Page 53 of Flynn

“Yeah, that’s a good point. Cash only, though, at the local store.” He shifted the car into gear and pulled back out onto the road that wound through Greenland Park. “I think we passed one just a few blocks away.”

“I saw it,” Cassidy said. “I’ll head over once Rhy has cleared the place.”

As if Rhy knew they were talking about him, Flynn’s phone lit up with Rhy’s name on the screen. “See anything suspicious?”

“Nope. The house to the north is dark without signs of anyone being home. There’s an elderly couple in the house to the south. The property directly behind the rental has a car in the driveway, but I haven’t seen anyone through the windows. Could be the occupant works a swing shift. The interior of the rental property is nice. I think this location will work out fine.”

“Thanks.” He appreciated Rhy’s thorough assessment, and in theory, the location would work.

Yet he still intended to take precautions. There was still a slim chance they could be found if there was a leak within the FBI and that person made the connection between Doug and his half-sister’s name on the agreement. Of course, that same person would need to have access to all local rental information in the first place, which seemed a stretch.

Maybe it was a good thing Doug and Brady had stayed back at the City Central Hotel. Could federal phones be tracked? Was that how they’d been found?

He was driving himself crazy trying to pinpoint the issue. He left the park, went around the block, then pulled into the driveway of the rental property. Rhy had the garage door open, so Flynn took the hint. He parked inside and killed the engine.

“I think Cassidy should stay here with the two of you,” Rhy said. “Unfortunately, Devon called to let me know she and Colleen are both sick with the flu, so I need to head home, at least for a little while.”

“No problem,” Cassidy quickly said. “I’ll stick close.”

“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Flynn added. “But maybe tell your brother Brady and Doug to stay away. It occurred to me that their phones could have been tracked to the City Central Hotel.”

“Good point.” Rhy frowned. “Cass, turn your phone off and use one of the new disposable phones.”

“Already done,” Cassidy said. “I powered it down at the City Central.”

“I’ll be in touch,” Rhy said as he turned away. “Stay safe.”

Flynn led the way inside the rental, glancing around in surprise. Rhy was right; the place was nice. The furniture appeared comfortable, and the kitchen had been newly updated. There was a wide beautiful stone fireplace and a large stack of wood nearby.

“I wonder how much it costs to stay here,” Taylor said. “It’s pretty fancy for this neighborhood, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, maybe, but nobody wants to rent something old and shabby. I’m sure the owners worked hard to make this place attractive to potential visitors.” He crossed over to the kitchen and found a notepad and pen. “Taylor, work with Cass to create a list of things you need from the grocery store. I’m going to take a few minutes to check the place out.”

Cassidy looked as if she might argue. He gave her a pointed look that silently conveyed his wish that she stick close to Taylor rather than helping him out. He headed down the hallway to the bedrooms, searching each space thoroughly. While checking the closets, he was reminded of how this nightmare started. With Taylor and baby Max hiding out in the closet after the infant’s parents were murdered in their beds.

After clearing the main level, he went down to the basement. The main portion was finished with carpet, painted walls, and more comfy furniture. He examined the utility area, looking behind the furnace, hot water heater, and water softener.

He took a moment to make sure the windows were locked, then returned to the main level. Taylor and Cassidy were finishing up the grocery list.

“Flynn, is there anything in particular you’d like?” Taylor asked.

“As long as you have coffee on the list, I’m good.” He smiled. “I’m not picky as far as meals. I’ll eat anything.”

“Great. Then I’m heading out.” Cassidy held out her hand, wiggling her fingers. “I need the key.”

He dug the key fob for the SUV from his pocket and dropped it in the palm of her hand. Once she left, he turned toward the fireplace. He loved the scent of burning wood, and the house had a definite chill in the air.

He started a fire, using the kindling and paper that was clearly stacked nearby for that purpose. It didn’t take long for the blaze to build, radiating heat into the room.

“I love watching the flames,” Taylor said, curling up on the sofa. There was a wistfulness in her tone that he’d not heard before. “Maybe I’m missing out by not having my own place. The fire makes it seem warm and cozy here.”

“Yeah, it’s always nice to have your own place.” Glancing at her, he realized his mistake. Taylor was more beautiful than ever, her features soft in the glow of firelight. Dusk had fallen outside, and the intimacy of the setting was difficult to ignore.

He was treading on very dangerous ground.

Willing himself to stay away from her, he rose to his feet and looked around for something to do. The computer was likely still in Brady’s car, not that he had any leads to dig into.

“Tell me about Lyle and Jake,” he said, taking a seat in the chair kitty-corner from her. Far enough away, he thought to keep him from drawing her into his arms for another kiss. “I think you mentioned they hung out together but weren’t that close to their brother Roman.”

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