Page 26 of A Colby Christmas Rescue

“Your reputation is impeccable when it comes to planning and executing a mission,” Jamie confessed. “I saw firsthand when we worked together how capable you are.”

“Capable.” He chuckled. “A good word, I suppose.”

“No other aspect of anyone’s ability is relevant if it’s not capable.”

He seemed to weigh her words a moment. “We spent a good deal of time together during that mission.”

They had spent a considerable amount of time together, and they had shared amoment.

The memory had her cheeks heating. She was thankful it was dark to prevent him seeing that she’d blushed at the memory.

“We worked well together,” he pointed out.

“We did, but—” Jamie looked directly at him “—it can’t be like last time.”

Her brother’s life was in the balance. She could not allow herself to be distracted.

“The mission hasn’t started yet,” he argued. “Who knows what we’ll find time for before we’re finished?”

“Did you drag my brother into this just so you could force me to be involved?”

“How do you know Luke isn’t my employer?”

The question startled her. This was something she had not considered. She thought a moment about the possibility. To her knowledge, Luke had no significant other just now. He would have told her. But she couldn’t say with complete certainty that there wasn’t someone he wanted to help. He was always doing things for other people—especially those in need. This seemed a little over-the-top for his ability. He had a sizable trust fund, but it wasn’t like he could withdraw that kind of money without permission.

Unless that was what the ten-million-dollar ransom was about.

The thought had her gritting her teeth for a moment. No, she decided. No way.

“Luke would have come to me if he’d needed help with something like this.” Jamie was certain. He wouldn’t have gone about it this way. No way.

Abi searched her face, her eyes. “I did not and would not have taken your brother hostage in order to get your attention. It’s important that you understand that was not my decision.”

“Can you guarantee me he’s safe?”

“I can assure you that he is perfectly safe.”

“Then you trust your employer enough to take that risk?”

He frowned. “What risk?”

“The risk that if something happens to my brother, I will make you pay.”

His frown slid into a grin. “I am very well aware of what would happen to me if I was responsible for trouble with your brother.”

“Just so you know, I won’t go in without being fully briefed and feeling confident that all is as it should be. So don’t go suggesting it’s time to go with the idea of filling me in on the way. I will refuse.”

“I’m aware.” He tugged the lapels of the jacket a little closer to ensure she stayed warm. “We will go through everything very carefully before we move in.”

So they were invading the house.

“I’m assuming we have invitations to the party,” she said, mostly just to see what he would say.

“Better to be invited than to have to figure out another way in.”

“Your employer is powerful.”

“Of course.”

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