Her hands trembled as she held the paper that had just arrived in the mail. Although it was what she expected, it didn’t make it any easier for Ellie Laroux to accept the fact that her brother, Frank, was dead.

Tracing her finger over his name, a wave of nausea threatened to overtake her. No longer was it grief, now anger consumed her. Frank had dedicated his life to the FBI, and now they were covering up his murder. What for? He was killed in the line of duty. There wasn’t anything to hide. Or was there?

Ellie needed answers, but the death certificate she was holding didn’t provide any. How would she know if the person or persons responsible were brought to justice if the truth wasn’t revealed?

Getting up from the couch, Ellie walked over to the mantel and touched the nickel-plated urn containing his ashes. I’m sorry, Frank. If I’d known they were going to give me the runaround, I’d have started looking for your killer right away.

Ellie placed the death certificate beneath the urn before picking up one of the photos resting nearby. It was taken when they’d celebrated his forty-fifth birthday a few weeks earlier. His smile tugged at her heart. Who knew this would be the last time I’d ever see him?

When the agents told her Frank had been killed, she didn’t believe them. At the funeral, she told herself this was all just a formality, that her brother was on a secret mission and this was all taking place so no one suspected Frank was still alive. It was how she dealt with the shock. Yet deep in her heart, she knew Frank was really gone. No amount of hoping, tears, or praying was going to change that.

That didn’t mean the tears weren’t always on the verge of flowing. Even now Ellie fought them back. She took the picture back to the couch, not ready to let it go, clinging to it as though it could somehow change things. Ellie wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but she felt . . . alone. It wasn’t something she was familiar with. She always knew Frank was there if she ever needed him. I need him now.

Ellie had plenty of friends, and her staff at Toot Sweets were showering her with attention, trying to help her through this difficult time. Although appreciated, a new cupcake recipe wasn’t what she needed, even if her business was struggling. Frank was all the family she had, and the funeral was a clear reminder of that. She’d stood in solitude by the coffin and accepted the condolences from their friends and his colleagues. Faces and names all seemed a blur now. She didn’t know how she’d made it through the ordeal. Still, don’t know how to go on.

Frank had practically raised her after their mother had died when Ellie was only seven. Their father, a drunk who cared only for himself, left and never was heard from again. He didn’t even show up for Frank’s funeral. That was a blessing as far as Ellie was concerned. If he had shown up, all those Federal Agents were probably going to have to pull her off him.

Sitting here was increasing her frustration. She needed to do something, anything, that was going to make her feel better, but the one thing left to do was go to Frank’s apartment and sort through his belongings. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to go there, but she couldn’t put it off any longer. Frank’s only long-term commitment had been to the Bureau. He’d never settled down or even came close to having what most women would consider a serious relationship. Heck, even his apartment is a month-to-month lease.

That only complicated matters more. If she didn’t start packing Frank’s things, she would need to pay another month on his lease. Since she was barely able to cover her own business expenses, and had stopped taking a paycheck for herself, Ellie couldn’t afford to take on anyone else’s, not even short-term.

Though she was exhausted from a long day baking and selling her exotic cupcakes, she managed to drag herself off the couch. She laid the photo back on the mantel, took a look in the mirror, and decided this was as good as it was going to get. At this time of night, she wasn’t about to bump into anyone she knew anyway. Running her fingers through her long chestnut hair, she twisted it and clipped it at the back of her head. It was warm for a fall night. She didn’t mind not needing a bulky jacket and dreaded the snow which would soon be falling. Taking full advantage of the unusual heatwave, she’d make do with the light pink sweater she had on.

At times such as this, it was convenient to live in the back of her cupcake shop. She’d cleaned and closed up shop an hour earlier, locking up tight, thinking she’d be in for the night. The shop wasn’t open on Mondays, but she had a few new recipes she wanted to try before putting them on the shelf for the public. A group of high school kids—her volunteer food critics—were going to arrive no matter what and would expect to be amazed. I feel anything but amazing right now.

As she started her KIA Sportage, with her Toot Sweets logo and pictures of oversized cupcakes decaled on it, Ellie made her way to Frank’s apartment. For the moment, she’d stopped procrastinating on doing the inevitable and forced herself to face what she’d been avoiding.

It wasn’t about dealing with all of Frank’s stuff. He’d rented a fully furnished apartment because he hated decorating. Ellie had told him often she’d do it for him, but he’d tease her by saying he was afraid it’d come out looking like one of her fancy cupcakes. He was probably right. I see, or at least used to see, everything in bright, happy colors.

