Deadly Game (Fortress Security #5)(26)

“Would she have used one of your childhood codes?” Brent asked.

“I doubt it. Heather played around with so many she probably couldn’t remember any one in particular.”

“Did she have a computer at home that was hers?” Adam folded his arms and leaned on the table. “Or would she have used her husband’s computer?”

“She had her own. Jay didn’t want her or Alexa in the study.”

“I’ll keep working the code,” Adam said to Brent. “It would be easier if I had access to Heather’s computer. She probably researched secret codes on the Internet. If I access the same websites, I’ll know which codes she didn’t use and eliminate them.”

“Their house is a crime scene,” Rowan said. “We can’t get in there.”

Amusement lit Adam’s gaze. “If I don’t make progress by the time night falls, I’ll take a look inside their place. Do you know where she normally kept her computer?”

“Her bedroom or Alexa’s. But their place is huge,” she said, dropping her voice. “How will you know which rooms to focus on?”

“I’ll draw him the layout.” Brent squeezed her shoulder. “He won’t have a problem.”

“What if you get caught, Adam?” she whispered.

He grinned, the smile lopsided because of the scar on his cheek. “I’ll call the boss to bail me out of jail.”

Brent almost laughed out loud. Adam Walker wouldn’t get caught.

The shop door crashed open. A big, beefy guy stormed inside, and headed for the coffee bar.





CHAPTER ELEVEN


Fury burned through Rowan at the sight of Frank Wright heading for Lacey. The jerk boyfriend had shown up here again. Rowan had warned him the next time he showed his face, she’d call the police. “Excuse me,” she murmured to Brent and Adam. “I have a creep to throw out of my shop.”

As she walked across the room, she was aware of the two men keeping pace with her, expressions grim. Nice to have some muscle to back her up this time. The last time she’d gone toe-to-toe with Frank, Rowan had been left with bruises. Lacey had begged her not to press charges. Frank wouldn’t be that lucky this time if he laid a hand on her or Lacey.

“Frank, what are you doing here?” Lacey asked, her voice shaking. “I left you a message that I had to work. Rowan has a family emergency.”

“We had plans. I’m not canceling just because your lazy boss doesn’t want to do her job. She has no right to interfere in your life so she can indulge herself. Now, get your stuff and let’s go.”

“Please,” she said softly as Rowan, Brent, and Adam moved closer. “You’re embarrassing me.”

“You need to leave, Frank.” Rowan covered the remaining few feet and circled the coffee bar to stand with her assistant manager.

“Rowan, don’t,” Lacey pleaded.

“Sorry, Lace. Frank knows he’s not welcome here.”

“Yeah?” Frank sneered. “What are you going to do about it?”

“She’s not going to do anything,” Adam said evenly. “We are.”

A glare turned his and Brent’s direction. “Who are you?”

“Rowan’s friends. You need to turn around and walk away.”

“Or what?”

“We’ll make you.”

“Nobody makes me do nothing I don’t want to,” Frank growled, jabbing a finger against Adam’s chest.

Between one heartbeat and the next, the operative grabbed Frank’s hand and put it into some kind of hold, a painful one if his expression was anything to go by.

“Let’s take a walk,” Adam murmured and, without relinquishing his hold, escorted Frank from the store without a word of protest from the jerk.

“I should go,” Lacey whispered and tried to move around Rowan.

“Lacey.” She couldn’t let her friend go without making one more effort to convince her how unwise the relationship with Frank was. “You know what happened the last time he was in the store.” Her gaze darted to Brent for a second before shifting back to her miserable friend.

“He hurt you.”

Brent’s eyes narrowed. Jaw clenched, he turned and walked outside.

Oh, boy. Rowan wanted to follow herself to stop Brent from laying into Frank on her account. The last thing she wanted was for him to face any kind of prosecution because of a few bruises that had long since faded.

“Lacey, this guy is dangerous,” Chase said, his voice low as the last of their customers walked from the shop. “You shouldn’t have anything to do with him.”

“Chase is right.” Rowan wrapped her arm around Lacey’s shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. “Find someone better.”

“He’s a good guy,” Lacey protested.

“Honey, a good man doesn’t hurt women. He treats her with respect. Is that how Frank treats you?”

She sighed. “No.”

Rowan was afraid to push too hard. Maybe this time, Lacey would listen. Her eyes stung. If she didn’t, Lace might end up like Heather. “Let me make you some tea. Earl Grey all right?”

Lacey smiled. “Perfect. Thank you.” The smile faded as she glanced toward the door. “Frank will be angry. What if he hurts your friends?”