Page 69 of Point of Contact

Reed was speechless. More than a little confused by the odd collection of occurrences.

But there was one significant thing that connected them. Something that could help narrow down the possible culprits. "Who would have the access required to know about camera range?" That seemed to be the biggest limiting factor. One that should help them home in on possible places to investigate.

Pierce's lips flattened to a thin line. "That was the initial direction Intel took as well. But honestly, anyone able to employ someone as skilled as Heidi or Harlow would be able to accomplish it."

They’d dealt with situations like this in the past. Gone up against organizations attempting to limit Alaskan Security's ability to interfere with their own, frequently illegal, plans. But all the main players in that were dead, so this had to be someone new.

"What does Vincent think?" He’d been key in helping them the last time this happened, but their relationship with the head of GHOST was currently strained, each party believing they benefited the other more.

Pierce pursed his lips. "It would seem Vincent has decided to limit his assistance after I refused to concede during our last interaction." Pierce worked his jaw from side to side. "So we're on our own."

"That's fucking great." Reed raked one hand through his hair. "I guess now is as good a time as any to put our money where our mouth is and prove we don't need him as much as he thinks we do."

Vincent and Pierce had been struggling to come to an agreement on how to move their partnership forward for months. Each one unwilling to concede or admit the other might have more value. But for the first time, Pierce looked uncertain if what he claimed was true. "Let's hope that's what happens."

Mona came into the room, smiling bright at where her daughter played on the floor. "Everything okay in here?"

Pierce cocked a brow at her. "I run the largest security company in the world, Love. I'm quite sure I can handle entertaining our daughter while you take a shower."

Mona leaned over him, giving him a quick kiss. "Of course you can." She turned to Reed. "How's Courtney?"

The shift in the conversation made him relax a little. Helped ease the tension building across his shoulders. "She's sleeping. I think our trip took a lot out of her."

Mona’s eyes widened. "I can imagine. I can't believe how quickly you two got here."

He’d set a punishing pace because he wanted Courtney somewhere she would be safe. Unfortunately it seemed like maybe he'd simply traded one danger for another, which brought his next, and unexpected, question. "When will there be another townhome available?"

Mona’s brows lifted in surprise.

She wasn't the only one a little shocked by his question. He’d never had any interest in living at the complex. But staying in the rooming house when he worked, and crashing in his childhood bedroom when he was off, no longer seemed like a viable option.

Plus, it would be nice to know Courtney was safeandtaken care of while he was gone.

"Now. They're finishing up another unit, and so far no one has claimed it." Pierce also seemed a little more relaxed at their change of conversation. "It's yours if you want it."

"I'll let you know." Reed gave them a quick nod as he stood from the chair. "I should get back. It'll probably take her a while to get acclimated and I don't want her to feel alone."

Mona stepped his way. "I don't think you have to worry about that." She held up one finger. "Hang on. I have some things for you to take with you." She disappeared into the kitchen and came back less than a minute later with a stack of containers. "I know you're currently in one of the first-floor rooms, so I didn't want to give you anything that had to be refrigerated." She passed off the containers. "It's mostly cookies, but I figured I couldn’t go wrong with those."

Reed stared down at her offering. "Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me. Courtney's had a hell of a week. I know chocolate won't fix that, but hopefully it will make it a little bit better."

He doubted the chocolate was what would make it better, but Mona’s gift would certainly make a difference. "I'm sure it will help."

He started to step away, but Mona followed him, blocking his path. "Make sure you let Courtney know we’re here to help with whatever she needs."

His eyes shifted to Pierce, who nodded. "She's welcome to stay here as long as she likes."

Mona gave him a bright smile before facing Reed. "And we will do whatever it takes to help her get settled here. Heidi is already..." Mona tipped her head from side to side, "setting her up with some things she might need. She'll probably have everything ready in the next day or two."

The ease at which Mona and Heidi—and probably the rest of Intel—were accepting Courtney made him feel like an ass over all the shit he'd given her. "I'm sure she’ll really appreciate it."

He said his goodbyes before heading out into the hall and back down to the first floor. He let himself into the room and stopped short when he saw Courtney sitting in the middle of the bed, knees pulled up to her chest, eyes wide.

"Where did you go?" Her voice was small. Quiet.

He moved toward the bed. "I had to talk to Pierce, remember?"

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