Page 23 of Bennett

“Working on it,” Carter replied. “And I have sensors and cameras planned for the inside too, but the system’s not fully operational yet.”

“Well, that’s gotta change,” Gabe said with a frown.

Carter’s shoulders straightened. “It is. I’m on it, plus your brother’s coming later this afternoon to help with the installation.”

“And we’ll help too,” Matthew said.

“Good.” Gabe nodded, then turned to her, his expression softening just slightly. “Laurel. Didn’t expect to see you here. Thought you’d be wrangling pancakes and smartass comments over at the diner.”

She offered a half-smile. “Just doing what my aunt asked me to do. Poor woman didn’t want to see the chaos herself.”

“Understandable.” Gabe’s tone was all business again. His eyes narrowed. “Have you been inside?”

Bennett shot a glance toward Laurel. “No, she hasn’t.”

Laurel lifted a brow. “According to His Highness over here, I’m not allowed to see the damage for myself.”

Gabe nodded, his expression cool. “You’re not.”

Her mouth opened, then closed. Well, crap. The sheriff didn’t look like he was in the mood to debate.

“My aunt put me in charge of this renovation and asked me to check things out,” she said, trying to keep her tone civil. “This was my uncle’s business. He built this place over four decades ago. Now it’s my aunt’s. She’s the owner, remember? I’m just trying to do her a favor.”

“And I’m trying to keep the area from getting contaminated,” Gabe replied. “No offense, Laurel, but if I let you wander through the damage, I might as well just throw out my report before I even write it.”

Carter snorted. “You could make her wear gloves and booties like one of those CSI guys.”

“Want to keep making jokes, Carter?” Gabe shot him a look. “Because I can find all sorts of creative ways to mess with your permits.”

Carter held up his hands. “Shutting up now.”

Laurel crossed her arms, not at all pleased. “So, what am I supposed to tell Aunt Annie?”

“Tell her I’m handling it.” Gabe’s tone brooked no argument.

“She’s not going to be thrilled with that answer,” Laurel said.

“Yeah, well, that makes two of us.” Gabe sighed, then rubbed his temple like a headache was already settling in. “Look, I get you’re here to help Annie. And your aunt has a right to know what’s going on. But until I finish my sweep, you need to stay out of the building. Okay?”

The man was all sharp edges and authority, but she supposed she couldn’t blame him. He had a job to do, and letting her wander through a potential crime scene was stupid and irresponsible of him and her.

“Fine.” Laurel sighed. “I know you’re just doing your job. But the second you’re done, I’m going in. And if you tell me otherwise, I’ll just call Aunt Annie and let her deal with you.”

Gabe’s lips twitched, a flash of amusement breaking through his hard exterior. “Wouldn’t expect anything less from Annie’s niece.”

“She’s trouble, all right,” Matthew said with a grin. “But I think Vaughn’s enjoying the challenge.”

Bennett shot him a look. “Nobody asked you.”

Matthew’s grin only widened. “Doesn’t mean I can’t share my observations.”

“Observations?” Laurel echoed, her gaze snapping to Bennett. “What exactly is he observing, Vaughn?”

“No clue.” His voice was steady. “I’m just making sure you don’t do something reckless.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You know, I wasn’t planning to, but now I’m tempted.”

Matthew snickered. “See? Enjoying the challenge.”