been a fool not to take it.”
“Well then, congrats to you.”
“Thanks. Now for the reason I’m calling. I need your help.”
“How can I help you? I’m low on the ladder, remember?”
“Haha, funny. Listen, have you heard anything about a sizable amount of military-grade weapons being stolen?”
The pregnant pause expanded, and it was tempting to ask if she was still there. But I kept quiet.
Mia finally blew out a breath and said, “Yeah. What do you want to know?”
“Any suspects?”
“Now that I don’t know.”
“Where were they stolen from?”
“From one of the military weapons stations, but I’m not at liberty to say which. Scottie, if you’re working for a private firm, why would you want to know this?”
“The firm I’m with is a huge private investigation corporation and we think we might know who did it. And if we’re right, we need to stop him.”
“I will say this. It’s not our case anymore. Initially, it was, but the military jumped back in so now we’re out. They haven’t sent any updates on it for a while.”
“A while? How long ago did this happen?”
“Close to two months.”
“Shit.”
“Is right.”
“Mia, can you do me a favor? If you hear anything, will you let me know?”
“As much as I can, yes.”
I couldn’t blame her. She didn’t want to jeopardize her job. “Fair enough. And come visit me sometime.”
“Ha. Who ever has vacation time anymore?”
“I do.”
“You’re so funny.”
Mia was sharp as a tac. If Drex was looking for someone, I would recommend her. But then I remembered it would take an act of God to get her out of Texas. I wonder if Drex and Gemini would ever consider allowing her to work remotely.
That night, on the way home from visiting Raiden, I was glad I hadn’t mentioned this recent issue to him. He had enough on his mind without adding a two-ton elephant to it. The two bodyguards that accompanied me everywhere, Jeremy and Jason, were silent as they drove.
We pulled up to my house, and Jeremy said, “Be right back.” He went inside to ensure everything was okay. Less than a minute later he ran back out, and an explosion lit up the black night. I watched in horror as his body soared through the air and landed several feet from the SUV. I was out and at his side, along with Jason.
“Saw the timer hooked to a tripwire,” was all he said before he passed out. I called 911 as I checked for a pulse. Thank God he was still alive.
“This was a warning. They didn’t want him dead,” I said.
“Why do you say that?” Jason asked.
“They wouldn’t have used a timer. The tripwire would’ve done the trick.” My knowledge of explosives told me that.
We heard sirens in the distance, and I called Drex and explained what happened.
“On the way.”
Chapter Ten
Scottie
The police blocked the street and cordoned off my property with yellow tape. The feds had arrived along with the local law enforcement, bomb squad, and fire department. The ambulance drove away with Jeremy in the back. I’d follow later, but Jason was going with him. Drex was putting me in the corporate apartment until I could find another place to live.
“I really think you should stay with Raiden,” Drex casually mentioned.
“No. I don’t want to do that.”
“Scottie, I know it’s not my business, but you’d be safe there and you could also keep an eye on him.”
“You’re right. It’s not your business.”
His brows shot up. Gemini walked over then and asked what we were discussing.
“I want her to stay with Raiden.”
“And?” She directed her question at me.
“Not going to happen.”
Gemini frowned. “But I thought you two were—”
“We are, but it’s too soon to move in together.”
“I see.”
Drex practically growled, “I don’t. If times were different, we wouldn’t be discussing this, but these are unusual circumstances. The man’s house is enormous. You could have your own room.”
Gemini crossed her arms and scowled at him. “Is this Drex Wolfe speaking?”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“C’mon, Drex. Put yourself in Raiden’s shoes. Would you ever have allowed me to have my own room in your house when we first started dating?”
“Things were different.”
“But were they really?”
His mouth clamped shut. He scowled at her, then stomped off.
“Wow. I’ve never seen him act like that before.”
She chuckled. “That’s only because you’re not married to him. He’s being ridiculous. I get your point. It would be uncomfortable. Just stay in the apartment. End of discussion. I’ll handle pouty Drex.”
“Thanks. But now that you’ve brought it up, I’ll