Johan's Joy (Heroes for Hire #22) - Dale Mayer Page 0,64

think that the blackmailed board members had something to do with Barlow’s murder?” Joy asked from across the table.

Johan had tried to sit beside her, but somehow it worked out that she was wedged between Galen and Kai. He reached over and gently nudged her foot. She smiled at him.

“I’m okay, you know?”

“You’re holding up really well,” he said. “We’re almost done with breakfast, so let’s get you to the mall and get you some clothes.”

“I’m up for that,” she said, as she looked at the others. “But Kai and I can do that, so you guys can go off and do your investigation.”

“We could,” Johan said, “but we’re not too sure what we’re up to yet. Finish your breakfast, and then we’ll see.” He watched as she looked down at her plate, still half full of scrambled eggs and potatoes. They’d ordered and been served fairly quickly, but now it looked like her appetite had waned. “You need your strength,” he said gently.

She wrinkled up her nose at him. “I hear you,” she said, but he just smiled.

“Don’t worry about it,” he replied. “Just eat what you can. You can get more later.”

She nodded, took a few more bites, and then put down her fork. “I’m done,” she said. “At least for now.”

They nodded, and very quickly the group stood and walked out, as Johan paid the bill.

She stopped outside and turned to look up at him. “I do have money, you know? My bank account isn’t empty. I don’t want you paying for my meals and my hotel room.”

“We’ll talk about it later,” he said, nudging her toward the two vehicles.

“Where are we going?” she asked, not wanting to move any closer.

“You and Kai and I are going to the mall,” he said.

She frowned. “I hardly think you want to come and watch me buy lingerie,” she snapped.

He gave her a heated smile and whispered, “You’re wrong there,” he said. “I would absolutely love to do that.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I just want to keep an eye on you,” he said.

Considering what had been done to her apartment, she didn’t argue but headed to Kai’s car, where they both got in.

“So to the mall?” Kai asked.

Joy nodded. “If that’s the best place, then yes.”

Johan sat in the back seat and kept up a running commentary on the phone with the guys as they discussed options and information. When they pulled into the mall parking lot, he took a close look around, told the guys where they were parking and that he was heading inside with Kai and Joy.

When he got out of the vehicle, Kai looked at him and asked, “I presume you’ll keep the guys in the loop?”

He nodded.

“Good. In that case then, we’ll ignore you.” And, with that, Joy linked arms with Kai, and they headed inside.

Johan grinned at her spirit. If that’s what she needed to do to feel better about this crappy situation, then more power to her. He trailed behind them, keeping an eye on basically everyone. It seemed ridiculous to be in such a public place, but, so far, the mall had just opened and wasn’t too busy, but he knew it would grow steadier as the day wore on. He kept abreast of them as they went from store to store, picking up a few pieces here and there.

The two women were obviously best of friends, as they teased and joked and brought up memories from both sides of their friendship. He smiled and watched as they interacted and enjoyed each other.

He looked up and caught a man staring at the two women, but, when he caught Johan’s gaze, the stranger immediately dropped his glance to his phone. Senses alert, Johan turned to look around to see if the guy was alone or if he had a partner with him. Sure enough, on the far side down the mall was a partner. At least Johan thought so. The young man in question walked away in the opposite direction. Johan frowned at that, and, when he turned back, the first man was gone too. He quickly noted the two and sent messages to Tyson and Galen.

Tyson responded. Don’t forget you are there with two gorgeous women.

Johan started to laugh. Kai turned and looked at him, then frowned. “What’s so funny?”

“I’m seeing boogeymen where there aren’t any,” he said with a smile. “I forgot that I have two beautiful women with me, and lots of men would