Page 38 of Grimm

Grimm settled into the seat beside Dezi, watching the open French doors in case more customers entered, requiring drinks or snacks.

For the next fifteen minutes, they enjoyed a gap in the demand, allowing them to consume the ham sandwiches.

As they ate, Dezi and Grimm gave Molly and Parker a rundown of what had transpired that day.

Molly whistled when they’d finished. “First of all, I’m so sorry that your uncle was murdered. Not to be callus and all, but how cool that his letter to you is a more or less a treasure hunt. I can’t believe someone stole the map.”

“He’s probably the same person who killed your uncle and the other poker player,” Parker said.

Molly covered Dezi’s hand with hers. “Sounds like your uncle’s letter might have placed you in danger.” She shot a glance toward Grimm. “I’m glad Grimm was with you today. He needs to stay with you until the police figure out who’s behind the killings.”

Grimm gave a curt nod. “I was going to suggest that.”

Parker’s lips twisted in a crooked grin. “Your whole team came here to work demolition and construction. I recall that each of you was adamant about not taking on protective services. Are you sure you’re all right with guarding our little chef?”

He nodded. “She feeds me,” he said with a smile. “I want to make sure she continues to do that.”

“Do you want some of your team to go with you tomorrow?” Molly asked.

Grimm’s brow furrowed. He would love to have some of his guys watching his back.

Dezi shook her head. “We’ve hired an outfitter to get us up to the Needle’s Eye.”

“It’ll be up to us to hike the trail to the top of the rock formation,” Grimm said. “We have to get ourselves up to the ridgeline. The outfitter will help us with the rappel down through the Needle’s Eye. From there…who knows?” He shrugged.

“I’m thinking the evening sun will point us in the direction of our next clue that has something to do with artwork.” Dezi sighed. “And we’re not even halfway through the list.”

“I’ve half a mind to go with you on this hunt,” Molly said. “My curiosity is getting the better of me. If we didn’t have such a hard deadline, I’d be right there with you. And if you think you might be in danger, we might want to double up on your security and get Hank’s Brotherhood Protectors involved.”

Dezi’s lips pinched together. “We might be just fine, and everything that has happened could all be a coincidence.” She held up a finger. “Exceptfor my uncle’s death. Murder by asphyxiation—and that straight from the medical examiner’s mouth.”

Molly crossed her arms over her chest. “Sounds like this entire situation is becoming more dangerous than we originally thought.”

“Agreed,” Grimm concurred.

“Again,” Molly said, “you might consider engaging Hank’s people.”

Dezi nodded. “We will if the killer comes after me.”

“He was in your room,” Molly exclaimed. “That was already too close for me. I’m sure it was way past your comfort level, too.”

“Mine, too,” Grimm said as he faced Dezi. “The man held a knife to your throat. We should get Hank’s folks involved. One protector might not be enough if he attacks again.”

Dezi held up a hand. “Look. I appreciate everyone’s concern, but I don’t want a full entourage dogging my every step. Having Grimm at my side will be enough. We’ll have each other’s backs.”

“Who will have whose backs?” a voice said from behind Grimm.

He turned to find Drake, followed by Murdock, Judge and Utah as they strolled through the French doors into the bar.

Drake grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the table where Grimm and Dezi were seated.

Grimm rose immediately. “What can I get you guys to drink?”

“Are you our bartender?” Drake asked with a grin.

“Damn right,” Grimm said. “If you want something to drink, you’ll have to go through me, Dezi or Molly.”

They gave their orders and settled in around the table.

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