“Sounds like you guys had a night,” Fyfe said without preamble.
“I’m knackered.” I scrubbed a hand over my face. “I can’t imagine how Callie’s coping right now.”
“I’ve got my top guy coming to the house tomorrow to draw up a security system option, if that’s all right?”
“Sounds like a plan. Do I get the friend discount?” I cracked because I knew how bloody expensive Fyfe’s services were. While he specialized in cybersecurity, he had a whole team at his disposal who did the full shebang.
“Callie does.”
“Arsehole.”
“Aye, you’re welcome.”
The server brought us menus and we looked them over as I filled Fyfe in on exactly what happened.
His expression was tight with concern. “You think it’s her birth dad behind it? How? I thought he was in prison.”
“Aye, with connections inside who bankrolled an expensive lawyer and tried to get Callie to reconcile with him for his upcoming parole hearing. Callie refused, Sloane went before the parole board with a damning statement, and Nathan was denied parole for another fifteen years.”
“Revenge?” Fyfe asked grimly.
“Whoever did it bypassed diamonds, a TV, expensive kitchen equipment and handbags … and only took the laptop and iPad. The place was trashed. It was more like a warning and a lazy attempt to make it look like a burglary.”
“Fuck.”
“Aye. Walker’s looking into it, though. If it is Nathan, he’ll figure it out and we’ll put a stop to it.”
“Not really what Callie needs right now.”
Aye, worry had been gnawing at me all night and morning about that. “The stress on her. It can’t be good for either of them.”
“Aren’t you taking her away next weekend as a surprise? Maybe you should tell her now, so she’s got something to look forward to.”
“Not a bad idea, mate,” I agreed.
“Fyfe, Lewis!” Carianne suddenly appeared at our table. She made a shooing gesture toward me, and I slid along the booth to make room for her. Fyfe and I exchanged an awkward glance, and Carianne huffed as she slipped in beside me.
“Oh, please, don’t be weird. Callie and I are all good.” She nodded at me, wide-eyed. “I’m dating an older single dad from Inverness now.” Carianne pointed across the room where a guy with grayingginger hair watched us warily. “You’re long forgotten, Adair.” She patted my arm. “No offense.”
I raised an eyebrow. “None taken.”
“Anyway, I wanted to pop over quickly and ask if the rumors are true. I tried texting Callie, but she’s working. Did she really get broken into?”
“Aye.”
“Oh my God, is she okay?”
“She will be.”
Carianne sighed heavily. “Seriously, just when I thought things had quietened down around here for good. Anyway.” She slapped my knee and scooted out. “Tell Callie to text me back. Her bestie is worried about her!”
Before I could respond, she’d returned to her own table, leaning in to talk to her date.
Fyfe turned from watching her. “Are things really okay there?”
“Awkward but fine.” I shrugged. “Carianne means no harm. And as long as Callie’s cool with her, I’m cool with her. She’s moved on.”
My friend sighed. “Eilidh doesn’t trust her.”
