by Vella Day
“Thanks. When does your dad come home from his trip?” Connor’s father and Jackson’s dad had built this building so that when they were in town, they’d have an office here. They both said they missed working.
“Next week. We can use both of them on this case.”
He agreed. The more eyes on the lookout for this man the better. Sam headed back down the hallway to find Jackson, only he wasn’t there, so he called him. Jackson said he’d stayed up late doing some surveillance work but promised he’d be there shortly. “Do you think you could help me out when you get here?”
“Sure. What do you need?”
Once he filled him in, Sam returned to the reception area to speak with Lexi.
“Hey,” she said with a smile. “You find out anything more?”
Sam placed a hip on the corner of her desk. “Not really. Assuming, you didn’t use a credit card or call someone, the only way Justin could have found you was if he put a tracking device on your car.” He wouldn’t suggest that Kapok might have had her watched for a few days before she left town or that his men might have followed her. If Kapok’s men had been trained by the military, she would never have spotted them.
She slapped a hand on his chest. “When would he have done that? I left minutes after finding out what my father had done.”
Sam hadn’t meant to upset her. “It’s just a theory that I’m about to test. Jackson is on his way over here. Together, we’re going to figure it out, but don’t worry. Connor will be here if you need anything.”
She blew out a long breath. “I guess if there is a device, we need to remove it.” She pulled out a drawer and extracted her purse. “Here are the keys in case you need them.”
“Thanks. If we find the device, we’ll consider placing it on some vehicle with out of state plates. Once they leave town, they’ll give Kapok a good run for his money.”
Lexi smiled, and his pulse sped up. “What I wouldn’t give to see his face when he realized he’s been fooled,” she said.
Sam chuckled. “Let’s see if it’s there first.”
“Uh-oh. I just thought of something. When I was checking my engine at the rest stop, those two guys came over to supposedly help me. Remember, I said one robbed me?”
“Yes. Do you think the first guy could have slipped something in the engine?”
“That or maybe inside the car. I had my window open to air it out, despite it being cold.”
“Let’s hope we get lucky.” Without touching or kissing her, he returned to the main area. Once Sam grabbed his jacket from his office, he left by the side door in order to grab a can of gasoline from the storage locker. As he exited the shed, Jackson pulled up in his Silverado truck and waved.
Sam placed the gas can in the bed of Jackson’s truck and hopped in. “Good timing,” Sam said.
“So you think Lexi’s car was bugged?”
He told him about the two men who robbed her. “One could have put something in the engine when she wasn’t looking or the other guy could have planted it when he reached in to steal her money. Kapok probably suspected she might run. To ensure his investment remained within reach, he installed the device.”
“Any of those scenarios sound plausible. Give me a sec, and I’ll run in and get my bug sweeper.”
“Thanks.”
Once Jackson returned, Sam filled him in on Devon’s call. “I’m thinking the drone might be able to help,” Sam said.
“I’ll be happy to fire it up. I’ll need a make and model of the vehicle he’s driving.”
“Your Clan is on the case, but he owns a Hummer. While this Vinea woman implied Kapok had driven his vehicle, I wouldn’t put it past him to switch cars or take someone else’s.”
“That would cramp our ability to find him.”
When they arrived behind the pub, Sam was relieved her car was where she’d left it. “I’ll give it some gas while you check for the tracking devices.”
“Thanks for giving me the dirty job, though this will get it done faster.”
“You’ll have to show me how to use it some time,” Sam said.
“Will do.”
Once Sam emptied the can, he slid into the driver’s seat and fired up the engine. It sputtered for a second before roaring to life. Before he hopped out, he ran his hand under the dash trying to find something that didn’t belong. Failing, he got out. “Any luck?” he asked Jackson.
“Nope.” His co-worker was on his back in the snow checking under the chasse. He slid out a moment later. “I’ll check under the hood too.”
Sam popped the hood. “Let me try.”
Jackson gave him a quick tutorial on the scanner. Sam ran the machine around waiting for the light to turn red, indicating there was a device. “I got nothing.”
“That means someone probably followed her,” Jackson said.
Sam didn’t like it. “It looks like it. Thanks for your help. I’ll drive the car back and park it inside the garage. We don’t need Kapok spotting it.” They had a four-bay garage. Two spots were only used when the two elders were in town. The other two spaces were for anyone who needed to keep his car out of sight.
Jackson nodded. “I’ll stop in and let Garth know we have the car.”
“Appreciate it.” Once Sam returned to the office, he told Lexi they didn’t find anything.
“Then how did he find me?”
Sam explained his theory about possibly being followed.
“I checked my rear view constantly. Sure, there were cars behind me, but when I got off at an intersection, it wasn’t like they followed me to the rest stop.” She sucked in a breath. “Damn. It was them. Those guys who robbed me must have been working with Justin. They took my money to force me to resort to using my credit cards in case they lost track of me.”
“It seems the most likely case.”
“Then I should leave—like in the middle of the night.”
“No!” Sam hadn’t meant his voice to rise. “Who’s to say his men aren’t out there right now waiting for you to make your move?”
