Forged in Desire (The Protectors #1)(60)

“I stopped by Granger Aeronautics and talked to Sheppard and Jace,” Roland said, interrupting his thoughts. “Jace thinks he has the perfect place for Margo to go into hiding. It’s a cabin Jace owns in the mountains near Shenandoah.”

Stonewall wasn’t surprised that Roland had already started putting plans into action. Sheppard Granger was a man of great integrity, for whom Stonewall had the highest respect and admiration. Jace was Shep’s oldest son. Stonewall was convinced he would be dead now if it hadn’t been for Sheppard Granger.

“I want things in place to move Margo into that cabin within eight hours, Stonewall.”

Stonewall released a groan. He knew Roland had sat in this chair a lot longer than he had and was fully aware that what he was asking for would require a hustle on everyone’s part. But they would get it done. “It’s going to be important that we make sure no one knows where she’s being relocated.”

“And more than anything, we need to make sure that when the move is made, Striker isn’t followed,” Roland tacked on.

“All that will be taken care of. I’m hoping the authorities capture the bastard soon.”

“There still aren’t any major leads?” Roland asked.

Stonewall knew Roland was well aware that he spoke often to one of the female detectives working the case. “Nothing major.”

“How are things going with that psychic?”

“Okay, from what I understand. I hear she’s good at what she does and has a favorable track record.”

“That’s good.” Roland stood. “I think I’ll go lie down on the cot for a minute.”

“Okay, you do that.” Stonewall watched as he left the office.

*

LIZ TILLMAN SWEPT into Frazier’s office with a frown on her face. “Honestly, Frazier, you need to do something with Goldwyn. He can be rather rude. I was in the middle of watching a very important television show when he interrupted to say you needed to see me immediately. When I told him I’d be there once the show was done, in a mean tone he told me you needed to see me immediately.”

Frazier stood from behind his desk and for a minute he didn’t say anything because Goldwyn, who’d been his trusted butler for a number of years, had been following his orders. “You won’t have to worry about Goldwyn bothering you any longer, Liz.”

Her frown turned into a huge smile. “Are you finally getting rid of that god-awful man, sweetheart?”

“Goldwyn isn’t going anywhere, but you are.”

Her smile quickly reverted to a frown. “What do you mean?”

“Because you are leaving. I want you packed and off the estate in less than two hours. If you dare to linger I’ll call security to make sure that you don’t. And don’t take anything that you didn’t bring with you.”

Liz’s frown was now replaced by shock. “Frazier? What is the meaning of this? What’s wrong?”

When he didn’t say anything but continued to stand there and stare at her, she straightened her spine and lifted her chin. “I’m being replaced, aren’t I? Your niece told you to get rid of me and—”

“Leave Margo out of this.”

Liz lifted her chin higher. “And why should I? She’s a bitch and has never liked me. I tried to get along with her, but you can’t blame me if she didn’t accept my friendship. As far as I’m concerned, she should have stayed in New York. We were doing great before she decided to move back to Charlottesville.”

Frazier crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ve said enough, Liz. I want you gone. You’re no longer welcome here.”

Rage, the likes of which Frazier had never seen before from her, covered Liz’s entire face. “You’re going to regret this.” And then she angrily stomped out the room.

Frazier rubbed his face, hoping he’d seen the last of Liz. After what Goldwyn had caught her doing, Frazier knew she could no longer be trusted. He then switched his thoughts to what had transpired at Margo’s house earlier that day and how she had so easily figured out things about Roland. Frazier had never thought that seeing them together would make Margo suspect anything.

He picked up the phone on his desk to call Striker and give him a heads-up, just in case Liz got it into her head to pay Margo a visit.

*

STRIKER CLICKED OFF the phone with Frazier a few seconds before Margo walked out of her workroom. He wondered if there would ever be a time he wouldn’t get a stirring in his gut when he saw her. “Was that Stonewall?” she asked him.

There was no reason for him not to answer truthfully. “No, that was Frazier. He wanted to warn me that Liz Tillman might try paying you a visit.”

Margo lifted a brow. “Why?”

“Apparently they broke up, and she feels you’re responsible.”

Margo dropped down on the sofa, shocked. “Uncle Frazier and Liz actually broke up?”

He studied her. “You seem surprised. Does that mean you didn’t see it coming?”

She shrugged. “I had my issues with Liz, but I never tried influencing Uncle Frazier about her. She was his business. I figured sooner or later he would come to his senses and see the type of person she truly was. Did Uncle Frazier give you any details as to what happened?”

“No.” And for that reason, Striker decided to have Stonewall run a background check on Liz Tillman. It was better to be safe than sorry.