Page 19

HUNTER

H unter had not slept overnight with anyone in a very long time. His few overnight stays in previous relationships had been awkward and—he quickly learned—came with baggage of expectations afterwards.

But he didn’t think he’d wake with any regrets to find Trixie in his arms. She snored the smallest amount, a cute, steady little hum that was more comfortable than annoying. Her dark curls splayed across her pillow and she didn’t wake when Hunter brushed them lovingly away from her face.

It took all of Hunter’s self-control to leave, but he had work to do and didn’t want to risk disturbing her to do it.

The truck sounded loud in the silence as it started, but although Hunter looked hopefully back, the lights in Trixie’s didn’t come on and she didn’t come out to call him back.

It was ridiculous of him to think she would.

He put the truck in gear and drove away, following the now-familiar roads to the sterile hotel .

He had an email from Baxter:

When did you start watching soap operas?

Carthridge and the Coalition for Nature are top notch drama.

Carthridge is a multi-billionaire who could probably give Dad a run for his money.

Got his riches in the travel industry when it was booming and then got out before the restrictions got heavy.

He’s had a string of hot young wives, including his latest ex, Mrs. Tiffany Amberly Carthridge…

who is a major donor for a certain environmental group that will not shock you. You were right that it was personal.

She’s in Florida. He’s got residences in South Carolina, Arizona, Montana, and Washington State that make the place you’re building look like a hovel. The divorce looks like it hurt him pretty badly. Two of the places are on the market with million-dollar pricetags.

How’s Alaska? Staying warm?

There were links to Tiffany’s social media, Carthridge’s public trust listings, and some lawsuits that Carthridge had been involved in, including three paternity suits.

Hunter typed a brief answer, knowing that because of the time zones, Baxter wouldn’t see it until morning.

Thanks.

Tiffany, in her glammed-up selfies, definitely didn’t look like the type who was up here doing the damage personally. She’d probably paid someone, and getting that kind of information would require a warrant, but none of this was enough information to bring in the troopers yet.

Hunter leaned back in his chair. Keith and Kyle were still his first suspects.

They’d mentioned working odd jobs, and this definitely qualified.

If money was tight and the offer was right, they were both young and dumb enough to try something.

And they were shifters. Hunter just didn’t know what kind.

Nap? his bear said wistfully.

It had been a long several days of hard exertion. Trixie drove him hard on the jobsite, and he returned the favor in bed. He was sated and tired.

These clues would last until morning, and tomorrow was going to be another long day.