CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Liam clenched his jaw. He couldn’t tell the cops more. The other information had been gathered through Z’s computer hacking and netted results the cops couldn’t use in court. “Let them in.”
He glanced at Piper. “Stay here until I’m sure it’s safe.”
“The police are dirty?”
“I’d rather be safe than make a mistake that costs your life.”
The rapping on the door came again, harder this time.
“Better open that before the cops become suspicious,” Trent said. He took Liam’s place by Piper’s side.
Liam opened the door to Kerrigan and Barrett’s scowling faces.
“What took so long to answer our knock?” Kerrigan snapped.
Liam’s eyebrows rose. “Does it matter?”
Barrett held up a hand to restrain his partner’s reply. “We need to speak to you and Ms. Reece.”
Definitely something on the detectives’ minds. At least they weren’t making noises about taking him to the station. Not yet. Liam motioned for them to come inside.
The moment they spotted Trent, their hands edged closer to their weapons. At six foot four, Bravo’s leader towered over the Copper Ridge officers.
“This is my friend, Trent. He’s part of Piper’s protection detail.”
“Where is Simon?” Barrett asked. “We need to talk to him as well.”
“Walking. Have a seat.” Liam sat with Piper on the couch as the officers chose the loveseat. Trent returned to stand watch at the French doors, one shoulder propped against the wall. He angled himself to keep the detectives in view while he scanned the area at the back of the lodge. “What’s on your mind, Detective Barrett?”
“We’ve been ordered to allow you, Simon, and Ms. Reece to leave.”
Excellent. “You don’t agree with the order.”
“All three of you should be in jail,” Kerrigan said. “You’re not telling us everything. Obstruction of justice deserves jail time.”
“You have some powerful friends, McCoy.” Barrett watched him and Piper carefully. “Who did you buy off to score travel privileges?”
“Who called you?” he hedged. The last thing he wanted to do was drag Maddox or President Martin into the mix if their names weren’t associated with the order. Liam had one of them to thank for the assist.
“The Copper Ridge chief of police. He’s receiving outside pressure to turn you and your friends loose. Who do you know with that kind of pull?”
“Several high-powered people owe my team favors. We called in a marker.”
“Team?” Kerrigan cocked her head. “Who’s on your team?”
“Trent, Simon, and two others.”
“Are they all here?”
“We have each other’s backs. What do you think?”
A slight smile curved Barrett’s mouth. “Are they well-armed like you and Simon?”
“Our jobs are dangerous. We have enemies who would love nothing better than to see us dead. We’re heavily armed anywhere we go.”
“What’s your next stop?”
“Out of state.”
A scowl from Kerrigan. “That’s it? You won’t tell us more?”
“I’m under no obligation to tell you. It’s safer for you if you don’t know too much.”
“What if we have questions? And we will,” she warned.
“Call Fortress Security’s main number and leave a message. We’ll call as soon as we’re able.”
“Are you leaving the country?”
“Do you think I would tell you if we were? Look, Kerrigan, we plan to stay inside US borders unless our unit is deployed overseas again.” Unlikely, since they’d just returned from nearly a month out of the country. Still, he wouldn’t discount that possibility.
The suite door opened and Simon walked inside with Matt close on his heels. “Detectives,” Simon said in greeting. He shifted his attention to Liam. “Problem?”
He shook his head. “Our travel restrictions have been lifted to the dismay of Barrett and Kerrigan.”
“Ah.” Simon shrugged. “If you need us, call. We’ll be in touch.”
“I get the feeling that you know a lot more than you’re telling us,” Barrett said. When none of the men confirmed or denied his statement, he shifted his attention to Matt. “I’m Detective Barrett. This is my partner, Detective Kerrigan.”
“Matt, team medic.”
Barrett turned to Liam. “Anything you can tell us that might help our investigation?”
“Is the surviving shooter talking?”
“Not yet. Leverage would help.”
“He’s employed by a man not known for his tolerance of failure.”
