Page 15 of The Jade Stone Sleuth

Weston looked even more annoyed now. Brex had to hide a smile again. He shook his wrist and looked at his watch.

“What kind of job could you do be doing for Aiden Porter in sleepy little Jade Valley?” Weston asked.

“I’m training the police,” Brex said evenly, folding his arms across his chest. He felt a strong desire to posture. This guy bugged him. What was his relationship with Clara? Why hadn’t there been anything in the police or FBI reports about him? He was a prime suspect in Brex’s mind. In love with Clara for years but always the ‘friend’. Having to watch her love other men and killing them in a rage of jealousy.

“Are you now?” Weston looked like he was ready to call Brex out and try to prove Brex was lying about working for Aiden. Did Brex not have ‘the imposing yet charming look’ down yet? Was his TravisMathew golf casual not impressive enough? What if Weston saw straight through him to this being his first field job for Aiden?

“That’s what I said.” Brex found himself puffing up as if staring down a dangerous animal. Weston wouldn’t have a chance against him in a fight.

“Can I get a selfie with you?” Melody asked, interrupting his and Weston’s stare down.

“Not if you’re going to post it,” Brex countered.

“Oh, ha! Somebody’s done their research,” Melody grinned, obviously pleased to be recognized.

“You are the famous Melodious Melody,” he teased back.

“I am, and I promise I wouldn’t make fun of you on my post.” Melody blinked innocently. “I’d just brag about meeting one of Aiden Porter’s guys.”

He smirked at her, thinking he was playing this one correctly. Clara’s little sister was endearing with an intriguing mix of charisma and mischief. She wore similar clothing to what he’d seen on Clara—quality material and great fit but no labels. Even still she would make a stir and stand out in San Diego social circles.

Should he let Melodious Melody give him five minutes of fame? As a police detective, he would definitely have preferred incognito. With Aiden being flamboyant and charming the entire world, Brex didn’t think he’d get in trouble if this world-famous influencer bragged about meeting him. In his training they’d explained it depended on the job they were doing and what future jobs they wanted to do if they were more visible or hiding their identity.

“I’ll have to think about it.” He looked at Clara. “We do try to remain incognito.”

Clara grinned at their inside joke. “Though it’s hard when you’re Jason Bourne.”

“Then why did you brag to all of us?” Weston asked, interrupting their moment.

“He didn’t,” Clara pointed out. “I begged him to let me tell Linc, and I was the one who bragged about him to all of you.”

“He told you who he was,” Weston pointed out. “Not very incognito.”

She gave Weston a look that clearly said to stand down. Brex could help prove her point with the guy if she wanted.

Weston raised his hands and changed the subject. “Are you coming on the bike ride with us?”

“I forgot,” Clara admitted. She glanced at Brex. “Would you like to come on a bike ride with us? Tess owns the bike shop, so she could get you a bike.”

“For sure.” Tess gave him a thumbs up. “Free bikes for Aiden Porter’s guy.”

“Thank you.” He chuckled. “That’s kind of you, but I need to take off anyway.” He questioned if he shouldn’t take them up on the offer, see what the dynamic was with Clara’s sister, cousin, and friends, but he was moving fast enough with her. His mind was still spinning from their almost kiss. He needed to get some space and perspective. Maybe he’d go to his rental home and research this Weston guy. What was his last name?

“I’ll walk you out,” Clara said.

“Nice to meet you all.” Brex raised a hand and smiled at them. He rested his other hand on the small of Clara’s back and walked with her to the entryway. She pulled open the door and walked out. He followed her, shutting the door behind him.

“You sure you don’t want to come on the bike ride?” she asked, studying him. “We’re doing the Emerald River Trail. It’s pretty and there’s some shade.”

“That river is called Emerald River?” He almost choked on a laugh.

“Hey. It’s greenish.”

He grinned. It was pretty, simply different from the sparkling blue rivers he was accustomed to. “I don’t want to interrupt something you have planned, and I need to get settled in my rental home and deal with some emails.”

Translation: research her and her friends for hours.

“You’re not leaving because Weston acted like a doofus? He’s a great guy; he just gets a little … jealous.”

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