Page 36 of Steele

“Okay, but why go to all that trouble?” Perkins asked. “What’s the motive behind tracking her and trying to kill her?” His gaze cut to her. “Unless she’s involved, and they’re afraid she’ll talk to save herself.”

“If she was involved, she’d already be dead,” Steele said. “You know that as well as I do.”

“Maybe.” Perkins shrugged. “I’m not ready to concede to anything yet.”

She’d had enough of this. “I’d like to be there when you search my apartment. I wouldn’t mind getting some personal items too. Like toiletries.”

The two ATF agents exchanged a long look. Finally, Banner nodded. “That’s fine. But you can’t take anything until after we’re finished with the search.”

“I understand.” She rose to her feet, praying for strength. She refused to fall apart in front of these guys. She didn’t really care what they thought about her.

But she did care about Steele’s opinion. Far more than she should.

“We’ll meet you at the apartment,” Steele said. He rested his hand in the small of her back. It was ridiculous to be comforted by the gesture.

She left the room, leaving the guys to follow. She spied a bathroom and, desperate for a few minutes alone, quickly veered toward it.

Steele let her go, no doubt taking the time to discuss the interview with the ATF. Alone in the restroom, she leaned against the wall and buried her face in her hands. Discovering Jake was a criminal wasn’t as humiliating as that interview was. Especially when they’d shown her the photograph they’d taken without her knowledge.

How could they believe she was involved? It didn’t make any sense. It wasn’t like she was spending a bunch of money or hiding large sums of cash. She lived paycheck to paycheck; there was a laughable amount of money in her checking account.

Her pathetic financial situation helped calm her nerves. Okay, they’d caught her talking to one of Jake’s employees. Big deal. It didn’t mean anything. As far as she could remember, that was the only time she’d spoken to Glenn, or Dillweed, or whoever he was.

Once they’d finished searching her apartment, she’d be exonerated. Of course, the fact that she’d been the victim of an attempted kidnapping and the target of gunfire should have already done that.

A harsh laugh escaped her tight throat. She drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, reminding herself for the millionth time that stress wasn’t good for the baby.

After using the facilities and washing her face and hands, she felt better. When she emerged from the restroom, Steele straightened, his gaze searching hers. “Are you okay?”

“Peachy.” She pasted a smile onto her features. “Let’s go. I want to be there when they search.”

“Harper...”

“No.” She cut him off. “I don’t want to talk about it. It’s clear they suspect me of being involved in Jake’s business. I’ve already told you, and them, that I’m not. Believe what you want.”

“I believe you’re innocent,” Steele said in a low voice.

“Really?” She scoffed. “That’s now how it came across to me.”

“Harper, listen.” He caught her hand. “I admit I was caught off guard seeing that photograph of you talking to Dillweed. But I know you’re not involved in this. I know you’re innocent.”

She wanted so badly to believe him. To have him believe in her. But it wasn’t easy. Especially after that grueling interview. “I am innocent.”

“I know.” He searched her gaze for a moment, then surprised her by bringing her hand up to kiss it. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll continue to protect you until we get to the bottom of this mess.”

The icy wall she’d built around her heart melted just a bit. “Thank you.” She rested her free hand on her belly. “I appreciate that.”

He stepped closer, as if to pull her into his arms, but a voice called out, “Delaney?”

“What’s up, Brock?” He turned to face his colleague.

“I heard about the search.” Brock actually looked concerned for her welfare. “Do you want company?”

“No thanks, we have Rhy’s SUV.” Steele shrugged. “They’re just covering all bases.”

“Yeah.” Brock’s expression still looked troubled. “If you’re okay, then I’ll head back to the American Lodge. I’d like to search the place again in the daylight. Make sure we didn’t miss anything.”

“Sounds good,” Steele agreed. “Keep me updated on your progress.”

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