Page 35 of Spock’s Snare

"They could," I agree. "But they also might not. If they’re not, we risk Chloe’s safety by looking in the wrong direction."

Chloe shifts beside me. I feel her thumb brush against mine beneath the table.

"We know someone spray-painted threats and attacked Bill. But we don't actually know those people work for Red Rock. We don’t know who is going after her. It could be Red Rock Construction because they wanted the Inferno Ridge project. Hell, maybe they want Riversedge Apartments, too. It could be a professional grudge. Or it could be personal."

Puma leans back in his chair, watching me.

"I just don't want us looking one way while the real asshole sneaks up behind us.”

Nobody speaks.

Rush scratches his beard. “Spock's right."

Dice nods.

“I’m not saying we give Red Rock Construction a pass. I want to hear what Juliet’s cousin has to say, but I don’t want to be looking at them and let someone else come at us from behind and hurt Chloe. She’s more important than Red Rock.”

Spark rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I've been focused on the financial side."

I nod.

"And you've done damn good work."

He smiles faintly. "But you're asking if I've found evidence of violence."

I meet his eyes.

"Yeah."

Spark slowly shakes his head.

"No."

The single word settles heavily.

"Nothing?"

"Not yet."

He reaches for his keyboard. “I’ve found lawsuits, civil complaints, contract disputes, and bankruptcies, but I haven’t seen any criminal investigations or reports that would lead me to believe they’ve used physical intimidation or other tactics.”

He exhales.

"That doesn't mean it isn't there. It just means I haven't found it. So I’ll keep digging."

I nod once.

Puma folds his hands on the table.

“Spock’s right. Chloe is the priority. She’s family. Red Rock could be left to the authorities.” Puma raises his hand when Spark opens his mouth. “Juliet is family, too. Which means if she wants our help, she’ll get it. We’ll listen to her cousin’s story and then decide if we can help. However, Chloe’s safety is our priority. Whoever is targeting her is dangerous. As far as we know, Juliet’s cousin is only at risk of losing money.”

Spark nods in agreement.

I glance at Chloe and see her studying me. When we lock eyes, she mouths ‘thank you.’

Leaning closer, I whisper in her ear. “I’d do anything for you.”

I grin as her cheeks turn pink. “I’d do anything for you, too,” she whispers back.