Indecent Danger (Danger Incorporated #3)(58)

In fact, it might be time for Travis, Aubrey, and Shane to return to Montana. He was able to do most of the work that needed to be done from here along with Aubrey’s help, but there were some things he needed to be at the office for. If he couldn’t help Martin he might as well go somewhere where he was needed. He’d talk to Aubrey about leaving in the morning.

“Why not? It’s a nice day as you said so we might as well get outside and enjoy it.”

They were finishing up breakfast when Tom strode into the dining room and right up to their table. He was dressed as informally as the rest of them but the hard set of his jaw looked to be anything but relaxed.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Caro.”

The strange dynamics at work again. To her credit, Caroline didn’t bark back at him that her whereabouts weren’t any of his business. She composed her features into a sweet smile and dabbed at her lips with the napkin.

“I’ve been here for the last hour so I’m not sure what the mystery is. What’s going on?”

Clearly annoyed, Tom exhaled noisily, his nostrils flaring. “Alana needs to talk to you. The police have been up in your suite questioning her about the cufflinks.”

The dining room overlooked the lobby but Prather must have come in the back door to avoid the press that had started to camp out in front of the building since Iris’s death. Even if Prather didn’t think there was a connection, the reporters had different hopes. They had to sell papers and a double murder would ensure that.

Caroline’s eyes widened at the news and she tossed her napkin aside, beginning to lever up from the chair. “I better get up there.”

Shane put his hand on her shoulder and pressed her back down. “No need. It looks like the detective is coming to you. I’ll stay right here with you. You shouldn’t answer any questions without a lawyer present.”

“I don’t really have one so thank you. I guess I could call Granddad’s attorney. He was with me the last time.”

“That’s not a good idea. It would be a conflict of interest for him to represent both of you,” Travis warned. “It’s best to have your own lawyer. Shane can fill that role until you find a local person.”

Detective Prather was flanked by two other men both in plainclothes which made Travis feel slightly better. If they were there to arrest Alana or Caroline uniformed cops probably would also have made the trip. Their absence was a positive sign.

“Good morning, Mrs. Livingston.” The detective nodded at the group. “I was hoping you could come to the station for a few questions we need answered.”

Shane didn’t let Caroline answer, squeezing her hand reassuringly. “Why can’t we do this here?”


“I’d feel more comfortable at the station.” The gleam in the detective’s eye told a different story. This new wrinkle wasn’t anything good.

“I’m accompanying Mrs. Livingston as her counsel,” stated Shane, standing so he was eye to eye with Prather. “Unless you are charging her I reserve the right to call a halt to your questioning at any time.”

“Of course,” Prather answered smoothly. “It’s just a few questions that came up after talking to Mrs. Guinness.”

Tom’s face had grown darker with every passing moment, muttering under his breath. “I’m coming along as well.”

“I’m fine.” Caroline shook her head. “Shane will be there. You should go up and be with Alana. I’m sure she’s very upset.”

“I’m more worried about you,” he argued, a muscle flexing in his jaw. “You shouldn’t be alone.”

“I’m not alone. Please go up and check on Alana.” Caroline didn’t budge and finally Tom spun on his heel, a few choice words on his lips, and stalked to the elevator. “I’m ready to go, Detective.”

“We’ll follow you in our car back to the station.” Shane placed his hand on Caroline’s arm to guide her but it was probably more for moral support. “After you, Caro.”

Detective Prather and his men filed out of the dining room toward the back entrance.

Were they building a new case against Caroline or was this questioning to bolster the evidence they thought they already had against Martin? And what had Alana told them that made them want to question Caroline? At the station, no less.

Prather had to know something that they didn’t, which had Travis catching up to Shane before they could exit the resort.

“I need the name of that reporter you’ve been talking to. I think we need to know everything he knows.”

West’s words echoed in Travis’s brain, over and over again.

Don’t worry about the motives. Look at the evidence.

He wouldn’t have a moment’s peace until he heeded his brother’s words. He thought he had been but he could see clearly now that he’d been caught up following the police’s investigation rather than leading his own. Prather was looking at motives, concentrating his efforts there. Travis needed to look at the places and people that the detective was ignoring.

That’s where the truth would lie.





Chapter Thirty




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The questioning of Caroline had gone on for over two hours but Detective Prather had finally let her come back to the resort with Shane. Aubrey was proud of the way Caroline had held her own, not letting the cop shake her. One thing was clear, there was no way Caroline was guilty of killing her husband. Aubrey had been in foster care and she’d met evil people and this young woman didn’t even come close.