Page 29 of Deadly Designs

“Awesome. I’d love to help. Let me know what I cando.”

“I will.”

Christian measured the office and made notes aboutwhich system he wanted to use. It would make Aja Blue’s workspacesafe and secure when he left. He rubbed a sudden ache in hisstomach. What the heck was that?

The door to the conference room opened, and shestepped out. He was transfixed as she gave instructions to heremployees. She must’ve felt his stare because she suddenly lookedup, and their gazes collided. His vision was focused on her,watching the rapid rise and fall of her chest and the darkening ofher eyes. Every molecule in his body called to her, and he waspowerless to resist.

She shook her head and said something to Sara Lea.Then she walked to him. Christian had to physically force his armsto stay where they were instead of opening them for her to walkinto his embrace.

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

After stopping by the hotel to pick up Aja Blue’sSUV, Christian followed her to a chain store with a vast lot. He’dinstructed her to park away from other vehicles, and he was pleasedto note that she did as told. She was headstrong, and he wasn’tsure she’d follow his orders. There were no other cars in thevicinity as she slid out and walked to the building.

Christian shifted into drive and pulled up to theentrance. Aja Blue scurried back and jumped inside. He drove to aspot where they could monitor her Land Rover.

“What are the chances of this working?” sheasked.

Christian’s head bobbed from side to side. “Eh, I’dsay pretty good. They’ve followed you so far, so why stop now?” Hehoped the trap would work and they could catch the guy and end thethreat. He hated the thought of leaving her, but he’d rather she besafe. That was the most important thing. His feelings had no partin the scenario.

“I’m worried about Jay.”

He glanced over to see her chewing a thumbnail. “Fromwhat you’ve told me, it’s not normal behavior for him.”

“Not at all. He’s dependable, almost compulsively so.The threats bothered him, but he wouldn’t hide away without tellingme. Plus, he’s close with Sara Lea. She attends many of his shows,and they go bar-hopping all the time. If not me, he would’veconfided in her.”

It didn’t sound good. Why would Jay disappear withoutfirst notifying one of his friends?

“She didn’t seem overly concerned. I didn’t get apanicked vibe from her.”

Aja Blue thought about that for a while. “I think shebelieved the text was from him and that he needed time. He wasvisibly upset when the package arrived at the office.”

“Did you tell her about the destruction at hisapartment?”

Aja Blue shook her head. “I didn’t want to worry heror the others. Until we know what’s going on, it’s best if Ishoulder that load.”

She was an incredible leader, and Sara Lea, Marla,Darwin, and Jay were lucky to work for her. The traits he admiredin her were the same his bosses, Luke and Logan, possessed.

Movement caught his eye, and he jerked his gazetoward Aja Blue’s SUV. A black sedan pulled in front of it, and aman got out, glancing around the area.

“Aja Blue, look.”

She gasped. “That’s Johnny Cash!”

Christian checked his Sig. “Stay here. I meanit.”

She grabbed his arm. “Wait, what are you doing? Whereare you going?”

“To find out who he is.”

“Christian, he has a gun. I saw it.”

“Honey, so do I.”

Christian slid out and glanced around the area. Itwas a busy lot, but no one was paying attention. He snappedpictures of Johnny and his vehicle. Christian would’ve gotten hislicense plate if he had one. Johnny was reaching into the wheelwell, probably trying to find the tracer that Christian had movedbefore they’d left the hotel earlier.

“Do not move a muscle, asshole.”

---