Thankfully she was alone, and it was dark. There was no reason to pretend to be joyful. No one was watching as she made her way up the stairs and into Frank’s apartment. It was exactly as it had been the last time she’d seen it. Like in his work, he kept everything neat and in order. It’s one of the things that had made him such a good agent. The Bureau never had to worry about Frank missing anything. That only made her angrier. Had someone else dropped the ball and her brother paid the price?

There was a pang of guilt within her because Frank had called her the night before he’d been killed. He’d left a voicemail. At the time it hadn’t sounded different than any other. Ellie had been tired and thought she’d call him back the next day. But that chance never came. Frank was killed before she could call, and she’d never forgive herself.

Each item she picked up and placed in a box felt like a knife twisting in her side. There was a point when she wanted to give up and leave. Tell the landlord she didn’t want any of Frank’s personal things, but then she came across a piece of paper on the floor just under the couch when she pushed over a throw pillow. It was the one thing that was out of place. Had he intentionally left it there or did it slip from his pocket unnoticed?

Since there wasn’t a speck of dust in his place, she had to believe this was no accident. Not that she was a detective, but she felt as though Frank had left her a clue. She wasn’t sure what it meant, but it was more than she had a moment ago.

It definitely wasn’t his shopping list, because he didn’t eat vegetables . . . or cook. But could he have a girlfriend he hadn’t told her about and this was his pick-up list for her?

CORN

ASPARAGUS

RADISH

LETTUCE

OKRA

SPINICH

MUSHROOM

AVOCADO

BEET

EGGPLANT

Granted she was a baker, but these ingredients meant absolutely nothing to her. It was like raising a red flag, but for what reason? It was a long shot, but Ellie headed to the refrigerator. Somehow she’d envisioned opening it up and finding a file containing the answers she needed. Instead, the pungent smell of spoiled food and milk practically gagged her. Before slamming it shut, she scanned it quickly to ensure none of the vegetables on the list were inside.

Coughing from the stench, she walked back into the living room, knowing that was one thing she was leaving for the landlord to deal with. There were certain things she couldn’t handle, and foul smells were in the top five.

She changed from packing Frank’s things to full-blown search mode. But Ellie had no idea what to look for or if the piece of paper she’d found was anything other than trash. She could call the Bureau and see if that meant anything to them, but she knew they’d never tell her if it did. Yes, they were definitely more qualified to do this, but they didn’t understand; this was personal. Whoever did this took the one person she knew would always be there for her. Frank, you promised me. What am I to do now?

It was a long shot but she’d hold onto that list; if she found that it could lead to an arrest, then maybe she’d consider turning it over to the FBI. Right now, her gut was telling her to trust no one. Ellie wasn’t sure why because she usually looked at life through rose-colored glasses. Her easygoing nature had been a cause of many arguments between them over the years. What I’d give to fight about it again with you.

Pushing past the pain, something she was trying to master, she began to carry boxes down to her car. There wasn’t much, and it might be considered junk by anyone else, but these were memories she wasn’t willing to part with. Not now and maybe never. On top was a photo of him receiving an award from the president for heroism a few years back. She almost left it behind, not wanting the constant reminder of the price he paid for doing his job. Frank, you weren’t just a badge number, you were . . . all the family I had.

---

Josh Turchetta had been following Ellie around ever since his brother Rafe had sent him to keep an eye out for her. It was a waste of time. She practically lived in her cupcake shop, and the only time she’d left had been to attend Frank’s funeral. The people who had killed Frank definitely weren’t going to look at her as any threat.

She’s surrounded by sweets all day long for a reason.

“I’m telling you, Rafe, I could be utilized elsewhere. I’m going crazy sitting here doing nothing.”

Rafe snapped, “I’m trusting you to keep a close eye on her. If anything happens to her because you’re—”

“I’m watching. But there’s nothing to see. The woman has no life outside of Toot Sweets.”

“That’s not the woman Frank described. Remember, she’s suffered a loss, a major one. You can’t expect her to be out doing all the things she used to do.”

Josh knew what losing a family member felt like. His baby sister Phoebe’s face still flashed before him anytime he was on a mission to protect an innocent young woman. Maybe that was what was troubling him now. Ellie sure fit that bill. Her life looked as calm as one could hope for, but was there turbulence lurking nearby?

“Got to go.”

“Everything okay?” Rafe asked.

“Yeah, she’s going out.” And it’s late. Not for him, but this wasn’t Ellie’s normal MO. Josh ended the call and started the engine of the beat-up Jeep Rafe had given him to use. It blended in fine but didn’t always start on the first try.

