Page 25 of Relentless

CHAPTER NINE

Liam’s stomach tightened into a knot at Stella’s news. He’d hoped for a different answer. Liam exchanged glances with Piper. Seeing her distressed expression, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “We’ll handle it.”

“Why do I have the feeling you’re not surprised?” Stella’s eyes narrowed as she looked from Liam to Piper and back. “I want to know everything you know or suspect. Nick and I are working this case together.”

He told her everything and played the voice mail message from Gavin.

Stella recorded the message on her phone. “Barone and his minions play for keeps, Liam. Don’t underestimate them.”

“I have too much at stake to be careless.”

“I can’t give you as much information as you want and need. Zane would be helpful.”

Liam analyzed what she said and what she didn’t. She was obliged to keep quiet about the case. However, Stella had learned something he and Piper needed to know. “I’ll contact him as soon as we leave.”

The detective’s muscles loosened. “What are your next steps?”

“Grabbing a meal, packing an overnight bag, and heading to the Copper Ridge Ski Resort.”

A frown. “You’re leaving town in the middle of an investigation. Did the Cherry Hill detectives tell you to stay in the area?”

“I’ll be an hour outside of town. If they need to talk to us, contact me.”

“Why shouldn’t I call Piper?”

“Her phone isn’t secure.” A stop by his house would solve the problem.

“When you solve the problem, I need the number.”

He inclined his head without comment.

Stella rolled her eyes. “Stubborn operative. I noticed you didn’t agree to give me her contact information. I have one of those encrypted phones, buddy. No one breaks Z’s encryption program. Her contact information will be safe with me.”

“You can’t keep the information from the Cherry Hill detectives. You, I trust. I don’t trust them to keep the information secure.”

At that moment, Piper’s stomach growled.

With a grin, Stella twisted and grabbed a file from the desktop. “I need to get you out of here so you can eat.” She handed them the statements to read and sign.

Ten minutes later, Liam and Piper were on the sidewalk in front of the station with Stella’s warning to be careful ringing in their ears. “Would you like to go to That’s A Wrap?” Liam asked.

“That sounds great.”

They walked to the deli owned by a fellow operative’s wife. As soon as they entered the shop, Darcy beamed at them and hurried around the counter. She threw her arms around Piper.

“I’m glad you’re safe.” She pulled back, scanned Piper’s face, and winced. “That bruise looks like it hurts.”

“A little,” Piper admitted.

“Come on.” Darcy tugged her toward the back of the shop. “The deli is a madhouse this time of morning.” She led them to a small break room. “Tell me what you want to eat and drink and I’ll bring your meals.” Within five minutes, she returned with a tray loaded with breakfast wraps, coffee for Liam, and hot tea for Piper.

After Darcy returned to the front of the shop, Piper sipped her tea and sighed. “Chamomile mint.”

Liam set Piper’s plate in front of her. “At least it’s quiet enough to talk back here.” He waited until she finished her wrap before capturing her hand and kissing her knuckles. “How are you?”

“Better now that I have food in my stomach.”

“Are you ready to pack your overnight bag?”

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