BRING RA PHOTO!
“You knew my grandfather. He never went to political fundraisers. I know this was work-related because he attended using an alias.” Carly sipped more water. “I think he had come to the same conclusion I have regarding this young woman, so he met with Internado at the fundraiser, then again on the Watergate Steps, where Internado pushed him to his death.”
Maverick stared at her for several seconds. “Holy fuck.”
“I know this sounds crazy. I need to get the specifics on how and when Pierce died.”
“I thought you knew.”
“My dad said he passed away as a result of a fall. I assumed it was on his regular morning power walk and never suspected anything.”
“If you’re right, then Internado killed this woman and your grandfather. Going forward, you’re under my protection twenty-four seven.”
She laughed. “You’re not serious, are you?”
“Very serious.”
“Ash, honey, Internado has no idea I’m investigating this cold case or that I’m Pierce’s granddaughter. I think you’re overreacting.”
He hitched a brow. This was not up for negotiation.
A sly smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “A prisoner under your protection day and night. Could be a lot of fun.”
Maverick loved her wild mind, but this wasn’t something to joke about, not even when it included a seduction. “This is serious, Carly.”
Her gaze flitted over his face. “I can’t change your mind, can I?”
“Not this time.”
She kissed his cheek. “Thank you for protecting me.”
“If anything happened to you…”
“Ashton, nothing will happen to me. I’ve got this.” She rose. “I’m going to shower. You should join me, that way you can keep close tabs on me.” She vanished inside.
As her self-assigned protector, what choice did he have but to follow?
2 3
C A R L Y T A K E S T H E L E A D
C arly and Ashton stood outside the first district police station in southwest, D.C. While waiting for his dad, Carly forwarded Erin Murphy her DNA results. No paternal match had been found, but Carly wasn’t surprised or deterred. She’d find Rose Aurora’s killer one way or another.
Her phone rang. “Hey, Mom.”
“I got your text. Grandpa Pierce fell down some stairs.”
“Where?”
“No clue. Look, I need your help. Can you spy on Ross, as a personal favor to me? I think he’s seeing someone else.”
You got that right. “Have you asked him?”
“He’s a liar.”
“And you picked him over Dad?”
“I got caught up in all his machismo. Do it for me, ‘kay?”