“Are you trying to scare me even more?”
Sam didn’t seem to be able to do anything right. “How can you say that? I just want to keep you safe.”
Lexi slumped against her chair. “I know you are. It’s just that I feel like I’m in prison.” She held up her palm. “Albeit a wonderfully comfortable one with gracious hosts.”
“It sucks, I know. While you try to lose yourself in the joys of your job, our team will figure something out.”
She blew out a breath and tossed the pen in her hand on the desk. “You’re right. So when did you say you’re going to teach me to shoot a gun?”
Sam laughed, enjoying her spirit. “Let’s master your learning to deal with customers first.”
She saluted and returned her gaze to the computer.
As Sam headed off, he wondered if he was doing right by her. If he weren’t convinced she was his mate, he’d find a way to sneak her out of town. After they vanquished Justin Kapok, Sam would have to figure out if Lexi felt the same way about him that he felt about her.
*
Lexi wanted to hit something—or rather someone—namely Justin. If he knew where she was, why wasn’t he making his move? He should have arrived three days ago, yet no one had seen him. This waiting for the other shoe to drop was killing her. Sam told her that Rye McKinnon’s Clan said no one had even reported anyone asking for her.
Had the whole thing been an elaborate hoax by Justin to pay her back for running away? Maybe he realized that an unwilling woman wouldn’t serve his purpose. If his goal was to breed, he’d need some cooperation on her part, which he certainly wouldn’t get. Then again, he might resort to force. At that thought she shivered.
Thinking about mating and having children, her thoughts instantly jumped to Sam. Had the circumstances been different, Sam would be the man for her. He’d make a loving and protective father to her kids. That much she was sure.
The office ph
one rang, giving her a chance to take her mind off her problems—and the sexy Sam Pompley. “McKinnon and Associates.”
“I’m in need of an investigator.”
“We can certainly help.” She went through a series of questions that Connor had written down for her in order to help her decide who might be best suited for a potential client. “Just a moment and I’ll see who’s free.” She looked over the calendar and the only person who wasn’t on a job was Sam. “I’ll patch you through.”
“Thanks.”
Once she’d made the transfer, she glanced over at the pile of paperwork waiting to be filed. She walked over to the table they’d set up for her, along with the file cabinet. As she looked over the papers, an idea struck her. What if she made a spreadsheet of every client, along with every person they’d ever interviewed? She’d assign key words so that cross-referencing them would be easier. Perfect. Excited that she’d be more than a secretary with little to do, she set about her task.
Once she figured out how to organize the names, she questioned if she should give up on the idea of leaving Silver Lake. Not only was she totally safe locked away in here, this was a good job. While it could be boring if she let it, if she used her math skills, she could become a valuable asset to the team members. Another perk was that she would be paid weekly. And then there were all these hot men running around, like Sam.
Sam.
Her wolf was growing more desperate each day, but if she let herself indulge in what he had to offer, when it came time to leave, it would make it worse for both of them. If she thought danger wouldn’t touch him too, she’d consider making Silver Lake her home.
Before she could think further on the topic, the front door buzzer sounded, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Her train of thought derailed as her hand shook. She pressed the button to see who was there. A man, neatly groomed, wearing a large overcoat was there. “May I help you?”
“The name’s Frisch. I have an appointment with Kip Landon.”
“Just a moment please,” said Lexi as she checked her screen and spotted the appointment then buzzed him in.
“Mr. Frisch, have a seat, and I’ll notify Mr. Landon that you’re here.” Even though this wasn’t Justin, her heart was still pounding in her chest.
Two minutes later, Kip came out to greet the man and then ushered him to his office. By the time five o’clock rolled around, her official duties were over. Just as she was about to head on down to her little cave, Connor strolled in and handed her an envelope.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Your first week’s pay.”
Lexi’s hands shook. It would be impolite to count the money in front of him, but she was curious how much they paid. Instead of satisfying her curiosity, she stuffed the money in her purse. “Thank you.”
No sooner had Connor returned to the inner sanctum than Jackson breezed in, bringing with him the fresh scent of cold winter air. “Lexi.”
“Jackson.”
“Going stir crazy yet?” he asked with a smile.
“I’m keeping busy, but I can’t help but wonder when Justin will make his move.” Sam wasn’t as open about discussing what was happening as he was.
“Be patient. Kapok won’t wait too long. If he’s here, he’s not gambling. Not gambling means lost wages.”
She hadn’t thought of that. “True. He’s probably waiting for me to go outside. Perhaps I should walk down one of the main streets with you guys standing by ready to pounce.”
“That would be dangerous. You know Sam; he’d have a fit.”
“I know. He acts like he owns me.” Not that there wasn’t an upside to that, but right now, it was hard to breathe easily with him hovering all the time.
Jackson winced. “He cares about you, that’s all.”
“I know, but I want some freedom.”
“You two will work it out. If anyone asks, I’m on my way up to the roof to send out my drone in the hopes of spotting Kapok or his men.”
