Page 64 of Caught in the Crossfire

“I’m not going to sit by and do nothing when Riva’s killer is targeting us. Are you?” Her eyes narrowed. “Wait a minute. You’re planning to investigate on your own, aren’t you?”

Busted. “Maybe.”

“Definitely. You aren’t investigating Riva’s murder by yourself.”

“It’s dangerous.”

“All the more reason why we investigate with backup. What’s our first step?”

“Sleep.”

She glared. “Not funny.”

“I’m serious. We’re both tired. We’ll start tomorrow. In the meantime, think through what happened at Riva’s. See if you remember more information. We’ll figure out a game plan and start asking questions tomorrow.”

Mason captured her mouth in a heated kiss, enjoying the heat and texture, the sweet taste that was uniquely Nicole’s. When they were both holding on to their control by gossamer strands, he stood and held out his hand. “I’ll walk you to your room.”

Cade Ramsey, a member of Bravo, glanced over his shoulder as they passed the security room and smiled. Linc would take the watch at 1:00 a.m.

Outside her room, Mason held Nicole for long minutes. Finally, he forced himself to step back. “See you in the morning.”

“Sleep well, my love.”

When she closed her door, he went to his own room, showered, dressed in fresh clothes, and fell onto the bed. Mason sank into a dreamless sleep.

He woke well before his alarm went off, threw back the covers, and stumbled down the hall, praying the hot spray would wash away the dregs of fatigue still dragging him down.

Minutes later, he entered the kitchen and poured himself a mug of coffee. The first bracing sip infused much needed caffeine into his system. Maybe after consuming a gallon of the black elixir he’d be able to function. He carried his mug into the security room and sat beside Linc.

“I’m surprised you’re awake.”

“Everything quiet overnight?”

“Unless you count a stray dog and two cats, we didn’t have visitors.”

“Just the way I like it.” Mason glanced at him, noting the fatigue on his face. “Dawn was okay during the night?” Mason had left his door open overnight in case Nicole needed him. He didn’t have to ask if the Linc had left his door open to respond quickly if Dawn needed him. Something was definitely brewing between the two.

“Not really.”

“What happened?”

“She sees the killer’s masked face every time she closes her eyes.” Anger burned in his eyes. “Dawn won’t improve until she knows who he is and that he’s behind bars. At the moment, every male in Otter Creek except for the two of us are potential suspects.”

“Nicole feels the same except she lumps Bravo, Durango, Ethan, and the OCPD detectives in with us. You up for a little nosing around?”

Linc glanced away from the computer screen to stare at him. “You’re going to hunt for the killer?”

“I have a vested interest in identifying this guy. He’s a threat to Nicole.”

“You’re also a target.”

“We have no idea if Riva’s killer is the person coming after me.” He sighed. “We also can’t forget my less-than-savory past and the fallout from it. The Fitzgeralds have long memories, and I don’t blame them.”

“You paid your debt to society. The Fitzgeralds don’t have the right to demand more. What will you do if you find the killer?”

“Call Ethan. I won’t confront him myself. I just want him off the streets and away from Nicole.”

“You telling me you don’t want payback?” Linc shook his head. “I’m not buying it. If some thug came after my woman, I’d want a couple minutes alone with him for putting his hands on her.”

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