Page 69 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Police patrols have stepped up in a big way during business hours.”

“Sounds great until you remember that no one knows who this killer is. He could have already walked into the grooming salon or That’s A Wrap, and no one would know.”

“The killer has to be someone who lives here.”

“You don’t believe the killer is a random stranger passing through town?”

“Not a chance. How would this guy zero in on Riva’s house and happen to catch her at home without Cosmo? Riva worked crazy hours, and her schedule was never the same from one day to the next.” He shook his head. “Too many coincidences for my taste.”

“Is there another reason why you think the killer lives here?”

“Riva’s door wasn’t forced.”

Dean paused with his sandwich halfway to his mouth. “She knew the guy and let him in. You saw the doors?”

“No,” he admitted, “but Ethan and Rod never asked me what tool I used to force a door open or demanded my boots to compare them to prints found at the scene. I might be able to find out from Josh.” More likely, Rio could call in a favor with his team leader. Every member of Durango owed Rio their lives several times over. As long as it didn’t compromise the police investigation, Mason doubted Josh would balk at answering the question. “I’ll text Rio and have him ask.”

After sending the text, he focused on eating. Within a couple of minutes, his phone signaled an incoming text. Mason checked the screen. “No forced entry into Riva’s home. She either admitted the killer or she left the door unlocked.”

They finished lunch early and went back to work. Halfway through the afternoon, Brian walked into unit five. “How’s it going?”

“Making progress although not as fast as we want. We keep finding items to repair, things that were in perfect working order two days ago.” Mason glanced over his shoulder at his boss. “Need anything?”

The construction owner scowled. “Same kind of problems as in Building 8?”

“Yes, sir.”

“The locks have been changed?”

“We finished installing the new hardware hours ago,” Dean said. “If our vandal is planning to strike tonight, he’ll have to break windows or bust doors to do it.”

“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.” He turned his attention to Mason. “You’ll be able to complete the work tonight?”

“We’ll get it done, even if we have to stay all night.” Although he prayed that wouldn’t be necessary. He wanted to see Nicole and hold her.

“Great. I owe you both. I’d stick around and help but I have a meeting with a potential client. Big housing development that will keep us busy through the next 18 months. We have an excellent chance of getting the contract. The meeting is likely to go late, though.”

“Not a tempting prospect. This is the fun part of the job.” Dean moved to the next outlet. “I’d rather be working with my hands than sitting in meetings with clients.”

“Same here,” Mason said.

“It’s not my favorite thing to do, but someone has to market the business to clients.”

“Hire someone to take care of the marketing and do what you love.”

Brian looked thoughtful. “Maybe. I’ll give it some thought. Because of the security issues around here, I’m thinking about hiring a security guard to keep an eye on the property until we turn it over to the client.”

“Got a company in mind to provide the service?” Mason asked.

He shook his head. “I need a company that’s top notch but cheap. Know anyone that fits the bill?”

“Contact Josh Cahill. PSI is always looking for training opportunities for their students. Josh might be willing to work something out on a temporary basis.”

A broad smile curved Brian’s mouth. “I like it. I’ll give Josh a call when I’m heading to the meeting. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll get out of your way. Listen, even if another member of the crew volunteers to give you two a hand, I don’t want anyone else in this building. Manning is looking for an excuse to write us up.”

“Yes, sir.”

After clapping Mason on the shoulder, Brian left the unit.

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