Page 44 of Laura's Truth

“He’s a professional investigator. He won’t open fire,” she stated, getting to the heart of the matter. “And if he did, it’s not like you aren’t armed to the teeth.”

“I’ve only got a knife.”

“On your person,” she said, shooting him a knowing look. “You won’t need it.”

He focused on his breathing, kept his mind on what Ross would need to hear. Just when he thought he might have calmed down, the wooded driveway opened up, revealing a gorgeous, custom-built home. “Wow. Nice place.”

Laura echoed the sentiment. “Do me a favor and leave the knife here,” she said as she cut the engine.

“Then he won’t have the thrill of finding it when he searches me.”

“He’s not going to search you.”

“Wanna bet?” Drew knew better. More, he’d think less of Ross if the man didn’t check for concealed weapons. Stepping out of the car, he held his hands up, kept his mouth shut. Ross Carpenter stood under the shade of the wide porch, a pretty blond woman Drew assumed was Mrs. Carpenter at his side.

“Good morning,” Laura said brightly. “Sorry to drop in so early.”

“We were up.” Ross shifted his hard gaze to Drew. “You aren’t dead.”

“No.”

“That’s a shame. Put your hands down,” he ordered. He tipped his head toward the blond. “My wife, Allie.”

“Mrs. Carpenter,” Drew said with a nod.

“Pleased to meet you. Come on in. Breakfast is almost ready.”

“We already ate.” Laura came around the car, nudging Drew forward when he didn’t move on his own. “You were expecting us?”

“No,” Carpenter answered, holding the door wide. “We were expecting to spend the day tracking you down.”

Drew kept putting one foot in front of the other, trying not to think of this as a trip to a very elaborate gallows. “You contacted him?”

“Only that one time,” Laura reminded him. “After the airport. I know what you’re thinking, but Ross has security down to a science.”

“The number I gave her was corporate, not personal, registered to an office in Columbia.” Ross added. “You were smart to come to the house.”

“I hope you feel that way in the days to come,” Drew said. Given a choice, Hackett would take it all with a gloating smile.

As the women moved deeper into the house, Ross stopped Drew and conducted the search, examining the knife, his wallet, and the flash drive.

“Who’s Thomas Ketterly?”

“A clean ID. Used it for the first time on this op. Bought a car a few days ago and used the credit card for yesterday’s expenses.”

“Let’s hope that’s clean enough,” Ross said, handing everything back.

Drew didn’t show his surprise over the return of his things or dignify the smart-ass remark. But he glanced down the hall when he caught the sound of more voices. “Who else is here?”

“Just my partners. We closed ranks when Eva tracked you down last night.”

“Tracked us down?” Drew echoed. “That’s impossible.”

Ross stared at him. “You’re welcome to ask her how she does it. I gave up and I’m just grateful she’s on my side. Come on in.”

Drew didn’t reply. Instead he stopped, hesitant to take those last steps. Laura would be safe here, Ross would see to that. If he left now, she’d be safe and he could finish off Hackett. Problem solved. Ross would understand.

“Forget bolting,” Ross said, coming back to stand toe to toe with Drew. “You stay in sight until I say otherwise.”

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