He wasn’t worried about Ellie disappearing into the traffic; that thing she called a car stuck out so bright he swore Gabe could track it even without satellite surveillance. But the car seemed to fit who she was. Bubbly.

As he followed her, he thought back to the hours of looking at her through the large window in front of her shop. Customers came in, and she greeted them like she was expecting them. Half the time she even hugged them on the way out. He wished he knew if they were friends or if she was that warm and friendly to everyone.

Josh couldn’t believe where Ellie had pulled up to. He figured she’d have to go there eventually but thought it would be during the day. He’d already been through Frank’s apartment, and the place was clean. They’d hoped there might have been a lead as to who might have put a hit out. If Frank had suspicions, that information wasn’t in his apartment. That didn’t mean Josh hadn’t planted a bug inside. If anyone went in, his brother Gabe would be listening.

Josh pulled out his SAT phone and texted Gabe. “Ellie just entered Frank’s.”

“Got it.”

Even with Gabe listening, Josh wished he had eyes on her. If he’d noticed anyone lingering around or even another vehicle close by that could be watching her, he’d have his ass up there by her side no matter what Rafe said.

Josh knew of Frank before he’d been killed, but they weren’t personal friends like Frank and Rafe had been. Somehow you learn a lot about a person when you rummage through their belongings. The guy was meticulous with details and orderly with his personal items. From what Rafe said, that’s how he was with his investigations. It was unanimous in regards to how he was killed. The only outstanding question was, would they go after Ellie thinking she may know something?

The entire Turchetta family was spread thin right now. Gabe was deep in hiding with Vanessa to ensure her safety, while others were watching her family back in upstate New York. Vanessa had been the one to turn the files over to the FBI in the first place. Although Rafe felt comfortable that Frank took every precaution to conceal her identity, he’d been killed, which meant there had to be a leak in the Bureau somewhere. Thankfully Ellie doesn’t seem to have the inquisitive gene her brother had. If she did, this protection detail would change quickly.

When he saw Ellie leaving the apartment building carrying boxes, the gentleman in him started to kick in. Not that his family would’ve called him such a thing. In their eyes, he was a player. When he was in the Corps, and even now, Josh didn’t want any attachments to distract him. But he thoroughly enjoyed the company of women. Never one like Ellie. The sweet loving ones would want something he couldn’t give them. A commitment.

As he was about to open his car door, he noticed a vehicle approaching at high speed from down the road. Ellie had parked that atrocious thing across the street. With the boxes, she might not see it coming.

Nearly ripping the door off its hinges, Josh dashed across the street heading toward Ellie. There was no doubt the vehicle had seen him but wasn’t slowing. Fuck!

Josh had no choice but to grab hold of Ellie, knocking the boxes into the air, and tumbling with her to the ground. He made sure his body took the brunt of contact with the cement. Her screams still echoed through the cool night air as the tires squealed away.

Gabe chimed in on the earpiece Josh had tucked away so no one could see it. “Got the plate. Running it now. You guys okay?”

Josh knew Gabe had been watching everything via satellite. Although the car missed them, Josh could feel the scrapes on his back and shoulder. Minor injuries. He needed to make sure Ellie was okay. Holding her still on him, he asked, “Ma’am, are you hurt?”

He could see the dazed look in her eyes as she tried to comprehend what had just happened. “That . . . that . . . car . . . it . . . almost hit—”

“But it didn’t. I hope I didn’t hurt you when I—”

“Saved my life. No. I think I’m . . . okay. Maybe a few scratches and bruises, but I’m alive.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she choked out, “Thank you.”

He loosened his grip around her but didn’t want to let go. Not just because he enjoyed the feel of her body against his, but he wasn’t sure if the car was coming back for another try. There was no way that was accidental.

“The car was reported stolen a few hours ago. I’ve notified the police of its whereabouts. They are en route now. Does she need medical attention?” Gabe asked.

Josh didn’t want Ellie to know Gabe was listening. “I’m glad you’re not hurt. But I’m sure you’re shook up. That was a close call.” Too fucking close.

“I am, but I’ve been through worst lately.”

He knew she was referring to Frank. While still holding her, he adjusted himself so they could sit up, her still sitting on his lap. “Take a minute and relax. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

Josh meant it. He only wished Gabe wasn’t listening when he said it. One thing about his brother: he enjoyed taking a simple statement like that and running with it as though it was something more. When that time came, he’d deal with it. Right now, Josh was planning what to say to Ellie so she didn’t run off and he’d not see her again. Other than from standing in the shadows.

