Page 30 of Night Moves
Malone laughed. That was one of the things Natalie liked about this woman, and why they’d become friends. Malone had a great sense of humor. Natalie was more serious and could stand to lighten up. It was looking like that was another thing she didn’t have in common with Drake.
When they reached the first floor, Drake led them through a spacious lobby that smelled of vanilla and was decorated in calming neutral tones. He approached an older guy dressed in a security uniform who stood alert at the desk. His buzzed gray hair was laced with silver, and confidence oozed from him. Natalie caught sight of Londyn sitting on a sofa under a wide open staircase. She came to her feet, but Natalie kept her focus on the guard.
“You must be Natalie.” He smiled and held out a tablet computer to her. “I’m Pete Vincent. Just fill in the form, and I’ll give you your pass.”
“Nice to meet you.” She tapped the screen to add her details and made short work of completing the form. She handed it back to Pete and took the pass dangling from a lanyard.
By the time she draped it over her head, Londyn was shaking hands with Drake. She was of average height with a muscular build and had a tough, rugged vibe, but her tailored navy blue suit, gauzy blouse, and manicured fingernails with a pale pink color gave her a contrasting feminine side too.
Natalie had always admired Londyn. Not because she was a pushover and did whatever Natalie requested for her clients. Just the opposite. She was a strong woman and a very capable detective, but her greatest strength was her fairness and compassion. She evaluated every case on its merits and didn’t jump to conclusions about Natalie’s clients due to their prior convictions or living conditions. Natalie might not like it when Londyn asked the DA for strict charges to be imposed, but Natalie had never found fault with Londyn’s decisions. Ever.
She released Drake’s hand and turned her pointed attention on Natalie.
“Good to see you again.” Natalie shook hands and forced a smile despite the sudden uneasiness that was rushing through her. She’d never broken the law before. Well, other than speeding. Her intentions were good when she’d taken the Gentry children, but that didn’t change the fact that she’d kidnapped three children, and Londyn might not think too highly of that.
“You too, though it’s not the best of circumstances, is it?” Londyn tilted her head, and her almost black hair with nutmeg highlights shifted over her shoulder.
“I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, Detective Steele.” Malone slipped her security pass over her head. “Always a sad day when someone as young as Thomas is taken from us.”
Londyn seemed to deflate for a moment before lifting her shoulders. “Thank you. And thanks to the Nighthawk team we at least caught the lowlife who killed him.”
Natalie had heard Londyn’s older brother was murdered in his home, but she didn’t know that Drake and his brothers helped bring the killer to justice.
“We were glad to help.” Looking embarrassed at the praise again, Drake gestured out the door. “If you’ll all follow me.”
He took them to the elevator and up to the sixth floor. At the end of the hall, he pressed his fingers against another reader. “Our humble offices.”
“Might be humble, but you have the penthouse floor,” Natalie said, trying her hand at joking.
“The Veritas partners wanted to save the fifth floor for expansion, so it’s not because we’re special. Though we are. Very.” He grinned and locked gazes with her.
Oh, wow.This guy really knew how to smile.
Natalie’s breath stalled in her lungs.
“You’re safe here. Breathe,” he said, oblivious to what caused her reaction.
She was mooning over him right after telling him she didn’t want to get involved. And right before confessing to a crime with a strong police detective. Natalie’s focus should be pinned on that. She could still be prosecuted for abducting the Gentry children. Plus, she always strived to be professional, and she was coming across as a smitten teenager.
Enough.
She firmed her shoulders and marched into a tiny reception area that held a small desk and two chairs.
“Let me get a light on.” Drake went to an open door. Light soon spilled out, and he made a sweeping gesture with his arm as he bent forward. “After you all.”
Natalie entered first and took a moment to look at the space boasting exposed pipes and ducts and giving the large area an industrial flare. Cubicles lined the back wall and a long conference table with live edges and black iron legs sat just inside the door. Overall the place was as masculine as the brothers.
“Go ahead and have a seat.” Drake told them and pointed at the chairs.
Natalie took the nearest one, and he sat next to her. Malone settled on her other side and Londyn across the table.
“Have you arrested Kirk?” Natalie knew Londyn would be in charge here, but Natalie had her own questions to ask. To know.
“Not at this time.” Londyn laid a pen and small notepad on the table.
Natalie kept her focus pinned to the detective. “What are you waiting for?”
“I’ll get into that after you tell me what you discovered at the Gentry residence that makes you think Kirk Gentry is The Clipper.”
