woman named Corinne Rogers. The hit man’s name isn’t really relevant since I’m positive I don’t have any connection to him. By the way, how’s business? I keep hearing how bookstores are closing right and left.”
“Don’t try to change the subject. What’re you going to do now?”
“I’m going to keep my head down until the police or feds or whoever is after him, catches Rogers. Travis intends to hang out, at least for a while, but he has to go back to work sometime. His company probably won’t run itself.”
Rachel shivered and rubbed her arms. “I’m scared.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I’m going to tell Kane.”
Grace hunched one shoulder. “Sure. I don’t expect you to keep secrets from your husband, but don’t you dare say a word to Mom and Dad.”
“I won’t. Mom would have a heart attack.”
“We’d better go back before she comes looking for us.”
Rachel smiled. “Mom’s tough. Maybe she’d kick the hit man’s butt.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Chapter 18
Standing in the middle of the lawn, Travis studied the pale blue Victorian house belonging to Rachel and Kane. Pretty, but the swirly detail on the trim was a little much for his taste. His gaze strayed to Grace. She and her sister sat on the front porch with their heads together, deep in conversation, completely oblivious to the fact that he had absolutely nothing to do while they talked. Picking up a dead branch, he tossed it.
“Go fetch.”
Wylie cocked an ear in his direction before plopping onto his butt to scratch.
Jamming his hands in the pockets of his shorts, Travis turned to face the street when the sound of an engine intruded over the din of chirping birds. Kane’s Jeep rolled into the driveway and stopped. Ivy, Rachel’s youngest daughter, jumped out of the back, blond braids bouncing. Jade, the middle daughter, slid from the passenger seat and offered him a shy smile before running after her sister.
Kane slammed the Jeep’s door and strolled over to greet him. “I thought you two lef
t after lunch.”
“We’re on our way, but Grace said she had one more thing to discuss with your wife before we could leave town.”
“They didn’t talk enough last night?”
Travis shook his head. “Apparently not.”
Kane turned to face him, his sharp, blue gaze serious. “Rachel told me what happened in Alaska and in the park. I have connections with the SFPD. I can get some unofficial protection for Grace.”
Travis opened his mouth then closed it when Jade wheeled a bike around the house. She fastened a helmet over her red hair and pushed off down the driveway.
“I’ll be back from soccer practice around five.”
Rachel glanced up. “Did you put on sunscreen?”
The girl rolled her eyes. “I’m not an idiot, Mom.”
Kane grinned. “She’s our calm, well-adjusted one.”
Travis smiled back. The interruption had given him a moment to temper a sharp rebuke. He cleared his throat. “Nothing’s going to happen to Grace on my watch.”
“Rachel mentioned you’d be going back to Seattle—”
“Says who?”
“Grace assumed you have work obligations. If the authorities don’t find this little shit soon, won’t you have to go home?”
“If I do, I’ll take Grace with me.”
“She can be pretty stubborn.”
Travis gritted his teeth. “I’ll keep her safe.”
“You’ll let me know if you need my help?”
He nodded then let out a long breath when the two sisters left the porch. Kane was a good guy and obviously used to being in charge. He didn’t blame the man for questioning his competency, but he didn’t have to like it.
Rachel stopped beside him and gave him a hug. “It was nice getting to know you, Travis. I hope we’ll see you again soon.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
Grace eyed him sharply, but she didn’t comment.
Kane held out his hand, and Travis shook it.
“I’ll be in touch, just to check in, see if you need anything.”
Travis nodded. “Yeah, thanks.” He turned to Grace. “Ready?”
“Yep.” She kissed Kane’s cheek, hugged her sister and then whistled for the dog.
When Travis headed toward the driver’s side of the car, she shook her head. “No way, bud. You drove here. I’m driving home.”
He opened the door for Wylie to jump in. “If you say so.”
“I do.”
“Two words I never thought I’d hear come out of my sister’s mouth.”
Grace laughed. “Aren’t you funny? See you, Sis.”
“Bye, Gracie.”
They backed out of the driveway and headed down the tree-lined street.
Travis studied her profile. Her lips were set in a firm line, one hand on the wheel as she drove with ease and confidence. The same way she approached life.
“What did you need to discuss with your sister? I thought you told her all about our misadventures last night.”
“She has a way of making people spill their guts even when they don’t want to.” Little lines creased her forehead. “This was about Lark. She wants to come visit me next week. Rachel told her she couldn’t, but Lark doesn’t always listen. Nothing like an assassin on the loose to put the fear of God into a mother’s heart.”
“So what does she want you to do?”
“Discourage her problem child if she calls me. Tell her I’m too busy or don’t have room since you’re staying with me, anything to keep her away—except the truth.”
“Why not the truth?”
“I told you Rachel had a stalker a couple of summers ago.”
He nodded.
“He kidnapped Lark to get to my sister. Even though my niece wasn’t hurt, it was traumatizing. I don’t want to dredge up all those old memories.”
“You’d rather let her think you’re having wild sex with me?”
“You bet.” She glanced his way and smiled. “She probably knows that already. The girl isn’t naïve.”
“Maybe they’ll find Rogers and put him away for good sooner rather than later.”
