He was willing to take the risk as long as she died.
He would face whatever consequences came after that.Including another prison term, even for the rest of his life, as long as he did it knowing she wasn’t breathing.
There was no reply.He set the phone down, contemplating his limited options, and the increased pressure of facing a literal deadline.A location would give him a starting point, but no plan.He needed a new plan.
“Come on,think!”He banged the heel of his hand against his forehead.
Targeting Cassie again while she was anywhere near her lover was pointless.
He stilled, a thought occurring to him.
But the lover was a less obvious target.Alone, he probably wouldn’t have his guard up.Wouldn’t be expecting a threat to him.
Yeah, he thought, his enthusiasm growing as the idea took root.It could work.Going after the lover would also pretty much guarantee Cassie coming to his rescue.
He got to work.Figured out his best options.The boss called back a few hours later with information.The address of Cassie’s lover, where she was likely staying.An upscale condo building not far from the waterfront.Along with a name.
Tristan Abrams.Another CPS agent.According to the boss, apparently, he and his twin brother were scheduled to be on a security detail together for some other Hollywood bigshot who was coming to meet with Becca Sandoza and Chase Davenport.
He smiled grimly as all the pieces fell into place.He didn’t need Abram’s address.
He already had Crimson Point Security’s.
****
Now that the momentwas here, Tristan inwardly groaned at the thought of walking out the door.He hated the thought of leaving Cassie.“You sure you’re okay here—”
“Don’t finish that sentence.Because if you were about to ask me whether I’m okay being left here while you go to work, then we’re going to have our first fight.”
He smothered a laugh and tugged her to him.“I just hate leaving you here.”
“I’m the one who pushed you to take this job, remember?Ryder was really stuck.You had to help him out.”
He wouldn’t have even considered going back to work this soon, but it was only one day, and Ryder had been scrambling to find someone after one of their agents had called in with a family emergency.“I know, but now I’m wishing I’d said no.”
It had only been four days since the fire.Strong as she was, there was no way she’d even begun to pick up the pieces yet.He’d been helping her as much as he could while she dealt with the cops, CPS, and the insurance company.Because of Quinn’s criminal background and suspected crimes here in Oregon, the FBI were involved now too.
In terms of the threat level, things had been quiet.While it seemed like her ex had left Crimson Point and was lying low, nobody knew where the hell Quinn was, and they couldn’t prove that he’d been behind the fire or any of the other incidents.Tristan wouldn’t rest easy until the bastard was brought down.
Cassie leaned into him, patted his back in reassurance.“I’m fine.Bristol’s coming over later.She’s on call, but if she doesn’t have to go in, she’ll hang out with me here all day.And even though I’m desperate enough to put on a disguise just for the chance to get out of here for an hour, I’ll be good and stay put.So don’t worry.I’ll be here waiting when you get back.”
“Thank you.”This building was secure.The only more secure location for her would be at CPS.But he felt better knowing she wouldn’t be alone all day.
“Before you go...Can we talk about something?”
That didn’t sound good.“Sure.What is it?”
“It’s something Gavin said to me when everyone came over for brunch.”
“Okay.”Oh, hell, what had he said?
Cassie searched his eyes.“He basically pointed out that it was a big deal for you to share your food with me.”
Oh.“Did he?”
“Yes.What did he mean?Why is it a big deal?”
He caught her hips, boosted her up to sit on the edge of the island and moved in between her thighs.“Childhood stuff.”
