Scott nodded. “So there’s a bounty on me?”
“More like reward for information. Maybe you. Okay, after your parents’ vandalism, probably you. So far, we got shit on this Dos Exquis scumbag. But his paperwork looks suspect so I’m digging. He’s been out of prison for six months. Visits his parole officer like clockwork.”
“He got a job?” Somewhere I can find him, Scott thought.
“You hear about the economy? Jobs are scarce even for the good guys. I’ll ask you again, can you think of anyone else who might want to get at you?”
“I’m pretty sure X is the guy trying to punch my ticket.”
“What did you say your girlfriend’s name is?”
“I didn’t say I had one.”
“Don’t get cute, Lucca. I know you. There’s a woman somewhere.”
“Is this really necessary?”
“If she’s a regular booty call, it’s necessary. They found your parents.”
Scott glanced toward the kitchen where Cole was still cleaning. “It’s delicate.”
“Surgery is delicate. Murder is messy.”
“It’s personal.”
“It can’t be personal. You said this is related to your former U/C assignment. That makes it my business, too.”
“She’s on the job and owed some consideration.”
“Police? Then at least give her a heads-up.” Dave waited three heartbeats before he changed the subject. “I’ll check with ATF. See if they’ve picked up any additional info about a bounty on a narc’s head. When are you leaving for your new assignment?”
“Tomorrow. DEA is anxious for us to get under way.”
“Where will you be?”
“How about I call you?”
Longer pause. “If I get anything else you’ll hear from me. Meanwhile, don’t get yourself fucking dead playing the hero.”
“Yes, sir.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“So I explained that it was just a business-related coincidence that we were together when I got the phone call. Because you remember them fondly, you offered to come along.” Scott looked out across his parents’ backyard to where their pool lay smooth as a mirror reflecting back the sky and trees in the late-summer evening light. “They needed to know that you coming with me didn’t mean anything was going on between us.”
Cole nodded. “Okay.”
This was the first real conversation they had had since they had left Harmonie Kennels late the night before. They had done a lot of cleanup in one day. But the house needed more, and then he needed to get professionals in to handle the stains and furniture repair. She and Scott had both showered at the hotel, separately, after she’d bought a pair of capris and a tee and a few other necessities. She was going to catch the late bus back to Virginia shortly. She’d already obtained tickets and a pass that allowed a police K-9 to travel with her. In less than thirty-six hours round-trip she would be back at Harmonie Kennels.
She glanced sideways at him. His hair, still damp in the warm summer air, lay in little C-hooks along his brow and collar. Her heart swelled—stupid heart—at the sight. She longed to run her finger along the column of his neck. Or maybe pull him close into her arms to offer the comfort of her body touching his. But she didn’t dare. Every tense line of his body told her to Keep Out.
Just as well she was going back because she didn’t know what to do with any of the feelings running through her. It wasn’t just lust this time. This was something much more risky. Something neither of them could afford to acknowledge right now.
Scott was staying on two days longer to shore things up for his parents. His dad would be released from the hospital in the morning. Other than out of necessity, Scott had scarcely spoken to her all day. She had gotten the message. She had barged in without thinking and without welcome. By doing so, she’d made things awkward with his parents. Scott was trying to be civil but it was hard.
Cole licked her lips, her throat suddenly dry. “I hope my appearance didn’t upset your parents.”
Scott looked pained. “The exact opposite. Dad’s still in a hospital bed and they were already making plans for us to come visit when the house is redone. Insurance is going to pay for a lot.”
“I see.”
Cole picked up and tossed a ball to Hugo, who went hustling after it. Izzy was asleep on top of Scott’s feet. “I’m sorry if my presence is an embarrassment for you.”
“You aren’t an embarrassment.” He sure seemed interested in something going on in the yard behind the fence. Or, he really didn’t want to look at her.
“I just wanted to help.” To cover her acute discomfort she launched herself out of the patio chair as Hugo came hurrying back. He spit out the ball at her feet in the hopes of another toss.