Page 59 of Always My Love

“He tried to report that both of the girls were killed in the blaze. The insurance company disagreed, claiming that he had no proof of the girl’s demise.”

“Shit,” Aiden sighed. “You think he’s come back to finish the job?”

Nick shrugged. “I’ve already contacted the insurance company. Well, I left them a message and sent them a report, at any rate. I’m curious if he still is holding the policy. Something tells me the insurance company wouldn’t renew something like that after what he pulled.”

“That’s a shaky reason to come across the country and kill. In hopes of getting a payout from a policy he’s been paying into for the past… how many years?”

“Six,” he supplied. “I agree.” He thought about telling Aiden about the abuse the sisters had suffered at the man’s hands. “There are other reasons, ones I’m not at liberty to go into with you just yet.”

Aiden met his eyes and a look of understanding crossed between them. Then he stood up and stretched. “Okay, so we add some extra protection on the sisters.” Aiden smiled. “Rumor has it you’ve already got that covered for Harper.”

Nick smiled and nodded. “Hailey is staying with Reece currently.”

Aiden nodded. “Tell me what you need.”

“For now, the APB will have to do. Something tells me the man hasn’t strayed far. He’s playing a petty game with them right now. Toying with them. From what I’ve heard and from looking at his rap sheet, he likes to push around anyone weaker than him.”

Nick glanced down at the man in the photos. Your average meathead gym rat, with lots of muscles. He’d probably made the switch from recreational drugs to steroids, from the look of his latest mug shot.

“Okay, I’m heading home. Let me know if you need backup.” Aiden slapped him on the shoulder.

After leaving the station, Nick swung by the Golden Oar to pick up Harper. Since she still had a few minutes of work left, he headed inside and sat at the bar.

He was happy when she didn’t jump or look scared when she saw him in full uniform again. Even though she’d seen him dress and get ready for work earlier that morning, it was nice that instead of the worried look that had always filled her eyes when she saw him, she smiled.

“Evening, officer,” Harper flirted as she leaned on the bar towards him.

“Ma’am.” He winked at her. “Slow night?” He glanced around at the crowded bar area.

Harper chuckled. “Connie’s taking over for me in a few.” She rolled her shoulders. “Care for a tea?”

“Actually, I’ll have a Coke.”

“Want to order dinner here?” she offered as she filled a glass with the soda.

“Sure, what’s the special tonight?” he asked, making himself comfortable.

Just then Harper glanced over his shoulder and her smile doubled. “Hailey and Reece just walked in.” She waved at them.

The pair joined him at the bar.

“We saw your Jeep out front and thought we might join you for dinner,” Hailey said. “When do you get off work?” she asked her sister.

“Five minutes,” Harper answered after looking at her watch.

“Order us a couple of burgers. We’ll grab a booth.” Harper motioned to a booth in the bar area that had just become available.

“I’ll have the same,” he said.

Harper smiled and then turned and punched their orders into the computer.

“I have news,” he said softly when she returned. Then he glanced at Hailey. “She deserves to hear it as well.”

Harper bit her lip and then sighed. “Okay, you can tell us.” She motioned and then Connie stepped behind the bar.

“Go on. Your family is here. I’ve got this,” Connie said as she went to take someone’s order.

“Thanks.” Harper gathered her coat and purse from behind the bar.