Page 94 of Fear of Flames
Michelle paced the living room to the kitchen and back, time and time again. While she’d been willing her phone to ring and to hear Fletch’s voice, it remained silent. She’d about worn a hole in the flooring when the doorbell rang again.
Olivia was outside with two large men, reminding Michelle of Fletch and Leo.
Michelle reached for her gun, unlocked the safety, and opened the door.
“I got ahold of Grant.” Olivia tipped her head from side to side. “This is Rock and Colt. Top gave the order for Peterson to be held in the brig until things get sorted out.”
Michelle sighed. “What about Fle—Arrow?”
“Top said he’d investigate.”
Michelle nodded nervously as she let the three inside. “Peterson is in there.” She pointed to the office.
“Is it locked?” asked either Colt or Rock.
“No, it locks from the inside.”
Both men removed guns from their back holsters. The one with facial hair opened the door. “Ma’am?”
Michelle and Olivia walked toward the door. Cold air met them. Blood smudged the floor next to the extension cord Michelle had used. The window was opened.
“Shit. I was in the other room. I didn’t hear a thing.”
The two men looked at one another. “Lock that window,” said the one Michelle thought was Colt. “We’ll find him. No one’s getting away from here on foot.”
“Liv,” the other man said, “can you take Shelly to your place?”
“Of course.”
Michelle turned, seeing the bedroom in disarray. “He was in my bedroom.”
The men again lifted their guns and entered the bedroom as Michelle held her breath and reached for Olivia’s hand. They stood perfectly still until…
“Clear,” one of the men yelled.
Michelle rushed past them and into her closet. She let out a sigh. Her gun safe was where she’d hidden it, and it was still locked.
“What’s that?” Olivia asked.
“It’s what Peterson wanted. It’s the hard drive with my father’s files.”
“Bring that with you.”
Michelle nodded.
After securing the apartment, Michelle donned boots and her coat, and with her gun, phone, and the gun safe in tow, she accompanied Olivia into an elevator she’d never before seen and up to the second floor.
Chapter
Forty-Six
Michelle sent Fletch a text.
* * *
“I’m at Olivia’s place. Please call. I’ll explain when we are together.”
* * *
