Page 78 of Deadly Designs

Christian sat beside Kayne on the sofa and watched asDetective Herbert—or Nicole, as she’d said to call her—crutched herway to a recliner and plopped down. He wanted to help her, but hewas sure his good intentions would be met with curses and,possibly, physical abuse. She looked like a scrapper.

“Any news on Officer Cranny?” Christian asked. He wasthe cop who had tased Christian and then disappeared.

“Oh, probably, but they won’t tell me a damn thing.”Nicole shook her head in disgust. “I’m pissed at my department, andI’m sure they feel the same. I am not made to sit on thesidelines.”

Christian felt for her. He would have a hard time notinvestigating a case that had been his from the beginning.

Aja Blue walked by, and he was momentarilydistracted. She looked so domestic, watering the plants andremoving dead leaves. Everything she did fascinated him. When shebent over to tend to an African violet, he almost swallowed histongue. He wanted to mold his hands to the globes tempting him.

“Christian.”

“What?”

Kayne gave him a knowing look. “Nicole asked you aquestion.”

Shit. He’d been caught ogling his protectee. “Sorry.I was thinking about security tonight.”

“What’s tonight?” asked Nicole.

“Heathcliff and Eleanor Sinclair’s fundraiser.”

Nicole’s eyes widened. “The one on their yacht? Howdid you snag an invite? It’s the hottest ticket in town.”

He told her about the last-minute call and thescholarship in Aja Blue’s assistant’s name.

“That was nice of Mrs. Sinclair. She does a lot ofcharity work, but she’s not known for her kindness. In fact, I’veheard she’s a raging bitch.”

“I know absolutely nothing about her. She hired AjaBlue’s company to redesign her pool house. Everyone knows herhusband, though.”

“I can’t imagine that kind of wealth,” Kayne said,shaking his head. “Think of all the good billionaires could do withthe money, like feeding hungry kids or sheltering homeless vets,instead of blowing it on frivolous pursuits.”

“You said something about security tonight?” Nicoleposed.

“Metal detectors, so I won’t be able to carry.”

Nicole winced. “I hate going anywhere without my gun.I noticed Pastor Chet had a detector too, and I don’t blame himwith the riffraff hanging out in that room.”

“No kidding. You should’ve heard them whooping andhollering at everything the man spewed.”

“Here, I made you a turkey sandwich on wheat.”Presley handed Nicole a paper plate.

“You didn’t have to do that. Thanks.” She dug into itlike she hadn’t eaten in a week.

Christian glanced at his watch. “We need to getgoing. Is there anything else we can do for you before weleave?”

Nicole shook her head. “You’ve gone above and beyond. . . although I wouldn’t object if you kept me in the loop aboutthe investigation since my department cut me off.”

“Will do,” Christian promised.

His eyes scanned the parking lot as they approachedtheir vehicle. The hair on the back of his neck stood. Over theyears, he’d learned to trust that instinct, so he took Aja Blue tothe ground right before shots rang out.

“Shooter,” Kayne yelled. “Cover me.”

“Got you,” Presley acknowledged as Kayne took offwith her on his heels.

“Not again,” Aja Blue groused from beneath him.

The rev of an engine starting up sounded and thengrew fainter as it sped away.

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