Page 46 of Critical Alliance (Rocky Mountain Courage 3)

FOURTEEN

Outside in the dimly lit parking lot, Alex stood next to his rental car and studied Mackenzie as she watched her sister drive away. Carson followed in his luxury car. Though Alex didn’t know enough to understand their family dynamics, he sensed a strong combination of tension and love connected the sisters.

A security light flickered and buzzed, holding back the darkness that seemed eager to close in on them.

Was someone watching?

Aiming to shoot?

“We should get out of here.” The high-tech facility seemed oddly unprotected, but maybe the rugged natural landscape, along with cameras, was protection enough.

When she didn’t respond, he leaned in. “Earth to Mackenzie.”

She startled, then looked at him, blinking rapidly. “Oh, right.”

He opened the car door and waited for her to get in, then he jogged around to the other side and climbed behind the wheel.

Buckling in, he said, “I don’t feel comfortable protecting you at your brother’s cabin.”

He felt this way for a thousand reasons, not the least of which was that her brother might have been murdered there. He started the car and steered out of the parking lot. “What possessed you to want to stay there instead of going with your sister?”

Nora had made the abrupt decision to stay at her condo tonight. She’d invited Mackenzie, who refused.

“I need more time at the house. Maybe I could look around and see if there’s anything that might hint at what’s going on.”

He sensed that her reasons went much deeper. The family dynamics again. Or ... “You mean search your brother’s computer.”

“Yes.”

“You do know that if he was murdered, his computer could be taken into evidence. It’s better to stay away. In fact, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go back to the house at all.”

When she didn’t answer, Alex gave her space. He needed to concentrate on the drive and think about what he’d seen tonight at Hanstech. When the power went off, he followed Carson in search of Nora and Mackenzie. Dread had gripped him.

She tensed as he took the curves on the mountain road. He slowed to make her more comfortable and said nothing more until he steered the car right up to the home that was set against a mountain. All the lights were off.

“I would think a timer would be set to turn the lights on,” he said. “I’m assuming it’s a smart house.” Every tech company CEO should have a smart home, right? Everything from speakers and cameras to security systems and appliances all connected.

“It is, but I don’t know about the lights. My guess is it has to do with keeping things as natural as possible for the animal life.” She reached for the car door.

“What about personal safety?”

“I have the security code to get in.” Mackenzie hopped out, but not before he saw her brief hesitation. Oh, brother. He left the vehicle lights on. Then he grabbed his flashlight, monocular, and gun all in one fluid motion and followed her up the steps.

Something felt off, and personal experience warned him never to ignore that feeling. Maybe it stemmed from the fact that she’d been attacked on the trail not two miles from this house. Or it could be that he sensed she was hiding something. He needed to learn everything she knew. If he came on too harsh or pressed her too hard, she might back away completely.

Alex inwardly groaned. What had he gotten himself into? She was stubborn.

Brilliant.

Gorgeous.

I shouldn’t be making a list.

At the door, she lifted her shoulders and offered a sheepish grin. “You were right. I shouldn’t stay here since Nora isn’t here. I’m sorry to make you bring me all the way. I guess you think I’m afraid of the dark now.”

“Of course not. After what happened tonight, you’re understandably shaken, and I think you’re making the right decision.” Relief swept through him as he started to turn around.

“Wait. I left my stuff up in the bedroom. I need a change of clothes and my laptop.”