Page 140 of Seven Deadly Sins

It had closed at his death. A bit more searching dug up the old-fashioned ideas of women not cutting their hair or wearing pants. Nor could they work outside the home once they had children. Not what “enlightened” people believed, but maybe they could be easily converted.

Except…Annie wore her uniform of tan pants and shirt. She kept her hair cut around her shoulders and up in a bun, so she didn’t fit the profile of her father’s former church.

Not exactly something that would clear her name in court, but it did ease Harper’s mind a bit. She set the woman aside for now. Tomorrow, she’d try asking some subtle questions to see how Annie responded. Next, she typed in their rookie, Lance Birdwell.

Liam set her glass next to her, his arm brushing against hers and sending a bolt of electricity through her. She glanced up to meet his warm gaze. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” A slow, sexy smile crossed his face before he returned to his seat across from her.

Harper, you are truly a fool to push him a way. She gave a sigh and returned to her laptop screen.

Birdwell had a minor as a juvenile, did community service, and entered the police academy right out of high school. Nothing about him hinted that he’d be into something as crazy as what Robert had going.

Neither did Officer Schultz. “I got nothing.”

“Annie?” Liam didn’t look up from his screen.

“I’m going to ask some questions tomorrow. See whether any spidey senses start tingling.” She reached for her tea. “Maybe we’re wasting our time.”

“We aren’t.” This time he met her gaze. “Robert was always a step ahead of us. Now, he’s gone into hiding. Someone knows where he is or how to get a hold of him. We have to find that someone and get them to talk.”

“He’s no longer a step ahead of us. Neither of us are heading anywhere.”

“We’re going to—”

“I know. We’re going to get him.” Question was when?

~

Robert couldn’t be happier. His men had worked extremely hard over the last week converting the barn. Daniel had picked up a few more converts. Robert’s informant deserved a reward for finding them. Some were homeless people from the streets, but since they were happy to be included and willing to work around the compound, Robert accepted them with open arms.

The sound of an approaching helicopter sent everyone scurrying. Everyone except a small boy.

“Get him out of sight,” Robert ordered. “Discipline can be swift and unpleasant.” He didn’t care whether child or adult. Breaking the rules would require punishment.

The child’s father darted from under the camouflage, scooped his child into his arms, and disappeared into the barn. Good. The area showed no signs of life as the helicopter passed by.

Robert would bring up the rules and responsibilities of parents toward their children at the next meeting. If they couldn’t keep their children under control, they’d never be allowed outside to play. Which would be unfortunate. Children needed sunlight to thrive.

He waited until the copter passed out of sight, then gave the all clear. Within seconds, the area again hummed with people going about their individual jobs.

More room was becoming a necessity. Building would require finesse. First, a camouflage, then small cottages.

He pounded his fist on his thigh. Things needed to move more quickly. He had a job to do!

A pounding started behind his eyes and moved to the base of his skull. He pulled a pair of sunglasses from his pocket and headed inside. What he needed now was a stiff drink and a bed.

Then, when the headache stopped, he’d proceed with his plans.

Two hours later, he stumbled down the cellar stairs, turned on the camera, and focused a single spotlight on the woman tied to the chair. Without a word, he left her.

~

When Liam finished the background checks, he had one possible suspect. The IT guy he’d suspected in the beginning. Too much time between relay of information. Misplaced information. These could be because of an overworked schedule, but he put a check by the man’s name.

He glanced up and frowned at the worry lines creasing Harper’s forehead. “Are you going to be able to do what needs doing if Annie is the mole?”

Her eyes sparked. “Of course, I will. It’s my job. I’d turn you in if I suspected you.”