“What’s wrong?”
Why I am speaking to him like he’s Scooby Doo, I will never know.
He takes a step forward to where the trees thicken. A breeze rustles the tree branches, creating dancing shadows on the ground. He tugs at the leash as a snarl erupts from his throat.
“Let’s go,” I whisper. I jerk my gaze over my shoulder and dig into my jeans pocket for the front door key. I can make that in less than a minute.
Duke disagrees and jerks so hard he pulls the lead free and darts into the trees. A rabbit bounces out. My hand falls to my chest and a laugh bursts from me. A second later I’m lying on the cool grass, clutching my stomach. I’ve not laughed like this in a long time—slightly hysterical and very unladylike. It was something Gideon quickly trained me out of.
I wheeze as Duke lumbers over to me before the big lug drops onto my chest and licks my chin. I push his face away. “Ew, no. You might be the only guy allowed to touch me, but I do not do tongues with dogs. There’s a line, buddy, and you have crossed it.”
He whines and lays his head on my chest. I take a minute, watching the sky bruise with the beginnings of the night. “Time for bed, Duke. I might have found my laugh, but let’s not push our luck by lounging around in the dark.”
We find ourselves back in the house in no time. I grab the new book, collect a few dog treats and Duke’s water bowl before locking up and arming the alarm again. Duke pushes into the pool house, clearly on a mission to ensure we are alone. I close and lock the door. I check it twice, then move through the property, triple checking all the windows are locked and secure. I recheck the door.
Duke watches me from the middle of the sitting area.
“Okay, we are tucked in for the night. Let’s see what happens to this woman and plot how many ways we can murder an asshole.”
Duke tilts his head. I smile and lead the way into the master bedroom. Duke jumps on the end of the bed, occupying more space than me. I pull on a black silky short nightgown and slide between the sheets. During the day, I dress conservatively to avoid attracting attention, but at night, it’s nice to feel a little desirable while I’m alone. I give Duke a quick scratch between his ears, check under my pillow for my weapon, and settle down to read. The heroine need not worry, her possessive hero will find her come hell or high water. Isn’t that what we all want? Yes, so long as youwantto be found.
CHAPTER 15
FOX
There’s a hen in my house, and I’m about to flush it out.
“What time is your flight?” Larry asks from the screen on my phone. He’s every inch the cunning defense lawyer who is a shark in the courtroom while still maintaining his principles. Rare to find in this world. His tanned skin highlights the wealth he owns to vacation in sunnier climates often. He’s always dressed in a three-piece suit, making me wonder if he sleeps in it.
I glance at my watch. “Thirty minutes until boarding.”
“You know the plan. Go home, lie low. I’ve kept this out of the media circus, but that won’t last forever. If this case goes ahead, all hell will break loose.”
I glare at him. “It can’t go ahead. We need to find the woman.”
“Agreed. In future, take note of their name and number before spending a night with them.”
“That’s what I’m paying you for. I want this over as quickly as possible.”
He frowns. “You know the options. We keep looking, or we can go public and ask her to come forward. But that will raise questions, causing the vultures to circle.”
“I’m not ready for this to go public. I want to avoid it.”
He nods. “Justice always prevails.”
I don’t point out the estimates that four percent of people are wrongly convicted and incarcerated. It’s a robust system but not infallible. Twelve random strangers won’t just be exposed to the actual evidence if this hits the press. No, I’ll be judged in the media. The court of public opinion will have already served its justice, and they will follow it through.
“What plans do you have when you get home? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Larry asks.
“Run, swim, read, watch some movies.”
He snorts. “You’re going to go mad within a week.”
“All first-class passengers on Delta flight DL1566 to San Antonio International. Please make your way to the gate,” a pleasant female voice echoes around the lounge.
“That’s me,” I tell Larry.
“I’ll keep working on the search. Remember the plan. Don’t go rogue on me.”
