Page 46 of Be Very Quiet

“He’s back.”

Rutger’s mouth dropped open. “What?”

“Ted Rader. He’s killing again, here in Miami.”

Rutger ran a hand over his short brown hair. “Wow. I didn’t know that. I’ve been at my facility in West Palm for a few days. Lil, I know you can take care of yourself, but you need protection.”

“I have it.” She turned and motioned Luca forward. “Rutger, this is Luca Russo.”

Rutger shook Luca’s hand and narrowed his gaze. “That name rings a bell.”

“He was the cop who saved me from Rader.”

Rutger nodded in recognition. “I read about you. Are you still a police officer?”

“Private security.”

“What company?”

“COBRA Securities.”

“Out of Indiana?” At Luca’s confirmation, he nodded in approval. “Their reputation is stellar. I’ve worked with a couple of the agents there. I feel better knowing you’re watching out for Liliana, even though she can protect herself.”

Liliana smiled at his tacked-on praise.

“Do you know what time Douglas Speke will arrive today?” Luca asked.

“I was telling Liliana that I fired him last night.”

He explained his decision, which Luca readily agreed with since Liliana had told him about the incident.

“Do you have an address where we can contact him?”

“He was bunking in a motel until he could find a place to stay, but I don’t know which one.”

“I think I have it in the files.”

The men followed Liliana into her office. Christian and Audria were working on their computers, and both glanced up when they entered the room. Liliana introduced them to Rutger, keeping the made-up story about the reason for their visit. She didn’t mind that Rutger knew Luca worked for COBRA Securities since he recognized him as being the cop who had saved her from Rader.

Liliana found Douglas’s employment file and pulled it from the drawer. She rifled through it but couldn’t find the paper with his current address. “I know he gave it to me.” She remembered him writing it down because she’d pressed him for contact information. She clearly recalled putting the note in the file. Someone had removed it.

“Do you know where he was from originally?” Luca asked.

She looked up from the file. “I don’t think I ever paid attention.”

“Damn,” Rutger muttered. “I’d forgotten. He’s from Minnesota.”

Chapter Sixteen

Rutger tried calling Douglas Speke’s number, but it instantly kicked to voicemail. Luca contacted the COBRA Securities office and had them search area motels for his name.

“He’s registered at a residence hotel that offers short or long-term rentals.” Luca recited the address from the text.

“It’s not too far from here,” Liliana said.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Rutger asked.

“Stay vigilant,” Luca suggested. “If you see Speke, contact me immediately.” He handed him a card.

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