Like Jay, I transitioned back to work mode.
“Agreed. How’s Jack taking it?”
If Madi were the target, Jack’s family could be in danger.
“He asked Doug to adjust his system. If anyone moves within six feet of the house exterior, he’ll get an alert.”
It’d be annoying, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
“Anything else I can do?” I was already with Madi anytime she wasn’t home.
“How would you feel about setting a trap?”
“What kind of trap?” My stomach sank.
“I can’t believe I’m going to say this…” Jay rubbed the back of his neck again. “Can you take Madi out again?”
Excitement coursed through my veins at the idea of another date with Madi.
My body didn’t care that setting a trap was a bad idea. Horrible. Terrible.
“You’re willing to use your sister as bait?”
“She won’t be alone.”
“Damn straight, but there’s only so much I can do against arson.” I’d give my life, but it might not be enough.
I made a mental note to research the mindset and patterns of arsonists.
“Let me clarify. The two of you won’t be alone. Cate and I will be enjoying dinner at a nearby table, and I’ll stage Nathan and AJ outside, watching the perimeter.”
“Let me ask Madi how she feels about another date.” The last one hadn’t ended well, and she made it clear she didn’t want to play along anymore.Jay doesn’t need to know that.
“Fake date.” Jay reminded me. “Will you tell her the plan?”
“What the fuck kind of question is that?” I told Madi I wouldn’t lie to her, and I planned on keeping my promise.
“She could blow the op if she seems nervous.”
“I won’t lie to her. Besides, Madi’s tougher than she looks. She’ll be fine.”
Jay narrowed his eyes, looked me up and down, then glared as he stared straight into my soul. I held his stare, hoping he couldn’t see too much.
“Okay, I’ll trust your judgment on this.”
I hadn’t expected him to give in so quickly.
He straightened to his full height and cracked his back. “Let me know what she says, and we’ll plan from there.”
“Will do.”
Inside, I asked Alice to pencil in lunch for Madi and me. Then I offered to buy her lunch.
“No, thank you, darling.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.” I used the facilities and went back to my perch on the porch.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with a text from Madi.
