My brothers left and returned throughout the day, each bringing new pieces of information that we carefully integrated into our analysis. By late afternoon, we’dnarrowed it down to three suspects, Ashley, our mysterious Franklin, and Peter Morgan.
“I believe it’s Morgan,” I said, standing back to survey our work. “He’s been using tourist activities as a cover to scout the luminook pens and test our security.”
Riley traced the evidence chain we’d assembled. “He signs up for tours to gain legitimate access to restricted areas. He studies everything. And he’s extended his stay three times, always after we’ve adjusted our surveillance.”
“The timing is too perfect to be coincidence,” Ruugar said. “He arrives the day before an incident, participates in tourist activities near the target area, then the breach occurs that night.” He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms on his chest. “Is he working alone or for someone else?”
“Maybe he works for Sillavar Research,” Riley said. “The pharmaceutical company that’s developing bioluminescent compounds. He’s got a biochemistry degree, and I imagine someone with that skillset would be in demand in that industry. They’d have the resources to fund this kind of operation.”
I aligned a stack of papers. “If he’s their field agent, he could be here to collect samples for their research. The specialized equipment, the careful planning, and the professional approach all fit.”
“So what’s our next move?” Becken asked, Carla nodding from her chair beside him.
“We set a trap.” I reached for a fresh sheet of paper to draft the plan. “Our suspect would expect us to followour usual patrol patterns. Tonight, we’ll give whoever they are exactly what they expect to see.”
“While secretly positioning ourselves where they won’t be looking,” Riley said, the smile she shot my way making my heart stumble. The plan came together quickly. We would maintain our visible security measures while hiding our real surveillance in unexpected locations. My brothers would position themselves at key points around the property, communicating through encrypted radio channels.
“What about the luminooks?” Allie asked. “We don’t want to stress them any more than they already are.”
“We’ll relocate the most vulnerable ones to the secure holding area in my barn,” Ruugar. “The rest will be left behind with additional security that our suspect doesn’t know about.”
As the sun began to set, my brothers departed to finish their day’s work and prepare for the night’s operation. Riley and I remained in the office, finalizing details and checking equipment.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” she said, stepping close to me as I double-checked my utility belt. “The way your mind works, how you see patterns others miss.”
“We make a good team. Your investigative instincts complement my organizational approach.”
She brushed her fingertips along my jaw. “That’s one way of putting it.”
I caught her hand, kissing her palm, then to the golden mark on her wrist. “I’m grateful for you, Riley.Not just as a partner in this investigation, but as my mate.”
Her eyes softened. “Even when I complicate your carefully ordered world?”
“Especially then.” I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t disrupt my systems; you make them better. You help me see patterns I might’ve missed, approaches I wouldn’t have considered.”
“We’re stronger together.”
“Always.” I leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened, her body pressing against mine as her arms wound around my neck.
When we pulled apart, both breathless, the setting sun had painted the office in shades of gold and amber. It was almost time.
“Ready to catch our luminook thief?” she asked, her eyes bright with determination.
“More than ready.” I straightened my uniform. “By this time tomorrow, our suspect will be in custody.”
“And then?”
“Then we celebrate,” I said. “Properly.”
The heat in her gaze told me she understood exactly what I meant.
We left our office.
The trap was set, our team would soon be in position, and the luminooks would soon be safe.
Chapter 28
Riley
