Page 65 of Night and Day

“It was fresh,” I said. “Whoever did it, did it fast and left it for Tessa and me to find.”

Everett was frowning. “You think it’s all related? The basement, the railing, this?”

I nodded. “I do.”

“I’m looking into it,” my head of security said. “I’m running searches on all Ro’s rivals and anyone who has a beef with Langston Hotels. Plus going through the hate mail that started when the sale of the Windward was finalized.”

Everett scraped a hand through his hair. “Fuck.”

“No one is getting hurt.” My gaze flicked to Tessa and back. “I will ensure this person is stopped before things get out of hand. Everett, keep an eye out. Your team sees all areas of the hotel. Tell them to watch out for anything or anyone that looks off.”

The man nodded.

“I want to get Tessa back to the hotel.” I didn’t want her out here in the trees with a person who’d happily slit the throat of a living animal.

“Take my ATV,” Caden said. “I’ll help Murray dispose of the deer.”

And no doubt poke around the area for any signs of our deer-killing saboteur.

“Caden, I want this asshole found,” I murmured. “Before he kills someone.”

My head of security gave me a swift nod.

I swung my leg over the four-wheeled vehicle, and settled on the seat. I patted the space behind me.

“Do you know how to drive this?” she asked, looking dubious.

“I won’t crash.”

“Famous last words.” She climbed on behind me, her body pushing up against mine. I took a second to absorb the feel of her.

Damn. I liked it.

“Hold on.” I pulled her arms securely around my middle.

Her breath hitched. I flicked a finger to the men, then gunned the engine and we set off down the hillside. I didn’t go very fast. I wouldn’t risk an accident with Tessa on the back.

Soon, she snuggled into me, holding tight. I suspected she was enjoying the ride. I was. I liked the feel of being outdoors as much as I enjoyed having Tessa close.

When we pulled up at the resort, one of Everett’s team raced over to take the keys.

“Thanks, Carlos,” Tessa said.

The young man nodded. “Chef is rampaging around the kitchen.”

She winced. “So I heard.” She turned to me. “I need to go.”

I had the sudden irrational urge of not wanting her out of my sight. Dragging in a deep breath, I nodded. “And I need to get to my calls.” I was the likely target here. She’d be safer if she wasn’t with me.

Her gaze met mine. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”

“You will.” Fighting the urge to touch her, I slid my hands into my pockets.

* * *

I wastired and had a pounding headache. My calls had been brutal and endless. Negotiations for my newest acquisition weren’t going well.

I sank back in my office chair.