Page 34

“Pleased to meet you.” Cath held onto Tiger with one hand and extended the other.
Jack disregarded her gesture to unpack a carton of eggs. “Is this wise, Bro?”
Mitch clenched his teeth. Who cares at this point?
When his brother was in one of his ornery moods, any spark could set him off. “There was a fire in her apartment,” Mitch said, treading with care. “She needs somewhere to stay. I told her she could stay here a few nights.”
For the time being, he lived in this house, and he should be able to extend an invitation to anyone he wanted. But if his aunt said Cath had to go, they would leave and find someplace else. He glanced across the room. “Unless you mind, Aunt Edi?”
“Of course not.” His aunt looked astonished he would even doubt her hospitality.
“Thank you.” Cath smiled. “I really appreciate this.”
“I do too.” Mitch relaxed against the edge of the counter. “Cath’s going to help me find her brother.”
“Someone needs to.” Jack slung a bag of onions down beside him and lifted a chin toward the outside entrance. “But the cat stays on the porch.”
“You know how cold it gets out there.” Aunt Edi shooed away Jack’s remark, her tone brooking no argument. “The poor little thing needs to stay warm.”
Cath pulled Tiger down off her shoulder. “No one’s allergic.” She looked from Aunt Edi to Jack. “Are they?”
“Don’t know if I am or not.” Jack folded his arms and leaned his hips against the counter. “Never had a cat.”
Her jaw tightened. Mitch waited for her to tell Jack off, but she merely shrugged. “I’ll find someplace else to stay.”
“No.” Mitch blocked her path over to the pet carrier. “We already discussed why you can’t do that, and you agreed with me.”
“But—” She stopped and sank into a chair.
Jack and his aunt both stared at them. Don’t explain. They don’t need to know about the attack.
As long as he made sure no one ever followed them home, his brothers and aunt had nothing to worry about. “Give me the cat.” Mitch reached for Tiger. “She can stay in the crate for the time being.”
“Good idea.” Jack folded the reusable bags. “Keep her in her cage.”
“Tiger can’t eat and do her business if she’s stuck all day in a cage.” Cath clutched her kitten close.
“Fine.” Mitch held up his hands. “Let me just get her upstairs in the crate for tonight.”
Aunt Edi put a hand on Cath’s arm. “I have the empty box my vitamins came in yesterday. With some newspaper inside, would that work?”
“That would be great.” Cath’s face softened. For a few seconds she looked like one of the porcelain figurines in his aunt’s breakfront. Transfixed, Mitch almost fumbled the kitten hand-off. His gaze stayed on her until she and Aunt Edi disappeared into the laundry room.
Jack slung his jacket over his shoulder and jerked his chin to the hall. Mitch latched the cage door and followed his brother. Might as well get this over with. His brother waited at the bottom of the stairs. “She’s quite a looker. Please don’t tell me this is your balls talking.”
“Sex has nothing to do with this.” Not as long as he could control the situation. He held his brother’s gaze. “She’s in danger.”
Jack scoffed and jabbed a finger at his chest. “You’re not a bodyguard. You’re a bounty hunter. That is, if you qualify by arresting your first fugitive. Don’t forget we’re running a business here.”
Mitch made a face. “Thanks for the brotherly love.”
“I call it like I see it.” Jack rubbed his chin. “Why can’t she hole up somewhere else?”
Jack wasn’t going to give him a break. Mitch set the carrier on the floor, thanking the cat gods Tiger stayed quiet. He didn’t need to give Jack anything more to complain about. “Some thugs tried to kidnap her from one of her sightseeing tours today, and I’ve already told you her apartment was torched. Kurt told me to make friends with her. She’s my best lead.”
Only lead. “Her brother is bound to contact her. He ran off with only the clothes on his back. She should be able to help me find him faster than if I worked on my own. In the meantime, I can offer her some protection.”
Jack’s fierce expression faded at the mention of their senior brother. He shoved his long hair off his face. “Just tell me you trust her.”