Page 107 of Relentless

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Liam’s grip tightened around his cell phone. “What can you tell me about the explosion?” he asked Zane.

“Professional job. The bomb was simple but effective. A blasting cap and C-4. The interesting thing is the explosion was just powerful enough to take out her car.”

Beside him, Piper shuddered. “I’m glad my car was parked in the lot a block away from Wicks. Was anyone else’s vehicle damaged?”

“No vehicles were parked next to yours. The damage to two other vehicles was limited to cracked windows.”

Liam kissed her temple. “Spencer was EOD, one of the best bomb technicians I know. It had to be him. No way the clowns who tossed Piper’s place could blow up her car with such precision. They would have used a Molotov cocktail.”

“Why did Spencer destroy my car?” Piper asked.

“He hopes you go back to Otter Creek to deal with the aftermath.”

“You wouldn’t let me go back alone.”

“That’s what he wants. At the moment, he doesn’t know where I am. If he’s impatient to finish this, he’ll use any means necessary to draw me out. Z, are we sure the other women are covered?”

“Don’t worry. With this latest volley, the women will be double covered. You just worry about Piper.”

“What about Stella?” Piper edged closer to Liam. “She travels all over town. If she’s sent on a call, Stella will be vulnerable. We have to warn her.”

“Don’t worry,” Zane said. “Stella Armstrong is one tough cookie. She was a US Marshal and dealt with the worst criminals. Anyone who comes after her will wish he hadn’t. Aside from that, Stella has company anytime she leaves the station until Spencer is behind bars.”

Liam frowned. “A partner?”

“Her husband. Since this case involves an explosives expert, Ethan thinks having Nate, an EOD expert, ride with the investigating detective is a wise precaution.”

Otter Creek’s police chief knew the value of good assets in the community and didn’t mind utilizing them. The news of Spencer’s escalation made Liam want to take Piper to a remote location until the former Marine had been run to ground. Unfortunately, Spencer would simply wait him out. If Liam wanted to smoke out Spencer, he couldn’t stay off the grid.

“What about the contract on my life?” Piper asked. “Is Spencer behind that, too?”

“I’m afraid not. I’ve been looking for connections to the Marine since I caught wind of it. I can’t find any indication he’s connected to the hit.”

Not surprising. He wouldn’t use a third party to do his dirty work. Spencer would want to make Liam suffer by taking the life of the woman he loved. “Barone?”

“I’m still checking that possibility. So far, I can’t find a connection there, either. However, Barone’s financial empire is extensive and buried behind multiple firewalls.”

“Have you updated Maddox?”

“As soon as I end this call. Watch your back, Liam. This situation has many layers.”

“Copy that.” When he ended the call, Liam set aside his computer and wrapped his arms around Piper. “Are you all right?”

She turned toward him.

Liam expected fear and maybe reprisal in the depths of her beautiful eyes. Instead, he saw anger. At him? Man, he hoped not although her ire would be understandable. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, cupping the nape of her neck. “I never meant to bring danger to your doorstep.”

“This isn’t your fault, Liam. The blame falls to your demented former co-worker.” She dropped her head against his chest and growled. “He has stellar timing. I just paid off my car. I doubt my insurance will cover bomb damage.”

“I’ll arrange for another vehicle through Fortress.”

She leaned back to look at him. “Why?”

“Our vehicles are reinforced and have bullet-resistant glass. For my peace of mind, I need you in a safer vehicle.”

“I don’t know, Liam. That sounds expensive.”

---