“You seem shaken, which by the way, is understandable. Hell, that jerk needs to take some driving lessons.” He tried to make it not so obvious that they had tried to kill her. From her nod, she seemed to be buying it. Good. Let’s see how my charm works on you. “Why don’t I help you collect your things and then buy you coffee?”

He felt Ellie stiffen in his arms. “I believe you’ve done enough.” She pulled away from him, and he let her go.

It was going to take a bit of encouragement on his part, so he said softly, “Is there really such a thing?” Ellie turned to him, looking puzzled. “I mean doing enough to earn the right to buy a lady a cup of coffee.” Josh smirked. “Sorry, I have a sister who would slap me right now for being a jerk.”

“No, you’re not at all. Actually it was really kind of you to ask. It’s just been a . . . long day.”

“That it has. Thankfully it’s ending on a positive note.”

Ellie shrugged. “If this is what you call positive.” She stood there as though not sure where to start. The boxes had been smashed from the passing car, and even from where Josh remained, it was evident most of the items were ruined.

He didn’t wait for her permission and started picking up things he believed she’d want no matter what condition, like photos. Ellie did the same in silence, but he could see her expression with each item she put back into the box. Josh, on the other hand, made haste as he wanted to get her out of the open.

Josh picked up the last few things and said, “Let’s get this to your car.”

Ellie nodded but stopped when Josh got near her car. “How did you know this was mine?”

“Pretty easy to narrow down since there are only two parked on the street at the moment, and I know mine doesn’t have huge cupcakes on it.”

Ellie chuckled, which he found to be the most wonderful sound after all she’d been through. “You don’t know what you’re missing. Everyone loves cupcakes.”

Maybe not the guy who just tried running you over. “Maybe on my next vehicle. I shouldn’t criticize. Look at what I’m driving.” He pointed at the run-down Jeep.

“Nothing a bit of paint can’t fix.” Ellie unlocked and opened the hatchback, and Josh placed the boxes inside. Then she turned back to Josh, and she seemed to be debating what to do next.

“How about that coffee now? I know I’m not going to be able to sleep after this ordeal.”

“I’m not in the habit of going places with strangers. It’s a good way to get yourself . . .”

Josh extended his hand. “I’m Josh Turchetta. And you are?”

After a brief pause, she gave in. Shaking his hand, she said, “Ellie Laroux.”

“It’s a good practice to be cautious. It’s what I tell my sister all the time. Maybe we can have coffee another time when you’re more . . . comfortable?” Part of him hoped she’d tell him to take a flying leap, but instead, he could see her will breaking down slowly.

“I don’t need more coffee. But I do know this place that has amazing hot chocolate. I’ll go but under one condition.”

“What is that?” Josh asked and was shocked she agreed at all. He was sure Frank would’ve warned her about creeps who were out there. Thankfully he wasn’t one of them. At least not the kind she needed to fear.

“I buy. It’s the least I can do after all.”

Josh gave her one of his dashing smiles, which normally melted a woman’s heart. Ellie didn’t seem all that impressed. Under different circumstances, he’d try harder. But this wasn’t a conquest or a date. He had one objective: protect her at all costs.

“Why don’t I follow you?” Ellie agreed, and they got in the vehicles. It also provided Josh a chance to touch base with Gabe. “Gabe, update Rafe and the others.”

“Already done. This isn’t the first time we’ve done this shit.”

No, unfortunately, it wasn’t. They seemed to be saving more lives than any of them had envisioned when they joined forces and started Turchetta’s Promise. At first, it was clients coming to them. Now he was protecting someone who had no idea her life was in danger. Hopefully, it stays that way.

“And the car?”

“Found abandoned a few blocks away. I doubt they’ll find any fingerprints.”

Whoever hired these guys wanted it to look like an accident. A hit and run. That meant they were trying to keep distance so the connection couldn’t be made. The local law enforcement wouldn’t have any reason to believe otherwise. Thankfully the Turchetta’s had resources they didn’t.

“You need more backup?” Gabe asked.

Josh wasn’t sure that would help. If anything it might spook Ellie by having a bunch of strangers lingering around. Although having a team on the outskirts wasn’t a bad idea. If shit started to go down, it’d be nice to have some serious kick-ass forces ready and available.

“Is David’s team available?”

“He’s got the one from the Vegas area on standby.”

“Send them, but tell them to keep their distance. I also want you to monitor any chatter you might hear around her name.”

