Page 75 of Relentless

“I talked to Piper and Liam’s waitress, Darla,” Cade said. “Baker asked her to dump a drink or food on Piper to get her into the bathroom alone. He had another man with him when he talked to Darla.”

“I didn’t see signs of another tango out there. I looked around while we waited for the cops to arrive.” He turned to Liam. “What do you want to do?”

“Spirit Piper out of Copper Ridge as fast as possible. The detectives know how to reach us if they have more questions.”

A slow nod from his friend. “I’ll grab my gear.” He strode to the other bedroom.

Cade, Matt, and Trent looked at each other. Trent motioned to the door. “Let’s go. We’ll meet back here.”

As soon as they left, Liam called Zane.

“What do you need?”

“Tell me you have new information.” He had more questions than answers.

“So far, I have zip. We’re still digging. You have anything for me?”

He summarized the previous two hours, ending with, “We’ll leave Copper Ridge as soon as we’re packed.”

“You’re heading straight into the lion’s den.”

“I know. Look into John Baker. He said he doesn’t know who hired him. Maybe you can discover who made inquiries about hiring him.”

“I’ll see what I can do. Tell Trent the Texas team is on the way to Amaretto. I reserved five rooms at the lodge on the outskirts of town. If you and Piper need to hide, Amaretto should be safe enough for one night. I sent a list of safe houses to your email.”

“I hope we don’t need them.” If they did, he and Piper were in deep trouble and their mission to find the evidence to use against Barone was a failure.

“I’m almost finished with the papers for your mom and sister, and Maddox is scouting a new location for you, Piper, and your family to start a new life if necessary.”

“I appreciate it, Z. If my family agrees to the relocation, my only regret would be leaving my team behind. I love my job. I don’t know how to do anything else.”

“The boss and I have been brainstorming about that. How do you feel about heading up a new team training facility?”

He sat up straighter, winced at the pain the movement caused. “Are you serious?”

“We can’t keep up with demand for our services. Maddox wants to establish another training facility on the west coast. If you have to relocate and you’re willing to take on the task, the boss will work it out. He doesn’t want to lose you, Liam. I don’t know if Bravo would be willing to move. If they aren’t, you’ll create a new team. Consider it if you have to go into hiding. Anything else I can do?”

“Not right now. Thanks, Z.”

“Yep. I expect a check-in in two hours.”

Liam smiled. “Yes, sir.”

With a chuckle, Zane ended the call.

As he stood at the French doors to scan the area, he thought about the potential job opportunity if he had to reinvent himself. The idea of starting another training facility wasn’t one he’d considered. He enjoyed his role in Bravo. If he had to relocate, though, the job would be an interesting challenge.

“Liam?”

He turned and smiled at Piper. “Everything packed?”

She nodded. “I heard you talking to someone.”

“I called Zane. He’s still digging. I asked him to check John Baker’s background and his accounts. If we’re lucky, he’ll learn who made inquiries about hiring him and his partner.”

Piper studied him a moment. “What else?”

“He and Maddox have been brainstorming about ways to keep me with Fortress if we go into hiding.” He told her about the training school and his role in the endeavor.

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