He nodded. “I have backup and will give you remote access.” The backup records went to an innocuous-looking laptop in his office at the school. “I can access them from the Web.” He reached for his phone and started to scroll. “In fact, let’s take a look right now.”
“There’s no need.” Agent Rutherford stepped gingerly into the hollowed-out space, leading tactical officers loaded for bear.
Jethro sighed. “Don’t tell me.”
“Yep. You’re on video planting a bomb right outside the door.” Rutherford motioned to one of the guys wearing tactical gear and holding a Colt M4 Carbine.
Millie stepped in front of Jethro. “The bomb detonated inside the apartment, you dork.”
Dork? Had she just said dork? It was completely inappropriate considering the situation, butJethro smiled.
Rutherford’s gaze flicked to her. “You’re in enough trouble, Agent Frost. I suggest you step out of the way.”
By the narrowing of Force’s gaze, that was news to him. What kind of trouble was Millie in? That was a problem for another day. Jethro gently nudged her to the side and turned around to be cuffed. Again. “Force? Do me a solid and call my attorney, would you?”
Hopefully he could stay on this side of the Atlantic a little longer, but it was looking doubtful.
Then who would Fletcherstart to hunt?
* * * *
Gemma fetched the empty dishes from the two males on the sofa, noting how much calmer they both seemed after taking some pain pills. Somehow, Nari had dropped some by during her lunch hour, which had been anhour earlier.
“Thanks,” Ian said, his gaze on the football game playingon the screen.
Oliver smiled. “That’s kind of you. You don’t need to wait on us, Gemma. It’s okay.”
“It’s no problem.” She turned toward the kitchen, her heart hurting for them. From what she could see, there wasn’t an unmarked spot on either man. So she dished up two bowls of ice cream she found in the freezer and delivered them. “Sugar always helps. Trust me.” She waved away their happy thanks and returned to her work on the table.
Trudy emerged from the hallway, her eyes drowsy. “Where’s Rot-co?”
At her question the dog jumped up from his spot beneath the kitchen table and wagged his tail.
Trudy tilted her head, her hair messy and her pajamas wrinkled, at the twomen. “Who you?”
They both froze with their spoons almost to their mouths.
Oliver cleared his throat and smiled, obviously trying to look harmless and not like the wounded killer he appeared to be. “I’m Oliver and this is mybrother, Ian.”
Trudy studied them.“You’re hurt.”
Oliver nodded. “We were in an accident, but your mom and Jethro are helpingus get better.”
The toddler looked at Gemma, who nodded. Roscoe padded to her to be petted, and Trudy slung an arm overhis furry neck.
“Rot-co is my best friend,” she said, her tone expectant and firm.
Ian glanced at Oliver, who nodded.
Trudy seemed okay with the acceptance. “That’s my mom.”
“She’s really nice,” Oliver said while Ian remained silent. It appeared he was a man ofvery few words.
“She is nice,” Trudy agreed, her shoulders relaxing. “Jet-ro is my dad.”
Oliver’s mouth dropped open.
“No, he isn’t,” Gemma said gently, focusing on her daughter. “Jethro is your friend and a nice person, but he is not your daddy.”
