wasn’t involved in trying to kill you, Felix,” Todd said, trying to dance out of their way. “You gotta believe me.”
“Why should I listen to you?” Felix asked.
“I think someone is trying to kill you.”
Felix whistled, and the birds backed away a few feet. “Don’t make any sudden moves,” he cautioned Todd. Felix whistled again, and the birds slowly withdrew before turning and trotting off around the side of the house to ogle the fishpond.
Todd blew out a relieved breath, then started walking toward the house.
“Stop right there,” Felix said before Todd reached the small walkway to his porch. “I’m not about to invite you in for tea and a chat. Say what you came to say and get out of here.”
Todd nodded. “I didn’t have anything to do with your car. I tried calling you Friday night as soon as it happened, but you didn’t answer your phone.” That explained the calls from the unknown number.
“My phone was destroyed in the explosion,” Felix said. A slight exaggeration. “Why didn’t you just leave a message?”
Todd shrugged. “I should have but decided I wanted to tell you to your face that I didn’t set that car bomb.”
“Who said anything about a car bomb?” Jude asked.
“I was told the fire was caused by an electrical short,” Felix added.
“Neither of you are that stupid. Cops have been sniffing around the dealership all day. They think someone tried to blow you up. Detectives interviewed anyone who so much as looked at your car, including me.”
“You were the last person to drive it before handing the keys to me,” Felix pointed out. “Of course, they wanted to speak to you.”
“Have you ever considered the police suspect the fire is an act of vandalism and not attempted murder?” Jude asked.
Felix wanted to kiss Jude for thinking fast on his feet.
“Whatever their reason, I didn’t have anything to do with it. I just wanted you to know,” Todd said.
“Why?” Felix asked.
“Look, I know I’ve acted like a complete asshole over the years, but I don’t want you dead.”
“Good to know. You can go now,” Felix said. Todd had been sorely mistaken if he’d expected a sappy ending like in one of the Hallmark movies.
“I want to tell you something else. I think it’s important,” Todd said. “Have you ever heard about Spencer’s Second Chance Program?”
“Vaguely,” Felix replied.
Todd gave him a brief overview of the program, then said, “Half of the enrollees didn’t show up for work today. Don’t you think that’s strange?”
He did, but Felix shrugged casually. “This is information you should tell the police, not me.”
“Okay. I tried,” Todd said, throwing up his arms and stalking back to his vehicle.
Jude and Felix went back inside once he drove away.
“None of the men currently participating in the program have a history of violent crimes,” Felix said. “Why would they run?”
“Because they might be connected to someone who is more violent,” Jude suggested.
“Or because they’ve lived out their usefulness, and Spencer no longer requires their services.”
Jude narrowed his eyes. “He has the documents he needs and plenty of money tucked away offshore. He’s about to make his move.”
Felix nodded. “I’ll call Rocky.”
“At least this stakeout is more romantic than the last one,” Felix said one week later as he leaned against Jude in the stern of an aluminum jon boat.
“Mmmhmmm,” Jude said, nuzzling his nose against Felix’s neck.
“Speak for yourself,” Rocky grumbled from the bow. “In fact, don’t speak at all. We’re supposed to be sneaking up on the backside of Spencer’s property under cover of darkness. The sound of you two making out is going to give us away.”
Felix felt Jude tense against him and knew his big guy was about to go toe to toe with Major. Again. Felix had been confident that Rocky and Jude would get along once Felix set the record straight, but Rocky hadn’t softened toward Jude much. Felix thought the stakeout would be an excellent opportunity for them to get to know each other better. Wrong again. Rather than referee another argument, Felix took one for the team and pressed his lips against Jude’s. He hadn’t planned to let his hands roam over Jude’s sexy body but couldn’t seem to help himself.
“I’m wearing night vision goggles, Fee. Maybe you halt your hand at his waistband unless you plan on giving me a really good show.”
Rocky’s voice broke the sensual spell Felix had been under. “Sorry, Major.”
“God, I’m acting like a complete asshole,” Rocky said a moment later. “I’m the one who’s