After he hung up, Cody walked over to where Reid was working. The dining table was covered in papers. As well as the floor plans of the venue, and a schedule of events, there were headshots of the security personnel who’d been vetted for the detail.
“Wow, this is all so detailed,” Cody said, picking up a floor plan.
Reid nodded. “Garrett’s already in Nashville. He’s walked the venue three times and identified twelve potential vulnerabilities, all of which will be covered by our team or Nashville PD.” Reid looked up at him and frowned. “So, another letter?”
“Yeah, same trash as before. He mentioned the awards.”
Reid’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes went hard. The predator in him, the part that Cody sometimes glimpsed when danger was close, rose and held steady.
“Good,” Reid said firmly.
Cody frowned. “Good?”
“I want him to come. If he comes to Nashville, I’ll be ready for him. We can capture him and then this ends.”
Cody studied Reid’s face, the hard set of his jaw, the controlled intensity in his eyes. For the first time, the idea of going to Nashville didn’t just feel frightening. It felt like a step toward something. Not just an award, but the possibility of a resolution. Of finally being free.
“Okay,” Cody said. “Let’s do this.”
Chapter Ten
Cody
Nashville was everything Cody remembered.
The city pulsed with music and light, honky-tonks bleeding sound onto Broadway, the air thick with the smell of barbecue and whiskey. Cody had spent years living there, climbing through open-mic nights and writers' rounds until the industry finally noticed him. It had been home once. Now it felt like visiting a version of himself he’d outgrown.
Reid hated it. Cody could tell by the rigid set of his shoulders, the way his eyes never stopped moving, cataloging every face, every doorway, every vehicle that slowed near the hotel entrance. Garrett had arrived a few days ahead and set up a command post in an adjoining suite to theirs at the hotel, complete with communication equipment and a digital map of the venue overlaid with security positions.
It had been the first time that Cody had met Garrett in person though he’d spoken to him a couple of times on video calls. The first time that Reid had introduced Cody as his mate, Garrett had been stunned silent by the news making Reid chuckle. After he’d regained his composure, Garrett had seemed pleased for Reid and greeted Cody warmly.
When they’d met in person, Garrett had enveloped Cody in what he could only have described as a bear hug, lifting him clean off his feet. Cody had been shocked to hear the low rumbling growl that had vibrated in Reid’s chest, and he froze for a moment. However, Garrett had taken one look at his brother then threw his head back and roared with laughter, much to Reid’s irritation.
“You just wait until it happens to you,” Reid had muttered with a frown.
Garrett had merely shrugged. “Bring it on. I can’t wait to meet her.”
Now, they were gathered around the table in the suite, pouring over a huge stack of papers.
“Twelve-person team,” Reid said, reviewing the plan with Garrett while Cody sat on the couch, watching them. He was supposed to be practicing the latest song he had written, but he was fascinated by watching the two brothers work.
“So that’s four inside the venue, six on the perimeter, two with Cody at all times,” Reid said.
Garrett nodded. “Plus Nashville PD has plainclothes officers working the event,” he added. “Detective Morrison is coordinating with them.”
Cody crossed the room to where his suit jacket was hanging in its garment bag on the closet door. He unzipped the bag and pulled out the suit.
“Do you really think he’ll try something at the event? There’ll be cameras everywhere.”
Reid and Garrett exchanged a look that Cody didn’t like.
“Cameras didn’t stop him from breaking into your hotel room,” Reid said. “People like this escalate. The letters are angrier now, and he knows about our relationship. That might tip him over the edge.
If he’s going to make a move, a high-profile public event is exactly the type of venue that appeals to this kind of person. Garrett and I know the way they think. We’ve dealt with men like him before.”
“Great,” Cody said flatly. “So, I’m basically bait.”
“You’re not bait. You’re a country singer going to an awards show, surrounded by the best security team in the country.”
