Page 45

She nodded, but there was no mistaking the weight pressing down on her spirit. That painting had meant something to her. At his first opportunity, he intended to find out what that might be.

When they reached the end of the hall, Mason led them into a library, then a conservatory, before taking them into a trophy room filled with hunting trophies that seemed at odds with the man leading the tour.

“You hunt, Mason?”

“I do not hunt wild game. However, I can appreciate the skill it takes for a sportsman to bring home his prey. Our organization, let’s call it an alliance, has had esteemed members throughout our history many of whom enjoyed the sport.”

“What do you do for fun?” Grayson asked.

“A little of this. A little of that.”

“Hmm.”

“I’ll admit, I am partial to a fine Chess match.”

Gavin raised a brow. “Is that so?”

“Would you care to see the other buildings?” An alarm shattered the relative quiet.

“Raincheck?” Grayson asked.

Samantha’shearthammeredagainsther ribcage. “Is that a fire alarm?”

“No. It’s our security system. If you’ll excuse me, I need to see what triggered it. Probably nothing to worry about.”

After Mason rushed off through a doorway leading into another unknown hallway, Gavin turned to Gray. “You saw Wade’s text. This might be a good time to investigate.”

“You do that. I’ll stick around here. If we both disappear, Mason will know something is up.”

Gavin turned to Sam and took her hands in his. “Stay with my brother and Jenna. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

She narrowed her eyes. “There is no way you’re investigating anything without me.”

“It isn’t safe. Besides, how are you going to traipse around in the woods dressed in your Jimmy Choo’s?”

“You must be out of your mind if you think I would waste money on designer heels. These babies are from a DSW sale.”

“I’ve exhausted my knowledge of shoes and women. If you’re coming, let’s go.” He shrugged and Gray and Jenna headed back the way they’d come. Gavin held out his arm for her, but she ignored it.

“What was in Wade’s text?”

“Ugh. That reminds me. Grayson has my cell.”

She tilted her head to the side waiting for an answer.

“He said there were men searching the woods. It seemed suspicious to me.”

“How do we get out of here without being spotted?”

“Good question.”

It took them several minutes to find a side door. Once outside, Sam looked to Gavin for direction. “Which way?”

“I have no idea.”

“Wade didn’t say?”

“If he did, I don’t remember.”