Page 86 of Relentless

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Liam walked Piper to her room and closed the door behind them. With a finger to his lips indicating the need for silence, Liam pulled an electronic signal detector from his pocket and searched the room for bugs and cameras.

His gut clenched when he discovered three bugs and one camera had been planted in Piper’s room. Once the equipment was dismantled, he wrapped his arms around Piper.

“I can’t believe this,” she whispered.

“Even if we lock the rooms, the security team will have keys. It’s easy to plant more bugs while we’re out.”

“Is my uncle responsible?”

“I don’t know, Sunshine but I’ll learn the truth before I’m finished. How is your lip?”

“The medicine Matt used to numb my mouth has long worn off.”

That explained the small amount of food she consumed at dinner. He reached into his pocket and drew out a packet of capsules. “Mild pain meds, courtesy of Matt. Should help you sleep.”

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight. I don’t feel safe in this house.”

Liam cupped her nape. “I’m right across the hall. If anything scares you, come to me or call out. I’ll hear you.”

He bent and captured her mouth. Although Liam’s kiss was thorough and filled with sizzling passion, his touch remained gentle in deference to her injury.

When he lifted his head, Piper said, “I can’t wait until my lip is healed. I want a real kiss.”

“Is that right?” Pleasure zinged through his bloodstream at her words.

“I’m addicted to them.”

“Same here.” After a soft brush of his thumb over her bottom lip, Liam released her. “You need ice. I’ll bring you more along with a bottle of water.”

He returned to the kitchen and found it lit by a light over the stove. A quick search netted him a plastic bag which he filled with ice and kitchen towel. Liam grabbed a bottle of water, then went to Piper’s room and knocked one the door.

A moment later, Piper let him inside. “Thank you, Liam.”

Because he couldn’t resist her tempting mouth, Liam stole another series of soft kisses before going to his own room. Inside, he searched the room and dismantled a camera and two bugs.

He called Zane.

“You’re late,” was his greeting.

“Needed to take care of Piper and get rid of bugs and cameras from our rooms.”

A soft whistle sounded over the speaker. “Bold.”

“This is the second time I’ve cleared electronics from both bedrooms.”

“Suspects?”

“Too many to count. You wouldn’t believe how many people work at Romano’s estate. What do you have for me?”

“The ballistics test came back from the incident in Copper Ridge. The bullet that killed Gavin James didn’t come from the weapons carried by you, Simon, or the three tangos you and Simon captured or killed.”

“Either Gavin’s killer is Baker’s partner or someone else from Hartman drove to Copper Ridge to ensure Gavin didn’t pass on the information he discovered.”

“Given his history, is it possible an angry Copper Ridge husband or boyfriend took exception to Gavin hitting on his woman?”

“Maybe. The shot was precise, though, and Gavin didn’t have defensive wounds. If an angry spouse or boyfriend went after Gavin, I think he would use his hands and fists in a fit of rage. This feels like cold-blooded, premeditated murder. Anything from Otter Creek?”

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