Page 43 of Daddy's Oath
“That close?” Ace asked.
Stryker nodded. “If anyone is there, I’d guess it’s the U.S. Marshals, set up in another apartment or maybe an office or something. Probably flashed their badges, got warrants or something, and told the building manager they had to be there. Because if Lana comes home, they need to get her fast.”
“Ah. Makes sense,” Ace said. “They came in awfully quick when I pulled that little stunt, setting up the cameras. I’m kind of surprised they didn’t arrest me.”
“Yeah. But you looked like a legit A/C guy. I bet they talked to the building manager, though, after you left. Now they know you weren’t. We can’t pull that scam twice,” Stryker noted.
Harrison downed his own drink as he stood by the couch. “Assuming they are in the building,” he said. “Could always be in a surveillance van or something across the street.”
“True,” Stryker noted. "But they’re still close, either way. Unless they were still just milling about because everything had just gone down. But I’m willing to bet there’s a couple still hanging around. They lost someone they were supposed to protect. They’re gonna want to get this cleaned up as soon as possible.”
“What about the guys chasing Lana?” Jack asked. “You think they’re that close, too?”
“Eh. It’s possible,” Stryker conceded. “But not likely. They don’t have the authority the Marshals do. They can’t just tell a building’s owner or manager that they get to set up shop there.”
“That’s right,” Ace said. “The federal government can get away with a little more.”
“Maybe they rented a unit there in the building. Could be using it as a command center,” Harrison suggested. “But I guess it takes time to close on an apartment and stuff. Probably couldn’t make it happen this fast.”
“Yep. But they might still be close. Just not as close as the marshals,” Stryker suggested.
“So, what’s the plan then?” Jordan asked. He was standing by the pool table, leaning on a cue. “There’s got to be some way we can get you in there to trace the signal.”
Stryker was grinning as he stood. Even though they were talking about something gravely serious, in that instant, Ace saw the gleam of a mischievous Little in his eyes.
“I say we cause a distraction. But first, we need to find exactly where the marshals are watching from. Then, as I said, we stage something. Something big enough to draw them out. All I need is about ten minutes in her apartment. And I think we can buy me that time. But it’s going to take some doing.”
Ace put his hand on Stryker’s shoulder. “We’re in. Just tell us what you need us to do.”
Before Stryker could elaborate any further on the plan, the conversation was interrupted by a loud squeaking noise. Ace looked to his right to see the wall had swung open.
Two Littles spilled from the space, falling onto the floor. They quickly scrambled to their feet and then looked around the room nervously as they realized all eyes were on them.
Benson trotted in and gave a friendly bark before taking his spot behind the couch and lying down.
“Oh boy,” Ace said, shaking his head. “I know two naughty girls who have some explaining to do.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lana hung her head as she sat on the bed in Ace’s room.
The feeling of guilt and shame that washed over her had her stomach in knots. She wrung her hands and bit her bottom lip. Chancing a glance at Daddy, she saw he was still giving her that look. The one that said she was in for it.
Man, that might be worse than a spanking!
Maybe.
She was probably about to find out, she figured.
“Honey, you knew that spying on us was wrong.”
Opening her mouth to speak, she found her mouth dry and her tongue stuck. Swallowing hard, she cleared her throat and then said, “But you were talking about me. Why can’t I know what’s going on?”
What are you doing, Lana? Don’t argue with him! It would probably be better just to take your punishment and move on.
She found the nerve to look up again. Gosh, Daddy was so sexy even as he stood over her, his arms folded, a look of displeasure in his eyes. But she couldn’t maintain eye contact for very long under the weight of his stern gaze. She lowered her head again in just a few seconds.
“Yes, Sir,” she admitted, giving the answer she should have given the first time.
