Page 12 of Mistletoe and Malice
“And how does that work, if you do it all for free?”
“Mostly through grants and investments. Helps that the family business is finance. I also make enough between my trust and investment income that I don’t need to pull a salary.”
“Wait a sec. Are you the one who just took on the Shane Everett case?”
“Yes.”
As he studied her, she could only imagine what he was thinking. “Hmm. Interesting. I’d still put the kidnapping for profit theory at the top of my list.”
Weary of the whole thing, all she wanted to do was change into her jammies and curl up in front of a fire in her room with a good book. MaybeTheGood Book would be the best place to start.
“What happens now?”
“Now we’ll need to do a composite and get it out there to see if anybody knows the guy.” He turned to Avery. “It would help if you could be here, too, since you got a good look. I can bring our sketch artist to meet you here tomorrow afternoon.”
Avery reached over and put her hand on Riley’s arm. “I’ll be here. I want to get this creep off the street. What if he tries again?”
His eyebrows rose as he regarded Riley. “What if he does? I would highly suggest you not go anywhere alone, and I mean anywhere. Do you live here?”
“About four miles away. Townhouse, but it’s a gated community, and I have a gated courtyard entrance.”
“Doesn’t matter. Until this guy is apprehended, don’t go out and get the paper off the driveway or the mail without someone with you. Don’t drive, don’t shop, don’t do anything alone.”
Her mind whirled, and she wanted to argue. She’d fought for her independence, not wanting to be accused of living off her name. Resided in a safe neighborhood, had an alarm on her house but drove herself wherever she needed to go, never hesitated to run out for her own groceries or to spend a day with her friends.
Surely today’s event was a random act. The guy probably had no idea who she even was. But was getting her back up against the extra precautions worth the risk? Especially when something niggled her at the back of her brain. Something she should remember. Something he said …
She’d replayed it in her mind over and over again, but she couldn’t shake the feeling there was something she was missing.
She gave herself a mental shake. “Maybe I’ll stay here for a few days. Nobody can get past the gate without approval.”
“Not a bad idea. This place is a fortress. And you might reconsider a protection detail. At least until this is over.”
“I’ll consider it.” For about two seconds. No bodyguards if she had anything to say about it.
“Good enough.” He reached into his jacket pocket and took out two business cards for her and Avery. “Here’s my contact information. Don’t hesitate to call if you have anything to add to your statements.”
She stood and took the card from him. “Thank you, Detective.”
“My pleasure.” He tipped his head with another glance at Avery. “Good night, ladies.”
He started toward the entry but turned back. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. They found the car. Abandoned and burned. About ten miles from the mall.”
“So, no fingerprints, DNA, fibers.”
“No, ma’am.”
Her heart fell. She’d hoped the car might help identify him. “VIN still legible?”
“Yes. Came back to a resident at a senior living facility who said he wasn’t aware it had been stolen. We don’t know when it was boosted since the elderly gentleman hadn’t driven it for a couple of weeks. We suspect probably last night.”
“Makes sense.”
“I’ll keep you apprised of our progress.”
“I appreciate it.”
Avery watched him until he was out of sight, her face alight. “After this is over, I’m so gonna ask him out.”
