Page 99 of Guilty as Sin
“That he does. One of the first things he said when he came out to the cabin yesterday was, ‘Do you have any reason to believe this could be connected to the attack on Ms. Hollander? Has anybody made any comments about that to you?’ I could tell he wanted me to say, ‘Crikey, I reckon you’re right, Sergeant. Let me give you the name and phone number of my jealous ex.’”
Paige’s phone rang, and she reached for it. “Lily,” she told Jace, then said, “Hi. OK?”
“Yes,” Lily said. “I had this thought that might help all of us. Can I borrow Jace, though? It’ll mean I’m in two places at the same time—or we are—but we’ll have to risk that. Could he come over again?”
Paige put a hand over the receiver and asked Jace, “Can you go see Lily? Sounds like she needs your help. Do you have time?”
He lifted a dark eyebrow, but all he said was, “No worries. I need to buy a computer today and wire up the cabin. That’s about the extent of it. I have time.”
Lily opened the door before Jace had chance to knock. He said, “Next time? You aren’t home. Paige or I will call out, and as for anybody else? You aren’t here.”
“I was watching for you out the upstairs window,” Lily said. “And Tobias knew anyway.” The dog was sitting beside Lily, his tail sweeping the floor.
Jace gave him a scratch behind the ears and said, “Good boy,” and the tail started working overtime.
“You’re just in time,” Lily said. Tobias stood, his body went stiff, the ridge on his back stood up, and he began to bark. After another few seconds, Jace heard tires on gravel.
“Tell me fast who that is,” he said. “Tobias. Quiet. Sit.”
“Brett Hunter,” Lily said. “And it’s just in case I need you.” She was fiddling with her hair, looking equal parts excited and anxious. She and Paige were both wearing purple blouses over black leggings today. Lily’s had a V-neck, transparent sleeves, and ruffles down the front. She looked absolutely feminine and absolutely soft, but as Jace was discovering, looks didn’t mean as much as you’d think with these two. Tobias was quivering with excitement himself, and Lily asked Jace, “How do I look?”
“Good,” he said. What did that matter?
“I wore more foundation,” she explained, “so I’d look like I needed it. So I’d look like Paige.”
“Oh. Then you’re all good. I can tell you’re wearing more.” Footsteps on wooden stairs, a knock at the door, a bark from Tobias, and Jace murmured to Lily, “Ask for a minute.”
“One minute,” Lily called out, then asked Jace, “Why?”
He gestured behind him with his hand, stepped back himself, and said, “Kitchen. Stay down. Next to the fridge. Don’t come out until I say.”
She rubbed her palms over her sides and muttered, “Oh, boy. What am I doing here?” Jace thought about Paige, a woman who knew an ops plan when she heard it. He waited until Lily finally obeyed and then, when he was sure she was gone, pulled the Glock from the ankle holster, held it in his left hand, gestured Tobias to his side, and opened the door so most of his body and the weapon were screened behind it.
Brett Hunter stood there. By himself. Gray slacks, white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, slim gold watch that had probably cost as much as a Lamborghini, and that perennial look of amusement. “Have I stepped into a combat zone?” he asked, one eye on Tobias and the other on Jace. “Or an ambush?”
“No,” Jace said without moving. “Turn around slowly and let me see your back.”
“I’m not turning around,” Hunter said. “I’m standing here where I can see you. I’m also five seconds away from dialing 911.”
It was a staredown, then. Jace had to admit he was impressed. He wouldn’t have given Hunter credit for that much cool under pressure. Finally, he said, “Keep your hands where I can see them,” holstered his weapon, and opened the door. “Come in.”
“I find,” Hunter said, “that I’d prefer a discussion on the front porch. As it’s a beautiful day. Meanwhile, your dog looks like he’d enjoy a nap on the couch.”
Jace said, “Maybe you haven’t heard what happened to my house yesterday. Somebody did their best to smash their way through it.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Hunter said, “and yet I still want to talk on the porch. Assuming Lily actually is here, that there’s something to talk about, and you’re not going to try to beat me into leaving. I wouldn’t, if I were you. I think you’ll find that I’m a good ally and a bad enemy.”
Jace looked him over for another moment, then called, “Lily. Safe to come out.” She appeared in the kitchen doorway, and Jace told Hunter, “Reckon you’re more than just a pretty face.”
“I’m very flattered,” Hunter said, then held a hand out to Lily and said, “Here I am. I’m even going to overlook the guard dog. Both of them. Let’s sit out on the porch, shall we?”
Jace came with them, but he left Tobias behind. Hunter and Lily sat in the two chairs, and Jace leaned against the porch rail. Lily told Hunter, “Jace is just trying to protect me. I asked him to be here.”
“I understand that,” Hunter said. “He’s very effective. Your face looks much better.”
“Oh. Yes,” Lily said. Hunter waited, and finally, she added, “I had an idea.”
“And I can’t wait to hear it,” Hunter said.
