Page 24 of Night Moves
“I’m sure we’ll learn more when we meet with Londyn.” Drake changed his focus to Natalie. “We’ll get going the minute Mom and Dad arrive. I’ve arranged to meet at the Veritas Center.”
“The lab?” Natalie asked. “Why there?”
“We office out of the center, and the building is as secure as a fortress,” Drake said. “Top-of-the-line security system and an armed guard at all times.”
“Couldn’t we just meet Londyn at the police station?” Natalie asked.
“If Gentry thinks you’re a witness to the evidence you found in his basement, he might head over there,” Drake said.
“Oh, right.” She needed to stop questioning these professionals, who obviously knew what they were doing. “I didn’t think of that.”
“That’s why you pay us the big bucks.” Brendan grinned.
“Oh, payment.” She clamped a hand over her mouth. “I’m so embarrassed. Here I am thinking you’ll take care of us, and I didn’t even think to ask for your continued help or consider your payment.”
Drake waved his hand. “We’ll do this pro bono.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.” She ran her gaze over the group.
“We’re glad to do it, right guys?” Aiden asked.
The others didn’t hesitate but nodded.
“But I—”
“Hey,” Brendan said, a smile forming. “Think of it this way. We get to be involved in hunting down an elusive serial killer. None of us got to do that in law enforcement. As much as we hate what the guy’s done, it’ll be exciting to be involved in bringing the creep to justice.”
“Exciting isn’t the word I’d use.” Drake frowned at his older brother.
“Okay fine. A challenge.”
“Better,” Drake said.
“Then thank you.” Natalie smiled at the men. “Let me know if I can repay you in any other way.”
“Honestly, the best way to repay us is to do what we tell you to do.” Drake stepped closer to her. “Not question anything we ask, but just act. If indeed wearedealing with The Clipper, then we have a very cunning adversary, and everyone needs to be alert at all times.”
She nodded and then thought about the meeting he planned to hold when they returned. “I don’t mean to be questioning your decisions right off the bat, but if we meet in here, the children might overhear.”
“I have a heated workshop,” Drake said. “We’ll use that space.”
“I brought some whiteboards and lights.” Brendan tipped his head at the door.
“Great,” Drake said. “Someone get them set up.”
Aiden arched an eyebrow. “Make me a cup of coffee while I unload, and I’m glad to do it.”
“Sure thing.” Drake faced Brendan. “And if you’d relieve Erik at the road so he can continue his deep dive on Gentry and his wife, that would be great.”
“Offer me the same deal,” Brendan said, sounding a bit more laid back. “But none of that spoon-stands-up-in-the-mug kind of coffee you like to drink. Make it palatable.”
Drake mocked offense. “You guys just don’t know how coffee’s supposed to taste.”
“We don’t need the extra caffeine you crave.” Brendan zipped up his jacket and headed for the door. He and Aiden exited like a strong hurricane wind.
She was blessed that Malone knew these men. They seemed capable and willing to protect her and the children. Even so, she would still remain involved in her own and the children’s safety and in bringing Kirk to justice. She couldn’t leave everything up to them. Especially since her sister was The Clipper’s first victim, and Natalie had a personal interest in seeing this man locked behind bars for the rest of his life.
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