the intel he’d received was correct, she would be in more danger here at the resort than she would be with those who cared about Zoey.
Still, he struggled to relax. He needed to finish up and get to that heli-skiing place. His jaw worked involuntarily. He’d probably miss her, even if he left now.
Brad squeezed Liam’s shoulder, then urged him forward. Memories of their times together flashed through his mind. But years stood between them now. Years and life experiences. Liam had taken the high road straight into dark places. Brad appeared to have walked a peaceful valley and was well on his way to success in Jackson Hole.
As Liam followed Brad to the exit doors in the lobby, he hoped Brad had remained aboveboard. Given Brad’s knowledge of Liam’s law enforcement experience, there could be no way Brad was involved in anything illegal, though one of his investors was loosely linked to Malcom Fox.
Liam would give Brad the benefit of the doubt. And at some point, he might find a way to share what he knew about the questionable investor with his friend.
He’d spent the morning reviewing the technical aspects of the security systems and meeting with his security crew, all while watching for suspicious activity. He would make sure they were all trained to watch for the warning signs as well, if they weren’t already. If he wasn’t here for Rae in her search for Zoey, Liam would still be here with Brad. This opportunity intrigued him. It would keep him close to home but not necessarily at home.
Still, the private investigating he was doing for Rae interested him, too, and Austin had invited him to join him as a private investigator. Maybe he would take Austin up on that. Whether he worked for Brad or with Austin, Liam had no idea how he would tell Heath that he didn’t think guest ranching was going to work for him.
Brad popped his arm. “You’re a million miles away, bro. What’s up? Are you thinking about Rae? Or your investigation into the missing woman?”
“Yes to both questions.” He jammed his hands into his pockets and gave Brad the grin he expected. I need to get out of here. “Don’t worry, Brad. I’m on top of things here too.”
Brad smiled as if reassured, but then he released a nervous laugh. That raised Liam’s hackles.
“I met with the team today. Got a good look at the security and surveillance technology, but I need to meet up with Rae. You understand.”
“I do. But, Liam, I need you here for a few more minutes.”
Liam cringed. Before he could object, Brad continued. “I wouldn’t ask, but one of the investors is here. Made a surprise trip. I only found out he was coming this morning.”
Liam wasn’t a fan of surprises. It couldn’t be Astor, could it?
Brad lifted his chin high, confident. “I couldn’t have come up with all the funding, all the permits required, or even connections to open another resort in this valley without his help.”
“Who is he?” Liam crossed his arms.
“His name is Devon Winters.”
Liam didn’t know the man.
“We’ll have to meet him in his vehicle. He doesn’t like crowds. Kind of odd, but he’s my father’s longtime business partner, and now he’s mine as well. I’m indebted to him.”
“What are we waiting on?” Liam asked.
Brad glanced at his cell. “A text. That’s him. They’re here. Follow me.”
Liam followed his friend out into the parking lot. He hadn’t donned his coat. Brad hurried through the parked cars to a black SUV at the back. Brad climbed into the front passenger seat, and Liam got into the back, glad for the warm air.
Liam’s vision tunneled in on the man sitting in the back seat next to him—his crisp business suit and red tie—then zoomed out again.
Devon Winters was Malcom Fox.
Liam’s courage tried to flee, but he held on to it as he held on to the last breath he’d taken. Brad had known this man his entire life but didn’t seem to be aware that he had recently been released from prison.
“Mr. Winters,” Brad said, “this is our new head of security, Liam McKade.”
He’d gone by Liam Mercer while working for Fox’s organization.
Liam understood how difficult it could be to keep two or more identities—aliases—separate in this day and age, but with meticulous and careful planning, it could be done.
Liam had spent years playing along. Playing the game. His instincts kicked in, and without another thought, he thrust his hand forward. “Very pleased to