“Before you start losing clients because you’re here with me instead of at work would be nice.”
He winced when the dog crawled across the center console and settled in his lap. Brown eyes dared him to protest. With a sigh, he moved a back paw off his groin and shifted in the seat.
“I’m not going to lose clients. This is no different than taking a vacation.”
“Except, essentially, you’re working. You should bill me when this is over.”
The back of his neck heated. “Are you trying to piss me off?”
“No.” She sighed. “I’m just frustrated. You’re going to want to monitor every step I take, and I’m not used to having a babysitter.”
“There’s a solution to the problem, you know?”
She merged onto the freeway before glancing over. “Do tell.”
“Come back to Seattle with me. Mason Rogers is in San Francisco because of Sutton. Taking shots at you has to be a secondary objective, one he won’t pursue if you’re not around.”
“I have a job. I can’t just leave.”
“Take some time off.”
“I’m not going to let that whack job chase me out of my own home.”
His hands fisted atop Wylie’s back. “Kane was right.”
“About what in particular?”
“He said you were stubborn.”
Her lips curved as she accelerated past a motorhome and cruised down the fast lane. “Maybe a tad.”
“Would it kill you to take a vacation?”
“It’s the principle. Anyway, I’d rather use my vacation time for a real holiday.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m not talking about a fishing camp, either. Something on the beach in Hawaii would be nice. Want to come with me?”
An image of Grace wearing a tiny bikini, damp skin gleaming as she lay on a white sand beach, fogged his brain. He shifted beneath Wylie’s weight, trying to ease his suddenly too tight shorts. “When do we leave?”
She laughed. “Maybe next month.”
“Why wait?”
“You can’t get super saver fares at a moment’s notice, and my car payments don’t leave me with a lot of spare income each month.”
He patted the dashboard. “This baby’s worth it.”
“I agree, and you never know. I may get a raise if I win a Pulitzer Prize with Casey’s story. A girl can dream, anyway.”
“Is that what you want, fame and fortune?”
“I thought it was. It’s what I’ve worked for since I got my first byline.” Uncertainty shadowed her eyes as she glanced his way before focusing on the road.
“Has that changed?”
She bit her lip and gestured out the window. “Sometimes all this gets to me.”
Grass covered hillsides, brown this time of year, gave way to a host of interconnecting towns along Interstate 80 as they approached the city. Traffic grew heavier with weekenders returning home to the work week grind.
He grimaced. “Living in a city can wear you down. After a couple days in Vine Haven, I appreciate the slower pace even more.”
“Lately, I envy Rachel. Sure she has problems, but she has a husband who supports her in everything she does. She has those three beautiful girls to love—even if they do make her crazy sometimes. My life seems—I don’t know—sterile by comparison.”
“You’ve built something solid, Grace. Don’t knock what you have.”
“I’m not. I guess I just want someone to share it with.” She gave him another look that twisted his heart. “That’s why I told myself I wouldn’t get involved with you.”
“Because we have different zip codes?”
She nodded and looked straight ahead, chin set at an angle.
“People move. There are newspapers in Seattle.”
Her eyes flashed. “There are people who need P.I.’s in San Francisco.”
Her smile reappeared. “A date, as in dinner and dancing or a movie? What a concept. So far our time together has involved hiking until my feet had blisters, getting shot at and enduring an inquisition from my family.”
“Sounds like I owe you a civilized evening.”
“I wouldn’t say no to that, but not tonight. Tonight I just want to veg on the couch, maybe pick up a pizza.”
“We’ll order delivery.”
She sighed. “Let me guess—no walking Wylie.”
The dog’s ears rose.
“Not unless we do it far away from your home. We can stop somewhere if you like.”
“Doesn’t matter what I like. Wylie needs exercise. So do I, although I suppose I could hit the gym. I was getting kind of used to running outside instead of on a treadmill.”
He couldn’t hold back a grin. “Next thing I know, you’ll start eating granola, wearing tie-dyed shirts like Casey and buy a new pair of the latest hiking boots. Are you sure you don’t want to camp while we’re in Hawaii?”
“Everyone’s a comedian today. First Rachel and now you. If the park is out, how about the beach?”
“I’m sure Wylie will revel in sand and surf. Who gets to clean him afterward?”
“Guess.”
* * * *
Evening shift change was organized chaos. Mason wouldn’t have a better chance. The wig itched, but he refused to scratch. The scrubs were loose and comfortable, and he’d chosen shoes he could run in—just in case. He’d damn well better finish the job tonight. Estrada was pissed. If he failed to eliminate Sutton, the drug lord might just take out a contract on him. Not that he’d need to. His reputation would be ruined, and he’d never work again. Having to get an ordinary nine-to-five job like all the rest of the schmucks would suck the life out of him. He’d rather end it with a bullet in his heart.
After he took care of Grace. He owed his big brother that much.
His running shoes squeaked against the tile floor. He pushed the thick-framed glasses up his nose and walked with his head down as he passed one of Sutton’s guards heading toward the vending machine. The man was laughably predictable, munching chocolate bars and guzzling soda to stay awake.
Every Step She Takes (Who's Watching Now Book 2) Page 16