Page 85 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

"They stole almost everything. The thieves got quite a haul."

"I don't understand. What about the inside guards? Where were they?"

"Smoke bombs had been planted in the air vents throughout the house and triggered remotely. When they went off, a toxin filled the air that rendered everyone unconscious, allowing the thieves to enter the villa."

"That's crazy." I shook my head in disbelief. "Do you think the blackout earlier in the night was part of it?"

"Yes. That's probably when they set the bombs in the vents. It was a very sophisticated and clever plan," he admitted, bitterness in his voice. "I thought we had plenty of redundancies in our security system and our personnel. But we were outsmarted. And I am so pissed off I can hardly stand it."

"I can understand that. How are the Carringtons and the guests that were staying with them?"

"They're fine. Everyone was asleep when the toxin was released, keeping them asleep. As soon as the firefighters arrived and the house was vented, everyone started waking up. They were disoriented and confused, but, according to Victor, they're all fine. However, as you can imagine, he's very upset about the theft. My employer will be as well. What they took was worth many millions of dollars."

"I'm sorry about that, but I'm really glad you're okay, Ethan. And that no one else was hurt. The robbery is awful, but I'm sure Victor will be compensated for his losses."

"At my employer's expense. I'll be out of a job after this."

"It wasn't your fault."

"It was completely my fault. I approved the insurance on the diamond even when Victor brought it out at the last possible second. I felt confident in the security system, but that confidence was misplaced." He blew out a breath. "You said Andrew was with you all night?"

I licked my lips, realizing I had no idea where he'd been between the time I'd gone to bed and when I'd been woken up by the fire engines.

"Lauren?" he pressed. "You have to tell me what you know."

"Of course. I was just thinking. Andrew and I went back to our suite around ten last night. He was working on his computer in the living room when I went to bed. I woke up at two forty. Andrew was standing at the patio doors. He told me there was a fire, and we went out onto the balcony to take a closer look."

"He could have been gone between ten and two forty then?"

"I suppose."

"What was he wearing when you saw him standing by the patio doors?"

"Uh…" I tried to remember if I had even noticed what he was wearing. "I think he was in black track pants and a black long-sleeve T-shirt."

"Is that what he wears to bed?"

"Not usually," I said slowly. "I think he was in bed before he got up. I feel like the covers were mussed, but I don't know for sure. I didn't really look." I blew out a worried breath. "What time were you hit over the head?"

"Probably a little before two. And you saw Andrew at two-forty dressed in clothes that could have been worn outside."

The implication hung heavy between us.

"He didn't act like someone who had robbed a vault of treasures," I said. "And if he had, why would he come back to the suite? Why wouldn't he have left? Why would the thieves stay on the island?"

"Maybe they didn't, and he did, to avoid raising suspicion." Ethan's voice grew harder.

"But he's taking a risk by staying."

"Are you sure he's actually still on the island? You said he was gone when you woke up. Maybe he just needed you to see him in the middle of the night to provide an alibi."

My breath caught. "I'll find out soon if he doesn't show up for the ribbon cutting at eleven thirty." I hesitated, my voice dropping. "What should I do if he comes back, Ethan? Do I keep pretending? Do I ask him anything? How can I help you?"

"You can help by staying calm and acting like you know absolutely nothing." The steel in his voice softened. "That's what I need you to do. I don't want you to be in any more danger, Lauren. And once today is over, you need to get away from him. I'll help you with whatever you need."

Something in his tone made my heart skip. "I appreciate that." I swallowed hard. "And Ethan, I'm really grateful you weren't badly hurt or worse. Your life is far more important than anything that was stolen."

A weighted pause followed. "Your life is important to me, too." The words came out rough, almost unwilling. "That's why I need you to be careful, Lauren."

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