Page 77 of Storm Warning

“Why would I do that, Riley? I didn’t know you lived in this area. Besides, even though I hated prison, my time behind bars brought Kara into my life. I never would have met her under other circumstances. The endless days in prison were worth it to have Kara.”

Kara beamed at him. “Oh, Miles, you know how I feel about that. I truly believe you and I were destined to be together.”

“Do you know why a jury convicted Thomas and sentenced him to prison?” Iona asked.

“Of course, but the charges were false. If Miles had had a better lawyer, he never would have been convicted of something he didn’t do.”

“When Thomas’s wife and son burst into my bedroom, they found him with his hands on me, attempting to tear off my clothes.” Riley stepped to the side of Andre. “I didn’t make up the charges, Kara. I simply told the truth when the police questioned me about that night.”

Kara waved that aside. “I know all about that night. Miles told me you misunderstood what he was doing. You’re lucky he’s so generous and kind. Otherwise, he could take you to court witha lawsuit.” She wrapped her arm around his waist. “Although I appreciate you delivering Ms. Mason’s books, you should go now. Miles and I have errands to run.” She beamed again. “We’re getting married the day after tomorrow.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing, Ms. Street.” Riley stepped back. “Miles Thomas is not who he pretends to be, and I hope you don’t find out the hard way how wrong you are about him and his character.”

They climbed into the SUV a minute later and drove away from the massive mansion. Elias sighed. “Well, that was a bust.”

“Not totally.” Andre glanced at him in the rearview mirror. “We know Thomas didn’t hire Rutland and Carter and send them after Riley. Now that we have his name, Zane will trace the funds coming and going from his accounts. If he lied about knowing the two men, Z’s investigation will eventually connect the assassination fund with the person who hired those men. If it’s Thomas, we’ll nail him to the wall for coming after Riley.”

Andre guided the vehicle onto the interstate and headed for Franklin. Thirty minutes later, he followed the navigation system’s instructions to Angie Dodd’s home. Unlike Kara’s monstrous house, Angie’s was large but not ostentatious. The spacious yard was awash with colorful flowers growing in well-tended beds all around the property. Although he didn’t have enough patience to tend flowers at his own house, he appreciated their beauty.

After helping Riley to the driveway, he used his body to shield her from anyone inside the home who might watch them. “Are you ready for this?”

She looked up at him, her face pale. “I have to be. We need answers.” Riley swallowed hard. “I don’t want to believe Angie tried to kidnap and kill me, but we have to be sure. If she’s lying, I’ll know.”

“We can delay ringing the doorbell for a couple of minutes if you need time to gather yourself.” He wished Riley would give herself a break. The trauma from her childhood had left invisible scars, yet she demanded more from herself than she did of her teammates.

Riley shook her head. “Let’s get this over with so we can either mark Angie off the list or turn her over to the authorities.”

“All right.” Andre bent and brushed his mouth over hers. “You’ve got this, and we have your back.” He drew her away from the SUV and closed the passenger door. They met Iona and Elias on the walkway and walked to the porch together.

Andre rang the bell and eased in front of Riley as they waited, hoping his action might give her a few more seconds to prepare for the confrontation to come.

Seconds later, the door opened. Instead of Angie or her husband, a young girl looked up at him. “Hello. We’re looking for Angie Dodd Whitmore. Is she at home?”

“Diana, who’s at the door?” a female voice said from somewhere deeper in the house.

Behind him, Riley gasped. Did she recognize the voice of her former mentor, or was something else wrong?

Andre reached behind him to wrap his hand around Riley’s as Diana looked over her shoulder.

“Some people are here looking for you.”

“Who is it?”

“I need to go, Mom. I’m late. Audrey expected me fifteen minutes ago.”

“Go ahead.” A woman in her forties hurried into view. “Call me when you get there, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am. I love you. Bye.” Diana raced out the door and hurried down the street.

“Sorry about that.” Angie eyed Andre and glanced at his friends. Her gaze lingered on what she could see of Riley. “My daughter said you were looking for me. I’m Angie Whitmore.”

“Andre Marsh.” He shook her hand. “These are my friends, Iona and Elias, and you already know Riley.”

Riley stepped out from behind Andre. “Hello, Angie. It’s been a long time.”

“Riley,” she whispered. “Oh, my goodness. Riley.” Angie threw her arms around Riley’s neck and hugged her, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I can’t believe you’re here. How did you find me?”

“I have friends with connections in law enforcement and government agencies. You weren’t hard to find.”