Page 111 of Unseen Danger

A smirk settled on LeSalle’s lips as he answered Nevaeh. “I don’t believe I ever had the pleasure.” Probably considered associating with that level of staff beneath him. Branson doubted he’d admit to knowing the maid then, either. And the current maid was local, a new hire since D-Chop had moved to St. Paul. That didn’t mean LeSalle wasn’t in contact with the groundskeeper or the maid, though.

“When was the last time you spoke to any of D-Chop’s staff members?” Branson tried for casual but steady eye contact. Difficult over an online video call.

“I couldn’t say.”

Because he didn’t remember or didn’t want to admit something? “Within the last month?”

“Oh. No. Not after I was last at D-Chop’s residence in L.A.”

“So you haven’t had any contact with them over the phone or online?”

“Of course not.” LeSalle frowned. “I’m not chummy with them, if that’s what you meant. I only saw them at the house and dealt with Volrath for scheduling purposes.” He glanced away from his screen and nodded as if someone was there. “I really have to go now.”

“Sure. Thanks for your time.”

“Tell D-Chop I’m looking forward to his call.”

“Enjoy your trip.” Branson watched LeSalle until the man tapped out of the session. He flipped the lid of his notebook computer closed and turned his head toward Nevaeh. “That was interesting.”

She didn’t move away, even though the call was over.

His heart thumped as she stayed close and looked up at him. He lifted his left arm and draped it on the sofa behind her, only to give her more room, of course.

She melded into his side, soft and relaxed. His pulse sprinted, careening at an erratic tempo that had to be unsafe. But he didn’t care. Not when she felt so good, so perfectly fitted to him.

“He seemed like he was hiding something.”

The interview. Yes. He forced himself to focus on her statement rather than the powerful urge to move his arm forward to cradle her shoulders. “I agree. But when I knew him in L.A., he always seemed to be hiding something. I think that’s partly why D-Chop let him go. Never could tell what LeSalle had up his sleeve. He’d say one thing to placate D-Chop and then turn around and do the opposite.”

“So he might not be hiding anything related to the attacks and threats.” An adorable frown settled on Nevaeh’s full lips. “Did the police get back to you about the note and the knife yet?”

He nodded. “Just this afternoon. No prints on the knife. It’s a professional-grade butcher’s knife. I checked with Chef Cox, and he said he’s missing his butcher’s knife. He said he used it last night for dinner prep but can’t be sure he saw it after that.”

“Or so he claims.” Nevaeh brought her brown eyes up to Branson’s face, nearly making him lose his train of thought.

“Exactly.”

She looked away, enabling him to focus on the topic again.

“The only prints on the note were yours and mine. The paper was a common type used in home printers, and the ink was from a standard printer, too. Nothing traceable.”

“So it could still be anyone.”

“Anyone with access. I don’t believe our security was breached last night. You and Jazz had your K-9s. Like you said, they wouldn’t have let anyone past them, and I don’t think an intruder would’ve risked the dogs. Nothing unusual shows on the security footage either. Other than the pool area having more traffic than usual with D-Chop, his guest, and the staff.”

“Too bad that table isn’t actually covered by the camera back there.”

“Whoever planted the knife and note knew that.” Another indication of an inside job. But it was hard to picture any of the staff members Branson knew doing anything to hurt D-Chop. “We should interview the staff next. Starting tomorrow.”

Nevaeh’s curls brushed Branson’s shoulder as she nodded. “Totally.”

Her reply brought a smile to Branson’s lips. And inched his arm close enough for his fingers to gently touch her shoulder.

The light contact brought her gaze to his. Her mouth curved in a smile.

She apparently didn’t mind.

His arm slid more fully onto her shoulders as if of its own volition. His heart pounded into his ribs hard enough she could probably hear it. “Would you like to stay for dinner before your shift tonight?”

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