Page 41 of Enforcing the Rules

“I haven’t replied yet.”

Bill ran a hand down his jaw, then leaned forward, tossing the paperwork on his desk. “Okay. You can own this apprehension and the bounty, but we work as a team. I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happened to you.”

“My father’s not going to shoot me, Bill.”

He met my eyes, his expression as serious as I’d ever seen. “He’s facing time in prison, Kate. Possibly years. That makes people desperate. Desperate people hurt people they love.”

I swallowed. He was probably right. “Okay. We do it together.”

“Glad you agree. Your father’s too smart to fall into a trap unless it’s a good one. Does he know you work for me?”

“No. I’ve never told him.”

“Still, if he’s smart, he won’t come anywhere near this place. Knowing people are looking for him, would he feel safe meeting you at your apartment?”

“I don’t see why not. I don’t think he’d ever suspect I’d set him up.”

“And that’s what you’re doing. You sure you’re good with that?”

“I am.”

“Okay, text him. Make it tomorrow night. I’m going home. If I don’t spend some time with Patty, she’s going to kill me.”

“What should I tell him is so urgent?”

“What were you planning to tell him?”

“I hadn’t really thought that far ahead.”

He ran a hand down his face. “Kate!”

“Sorry.”

“All right. Look, what could you say that he couldn’t resist?”

“Something about money would do it.”

“Hmm.” Bill sat back and steepled his hands. “Maybe tell him you just won some money on a scratch-off, and you need help with taxes. He used to be an accountant, right?”

“Yes!”

I quickly texted him.

This time I got a response immediately. He could come by tomorrow after midnight.

I grinned at Bill. “You’re brilliant!”

“I have my moments.” He gave me a crooked smile and rubbed a hand over his chest.

I tilted my head, frowning. He looked like he was in pain. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Can you get me a glass of water? I need to take my blood pressure medicine.”

“Sure.” I walked to the small kitchenette area around a small wall, grabbed a glass and was filling it under the tap when I heard a thump come from the front office.

I carried the glass back over. “You okay, Bill?”

When I rounded the wall, I saw him lying on the floor by his desk.

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