Gus scratched the side of his mouth. “Finn is the friend I mentioned. He came as a favor to me to look around. He has the experience to know what to look for. Plus, he works for a private security team. Former military.”
“I can’t afford security.” Lainey’s brow furrowed. “Besides, we filed police reports.”
“And the police are busy and think it’s kids,” Gus replied, staring at Lainey. “I don’t believe, and neither do you believe, this is the work of kids. That’s what Finn can help with.”
“Lainey, I work with the Brotherhood Alliance. I have a contracting business but take protection assignments when I can.”
Something shifted in her eyes. Recognition.
“The Brotherhood?” She shook her head slowly. “I’ve heard of them. Dani Barlow mentioned her husband worked there.”
“Ryker. Solid guy,” Finn said.
Lainey looked away for a moment, pressing her lips together. “So, what exactly are you here to do?”
“Find out who’s behind the damage and stop it.”
She didn’t argue. Just stood there with those steely gray-green eyes that used to undo him with a single look.
Finn cleared his throat. “Gus said you’ve had multiple incidents. Shattered window, the mural. Anything else?
“A couple of minor things.”
Gus interrupted her. “Missing tools, flat tires.”
Lainey looked at him in surprise. “You never mentioned that.”
“Things happen on a site,” Gus replied. “At the time, I didn’t think it had anything to do with what’s happening.”
Finn nodded. Intimidation. It wasn’t subtle. Sometimes it was kids who were bored especially when school was out. Sometimes something darker.
“Lainey, I’m sure you have a lot to do,” said Finn.
He turned to Gus. “Mind walking me through the site? I want to talk to a few of the crew. See what doesn’t feel right.”
“Works for me,” Gus replied, then paused. “Unless you’d rather show him around, Lainey?”
Finn looked back at her. “Do you mind?”
“I do have a lot to do.” Lainey nodded. “Please don’t make a big deal out of talking with them.”
“Wasn’t planning to.”
“Okay, then,” Gus said, already turning toward the site. “Let’s go then.” He glanced back at Lainey. “We’ll touch base later?”
She nodded and stepped aside to let them pass.
Finn hesitated just for a moment.
Lainey had already turned away but not before he saw the way she pressed her hand to her chest like she needed to catch her breath. The way her fingers trembled on the clipboard.
She was shaken.
And it wasn’t just the vandalism.
It was him.
And damn it, if that didn’t do something to him, too.
