Page 98 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Whew.” Dean glanced at Mason. “I didn’t think we’d make it.”

“We almost didn’t. Did you notice we’re fixing the same problems we repaired in the other buildings?”

“Yep. I don’t suppose Brian talked to Josh about having the PSI trainees provide security at night?”

“Not sure, but I’ll ask him at the picnic. The sabotage has to be in-house.”

“What’s the point? We’re still on schedule to finish the buildings by the deadline.”

“The sabotage is the same as the sloppy work we pointed out to Brian.”

“Patton and Fisher.” Dean sounded disgusted. “I should have known. They’re targeting our work now.”

“Looks like it.”

“They’re looking for an excuse to cause you trouble, aren’t they?”

“More than you know. Fisher showed up at Pet Palace last night.”

Dean straightened. “What happened?”

“He cornered Nicole in the alley when she took out the trash. Although she says she’s fine, Fisher upset her.”

“What did he want?”

“Honestly, I think he wanted to tell me that he could get to her any time he pleased. Believe me, I got the message.”

“Watch your back, Mase. Once Brian announces his choice for the head of the home rehab division, things will become more antagonistic around here.”

He picked up the last of his tools and stored them in his tool box. “Let them come. I’ll handle them.” He’d survived more dangerous men than Patton and Fisher in prison. “Come on. Time to go.”

“Leah planned to talk to the head librarian today. I might have information for you at the picnic.”

“I can stand some good news. At the moment, I have nothing but questions.” And a ton of fear for the safety of his bride-to-be.

After reporting the completion of their tasks to Brian, Mason left the Oakdale site and returned to his home to shower and grab more clothes. He’d owe Linc a big favor when this was over. Not only had the PSI instructor opened his home to three extra people, he also pulled more than his fair share of night watch to keep them safe.

He thought about the various things that needed to be repaired or remodeled around Linc’s place. Perhaps he could repay the favor by volunteering his services when Linc was ready to make changes in the kitchen and bathrooms. His friend mentioned gutting the kitchen more than once. Mason had the skill and connections to make the job easier and cheaper.

After packing his bag with more clothes, Mason set off for the bakery to pick up the order he’d called in to Zoe during lunch.

Parking in front of the store, he walked into the bakery and smiled at the woman behind the counter. “Hi, Zoe.”

“Good to see you, Mason. How are the wedding plans going?”

“According to Nicole, everything is on track and under control. Is my order ready?”

Zoe grabbed a box from the work counter. “I packed all Nicole’s favorites. I also set aside several in a smaller box for you to take to Linc’s. They’re good for a light breakfast.”

“I should pay you extra for helping me score major points with the lady.”

She waved the offer aside. “No need. I’m happy to accommodate her. She brags about my fruit tarts all over town. Word-of-mouth advertising like that is priceless.”

Mason paid for the croissants and fruit tarts, including a generous tip for the baker. A group of several women entered the bakery as he left. A couple of them shied away from him, their gazes shifting from his. Guess they believed he was guilty of murder. Mason mentally shrugged off their reaction and carried his baked goods to the truck.

Minutes later, he parked in Linc’s driveway, then took the food and his bag into the house. Mason sat at the breakfast bar with a glass of iced tea. He’d downed half the contents when his cell phone rang.

He glanced at the screen and punched the speaker button. “What do you have for me, Z?”

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