Page 58 of Fatal Intent

“Should I expect the detectives to be waiting for us when we land in Nashville?”

“Again, no. Time of death was determined to be after you and your team were wheels up. We gave the detectives plenty of proof that you couldn’t be their perp.”

“How did this guy disable my security system?” If his system had a weakness, Fortress had a problem. His security system was the best Fortress produced.

“He didn’t.”

Grant blinked. “Sir?”

“The perp broke the large living room window, tossed your cousin’s body through the opening, and drove away.”

“What about the security cameras? Were they working?”

Maddox inclined his head. “We pulled the footage, which we shared with the Hartman detectives. Wasn’t much help, I’m afraid. The guy wore a mask and gloves and did something to the license plate of his truck to blur the image on camera. We saw enough to convince us that your cousin was already dead when the killer dumped him in your living room.”

Rayne tightened her hold on Grant’s hand, providing unspoken support during this difficult conversation.

“What about my family? Are they safe?”

“I’ve already spoken to your parents and your siblings. Although I offered Fortress protection until this matter is resolved, they’ve all refused to accept.”

Grant scowled. Bowens were stubborn. “I’ll talk to them after we land.”

“If you can convince them to cooperate with us, I have four bodyguards lined up for your family. They’ll stay until you run the perp to ground.”

Maddox shifted his attention to Rayne. “You’re at risk as well, Rayne.”

“Grant and I haven’t been dating long, sir. How would this perp know I matter to Grant?”

Their boss gave a short bark of laughter. “Anyone who sees you two together would know immediately that you’re involved in a relationship. You might not have admitted it until now, but the interest was clear on both sides since the undercover operation to take down the militia.”

Dismay had Grant’s stomach knotting. His gaze locked with Rayne’s. Had he unintentionally brought her into the middle of a nightmare? She’d already dealt with enough without him adding danger to her already dangerous career.

Rayne held his gaze for a long beat, then leaned over and brushed his lips with hers. “No,” she murmured.

He blinked. “No?”

“You aren’t dumping me, Grant Bowen.”

“You didn’t know what you were signing up for when you agreed to an exclusive relationship with me.”

“Didn’t I?” She shook her head. “Whether it was this enemy or another one at a later time, one of us would be in the crosshairs. Our jobs are dangerous, just as they were when we were cops. I’m not walking away, Grant. Are you?”

His lips curved despite his driving need to protect her from everything that might cause her harm, including himself. But he had to acknowledge the truth. It was far too late for him to walk away from Rayne Weatherly. He needed her more than his next breath. “Never.”

If she only knew how much he meant what he’d said. He was in this for the long haul. If he had his way, Rayne would be the center of his world from now on.

Since he wasn’t walking away, the only option left was to protect this woman with everything in his arsenal, including his own life if necessary. Although the timing might be the worst in the history of dating, Grant couldn’t regret claiming this extraordinary woman as his. He leaned close and brushed his lips over hers.

“Now that your love life is settled, can we get on with the briefing?” Maddox asked, his tone wry.

Grant tore himself away from Rayne’s gaze. “Sorry, boss.”

“Don’t lie to me, Bowen.” Amusement lit the man’s eyes.

He chuckled. “You got me. I take that back. I’m not sorry to have Rayne in my life.” His smile faded. “What are the next steps now, sir?”

“First thing on your checklist is to convince your family to accept Fortress’s protection. Whoever is behind this vendetta isn’t finished by a long shot, and I’m afraid your family is in the crosshairs.”