“Are you cutting down on personnel, or is your butler sick?”I wonder.
I turn to face her and Jolene is busy removing an invisible speck from her blouse when she says, “I gave him the week off to visit family overseas.So, I’m going to grab you and Ballard a bottle of water myself.I’ll be right back.”
She strides out of the room and once she’s gone, I rush to Ballard and whisper, “That woman doesn’t do shit herself.Like seriously doesn’t even change the toilet paper.That’s how high maintenance she is.Something is wrong.”
I glance at the door and rush back to my spot in front of the window, right before Jolene walks back into the room.She hands Ballard a bottle of water and walks toward me.If there’s something Jolene likes more than annoying me, it’s talking about herself.Which is exactly what I need to keep her attention on me to allow Ballard to wander off and search the house.
After I take a sip of water I ask, “So, you’re becoming a notary.That’s amazing.”
Her face lights up and I know she’s going to rattle for an eternity, the woman enjoys hearing her own damn voice a little too much.Which happens to work out in our favor right now.Hopefully, Ballard finds something before she gets suspicious, or our whole sting operation will blow up in our face.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
–BALLARD –
I stealthily move out of the room and trust Helena to distract Jolene.Quickly checking where the doors in the hallway lead to.A closet, kitchen, and office.Bingo.The desk in front of the windows almost takes up all the space, along with a large filing cabinet.
It’s locked and I take the lockpick set from my pocket.I’ve come prepared, and it only takes me a few seconds to open it.I release a frustrated sigh when I see what’s inside.This office must have been Tim’s before she had him killed.
Moving to the desk, I notice the pink purse with some makeup scattered across the desk along with a mirror.Checking the drawers, I come up empty and scan the rest of the office.The painting on the wall is a portrait of Jolene and I step closer.It’s a cover for the safe hiding behind it.I don’t have the skills to open it, nor the time.
Frustration hits me and I stride out to check other places before I have to return to the living room.A muffled sound draws my attention.The only door I haven’t checked yet.Throwing a glance over my shoulder, I take a heartbeat to make sure Helena is still entertaining Jolene before I open the door.
Stairs leading down let me know it’s the basement.The muffled sounds get louder and I quickly descend the stairs.I come to an abrupt stop when my feet hit the floor.Reaching for my phone, I shoot Orson a message.
This shit can’t be real.I hold up my phone and take a picture to send as well.Orson shoots me a reply, letting me know he’s on his way.In front of me is a large bed and on it, spread eagle, and tied to the bedposts is Jacob Tucker.He’s staring at me with pleading eyes.He can’t say shit because there’s a ball gag in his mouth.
I hold my finger up in a “give me a moment” sign and turn to run up the stairs.There’s no way I can free the man right now.Orson and Helena need to handle it.Follow rules, regulations, handle evidence and such.
Walking back into the living room, I see Jolene and Helena standing across from one another.Helena has her arms crossed in front of her chest defensively while Jolene has her hands on her hips.I wonder what they’re discussing, and yet it doesn’t look like it’s about something nice.
Taking my water bottle, I lift and quickly drop it.Both women turn my way and I grab the bottle again to take a sip.
“Sorry,” Helena mutters.“We weren’t ignoring you.”
She moves toward me and takes a seat on the couch.I can practically feel the tension wafting off her.Reaching out, I place my hand on her knee and give it a gentle squeeze.She covers my hand with hers and our gaze collides.
