Page 43 of High Value Target

“Yes. Absolutely.”

“I’ve been standing here going over everything. I can’t figure this guy out, and I absolutely hate not knowing who or what I’m dealing with. Hell, I’m not even sure it is a male.”

“Well, if it helps, I can’t think of anyone who’d want to hurt me, either.” She paused to laugh. “Except maybe Nora.”

That made Grady swing his head toward her. “You think she’s capable of putting a snake in your car?”

“Maybe not. But she might pay someone to do it.”

Grady cocked his head. “Can I ask you something?”

“I suppose.”

“What happened before we left for the gala?”

“What do you mean?”

“Everyone came out seeming tense, like something had upset everyone.”

She bit her bottom lip, like there was something she didn’t want to say.

“Tinsley, spill.”

“Okay. I suppose you should know, especially in light of what happened.”

Grady straightened, a chill prickling his skin. He didn’t like where this was heading. “Talk.”

“Mother had laid out the red strapless gown you’d seen me try on. The one you’d liked.”

Grady grinned. “I remember. You’d looked smokin’ hot in it.”

“I wanted to wear the one I’d bought, and we had words. I slammed out of the room, and she did, too, going to her room. Anyway, after cocktails, I’d gone up to dress, and the red gown had been…”

“Had been what Tinsley?”

“Someone had taken a pair of scissors to it. It was completely ruined.”

“You thought your mother…?”

“At first, but why would she destroy the dress she wanted me to wear? If she was that spiteful, she’d have destroyed the gown I’d purchased.”

“You think one of the staff?”

“I don’t know. I hate to think any of them would do such a thing. It sounds more like something a true enemy would do—someone like Nora. Of course, that’s crazy. She doesn’t have access to this place.”

“Did your father know about the dress?”

She shook her head. “No, he just knew we fought. I didn’t want to upset him or Mother on her big night. We’d already had a fight. So, I just balled it up and shoved it in my closet. I didn’t show anyone.”

“Who do you think did it?”

“I don’t have a clue.” She rolled her head on her neck.

“C’mere.”

She stepped toward Grady, and his hands closed over her shoulders, squeezing and massaging. “Mmm. God, that feels good.”

“Your muscles are tight. It’s all the tension you’re carrying around. I wish I could tell you there’s nothing to worry about, but I’m not gonna lie to you. Whoever’s doing this has got me worried.” He continued to squeeze his big hands over her muscles.

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