Page 61 of Storm Warning

“Will you?”

“Of course not. I’d have to be an idiot to let that jewel of a woman go. To be honest, Riley being dangerous as well as beautiful intrigues me.”

“It’s good to have someone who watches your back. So, did Riley get information from Rutland?”

“Unfortunately, no. He talked plenty but had little information to tell. Joe is enough of a professional hitman that he doesn’t know who his employer is. The employer paid him half upfront to kidnap Riley. He tried to sneak up to the cabin with zip ties, duct tape, and a black hood. We used the duct tape and hood on him.”

“There’s irony for you. Was he sent after Riley specifically?”

“He knew her name, Z. I didn’t see a picture of her on him, so I’m not sure Joe knew what she looked like. If he didn’t, Joe could have taken Iona by mistake. That would devastate Artemis and Riley in particular.

“One of my primary concerns is how he knew about the cabin. Someone gave him the address of Rod’s place. We have to find out who leaked the information and plug the hole. If we don’t, the cabin will have to come off the safe house list, and I love this place. I don’t want to lose this cabin as a haven for people who need help.”

“I don’t think the leak is on our end, but I’ll start the search. What else can I do for you?”

“We need another safe house. Good old Joe won’t be the last assassin to know this address if we don’t uncover the leak fast.”

“Understood. I’ll send you a list of other locations that are available and close.”

“Thanks. Look, I know you have a million other things on your plate, Zane, but we need to find the account set up to pay for the hit on Riley.”

“Agreed. When I find it, what do you want me to do?”

“Drain the money and hold the funds. When we gather enough evidence to convince the cops to arrest Joe and whoever follows him, you can put the money back for the feds to find.”

“Very nice. I like it. What else?”

“Locate a man named Miles Thomas. He’s an ex-con who was released from jail two weeks ago. I want to know where he is.”

“I’ll find him. Who is he?”

“The foster father who walked into Riley’s room one night when she was sixteen and tried to rape her. I want to know where he is and whether he’s looking for Riley.”

“Do you have plans for him?”

“I’m gathering information.” But if Andre could hand out some repayment, he wouldn’t mind at all.

“I’ll find him. Anything else I can do?”

“You have more than enough items on your checklist, Z. If you can run down this information, we’ll owe you dinner at your favorite restaurant.”

Zane laughed. “You’ll get off cheap. My son loves Chuck E. Cheese these days.”

Andre chuckled. “Chuck E. Cheese, it is, then. Thanks, Z.”

“Yep. Later.”

After Zane ended the call, Andre zipped his Go bag and slid it and his equipment bag over his shoulder. He scanned the room. Too bad they couldn’t have stayed here a few more days. This home was familiar ground and had top of the line Fortress security measures. Not too many places would be this perfect for them.

He stepped into the hall and went downstairs to leave his bags near the front door alongside his teammates’ gear. Andre sniffed and followed his nose to the kitchen. “Something smells good in here.”

Iona smiled at him over her shoulder. “Waffles and bacon. Can’t beat the combination of sweet and salty.”

“You’ll get no argument from me. Have you seen Riley?”

She inclined her head toward the patio. “She took her cup of tea outside a few minutes ago.”

Andre poured himself a mug of coffee and opened the back door. He found Riley sitting on an outdoor couch, sipping her tea and watching birds in the trees. “May I join you?”