The detectives exchanged glances then refocused on Liam. “Anything else?” Kerrigan asked.
“Have ballistics tests come back yet on our weapons?”
“They’ll be ready this afternoon. Why?”
“The bullet that killed Gavin won’t match our weapons.”
A scowl from the lady. “You had more than one weapon at your disposal.”
“True. However, we didn’t fire that shot.”
“Which means you’re searching for a third shooter,” Simon added.
Barrett swore. “Copper Ridge had one murder last year. You boys are in town for less than a day and we have two bodies, one of which may have serious criminal connections.”
Simon inclined his head.
“At least tell me if we should expect more trouble in Copper Ridge. We’d like to be prepared.”
“Trouble will probably follow us out of town but you might experience an uptick in break-ins at the resort.”
“What are they looking for?”
“The hottest commodity in town is information.”
“What kind?”
Simon shrugged. “Don’t know.”
A snort from Kerrigan. “If you did, would you tell us?”
“Doubt it.”
“Gavin’s the key,” Liam said. “Contact Detective Stella Armstrong with Otter Creek PD. She might have relevant information.”
Barrett frowned. “She left a message on my cell phone to call her.”
“You should,” Piper said.
The detective and his partner rose. “Young lady, I don’t know what you’re mixed up in, but be careful. Whoever is behind this plays for keeps.” With those words, Barrett and Kerrigan left.
“When do we leave, Trent?” Liam tucked Piper closer to his side when he noticed her hands trembling.
“Have to talk to Maddox before we leave for Hartman.”
“Why?” Piper asked.
“We have to confirm our backup team is available. Taking on Barone and his crew requires more than five people.”
“How many people does Barone have at his disposal?” Matt asked.
“That’s the question of the day. Conservative estimate is thirty.”
When a light tap sounded on the door, Matt peered through the peephole and admitted Cade.
“Which one of you ticked off the cops?” Cade’s eyes glinted with amusement. “They snarled at each other and everyone one else who crossed their paths.”
“Including you?” Trent asked.
“The lady cop took one look at me and said, ‘You’re one of them, aren’t you? You have the same look as the rest of those mercenaries.’”
Simon rolled his eyes. “Kerrigan is ticked off that she can’t throw me in jail.”
“You’re cleared?”
“Wouldn’t say that. More like I received permission to travel until Copper Ridge’s finest finds enough to evidence to arrest me for murdering Gavin James.”
Cade’s eyebrows soared. “Maddox’s influence?”
“Let’s find out.” Trent called their boss.
“Yeah, Maddox. What do you need?”
“It’s Trent. You’re on speaker with Bravo and Piper. Liam and Simon have permission to travel. Who did you tap for the favor?”
“White House.”
Liam whistled. The boss called President Martin. Guess that was the quickest way to garner the results Bravo needed. “It’s Liam. Thanks for the assist.”
“Martin was happy to call Copper Ridge’s police chief. When are you leaving for Alabama, Trent?”
“How soon will our backup be available?”
“The Texas team’s on standby.”
“I prefer them close in case we need reinforcements.”
“Probably best not to announce their presence by bringing them into Hartman.”
“Barone has spies everywhere in town,” Piper said. “Minutes after strangers register at a hotel, Barone or one of his lieutenants know. If the other team looks as dangerous and alert as Bravo, they’ll draw plenty of attention, shooting down the element of surprise.”
“Noted. Is there a town outside Hartman close enough for the team to be available if they’re needed?”
“Amaretto. It’s fifteen minutes away and in the next county. The town is large enough for the team not to blend in but small enough to be of little interest to Barone. Will that work?”
“Perfect. Trent?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Amaretto sounds like a good place for Bravo, too.”
“Copy that.”
“Zane will arrange for both teams to stay at a lodge. Looks like there’s a large one near a forest. Should give you and the other team a good cover as old friends meeting for a week of hiking and catching up. What about Piper and Liam? Are they staying with the teams?”
