Page 100 of Unseen Danger

Heat spread through her torso, and not from the coughing. How many men would’ve knowingly shot down a chance for a fling with Jill Jacquet? He had the looks to catch her eye, and he probably knew it. But he hadn’t ogled her once since they’d arrived. And even when she started coming on to him, he’d answered with a spectacular misdirect.

“Yeah.” Another little cough escaped. “I’m good.”

He gave her a smile, then turned toward Jill again. “I don’t want to take up more of your time, but we’re trying to ensure your children’s future safety with these questions. As their mother, I’m sure that’s important to you.”

She shifted before setting her wine glass back on the table. “Of course.”

“Great. Just a few more questions then.” Branson waited until the woman straightened before looking at her again. Man, the guy was too much. Was he on his best behavior because Nevaeh was with him? Most men she knew wouldn’t even hide their wandering eyes with their girlfriends right beside them.

“Do you think this kidnapping attempt will jeopardize D-Chop’s chances at custody?” Branson threw her the direct question.

“I sure hope so.” Jill let out a smug laugh.

“That’s not what I asked.” His deep voice firmed. “Do you think it will help you get custody?”

Her eyes narrowed. “It could.”

“Why did it take you six and a half minutes to leave the garage when you took your Ferrari from D-Chop’s estate?”

Jill blinked. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“It has to do with your children’s safety. You care about that, right?” Branson held her gaze without blinking. But no challenge or accusation showed in his gaze, at least from what Nevaeh could see from her angle. Good call, since Jill would probably get angry or clam up if he went too far.

“I couldn’t find the keys.”

“Peter said he gave you the keys when he took you out there.”

Jill paused, her gaze flitting to Nevaeh, then something beyond her. “I’m not very mechanical. It took me awhile to remember how to start it.”

Nevaeh squelched the urge to snort. Who did Jill think would believe that story?

“So I’m assuming you wouldn’t know how to set up fireworks to start remotely?”

Jill’s eyebrows dipped only far enough to avoid a wrinkle appearing on her suspiciously smooth forehead. “What are you talking about?”

“Does that mean you don’t know how to remotely start fireworks?”

“Why would I?” The confusion in her eyes did look genuine. But she was avoiding a direct answer—a lie if she’d set off the fireworks.

Branson turned his head toward Nevaeh. “That’s all I have. Do you have any other questions?”

“Just one.” Nevaeh met Jill’s gaze. A defensive glint now shone in the superstar’s eyes. “How are the kids today?”

“Fine.” Jill raised one shoulder. “They’re at school.”

“They weren’t too scared or rattled to go today?”

Jill lifted her gaze past Nevaeh again. “They’re kids. They bounce back.”

“You weren’t worried about another kidnapping attempt?”

“Why would there be another one?”

Nevaeh forced one more smile. “Thanks for your time.”

“Sure.” Jill shrugged and didn’t get up when Branson and Nevaeh did. “Wendy.” Jill reached for her wine glass as her personal assistant stepped forward.

“I’ll show you out.” The young blonde who had enough natural beauty to be a model without plastic surgery led them to the massive double-door entry of the mansion Jill had inherited from her parents.

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