Page 30 of Conrad

The team took a few photos with him, and even Penelope hopped in, moving in right next to him, her arm around his waist.

Huh.He settled his arm over her shoulders. Like they belonged together.

Then he and Simon huddled up to go over details for the next practice.

When he walked back to Penelope, she was reading her phone. Something in her expression seemed unnerved. “You okay?”

She looked up, flashed him her phone screen. “Beckett texted me. Said he has information for me. Maybe he got Kyle’s computer.”

Beckett—it took a second but, “The guy from the men’s restroom.”

“Please say that a little louder.” She glanced around her.

He shook his head. “So—he wants to meet up?”

“Yeah. Gave me his address.” She dropped her phone into her bag and grabbed her jacket. “Good to see you, Conrad.”

And—wait. “Where are you going?”

“To Beckett’s house?” She wore a little confusion.

“Over my dead body.”

Silence.

Maybe he’d saidthattoo loud.

“What did you say?”

“I said . . .” He schooled his voice. “This guy gives me, to quote my father, thewillies. You’re not going alone.”

“I can handle myself.” She pulled on her jacket.

“I don’t care if you’re a Navy SEAL, you’re not going alone.” He also nabbed his jacket. “And you’re not a Navy SEAL, in case you’re wondering.”

Her mouth opened, just slightly. Then, “I am aware that I am not a Navy SEAL.”

“Good. I’ll follow you.” He lifted a hand to Simon and went to the door. Held it open for her.

“You don’t have to?—”

“Where does he live?”

She glanced at her phone. “In the Golf Terrace Heights area in Edina.”

“Perfect. I know exactly where that is. Let’s go.”

She raised an eyebrow, but headed out to her Nissan Rogue.

He got in the Charger and glued to her tail as she motored out of the lot, his chest tighter than it should be. What was it about this woman that he couldn’t help but be worried about her?

He turned on the radio, found some jazz, and settled in for the ride, the night crisp, the stars bright in the dark sky, her taillights in view. They finally reached the city, but as they got on 100, heading to Golf Terrace Heights, the stars vanished, the lights of the city blurring the panorama.

And up ahead, a glow pressed against the darkness.

She got off 100, onto Vernon Ave., and as he looked across the snow-blanketed golf course, he spotted the source of the light.

House fire. One of the stately homes that edged the golf course.

---