Page 24 of Coveting Catherine

Once Catherine determined her safety, she locked the car doors, and headed to the outside ATM machine on the side of the building. She inserted the card, and the machine spit the card back out. He almost chuckled when Catherine stomped her foot and saw her mouth working, leaving no doubt she cussed the machine out. Catherine glanced back to the car to check on Melody before trying the card again. Her head bent in frustration, and she tapped the code in again. When the ATM refused her request, she returned to the car. For a moment, she laid her head in her arms on the roof of her car in defeat. Leo felt her frustration from where he observed her. She raised her head, clicked the locks, and got in.

“I’ll call Doc. He mentioned Kassie and Em flew to Texas with Maddie and Joe. Ivan called yesterday and said Victoria also accompanied them. We’ll give her and Joe a heads up to stay diligent until they return home,” Leo ordered as he continued surveilling Catherine.

Hang in there, Kit Kat. I'll figure out what Ash pulled you into. “Saint, Catherine stopped at the bank. From her reaction, it didn't go as planned. Have Matthew run their regular bank accounts too.”

“Matthew messaged a minute ago. Shadow reported this morning Ash visited their local bank and then dropped in on an investment banker. Matthew followed those leads. Ash closed their joint account this morning and Melody's college fund,” Saint drawled.

Leo cursed. “Have one of Victoria's men head to the airport. Get a message to Taco. He's hitting the ground running when he lands. I don't like this one bit. Don’t take your eyes off Ash. I want to know the total of everything he took out of the accounts today.”

“Got it handled, Boss.” Saint disconnected the line.

Leo purposely headed down the next street into the alleyway, where he watched Catherine get out of the car and lean inside to pick up Melody. A passenger from the red Chevy got out of his car and started walking toward Catherine and Melody. Leo's heart jumped from his chest as he stealthily exited the truck and ran toward Catherine. He drew his gun as he turned the corner of the house.

Ash walked out of the house and made his way over to Catherine. His hand stayed behind his back, and Leo noticed Ash’s gun when he turned under the shadows of the porch light. The man who exited the vehicle slowed to a stop and nodded to Ash as if sending him a message before returning to his vehicle. Leo fought the urge to grab and shake the living hell out of his former teammate. There was no doubt he was in over his head. Leo's determination strengthened to get Catherine and Melody out of harm's way.

The Chevy pulled out and sped down the street, catching Catherine's attention. Her eyes stayed focused on the Chevy until it turned out of sight. Ash picked up Melody and rushed Catherine inside the house.

Leo waited for Shadow to appear. Saint kept eyes on Ash from the observation point. He wasn't leaving. His adrenaline kicked in at the feeling of discovering Ash’s deception. Soon, he’d have all the facts on paper and planned to confront his former friend and teammate. His chest moved in and out deeply as he forced his body to relax and scan the area. Leo refused to allow Catherine or Melody to become Ash’s victims.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Victoria sat across the table from Kassie. “Kassie, why don't I grab Ash and give him a good scare? My men still enjoy torturing a man every now and again. It keeps their skill sets sharp. You’d be doing me a favor. Then you can return to your husband. Chase won't know about any of this.”

Kassie's mouth firmed in a straight line as she read the information Victoria's man brought her tonight. “You said you’d help me. Did you change your mind?”

“No. My men and I can watch Catherine. I'm worried about you.” Victoria leaned back in the chair and gave Kassie a motherly once over.

Kassie's mouth grew tighter. She struggled to stay awake. “No. She's my friend.”

A small chuckle escaped Victoria, “You're as stubborn as Maddie and me.”

Kassie continued to squint out the window at the house across the street.

“Surely Emma will ask to speak with you at some point. What will you do then?” Victoria asked.

“Maddie agreed to alert me if Emma spills the beans. I won't ask Emma to lie.” Kassie took out her knife and started sharpening it.

“Luv, Maddie will shoot me on sight for agreeing to this. We've watched for days. Alek left for Russia, and Ivan asked me to come home soon. You only sleep a few hours at a time. Chase will figure it out any day. I insist you go home, make love to your husband, and confess everything. I promise he won't be upset if you do it in that order.”

“Yeahhh. Not happening.” Kassie stood and walked to the kitchen and stopped. “Will you tell me what happened to James?”

Victoria squirmed as she silently applauded Kassie’s move to divert the attention off herself. She held her hands up to placate Kassie. “It's best you stay in the dark, Luv. You've only begun to live in the light. James won't ever darken your doorstep again. I assure you.”

Both women stared. Each waiting for the other to back down. As Catherine pulled into her drive, a red vehicle parked in front of the house Victoria and Kassie occupied. Victoria's phone dinged.

“Gio says two vehicles followed Catherine home. I don't like this, Luv. She has a child. Who's following her?” Victoria continued to watch out of the corner of the window.

“Maybe Ash hired someone to follow her. She mentioned he did it in the past.” Kassie crouched low and slipped her knife to her side. Rollo let out a low growl from the corner.

“Luv, when you decide to play spy games, try to remember you don't want people to recognize you. Rollo resembles a shining beacon for people to notice us.” Victoria shook her head.

Kassie shrugged her shoulders. “Chase insisted Rollo accompany me to Texas. He’s still a bit overprotective and having Rollo with me eases his mind. I couldn't say no. If we take him out back, no one will notice.”

Victoria rolled her eyes. “Ash scans the neighborhood every time he walks out. Sooner or later, he'll notice the giant. Or better yet, Rollo will recognize him and take care of this little problem for us. And God help you when Chase and Leo find out what you're up to.”

“Didn't you tell me not to ask for permission but to beg for forgiveness later?” Kassie scowled at Victoria.

“I never beg. I have a family business. The only person I ask for forgiveness from is my Ivan. Which is exactly what you'll be doing if Chase finds out.” Victoria's chin rose out of stubbornness and pride, making Kassie smile.

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