Page 80 of In the Arms of a Hero

“We need to get to the Malroneys. And we’ll need backup.”

39

“What are you doing?” the man asked.

“I’m taking care of things the way they should have been in the first place.” The woman swiped lipstick on and straightened her pale pink sweater and cardigan, making sure her string of pearls was straight. “I have an appointment with her. I’ve texted James, but he hasn’t texted back.” She held up a tiny vial of liquid and gave it a little shake. “No matter. I’ll use the backup plan. A few drops into her coffee, and it’ll be taken care of.”

“I don’t see why this is necessary.”

She huffed. “Because the photographer is a loose end. James fucked up, and I don’t even know why that surprises me. Uncle Ricardo always relied too heavily on James even though I think my cousin is an idiot.”

“Just do it and get back. I’ll take care of things here.”

As he stomped away, she looked around at the large house and sighed. “Why is it that we women always have to take care of everything?”

40

Standing on the stoop, Aaron rang the doorbell, the adrenaline of pieces starting to fall into place running through his body. Sam was standing right next to his side, with Hunter and Brad just behind.

As soon as the door opened, Harry’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want now?”

“Is your wife at home, Mr. Malroney?”

His face scrunched, and he opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Ruthanne appeared by Harry’s side. Her hand rested lightly on his waist, and she smiled out to the group.

“Detectives! How nice to see you again. What can we do for you?”

“We have a few questions for you and your husband.”

“Of course, please come in.”

The four detectives stepped inside the roomy entry foyer.

“There’s a whole lot of you coming in now,” Harry grumbled. “Do I need to call my attorney?”

Ignoring Harry’s question, Aaron introduced, “This is Detective Simmons and Detective Stowe. We’re investigating two separate crimes that now appear to be tied together.”

“Oh, how interesting,” Ruthanne said, her gaze moving between the four detectives.

Harry’s eyes narrowed, and his arm snaked around Ruthanne’s waist, but he remained silent.

Continuing, Aaron asked, “Mr. Malroney, I know that you have security cameras on this house, and we know you mentioned all your rentals have cameras. Do you have the ability to see, record, or go back to view from those cameras?”

“What kind of damn fool question is that? Of course I do. In case you’re wondering, I also have security cameras inside all the homes. I’m not having wild parties, smoking dope, and destruction of property going on! God knows, renters will try to bring in their pets and then claim the goddamn urine smell was there before they arrived!”

Ruthanne quickly jumped in. “There are no security cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms, just to be clear. We’re not voyeurs!”

“Voyeurs?” Harry shouted, then looked down at his wife, his eyes wide. “Don’t give these men any ideas, or they’ll come after us for all kinds of perverted claims!”

“Now, dear, I’m sure you’re exaggerating.” Ruthanne turned toward Aaron. “You also said you had a question for me?”

“Yes, ma’am. You mentioned the last time we were here that you didn’t like living right on the beach, and you moved. Where was your previous house?”

“It was just down the lane a little way, but was right on the beachfront, and I remember telling you that Harry didn’t like people just being able to walk right up to the back door.”

“People have no sense of private property! We had people actually walk up to the house and peer into the windows!” Harry continued to grouse.

Ignoring him, Aaron continued, “And which house was that?”

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