It was quite different from Lambert’s villa with its wide porches, Corinthian columns, and archways. Then again, how much space did one man really need? Probably, Marlowe had been more drawn in by the location and surrounding lands that gave him privacy than by the house itself.
She looked around, but didn’t see any paparazzi lurking in the bushes.
“All the stories I’ve heardabout this place,” Kurt said, “I finally get to see for myself.”
She parked on the outer edge of the driveway close to the house, removed her tote bag and stowed their helmets, and pushed the scooter under an overhanging palm to conceal it somewhat until they could get into the garage. “You get to enter the lair of Aible Ranctos himself,” she said in a mock awe-tinged voice.
“Are you a big fan?”Kurt asked, his expression giving away nothing.
Three years ago, she hadn’t even heard of Brandon Marlowe. After he helped out Steele, she’d decided to change that. “I liked the wholeSinzian Empireseries, but the books were better.” TheSinzian Empiremovies were the hottest thing sinceStar WarsorLord of the Rings, and the epic’s primary actors had become instant superstars, growing up overthe twelve-year span during which the films were released.
Marlowe, who played Aible Ranctos, was a fan favorite for his good looks and athletic physique, but he somehow managed to stay off the tabloid’s front pages. Maybe because the series’ two other stars had gone a little wild and now attracted most of the media attention.
Kurt turned for the door, his gaze scanning the dark street. “I haven’tread the books, but I liked the movies,” he said grudgingly.
She stifled a smile and followed him up the sidewalk, her neck tingling. Despite the private location, anyone could be lurking in the bushes, watching as she stood fully exposed under the porch light in front of the carved wooden double door as Kurt punched in the code.
The lock opened with a mechanical whir and they were in.
After scoping out the house for threats and egress options, and stowing their purchases upstairs, Kurt sat next to Caitlyn on a stool at the breakfast bar in Brandon Marlowe’s kitchen, sipping water from a glass. His legs were grateful for the break after the evening’s exertions. “This is kind of surreal.”
“I know. It’s actually weirder for me this time around, now that I know who this guy is.Last time we had a crowd of people and I wasn’t sticking around. Now I feel like I’m trespassing.”
“Yeah.” He didn’t know why the actor was so willing to help them out, but he needed to have Tara send the guy a gift when this was over. “At least he uses timers, so it won’t look weird to any neighbors if the lights are on in the evening.”
“True.” She set her palms flat on the granite counter.“Now what?”
“Tara’s going to contact Valerie first thing tomorrow, and they’ll both start digging into anything to do with Lambert that can help us.”
“Valerie works for you now?”
“Yeah. She’s our resident computer guru-slash-hacker. I don’t know how we ever worked without her.”
Caitlyn rested her elbows on the counter and rubbed her hands down her face. “I hate this. I feel helpless and useless,and every other ‘less’ you can think of.”
He itched to comfort her, but he kept his hands to himself. If he touched her again, he wouldn’t want to stop. “Tomorrow, I’ll pick up a computer or tablet and some burner phones so you can start feeling useful. I have the Wi-Fi password, but there’s no computer here.”
Rolling her head to look at him, she asked, “Why just you?”
“Because the police arelooking for a couple. And you’re far too recognizable.”
“And you’re not?”
“I’m a white guy with brown hair. In the tourist areas, I’ll blend right in.”
She raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Only if you cover up all those muscles.”
He warmed a little. But she was right. If his bulk looked like fat he’d be less noticeable and less intimidating. “Point taken.”
“A lot of stores on the island are closedon Sundays. Your best bet will be to find something near the cruise ships.”
“Good to know. I hadn’t even thought of that. We’re spoiled back home, and not necessarily in a good way.”
“Yeah. It took me a while to get used to, but now it’s one of the things I love about Barbados. I can get anything I need on the island or online, but the lifestyle is simpler. Less cluttered with stuff, not socrowded.”
Kurt sipped his water. “I like DC, and I’m used to the conveniences, but it’s hectic. I have to escape every few weeks.”
Caitlyn twirled her water glass on the counter. “I don’t know if I can sleep, but I’m about ready to slide right off this stool.”
