Page 97 of When He Defends

Emerson maintained her position between Gray’s sprawled form and Hannah.

“Even before I got the phone call today,” Hannah continued, voice grim, “I knew. I met up with your buddy Rylan late last night. Guy probably thought he’d give me some drinks, my tongue would get loose, and I’d say something to help with the big investigation you seem to have going on here atmyresort.”

“Gray needs help,” Emerson whispered.

“But Rylan never noticed when I slipped a few special drops inhisdrink. Suddenly, he couldn’t stop talking to me. Telling me how important he was. Telling me that he was hunting a serial killer. That he was part of an undercover team.”

Rylan.

“Then a helpful phone call came right when you approached my desk today. An anonymous, Good Samaritan who wanted to speak with someone in charge. Of course, I am the person in charge at the resort. Suddenly, there was a rasping voice telling me that I needed to know individuals at my resort were using fake identities. Maybe even fake credit cards. That I had to check you out. Investigate. Even gave me a full, physical description of you and yourpartner.” Mocking laughter. “As if I didn’t get suspicious when you magically found the cameras. I already know about your nosy night walk last night. Harris told me.”

“Harris?”

“The night guard you encountered.” Hannah surged forward.

Emerson held her ground. That woman was not getting near Gray.

“Harris saw you. He reported to me. Everyone reports to me.I am the resort.”

“Pretty sure the owner of the place might disagree.”

“Hold out your fucking arm!”

Emerson kept her arms by her sides. “I’m guessing you sent the horses on that stampede? Where are the attendants? Shouldn’t someone have noticed that horses just galloped wildly through the area?”

“I snuck into the vet’s area. Gave the horses a little something extra that set them off. Made sure the stables were deserted first. Easy to divert workers when you’re the boss.”

“Uh, those horses could be out hurting other guests…”

“Like I give a shit?”

Right.

“Hold out your fucking arm.”

Emerson’s gaze locked on the syringe. “Why? So you can make killing me easier?”

“I can shoot you in the knee cap. Take you down and make youhurt.Or I can give you a little shot. No pain. No blood. You’llbe out before your body ever hits the ground. You can die beside your fake husband.”

Emerson swallowed. “What’s in the syringe?”

“Horse tranq. Enough to send you racing straight to hell.”

“I don’t think I’m going to hell.” She wanted to look back at Gray. So badly. “I haven’t killed anyone. You can’t say the same.”

“They deserved it!”Spittle flew from Hannah’s mouth. “Men say they will love you forever. They say that you’re the only one they want. The one they will spend eternity with—only theylie.They break your heart. They shatter it. Theyfucking have sex with their massage clients!And you’re supposed to just move on? Act like it never happened? Love doesn’t last. Not unless wemakeit last. I made sure those couples were together just like they vowed…until death.”

Emerson nodded. “Someone broke your heart. Guessing that someone was Angel?”

“He’s the devil!”

“Angel cheated, and, in response, you decided to go on a killing spree? Hate to be the one to point this out…” Where in the sweet hell was her backup? “But that’s going overboard, don’t you think?”

“Hold out your fucking arm!”

“Who’s the partner for you in this little drama? Not Angel. You two areclearlyon the outs. So who helped you with the killings?”

Hannah gave a quick start of surprise.