Page 7 of Toxic Truth

He cursed himself for his earlier doubt. “Does anyone know your parents used to come to this resort? Will those at NSP contact your mom and—”

“They died when I was a child. I’m alone. No one knows about my connection to this place except childhood friends I haven’t seen in a decade or more.”

If nothing else, assassins were thorough in researching their targets’ backgrounds. However, there was a faster and surer way for them to locate her. “Take off the blanket.”

“What?” She held it closer to her throat, her teeth chattering loud enough to draw Caesar’s attention. “Why?”

“To check if you’re wearing a tracker.”

“Huh?” She rounded the car, putting it between him and herself. “How could I? I would have noticed.”

“Not if they used the tiniest one available, which I’m guessing they did.”

“That’s nuts.” She dug her nails into the blanket. “How could anyone have gotten it in my clothes?”

“Do you frequently wear the jacket you have on?” He approached slowly to avoid spooking her. “In the last few days, has anyone bumped into or brushed up against you?”

Her mouth opened and closed. She bent over the back fender. “Oh my god.”

He took that as a yes and pulled the blanket from her then felt her jacket collar. No device there. “Don’t move.”

A statue couldn’t have stood as still.

Both pockets proved empty, except for the rag he’d given her. Next, he checked the hem. On the right side, where she’d never notice, he fingered something hard. He guessed not a spare button, the item rectangular not circular. To confirm his suspicions, he pulled his knife from its sheath on his belt.

“Holy hell.” She skittered back.

He followed and used his calmest tone. “I need to open the lining on your jacket. That’s all. Is it okay with you?”

Chewing her lip, she stared at the blade, but nodded.

Finished, he held the tracking device in his palm.

She clutched her throat. “How did it get in there?”

“My guess is, while you were out, someone broke into your place and put these in several clothes you’ve been known to wear on a frequent basis. They likely played it safe to make sure they could constantly track you. Did you bring any extra jeans, jackets, or shirts along tonight?”

“No. Nothing. Only what I have on.”

“I need to see your shoes.” He gestured for them.

For once, she didn’t ask anything and willingly handed both over. No device inside. “I have to check your jeans now and your top, unless you’d rather do it.”

“I’ll do my sweatshirt and you can do my jeans. Up to my knees, no farther.”

They worked as a team and discovered nothing else. He lifted the device. “Now to get rid of this.”

“Throw it as far as you can from the car. If they don’t see my vehicle, they may think I didn’t get to this spot.”

They already knew where she’d been, and that she’d stopped. Their only question was why she’d done so. “I have a better idea.”

He slipped it into his front pocket, tugged her to Caesar’s side, then laced his fingers, palms up. “Put your foot in the center of my hands. When I push up, swing your other leg over Caesar.”

The way she regarded the saddle, the thing might as well have been a torture device. “I don’t know how to ride a horse.”

“You don’t have to. I’ll guide him from behind you. He’s as gentle as a puppy. Bullet’s another story.”

“Bullet?”

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