“Do you know what kind of car he’s driving?”
“He left Vermont in a Hummer. Whether he still has it is anyone’s guess.”
A few minutes after Jackson disappeared down the hallway, Sam came in from the back. Why she’d thought things were slow, she didn’t know. “You want to grab some dinner?” he asked.
Had he been listening to her conversation with Jackson, or had Jackson found Sam and told him to take her out? “You mean you’re actually letting me out of my cage?”
Pain skated across his face. He lifted her up by the shoulders. “What do you want me to do? Encourage you to go out and shop by yourself?”
If she had money to spare, she’d like nothing better. “What do you think about letting me go into town in order to draw out Justin? You could be nearby making sure he doesn’t harm me.”
He shook his head. “We’d need a lot of men for that, and even then something might happen. If he remains hidden for another few days, we might consider it.” Sam clutched her to his chest, and many of her worries melted away. He leaned back. “I know being cooped up here isn’t fun. I have a spare bedroom. Do you want to spend the night there? I have windows in my house.”
Not only did her pulse race, heat swept over her body at what might happen. “I’d love nothing more than a change of scenery.” If he thought for one minute that being offered different sleeping arrangements would stop her from seducing him, he was crazy.
Chapter Nine
‡
“Let me pack a few things,” Lexi said to Sam. For the first time in days, she was excited about life. No, she had to take that back. When she and Sam had gone snowmobiling, she’d really felt alive!
After rushing down the hallway, she ducked into the office that led to her secret staircase, and her heart sputtered at seeing someone hunched over a computer. It took a second for her to realize it was probably Devon. “Oh, sorry. I forgot this was your office when you’re in town.” He was lucky to get a flight back to town so fast.
His smile reminded her of Connor’s. “No problem. You must be Lexi. I’m Devon.” He held out her hand and she shook it.
“Nice to meet you.”
“I trust you need to get to your lair?”
She appreciated his sense of humor. “Yes. Sam and I are headed out to dinner and then we’re going over to his place. He thinks I could use a change of scenery.”
His brows rose. “A night of freedom. Nice.” He scooted out of the way. “I guess my dad wasn’t thinking when he put the secret hideaway at the back of an office.”
“Maybe he was. Who would think to check in here?”
He lifted a finger then pointed it at her. “Good point.”
Not wanting to keep Sam waiting, she stepped behind Devon then moved the four books to the side in order to press the button. This extra security made her feel so safe. Once the doors swung open, Lexi rushed to her room, grabbed her only suitcase and tossed in a few items. With her coat tossed over her arm, she returned.
“Later,” she said as she headed to the door. The fact Devon was still around implied everyone believed Justin’s threat was real. She swung around to face him. “Thanks again for flying up to Vermont.”
He waved a hand. “I enjoyed it. I was able to help another lady in need, which made me feel good.”
She hadn’t realized men like these even existed—so protective and good hearted.
Nodding, she headed out to meet Sam who was waiting by the front door for her. “Ready?” he asked.
“You bet.”
She slipped on her coat while he grabbed her suitcase and then motioned her out. Once outside, the cold wind bit into her skin, but it reminded her that she was alive. “So where are we going for dinner?”
“Some place special. It’s called the Lake Steakhouse.”
Lexi grinned and wrapped an arm around his. “Sounds wonderful.”
Ten minutes later they were parked in front of the restaurant, but Sam made her wait in the truck unti
l he’d checked out the area. Did he think Justin would be pacing up and down the street waiting for her? When they did meet, Justin would probably just talk to her about returning to Vermont with him. Of course, she’d say no. Only after that attempted failure did she envisioned him turning violent.
Sam held open her truck door. “We’re good.”
“He’s not going to attack on a busy street, you know.”
“Let’s hope,” Sam said and then escorted her inside.
The restaurant was more upscale than she’d expected. The open view of the kitchen and the nice bar area made it classy but cozy. Their hostess escorted them to a table. “This place looks expensive,” Lexi whispered.
He smiled. “That’s why it’s my treat.”
She let out a small laugh. “Good, because I can’t afford it.”
He placed a hand on her back, and her body immediately reacted. Please don’t let any blue sparks erupt. Thinking about Justin for a moment calmed her down. That was close.
Once seated, her pulse began to slow. The white table cloth and lit candle helped calm her. Lexi didn’t know all that much about Sam and wanted to find out more. “So what made you go into the service?”
He shook out his white napkin and placed it on his lap. It was almost as if he needed time to compose his thoughts. “My dad served, but after one four-year stint, he met my mom. Because she wanted to start a family, he decided not to reenlist, but he liked to tell stories about his time in the service. Those really resonated with me.”
“That’s kind of sweet.”
His brows rose. “Maybe. My mom was into anything that had to do with the paranormal and the supernatural. Even though both of my parents are Wendayan and have powers, Dad was more straight-laced. Once my mom got a hold of him though, he changed.”
“Can your dad control a person’s mind?”
“No, but his father could. My dad could change the shape of things to suit his need. Like if a box was slightly too small, he could make it bigger.”