“Gino Romano insists Piper will stay with him. Liam won’t let her out of his sight.”
“Check in every two hours, Liam,” Maddox ordered.
“Roger that.”
“Piper, do everything Liam tells you. You can’t trust anyone in that house or town except Liam and the teams. Am I clear?”
“I understand.”
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
Piper glanced at Liam, fear flickering in the depths of her eyes. “Would you prepare a safe house for us in case we have to run?”
“I’ll have several ready. We’ll take care of you, Piper.
“I don’t want anything to happen to him.”
“I understand, sugar.” The tough Navy SEAL’s voice was gentle. “We want both of you safe. We’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. We’re well trained. Trust us to do our job. Trent?”
“Sir?”
“Expect Brody Weaver to contact you within the hour.” With that, Maddox ended the call.
Piper twisted to face Liam. “Who is Brody Weaver?”
“Leader of the Texas unit.”
“Does their unit have a name?”
“They chose Texas. Each team member is from the Lone Star state and that’s how they wanted to be known.” Liam turned his attention back to Trent. “Orders?”
“Pack your gear. Eat. I don’t want you to stop very often on the way to Hartman. We’ll be half a mile behind you in case you run into trouble.”
Piper grimaced. “Room service again?”
Liam helped Piper stand. “Let’s see if we have any interest from those in the lodge’s restaurant or lobby.” He glanced at his teammates. “We’ll be back later.”
Cade opened the door and followed them into the hall. “The Copper Kettle?” he asked, naming the main restaurant. When Liam nodded, he said, “I’ll wait until you’re seated before I enter the restaurant.”
“Thanks.”
“Enjoy your date.” Cade veered toward the staircase as Liam led Piper to the elevator. He nudged Piper into the corner of the car and caged her in with his body, blocking her from the camera’s view. “Even though we’re on a date and I want you to relax, remember that we’re on stage. Assume someone besides Cade is watching, waiting for us to make a mistake.”
“This is what it’s like on a mission?”
He trailed a finger down her cheek. “Yes.” How could anyone’s skin feel like crushed velvet? Delicate and beautiful. Piper was exquisite.
“How do you handle this long term?”
“Hide your true self behind the role. You become that person.” He saw the exact moment when she realized why he insisted on going into witness protection with her. Slipping and letting the real Piper show through instead of the persona Fortress created for her would be easy. “We’ll handle whatever comes together, Sunshine.”
When the elevator stopped on the first floor, he gripped her hand as the silver doors opened and walked into the lobby with her by his side.
Cade lingered by the gift shop window, supposedly staring at the display. Based on the angle of his body and head, he watched the activity behind him using the reflection in the glass.
Liam requested a table for two with the hostess who seated them at the corner table at his request. When she returned to her station, Liam kissed the back of Piper’s hand. “Order what you want. Act as normal as possible.”
They finished the meal without mishaps or mistakes until the waitress brought the check. As she handed Liam the bill and turned to leave, her elbow knocked over Piper’s glass. Tea spilled onto Piper’s lap.
“Oh, no!” The waitress grabbed napkins to blot the liquid from Piper’s legs. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. Where’s the restroom? I need to dry my jeans.”
The woman gestured to the left side of the restaurant. “At the end of the hallway. Again, I apologize for my clumsiness. I’ll clear your plates and glasses while you’re gone.”
When Piper rose, Liam stood to escort her.
“Stay. I’ll just be a minute.” She hurried toward the hallway.
He frowned, about to follow her when a man in black pants and a long-sleeved polo shirt with the resort logo stitched on the front approached their table.
“I’m Gene Derby, the Copper Kettle’s manager. Is everything all right here?”
“It’s my fault, Gene,” the waitress said, cheeks flushing a bright red. “I knocked a glass of tea into a customer’s lap. She’s gone to the restroom to dry her jeans.”
Derby turned to Liam. “I’m sorry, sir. We’ll comp your meals and I’ll speak to your companion.”
From the direction of the hall, a woman screamed.