Page 16 of Shrouded Past

Bryce’s professional eyes skirted around the light traffic passing by. He had no idea what Piper’s kidnapper looked like, only the slight description she was able to give of his build and eye color. He could be in any of the vehicles driving by. While Bryce had done his best to assure they weren’t followed, he couldn’t guarantee it.

He shifted toward Piper, whose hands were clenched tight in her lap.

“We should be safe,” he said, hoping the little white lie didn’t come back to haunt him. Bryce waited for an answer that didn’t come before getting out and circling the front of his truck.

His gaze skimmed the parked vehicles. None had anyone inside. Still, letting his guard down wasn’t an option.

Bryce opened Piper’s door. She stepped out beside him before he closed the door and reached in the backseat to grab Bella’s carrying cage. He ushered her to the glass front of the security firm.

With a quick search in both directions, he held the door open for Piper. Together they went inside. The door closed gently behind them.

A young woman who appeared to be in her twenties came down the hall toward them, her short silver-blonde ponytail swinging behind her. She wore jeans and a denim shirt with the logo of the business embroidered on her shirt.

“Good morning. I’m Katrina. Are you Bryce?”

She’d been expecting them. “Yes, I’m Bryce.” He turned to Piper and introduced her.

Katrina smiled, revealing brilliant white teeth. “We’ve been expecting you. Oh, you’ve brought your kitty.” She leaned down to peer into the carrier. “She’s so cute.”

“Thanks. I didn’t want to leave her alone,” Bryce said in way of an answer.

“Understandable. She’d be scared. If you’re ready, please follow me. Everyone’s waiting.” Katrina pivoted on her heel before he had the chance to respond and headed back down the hall, stopping once she’d reached a door.

Katrina waited for them to catch up before she opened the door and went inside.

Bryce and Piper followed her into a conference room with a large distressed wooden table. Several people stood around it talking. Conversation ended abruptly when they entered the room.

“Bryce and Piper are here,” Katrina announced before turning to them with another brilliant smile. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea?”

Bryce shook his head as did Piper. They’d both had way too much coffee already.

“Thanks, Katrina. Why don’t you sit in with us since you’re in training to become an agent?” JT told her.

“Happy to.” Katrina snatched a notepad and pen and claimed a seat at the table.

“I’m JT Wyatt.” One of the owners of Hope Island Securities team introduced himself to Piper.

“Nice to meet you.”

Bryce set the cat carrier down and shook JT’s hand before introducing Piper.

“Come and meet the team.” JT turned toward the others in the room while Bryce could almost feel Piper’s anxiousness growing.

“My wife, Rachel, who is now one of our investigators.”

Bryce nodded toward the raven-haired woman whom he’d met once before.

“And this is Declan Thomas, Eli Warren, and Janine Blackwell.”

Rounds of “nice to meet you” followed.

“We have another person who assists from time to time. He’s the chief of police here on Hope Island.” JT’s keen gaze homed in on Piper’s fears. “I won’t call him in without your permission, Piper, but I want you to know you can trust Will.”

“Thank you.” Her tone sounded doubtful.

After everything Piper had been through and especially with what Protector had told her, Bryce could understand why she wouldn’t want to involve law enforcement.

“Why don’t we just dive into it and get started.” JT indicated the table. “Please, have a seat.”

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