“No problem. Watch your back, Denver.” Heath eyed Anya, who sat at her desk finecombing through her entire life again, trying to find any connection to the serial killer.
Her dedication was absolute. Every time he learned something new about her, she became even more intriguing. She glanced up. “I think we did a good job with the reporter earlier.”
Heath nodded. A local reporter had shown up to interview them about the new business, and Anya had discussed the loss of her sister and their determination to bring the killer to justice. “You said everything you could to challenge the Copper Killer to make him come after you—especially that you’re going out of town in two days.”
“Yep.” She met his gaze evenly. “The reporter said the article will hit the local business page tomorrow. Should be online late tonight—we’ve given the killer a short window to make a move.”
“Are you ready for when he comes?” Heath asked.
“No. There’s no way to get ready for a nutjob.” She pulled her shoulders back. “But with the security around here and your weapons, I think if he makes a move here, we’ll get him. Loretta’s mistake was working alone, and I’m not making that error.”
That was true. In addition, Anya had obeyed every direction he’d given. “No plan is a hundred percent sure.” He’d scare the hell out of her if it’d get her to go somewhere safe, but he knew better. Her motivation was pure, and her need to avenge the sister she’d loved was understandable. He’d go out of his freakin’ mind if anything happened to Denver or Ryker. Or the Gray brothers, for that matter. Even though he’d already yelled at Shane earlier for getting Detective Malloy involved, he’d do anything to protect the brothers he’d just found. He tugged a Lady Smith & Wesson 9 millimeter from the reception desk and crossed the room to hand it to her. “Have you ever shot a gun?”
She took the silver gun. “I’ve never shot one, but I can handle them. I like how this one fits my hand.”
“Yeah. It’s designed for a smaller hand.” He pointed out the safety. “Keep the safety on, but remember to flip it off when you want to shoot. The clip is filled with hollow-point bullets, and there’s one in the chamber right now. If you point the gun, you shoot. Don’t play chicken, and don’t point unless you fully intend to shoot.” They had to get out and have some target practice somehow.
“Okay.” She gingerly hefted the gun. “It’s heavier than it looks.” Swallowing, her face pale, she set the gun in a drawer in her desk.
The woman shouldn’t have to worry about the weight of a gun. Heath shook his head.
“I know, it’s scary,” she countered before he could say anything. “He’s upping his moves every day, and the next one has to be an attempt.”
“I know,” Heath said softly. “We have the doors rigged so we can lock him in the second he makes a move. The obvious move will be in two nights at the hospital charity Christmas party, even though that’s after the window I’d like to have left town.” They’d received an invitation as a new business in town. He’d already started going over the schematics for the hotel where it would be held.
“We’re probably safe until then?”
“No. Taking you at a gala or party is an obvious move. Going for you here in the office or in the upstairs decoy apartments is less obvious. He might make a move at any point.” His gut ached. “We’re covered here, but still.” She’d be in the thick of danger again at that party.
She twirled the ring around on her finger. “I should give this back. There’s no need for it now.”
He liked the ring on her finger. “Keep in character, Anya. The ring stays on.”
Her brows drew down, and her stubborn chin firmed. “You think he’s watching.”
“Yeah. Keep the ring on. I feel like we’re being watched, and if you want to appear engaged, you have to keep it on. In fact . . .” He reached for her and picked her up, planting his mouth on hers.
She struggled for about two seconds and then kissed him back, shoving her tongue into his mouth and her hands through his hair. He growled and went deeper, bending her back over the desk.
“Whoa,” Denver said, jerking Heath out of the kiss.
Heath turned, his chest rioting.
Denver held up his hands. “Sorry. I, ah . . .”
Heath scrubbed a hand through his hair. “No worries. Was just kissing my fiancée.” Giving her a look to behave tinged with wiggling his eyebrows to make her smile, he maneuvered back to the front door. “Did you see anything?”
“No.” Denver rubbed his neck. “But I’m with you. Somebody is watching, somehow, and I couldn’t hear a thing. No heartbeat, nothing out of the ordinary.”
“Ditto,” Heath said. “What does that mean?”
Denver shrugged. “Not sure, but I can tell you that something or someone is definitely coming for us.”
Yeah, but that was nothing new. Heath straightened his shoulders and again surveyed the icy street outside. The question was . . . who would get there first? The Copper Killer or Dr. Madison and Sheriff Cobb?
CHAPTER
29
