Page 14 of Daddy’s Oath (The Daddy Guard #2)

Chapter Fourteen

Ace felt as if he was really getting into character as he slid a key into the apartment’s lock and opened the door.

After knocking loudly he called out, “Maintenance! Anyone home?”

He waited for another moment.

“Anyone?”

Ten seconds later, he stepped inside.

“I’m coming in. Looking at the HVAC.”

He hoped no one would call him on it. In reality, Ace didn’t know a thing about heating and cooling—besides the fact that he rarely used the former.

Los Angeles didn’t get cold enough to mess with turning the heater on, in his opinion.

Sure, early mornings could get a little chilly in the winter months, but it was a rare occurrence for it to actually be considered cold.

Still, state law required every rental property have it, so it was guaranteed the apartment complex had an HVAC system.

Of course, everyone wanted air conditioning.

Setting the beat-up red metal toolbox on the ground, Ace reached back and grabbed the ladder he’d hauled up with him. Once it was inside, he closed the door and got to work.

Inside the toolbox were pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, and other assorted tools that may or may not be needed when working on HVAC equipment. It didn’t matter. They were all just props, and he doubted anyone—if he even stumbled upon anyone—would look too hard.

In case someone was watching on camera, he whistled to himself as he moved the ladder beneath the large vent in the living room. Climbing up, he looked at the screws.

Flathead.

He went to the toolbox, got the corresponding screwdriver, then got back on the ladder. While he went about unscrewing the first corner with one hand, his other hand casually used the small bug detection device.

It didn’t beep.

So far, so good. But he was willing to bet they had cameras or microphones there somewhere.

If they didn’t, then perhaps this was just a case of a random break-in. The thought still made his blood boil. Anyone coming after his babygirl was going to have to answer to him.

She’s not your babygirl, Ace. Calm down.

“Damn. She needs to change her filters,” he said, once all four screws were off and the vent swung down, suspended on its hinges.

It wasn’t too dusty, but it had probably been over a month since the filter had been replaced. Ace did know enough to know you needed to keep up with that to get the best airflow.

He’d mention it to her.

But right now, he slipped his hand nonchalantly into his pocket, retrieved a microscopic camera, and positioned it.

One down, four to go.

He repeated the process four more times around the apartment, also keeping his eyes peeled for several things that were tellingly absent.

He was just finishing up, putting the few tools he’d gotten out away, when the door opened and someone yelled, “Freeze! United States Marshals!”

“Whoa there!” he said, standing up with his hands raised. “What the hell’s going on here?”

Two agents—a man and a woman—had guns out and aimed squarely at him.

“I don’t have a gun,” Ace stated.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m servicing the HVAC.”

“Who called you?”

“Building super. Chris.”

The Guard had done enough research to know the building manager’s name, in case something like this happened. Now, if the deputy marshals actually followed up with him to see if he’d called for HVAC, well… the cover would be blown.

“Stay still,” the female agent said. “He’s going to have a look in that toolbox.”

“Go ahead,” Ace said. He snorted, shook his head, and did his best to seem perturbed. “Gee whiz. It’s getting to where a hardworking guy can’t even do his job without the damn gov’ment always stepping in. We keep our permits and licenses up! There’s no need for this.”

He felt he was really giving a good performance. Maybe Harrison Trent would vouch for him to the studio and he could get an acting gig. Or maybe Stryker would just cast him in his next picture.

The thought nearly made him laugh, but he managed to keep it together and play his part.

“Sir, we are not interested in your permits. The United States Marshals office does not work in compliance. That’s between you and the city. We are here investigating another matter,” the deputy said, keeping her gun trained on Ace’s chest.

Hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches clanked loudly together as the other agent searched. “It’s just tools.”

“Like I told you both,” Ace said. “Just my tools. Can I put my damn hands down now, please? I’ve got other units to go in and I still need to get on the roof. I don’t have all day.”

He hoped they wouldn’t follow him to verify those claims. He’d just have to worry about that in a few minutes. Right now, he needed to talk his way out of this jam.

“Go ahead,” the woman said. “What’s your name?”

“Jim.”

“Last name?”

“Taylor.”

“Who do you work for?”

“All City Electric and HVAC.”

The woman nodded. Finally lowering her gun, she didn’t holster it but left it dangling in her hand at her side.

“What’s going on here? Is something crazy happening around this place?” Ace smiled, raising his eyebrows as if excited by the prospect. “Like in the movies?”

“We are not at liberty to comment in an ongoing investigation,” she said.

“It’s best you move along, and this unit is off-limits until further notice,” the other marshal added.

“Sure.”

You don’t have to tell me twice, Ace thought.

“Wait!” the woman called out as he was almost to the door.

“Yeah?” It was awkward to half turn back, holding his toolbox in one hand and the A-frame ladder hanging off his other shoulder. He made sure they knew how uncomfortable he was, hoping they wouldn’t talk too long.

“How did you get in here?” she asked.

“Key. Super gave it.”

He noticed her eyes falling to the open door’s knob. Apparently, seeing that it wasn’t broken reassured her that he was telling the truth.

It was a half-truth, Ace noted silently.

He had gotten in with a key, but one Stryker had furnished him. A key that was supposed to unlock almost any door. How he’d gotten it, Ace didn’t know.

Unfortunately, Lana had fled before she could grab anything, including her keys.

Ace could tell the deputy was thinking it over. “All right. You’re free to go.”

He went as casually as possible, though the cumbersome ladder made things a little awkward.

Thankfully, the two deputy marshals didn’t follow him.

He made it downstairs and to the van without incident.