The Ahern Brothers Collection - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,74
you?” I offer, as my legs protest.
There’s no fucking way I can move another inch for the next couple of hours.
“Nah, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t share more with him,” she says, emphasizing the last four words.
“I won’t.”
“Uh-huh.” She nods her head. “He’s a good liar, but I know his tells. And yours.”
Abby rushes out of the house without saying another word.
“What did Mom tell you?”
“Nothing, I swear. She said that you needed me. Since Abby wasn’t herself while I was here, I figured she was telling the truth.” He shrugs. “It’s not often that my big bother needs me. I had to come to your rescue.”
I don’t need rescuing, but I could use some guidance. I’m way over my head with Abby. She needs my understanding, but all I can think about is killing the men who hurt her.
My phone rings, I answer immediately worried about Abby. Did something happen to her?
“Hey,” I greet her.
“This is Johnson. The private investigator.”
I check the number and realize that it’s not Abby’s. My shoulders sag with relief. “What do you have for me?”
“I emailed you some basic information about Corbin Stanley. From what I can tell, Shaun Stanley doesn’t exist. Are you sure about the name?”
“He’s his child.”
“The man doesn’t have any children.”
“Ava Stanley?”
“The deceased?” he asks. “I would have to dig for more information on her. That’s going to take more man-hours. You haven’t approved the quote yet.”
“I don’t care how much it costs. I need to find out whatever I can about this man and make sure he stays away from my girlfriend.”
“For protection, you’ll need a bodyguard. I have a good contact. If you want, I can send you some information. They’re pricey, but worth it.” He goes silent. “They might be able to help you more than I can on this particular case.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Stanley’s records are sketchy. I don’t have all the resources that this security company has. They can provide you with more intel and even protection.” He chuckles. “You can say that this is above my paygrade.”
I rub my chin staring at the police report. These people he mentioned might give me exactly what I need to protect Abby, and to keep this from ever happening again.
“Send me the bill and the contact for the security company,” I say hanging up the phone.
The moment I receive the details for HIB, I dial their number, but the voicemail picks up.
“Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from eight to five Pacific Standard Time. If you reached us outside those hours, please leave a message. If you need immediate assistance, send an email to our hotline.”
I send an email, and their automatic response arrives with a generic message that they’ll look at my case and get back to me within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The time frame works for me. I still don’t know what I’ll do with the information that they might be able to provide for me.
Maybe once I know who I’m dealing with, I’ll be able to figure out a solution. In the meantime, we’re sticking to my original plan. Abby and I will remain in Tahoe for the next month. Knowing what I know now, there’s no fucking way I’d take her back to Denver. Fuck, she should hate me for forcing her to come back with me.
“I’m going to take a quick shower,” I announce.
“Hey whatever you're thinking, you should stop,” My brother says.
“Why?” I finally pay attention to him.
“You’ve been lost inside your mind since you received that call. What are you trying to do?”
“Nothing,” I disregard the question and leave.
“Weston,” he calls my name a couple of times, but I ignore him.
— — —
Once I prepare breakfast, I set my computer on the counter and start reading the reports Johnson sent me. As he mentioned, the info is pretty basic. Corbin Stanley is fifty-two. He lives in Thornton. It disturbs me that the house he lives in belongs to Abby.
“Fucking hell.” I run a hand through my hair.
“Why are you doing this?” Sterling is reading along with me.
“I’m not sure yet.”
“Stop.”
“He shouldn’t be in her house,” I exhale harshly. “I can have him kicked out of there within the next couple of days.”
“Is that what Abby wants?” Since when is Sterling the logical sibling?
I rub my temple and ignore him. Anger rises when I read that he lives off of his investments. Well, he’s about to lose his savings and everything he owns. If I talk