Alone in the office, Alexandra stopped recording. While Ruth’s comment about “snatching shortcuts” was suspect, it wasn’t sufficient to point blame. Falling snow outside caught her attention and her guts churned.Just my luck.She stood and shrugged on her winter coat. Ruth’s phone buzzed and Alexandra leaned over the desk to readit.
“Snagged you two more, baby,” said a text from Larry Berry. “Slow going, but I’m getting it done for you. Trying to get you an Eagle. See you tonight. Can’twait.”
Larry had sent a photo, too. She grabbed her phone, snapped two pictures of the message and stashed her cell in her coat pocket as Cece flew into theoffice.
“Ruth’s morning just got hijacked,” the assistant said, gasping forbreath.
“I would imagine no one keeps Mr. Chavezwaiting.”
Cece escorted Alexandra to the lobby. “Ruth will want to know when the story airs. Please contactme.”
Alexandra tugged on her gloves and hurried into the blustery morning, convinced Ruth was involved with the problems atWilde.
* * *
As Crockett listenedtothe recording of Alexandra’s conversation with Ruth, he strummed his fingers on the white Formica table in his Tank. Despite never having experienced this level of revenge and betrayal, relief washed over him. At least now they had something to go on. “Without question, she’s guilty as hell, but without evidence we can’t prove she’s behind thesabotage.”
“Ruth got called away and I snapped this.” She showed Crockett and Decker the text. “I didn’t want to forward this toyou.”
Decker studied the photo. “Looks like Spy Flies. How is Larry lifting these frominventory?”
Once again, Alexandra’s suspicions had been spot-on. “First things first.” Crockett scooped Alex’s hands into his. “Thank you for doingthis.”
“Of course,” she replied. “I’m happy to helpyou.”
“We can’t let Larry know we’re onto him.” Crockett let her hands go and leaned back in the chair. “Until we have something solid, it’s business as usual. I’m pretty confident the answer to how he’s hijacking control of the devices is in thecode.”
“My coding is rusty, but I’ll check it,” saidDecker.
Alexandra rose. “I’ll get out of yourhair.”
“Where are you headed?” Crockettasked.
“I’d like to visit my mom, but it depends on thesnow.”
“When did it start snowing?” Crockettasked.
“An hour ago, but it’s not sticking to theroads.”
After checking his phone, Decker pushed out of his chair. “Weather report says we can expect anywhere from a dusting to threeinches.”
“Decker, I know you’re super busy…have you had a chance to search for rejuvenation?” Alexandraasked.
“I did a few searches. Haven’t found anything,” Decker replied. “With everything going onhere—”
“It’s okay,” shereplied.
“I’ll make it a priority this week.” Decker left, closing the door behindhim.
Crockett rose. Peering into Alex’s eyes helped assuage his anger. But the walls were closing in and his head pounded in his temples. “I’ll drive you wherever you need togo.”
She placed a soft hand on his shoulder. “Please stay and work. I’ll text you when I get to Colton’s. If the snow sticks, I’llstay.”
He pulled her close and kissed her. The familiar zing of attraction brought the heat, but her inner strength and determination grounded him. “I won’t be able to concentrate if I’m worried aboutyou.”
“Crockett, please. I’ll drive slowly and I’ll textyou.”
After pecking her forehead, he hugged her. “Most couples start with dating, then they go away for a weekend. They drink too much and screw all the time. We’ve had one fucking incident afteranother.”
