Page 9 of Five Midnight Moment
Dwight folded his arms. “So you’re not screw—”
“If you say one more word, I swear I’m going to knock the shit out of you.”
“You’re really feeling her, aren’t you?”
“I said that last night.”
He laughed softly and shook his head. “She is something, though. What is she, five-two or three?”
“About that.”
“I’m a foot taller and she didn’t back down for one minute. She seriously looked like she was ready to do me bodily harm.”
“You deserved it for the way you came at her.”
Dwight shrugged. “Hey, the info came from her computer, what was I supposed to think? And if you’d told me last night who you were in arelationship with,” he emphasized, “I would’ve known she didn’t do it. And are you sure she was with you the entire time?”
Dwayne lifted a brow. “I got to her house at midnight and I didn’t leave until five this morning, so yeah, I’m sure.” It had been hard to leave her and the only reason he had was because he didn’t have a change of clothes. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again. “Now that we know Valencia didn’t do it, we need to find out who did and get that money back quick.”
“Whoever did it, used the computer in Valencia’s office. The only thing we have to go on are the photographs. The woman was dressed the same.”
“Someone’s going through a lot of trouble, but why target Lyn?” he murmured. “She’s only worked here six months and gets along with everyone. Well, except Ingram.” At his brother’s puzzled expression, Dwayne took a few minutes to explain how Valencia had put the man in his place during a staff meeting.
Dwight burst out laughing. “She does not play.”
“Not at all. It took everything I had to keep a straight face. I think I fell in love with her that day.”
His laughter faded. “Wait. You’re in love with her?”
“Yeah, I am. She’s everything I want in a woman—intelligent, tough, beautiful inside and out.”
Dwight clapped Dwayne on the shoulder. “I’m happy for you, bro.”
Dwayne stared at the face so like his own. “Thanks. I should probably go talk to her. I think she was a little pissed at me, too.”
“Let me know how it goes. I’ll be working on finding that money, although, I suspect Ms. Townsend might beat me to it. I’d hate to be in that person’s shoes when she does.”
“For real,” he agreed. Another reason why he needed to check on her. “Let me know if you find something.” He stood and left. On his way to her office, he racked his brain trying to figure out why someone would steal from the accounts. Out of the thirty-five employees who worked at Albright Financial, twenty were women. He could rule out a few because of their height, but that still left far too many. He did not need this right now.
Dwayne poked his head in Valencia’s partially open door. She sat at her laptop muttering under her breath and tapping the keys with such force, they’d cry for mercy if they could. If she kept it up, she might need a new keyboard soon. Clearly, she was still angry. He couldn’t blame her because if someone had impersonated him to steal money, he’d be out for blood, too. He stood there watching her for a few more seconds before making his presence known. “How mad are you with me?”
“Still deciding,” Valencia said, not taking her eyes off the screen.
“Hey, I’m not the one who accused you. In fact, I came to your rescue.” He walked over to her desk and propped a hip on the corner. “The way I see it, I shouldn’t be on your hit list.”
She finally looked his way, her anger plain. “Why didn’t you tell me you were a twin?”
Dwayne scrubbed a hand down his face. “No one was supposed to know we’re dating, so I didn’t really think it was an issue. And we really hadn’t gotten into each other’s family trees. I don’t know much about your family, either, so, it’s not fair for you to hold it against me,” he added with a grin.
“I guess.” A small smile peeked out. “Who’s older?”
“Me, by five minutes. And I never let Dwight forget it. I’d actually had planned to tell you about him and my entire family this week,” he said going back to their previous conversation.
“Why now?”
“Because I’m done with the secrecy.” He also wanted her to meet the rest of his family, but decided not to share that piece of information just yet. He trailed a finger down her cheek and tilted her chin. “I’m done with all of it, Lyn.” He placed a soft kiss on her lips. Dwayne could see the wheels turning in her mind and changed the subject. He gestured to her computer. “Find anything?”
Valencia stared at him, then said, “Not yet. Whoever she is, she’s good. The files were accessed directly from my computer, so you can add breaking and entering to your list of crimes. I distinctly remember locking my office and Jenice can vouch for me because she’d stopped to ask if I’d gotten any more gifts.”
