“I’ve issued APBs for both, but no sign of them yet,” Dino said.
“Dino and I were talking on the way over here,” Stone said. “If they know the police are looking for them—”
“Which we should assume they do,” Dino said.
“—then they’re likely going to want to get out of town in a hurry,” Stone continued. “But there’s a good chance they won’t want to leave empty-handed.”
“Ah,” Jack said. “You think I’ll be hearing from them soon.”
“I believe that’s the safe bet.”
“I’d like to assign a few officers to your building until we have them in custody,” Dino said.
“Thank you, Dino,” Jack said. “I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather you didn’t.”
“May I remind you they know where you live.”
“They do, but this is a very secure building. I fear having officers stationed here would cause my neighbors unnecessary anxiety. I think it might be better if I stay elsewhere until this is all settled.”
Before Dino could argue the point, the front door opened, and Sara’s voice drifted into the apartment, saying, “Right? It was adorable.”
A moment later, she and Ash entered the living room.
“I knew that would be your favorite,” Ash said.
“I absolutely love it,” she said, then noticed her uncle and the others. “Oh, I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to interrupt you.”
Jack stood, smiling. “Not at all. Come in, come in.”
Ash looked nervously at Stone but followed Sara over to the couch.
“Sit,” Jack said. “Tell us how everything went.”
“Ash found the perfect apartment for me,” Sara said, beaming.
“To be fair,” Ash said, “the agent found it.”
“Yes, butyouput it on the list of ones you thought I should see.”
Both smiling, they held each other’s gaze long enough that no one could miss the sparks between them.
“Yes, well, that’s wonderful,” Jack said. “I can’t wait to see it. Have you put in an offer?”
“I wanted to,” Sara said. “But Ash reminded me I should speak with you and Aunt Hillary first. And, of course, you too, Stone.”
“Your Ash is a smart man,” Jack said to Stone.
“He is, isn’t he?” Sara beamed.
His cheeks reddening, Ash said, “It’s what I’d do for any valued client of Woodman & Weld.”
Jack flashed a smile before turning serious. “Let’s discuss the apartment later. There’s something else I need to talk to you about first.”
“Oh?” Sara said. “Nothing bad about Aunt Hillary, is it?”
“No, this is something else entirely. Starting tonight, I’d like you to stay in the apartment Stone offered you. Stone, the apartmentisstill available, yes?”
“It is.”
