Page 13 of The Paternity Puzzle
The Locke brothers groaned in unison and exchanged disgruntled grimaces.
“I’m really sick of hearing about that guy,” Jace grumbled.
“At least Holly didn’t spend the week with him in Denver,” Royce countered.
Sawyer rolled his eyes heavenward for help. “I didn’t spend the week withhim. We were at the same conference and talked a few times.”
“One of the conversations was during a private breakfast,” Royce told his brother.
“Dude.” Jace cast a disappointed look at Sawyer.
“It was in an empty ballroom, not a hotel room, and we weren’t alone,” Sawyer argued. “His publicist, an agent, and the producer for an upcoming project were also there. We talkedabout solving cold cases and the possibility that his father could’ve killed women in Savannah during the mid-nineties.”
“Whoa,” Jace said. “Seriously?”
Sawyer nodded. “They lived in a rural area in Chatham County but spent a lot of time in Savannah, though I’m not sure how strong Alec’s memories are because he was only five at the time.”
“So, what’s going to happen next?” Holly asked.
“He’s probably moving to Savannah for a while to ‘investigate’ alongside our spouses.” Royce’s use of air quotes was a nice touch. Sawyer studied his husband closely. Royce hadn’t sounded upset when he’d told him about the meeting. Had Sawyer been wrong, or did he just want to wind everyone up? Royce gave him a subtle wink, and Sawyer got his answer.
“Over my dead body,” Jace growled.
“Interfere in my career and I just might make that a reality,” Holly warned him. “I have loved you since before I even knew what the emotion was, Jace. I don’t have the hots for Alec Bishop, but I respect him for turning in his dad and getting justice for the victims’ families. The guy didn’t just send Andrew to prison. He upended his entire world to do the right thing, which turned his life into a media frenzy.”
“One that has paid him handsomely,” Jace said. “I bet he’s making a fortune off the book he wrote.”
“I don’t want him or his potential fortune.” Holly’s mouth curved into a devious smile. “And besides, I’m pretty sure Sawyer is more his type than I am.”
And just like that, the glee in Royce’s sexy gray eyes dimmed. Jace burst into laughter and teased his brother mercilessly while Sawyer scowled at Holly. “You little minx. I might just use your signed book to start a fire in the pit tonight.”
She threw up her hands. “I’m just getting even with Ro for stirring up trouble.” Holly turned to Sawyer. “Is Alec really coming here?”
“We’re going to look through our cold case database and note any murders that might match Andrew’s MO during the times they were in Savannah. I’m going to call Chief Mendoza and Abe this week and see what they think. There’s so much media attention on everything Alec does, and we won’t want to bring that kind of pressure to our doorsteps unless we’re certain we’re going on more than wild speculation.”
“What about bringing Jonah in to assist?” Holly said.
Stella, the supercomputer Jonah built for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, would analyze the cold cases much quicker than they could. “I mentioned that to Alec, and he doesn’t have hesitations about working with the GBI, but Jonah’s side hustle is a concern,” Sawyer said.
The idea to start theSinister in Savannahpodcast occurred during a poker game at Sawyer and Royce’s house. Jonah, Felix, and Rocky couldn’t be more different individually, but together, the steadfast GBI agent, dogged reporter, and the wily private investigator formed a tenacious trio. They’d investigated and solved cases that righted decades-old injustices and garnered international attention. Their podcast continued to top the charts years later, and Alec didn’t want to tread on their territory. Sawyer suspected he worried more about the trio sweeping in to do their own investigation, and his assurances to the contrary would hold very little sway with Alec since they were virtual strangers.
“He doesn’t want to share the limelight,” Jace said.
“Maybe,” Royce replied. “But the investigation and future podcast are really personal to Alec. I can’t fault him for being protective of his intellectual property and wanting to control the narrative.”
Sawyer glanced out the window and saw the trio of trouble lounging by the pool with their spouses. A potential connection between Andrew Bishop and Savannah would make them salivate, but they’d never act in a dishonorable way. But he’d honor Alec’s wishes and not divulge any parts of their conversation with the podcasters. “This conversation stays between us, right?”
“Like I’d blow an opportunity to get in on this action,” Holly said.
Royce gave him the “You have to ask?” look, which drew a wink from Sawyer.
Jace formed a triangle with his fingers and held it above his head. “Cone of silence.” He lowered his arms and cocked his head to the side. “Unless I catch that man moving in on my wife. Then all bets are off.”
Royce laughed, and Holly rolled her eyes.
“Better get the cheese and get back to the grill before you burn the burgers,” Sawyer said.
Royce tsked and shook his head. “Ye of little faith. I’ve got Diego covering the grill for me.” But he pecked a kiss on Sawyer’s cheek and retrieved the plate of cheese.