Page 100 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Mason?”

“In the kitchen.” He stood and hugged her. “Did you have a good day?”

“It was great. The dogs, cats, and rabbit behaved themselves.”

Dawn walked in with Linc and headed for the bakery box. “What did you pick up? I don’t want to purchase the same desserts.” She lifted the lid and moaned. “Fruit tarts and croissants. Too bad dinner isn’t for another two hours. I’m hungry already.”

“The smaller box on the counter contains more fruit tarts. Those are for us to keep here.”

“Yes! You don’t have to tell me twice.” Dawn opened the small box and picked out a fruit tart. “Anyone else want one?”

Nicole eased away from Mason. “I do. Mason? Linc?”

Both men declined the offer. Once the women left to shower and change into fresh clothes, Linc sat beside Mason at the breakfast bar. “Any news?”

He summarized his conversation with Zane.

“The three men are real princes.” Linc eyed him. “You think one of them is responsible for Riva’s death?”

“I’m beginning to wonder if Patton or Fisher is to blame. As much as I’d like to name Ivan as the guilty party, I can’t see what he would gain from killing the real estate agent. Also, the town grapevine says that Riva was dating a construction worker in secret. That lets out Ivan, and it definitely wasn’t me.”

“That leaves Patton and Fisher. Your gut lead you to either man?”

“Maybe Fisher. Truthfully, I don’t like or trust either of them. Both men will be at the cookout this evening. Perhaps they’ll say or do something to clear things up.” Turmoil swirled inside Mason, his gut knotting at the thought of Nicole near either man. He was running out of time to figure out who wanted to set him up for a hard fall. His greatest fear was Nicole would be caught in the crossfire.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Nicole filled a small plate with desserts and glanced at Dawn. “Can you believe this spread?”

“I’ll have to run extra miles to burn the calories.” She slid a fruit tart onto her plate. “This place is packed.”

Nicole scanned the large grassy area behind Elliott Construction’s headquarters. Tables were set up along one edge of the yard, all loaded with food. Other tables were arranged for people to sit and eat while visiting with friends and coworkers, the air filled with the sound of conversation.

She filled a second plate for Mason while Dawn chose desserts for Linc. “Your relationship with Linc looks promising.”

“I can’t believe he’s interested in me.”

“He’s a smart man.”

“Get a move on, sweet cheeks,” a low voice said from behind Dawn. “You’re holding up the line.”

Nicole stared at Gene Patton. “Walk to the other side of the table.”

“I prefer the view on this side.” His gaze skimmed over Dawn. “The most mouth-watering item isn’t on the table.”

Linc walked up and eased Dawn behind him. “Is there a problem here, Patton?”

The man smirked. “Just admiring the view.”

“The view is better at another table.”

“I’m just paying a sincere compliment.” With a low laugh, Patton sauntered away.

Linc cupped the side of Dawn’s neck. “I’m sorry. I should have stayed at your side.”

“You were talking to a potential trainee. Public relations is part of your job. The man made a few suggestive comments, but he didn’t hurt me.”

“What did he say?”

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