“Don’t make any sudden moves.”
“Easy, pal. I’m not carrying a gun.”
“Pal?”
The guy didn’t respond as he staggered to his feet.
“You’ve got ten seconds to tell me who you are and what you’re doing?—”
“I’m a private investigator with a valid license issued by the State of California.”
“That doesn’t explain much. I’m waiting.”
The wiry man sighed and shifted on his feet, wincing a little.
Good, Briggs thought. I probably jolted him when I tossed him down. Ass.
“My name is Will Keaton. And I’m on retainer by a client who wanted to check in on Ms. Hartwell.”
Briggs was having a hard time keeping his temper in check. Normally, he was an easygoing man. But not when the safety of Little Riley was concerned, apparently. “I’m not a cop or a lawyer, but I know it’s illegal for someone—even a P.I.—to trespass. You can observe from public places, like a street. But not on someone’s private property.”
Will started to speak but then just sighed and nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“You’ll be sorrier when the cops get here.”
“Hey!”
Briggs spread his hands. “I’m not the one who broke the law.” He smirked. “Pal.”
The guy didn’t seem to find it funny.
“Briggs? Is everything okay?”
Turning, Briggs saw Riley hurrying toward them.
“Honey, I told you to stay in the house. Go. But yeah, everything is fine.”
This Will Keaton guy claimed to be a private investigator. And maybe he was. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous.
While he had the man trapped, he might as well ask the burning question.
“Maybe I’ll tell the cops it was a false alarm if you tell me who you’re working for.”
Will shook his head. “That’s privileged information and violates professional ethics. I can’t divulge that.”
“Give me a break,” Briggs said. “Ethical investigators don’t break the law by perving out and watching people?—”
“Hey! It’s not like that. I just got here!”
“Guess we’ll let the cops sort it out. You might just be some Peeping Tom for all I know.”
Riley gasped. “He works for Rita!”
“I thought I told you to go back into the house.”
She appeared remorseful but continued to walk closer. “I’ve seen him before. He’s one of her gophers.”
Will was obviously very offended. “Gopher? I’m a private investigator?—”
