Page 75 of Storm Warning

“That’s all Zane wrote except to note that most of her file before she met and married Whitmore has been redacted.”

Riley’s mouth gaped. “You’re kidding?”

“Nope.”

Well, what did that mean? Had her old friend from Homestead been part of the military or a government agency?

Andre rose and tugged Riley to her feet. “Let’s get going. We’ll plan our approach on the way. Clock’s ticking.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

ANDRE PARKED INfront of the Street mansion and turned off the engine. He threaded his fingers through Riley’s and studied the house.

“This is a classy place,” Elias said from the backseat. “Miles Thomas doesn’t belong here.”

“You’ll get no argument from me.” Andre looked at Riley. “Last chance to back out. No one will think less of you if you sit this one out.”

“I will. Let’s get this over with so we can drive to Franklin and talk to Angie.”

Andre squeezed her hand briefly, then exited the SUV to circle the hood and open her door. “Ready?”

She gave a slight nod.

He picked up a bag of books, walked with Riley to the double front door, and rang the bell. Elias was correct. This house was too classy for the likes of Miles Thomas.

A minute later, the door opened, and a maid greeted them. “May I help you?”

“We’d like to see Ms. Street, please.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No, ma’am.” Andre gave the woman his most charming smile. “I’m Andre Marsh. We’re friends of Brenna Mason, and she asked us to drop off signed books for Ms. Street’s literacy auction next month.” One quick phone call to Eli Wolfe, Brenna’s husband, had netted the perfect excuse to stop byunannounced since Kara was a huge fan of Brenna’s work. Thank goodness for Zane’s top-tier research skills, which had unearthed that little gem of information.

The maid opened the door wider and stepped back. “Please come in and wait in the sitting room. I’ll let Ms. Street know you’re here.” She led them to a large room to the left of the entryway and left them there. She returned less than five minutes later with a man and a woman.

Andre recognized them from the photos Zane had sent. Kara Street looked like the all-American girl next door. Blond hair, sparkling blue eyes, a generous mouth, and a delicate frame. She couldn’t be over five feet five, the stuff of dreams if you were into women who were blond, built, and beautiful. Andre was into brunettes himself, specifically one brunette.

Miles Thomas stood close to six feet tall with a muscled frame. From his broad chest to his tapered waist, Thomas’ physique showcased a man who’d had nothing much to do with his time except work out. Roped muscles covered his arms. If Andre hadn’t been working out like a fiend with his teammates and Artemis, he’d hate to go up against Thomas alone.

Beside Andre, Riley stiffened as she stared at her worst nightmare come to life. He longed to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but this wasn’t the time for comfort. He’d do nothing to make Riley seem weak in front of her nemesis. She said she could handle being in the same room with Thomas, and he believed her.

Kara Street walked toward Andre with her hand outstretched. “Mr. Marsh, I’m Kara Street. It’s so nice to meet a friend of Ms. Mason’s.” After shaking his hand, Kara introduced Thomas. “We appreciate you going to the trouble of delivering Ms. Mason’s books. I’m thrilled to offer these signed first editions at the auction.”

Andre handed her the bag. “Ms. Mason hopes that her books and her donation will help. Literacy is a cause near to her heart.”

Thomas didn’t say a word during their conversation. Instead, he stared at Riley. Two minutes later, recognition filled his eyes and his lips curved slightly.

Andre moved closer to Riley. If Thomas took one step toward her, he’d regret it.

“We’re so grateful to Ms. Mason for her kindness and generosity. Tell me something, Mr. Marsh. Is she as nice as she appears to be?”

“Yes, ma’am. She is.”

“I knew it,” Kara said, smiling. “Didn’t I tell you she wasn’t a fake, honey?” She beamed at Thomas. “I was right.”

“You got me, baby doll. You were right again.” He bent and pressed a hard, possessive kiss to her mouth with his gaze locked on Riley. When he straightened, Thomas turned to Riley. “You grew into a beautiful woman, Riley Sloan. I’m sorry I missed seeing you blossom.”

Kara looked at Riley, then back at Thomas. “You know this woman?”