“Got it. Anything else since you’re playing boss man?” Gabe asked sarcastically.

“Yeah, find that asshole who was driving the car.”

They pulled up in front of her shop, Toot Sweets. What the hell are we doing here? Josh was about to blow a gasket. There was no way Ellie was bringing him home with her. But sure enough, she shut off her car and got out. He did the same and had a few choice words for her.

“You don’t know me, and you bring me to your shop? Do you know how dangerous that is?”

Ellie became very defensive. “It’s not like you don’t know where it is anyway.”

Had she seen him watching her the past few weeks? That wasn’t good. He never let things like that slip. “And you assume this why?”

She pointed to her car again. “You can’t miss the address and phone number on the car.” Then she giggled, “Or maybe you can. Guess it was pure luck that you could even see that car racing out of control on the street.”

He wasn’t sure if she was foolish or fearless. Either way, damn she needed him close by. If those assholes had tried a different, friendlier tactic, they might have her now. Making light of the situation, he said, “He probably had a sweet tooth like me.”

Ellie turned the key, went inside, and shut off the alarm. Josh was glad he’d grabbed his handgun and strapped it to his ankle. It wasn’t ideal, but tonight it was better than nothing. Somehow he needed to get her to welcome him back so he could be around a lot to keep a close eye on her.

He closed and locked the door behind him. “So you’re the lady who makes the best hot chocolate?”

She turned to him and proudly said, “If it’s made with chocolate, I’m the queen. Of course, that’s not all I bake in my shop. You said you have a sweet tooth, but do you like to bake?”

I like to get cooking in the kitchen, but it never had anything to do with food. “I’ve dabbled.”

As she took out the milk and heated it, she told him about how she came to be the cupcake master. “None of it would’ve been possible if my brother, Fr . . .” The spark in her eyes left at the mention of his name.

He knew first-hand burying the feelings of losing someone was a horrible way to deal with them. It had been several years since Phoebe had been killed, and he still threw himself into work to cope. Anytime anyone had tried to get him to talk about her he became filled with anger. But this wasn’t him, and he didn’t want Ellie to take the unhealthy path he had chosen.

Pushing her to go where he knew she didn’t want to go wasn’t nice, but no one ever accused him of being that. “So your brother encouraged this endeavor?”

Ellie said softly, “He supported me all through culinary arts school, and for my graduation gift bought me that car. That seems so long ago now.”

He wanted to keep her talking about Toot Sweets. About school. Anything other than the negativity of her tragic loss. “How long have you owned this shop?”

Ellie turned and asked, “How do you know I own it?”

Josh laughed. “No one would run around in that car with the logo plastered all over it just for fun.” He gave her a playful wink. “Well, maybe you.”

“Most definitely me. Did you take a good look at it?”

Unfortunately every day for three weeks. “It’s dark outside. Maybe I’ll have to come back tomorrow and get a better look.”

“Oh, you’re that confident I’ll invite you back?”

“Actually I was thinking as a paying customer, but I like your way of thinking better.”

“Mr. Turchetta—”

“Josh please.”

“Josh, has anyone ever told you that you’re impossible?”

“Only when they were being nice.”

Ellie handed him his hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, shaves of real chocolate, and a cherry. He took a sip, and she snickered. Then she pointed to his upper lip. Raising his fingers, he felt what was so funny.

“Why do I have the impression that was intentional?”

Ellie shrugged. “I don’t want the reputation of being too nice.”

Josh didn’t want there to be any reason for Ellie to decline his offer to see him again, so he drank down the drink quickly and said, “You’re right, it was the best I’ve had. It’s late, and I’m sure you have things to do tomorrow.”

“I do. What are you doing around ten?”

Watching you. “Nothing. Why?”

“The girl who was supposed to help me has been out sick.”

“You want me to bake?” Josh cocked a brow.

She laughed as she walked him to the door. “No. I was thinking more along the line of washing the dishes.”

Josh said, “If I didn’t know the lack of skill I have, I might be insulted.”

“Is that a yes?” Ellie asked.

Josh nodded. “Lock up, and I’ll see you at ten.”

He didn’t pull the Jeep away until he saw the lights turn off in the bakery. He knew that meant she’d gone into the back room where her apartment was. Although he moved the Jeep, Josh never let Toot Sweets out of his sight.

He put the earpiece back in and updated Gabe. Normally, he’d grab some shut-eye once he saw her lights turn off. Not now, not after she’d almost been run over. That was a game changer, and he needed to be ready for anything.