Page 46 of Shadow of Doubt
“Man, oh, man.” A long breath hissed over the phone. “I don’t want to think that happened, but it would make sense. Blake routinely checks our vehicles for tracking devices, but we haven’t scanned it since the dinner. I’ll check it and call you back.”
Colin stowed his phone and wondered if he was off base here in suggesting someone like Nick could’ve brought danger to the compound.
“Our theory really does make sense,” Dev said as if sensing Colin’s uneasiness.
“Yeah, except Tarver is like this super hacker. I can’t see him making a mistake like this.”
“He’s human.” Dev started walking again. “He could’ve been overeager because he was so close to getting to Brooklyn.”
“Right, but even if hedidmanage to breach the fence, he would’ve had to have gotten through all of us to get to her.”
“Not if he managed a surprise breach.”
“True.” The mere thought sent a wave of panic over Colin as he reached the steps to the cabin.
Dev yawned. “It’s late. We should get some sleep and debrief in the morning.”
Colin glanced around the wide expanse of the property. “No sleep for me. I’ll be carefully reviewing the security feeds to see if we recorded anything that can lead us to Tarver.”
To lead them to the creep stalking the woman he’d come to care for.
11
Brooklyn prepared a lovely burrito bowl lunch for Sandy, who sat at the small kitchen table to keep her company. The recipe was healthy and packed with protein, so it shouldn’t further set off Sandy’s inflamed joints. The men—minus Micha again, who stood sentry at the front door—had gone to check out the fence and would be back as soon as the meal was ready. Brooklyn had chosen it for Sandy, but the recipe made enough for an army, so she couldn’t very well exclude the guys from sharing the meal. Even if she really needed some time away from Colin to get her feelings under control.
She sliced the green onions and looked at Sandy. “I didn’t even ask if you liked green onions.”
“I do,” she said enthusiastically. “What else is in the bowl? Other than the salsa and black olives on the island.”
“Pinto and black beans, quinoa, corn, cheddar cheese, and avocado.” Brooklyn tapped the oven. “And I’m grilling chicken in adobo pepper sauce.”
“So that’s the amazing smell that’s making my mouth water.” She inhaled and smiled. “Sounds heavenly. Are you sure I can’t help?”
“Nothing but chopping to do right now, and your hands won’t like that.”
Sandy frowned and rested her cane against the wall.
“I’m sorry,” Brooklyn said. “I’m sure it doesn’t help to be reminded that you can’t do it.”
“I try to ignore what I can’t do anymore and keep my spirits up, but I really don’t like to impose on others.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “So I would’ve done just about anything not to have to move in with the boys.”
“Boys.” Brooklyn giggled, trying to keep this discussion light after the events last night. “Nothing boy-like about them.”
Sandy smiled just as she had hoped. “They’ll always be my boys.”
“I’m sure they will.” Brooklyn went back to chopping the onions.
“They shouldn’t have to be saddled with me.” She planted her hands on the table and stared at them. “I hear them talking when they don’t think I do. Their lives have been upended. So I’m very thankful they found you.”
“I’m thankful for the job right now.” She smiled at Sandy. “I don’t think of you as a job though. Like I said last night, you feel like family, and I really enjoy your company.”
“Likewise.” Sandy fell silent for a few moments. “Do you want to get married someday?”
Oh, wow, where did that come from?
Brooklyn stopped chopping. Wouldn’t do to slice her finger. “I’d like that. Of course, Kane has to be arrested and be incarcerated for the foreseeable future before I could ever consider it.”
“He will be.”
