Page 23 of Cornered

“Sure. I’ll be there in about five minutes.”

“We’re closer to ten,” Tate said.

“I can be patient for five minutes.”

“Ten,” Tate said.

“Ha!” Cole snorted. “In what universe?”

“I heard that.”

“Wasn’t trying to hide it.”

This time Tate let his laugh break through. Cole shot him a scowl and Tate snickered.

“I heard that too, Tate Cooper. I’ll be waiting.” She hung up.

Tate laughed again and shook his head. “You think she’ll wait?”

“No.” Cole pressed the gas.

NINE

STEPH PULLED TOTHE CURBof the very nice two-story farm-style home set on a two-acre parcel. Stan was married to Beth, and they had two sons in college and one married daughter.

Steph stepped out of the car, breathing in the scent of freshly mowed grass. Even though it was September in the mountains, it was still hot during the day. She gripped the driver’s door and looked behind her. The driveway was long and winding, and the main road was empty. If anyone followed her—other than the two bodyguards right behind her—they were staying well back. She had to admit, knowing Tate and Cole were on the way eased her nerves. A lot.

Stan’s garden was on the other side of the property at the back of the house. If he was here, that’s where he’d be. The garage door was up, the lights on. Stan’s weekday Mercedes was on the left side, and the right side that usually housed his wife’s van was empty.

Where were the college kids’ vehicles? Stan hadn’t said for sure they were coming, so maybe they’d decided against it? And where was Stan’s truck? He had an old beater that he used to haul stuff for his garden and yard. The sound of an engine caught her attention, and she turned to find Tate andCole turning in. As they drew closer, she was able to make out Cole’s surprised expression.

He likely expected her to be inside or with Stan. She refrained from sticking her tongue out at him and simply raised a brow because ... well ... she couldn’t really blame him.

He smirked and Tate looked amused as well. Cole had probably told Tate all about her impatient nature, explaining that she wouldn’t have listened to him to wait. She almost wished she’d proven him right.

Cole parked and the two men climbed from the vehicle. Her gaze was immediately drawn to Tate, and she blinked, forcing herself to look away and turn to Cole. “I waited.”

“I’m shocked,” Cole said. He waved to the other officers and they drove off. When he turned back to her, his expression had softened. “But I’m glad, so thank you.”

“Sure. The lights are on and it looks like someone’s home, but he’s not answering his phone.” Steph turned her back on them and headed to the side of the house that would take her around into the backyard. “Stan? Are you here?”

“Steph?” Tate joined her, with Cole three steps behind him. “Do you always go dashing into possible danger?”

“Of course not.”

“Of course she does,” Cole said at the same time, all softness gone from his face.

Steph scowled at him, then focused on Tate. “Stan wasn’t answering his phone and I just figured he was working in his garden or the greenhouse.” The lights lit up the area, and she swept a hand toward the immaculate space that contained just about every vegetable and herb known to man. But no Stan.

Tate let out a low whistle. “Nice.”

“I know. He brings stuff in all the time to share.” She pointed to the vehicle at the edge of the garden. “Well, that answers the question about his truck.” He’d pulled it aroundand looked like he’d been in the middle of unloading bags of mulch. “Wonder what interrupted him?” she asked.

“Maybe nothing,” Cole said. “It’s possible he simply stopped to go to the bathroom or take a phone call or get a drink or something.” He clucked his tongue. “Always so suspicious. I’ll check the house.” He shot her a sideways glance. “Unless you’ve already done it and hightailed back to your car so I wouldn’t know.”

She rolled her eyes. “No, I haven’t checked it, Mr. Smarty-pants.” She’d had his friends watching her. Besides, there was no way she’d ever let on that she’d thought about it despite having eyes on her movements.

“But you thought about it,” he said. Steph gave a short laugh and Cole shot her a knowing look, then nodded to Tate. “Ready?”

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