He no longer minded sharing how his close ties to her uncle came about. “When I got out of prison, it was suggested that I look up Reverend Luther Thomas. He was a former inmate whose sentence was overturned when they’d discovered he was innocent. He decided to dedicate his life to helping other inmates get acclimated to society. He was instrumental in making sure I finished my degree at Hampton and introducing me to Roland for a job. Roland had started his security company a couple of years before and made sure I got the proper training to be a protector. Our friendship started from there. I consider him the older brother I wish I had.”
His gaze drifted over her face. He saw the look of desire that was still in her eyes and knew he should step back; otherwise he would be sweeping her off her feet and carrying her up the stairs to her bedroom.
“We need to pack,” he said. “We’ll probably leave in the dead of night. Will you be ready?”
She nodded. “Yes, I’ll be ready.”
*
THE LONE FIGURE lifted the cup of coffee to his lips as he gazed down at the list in his hand. So far each hit had been a piece of cake, and he knew things would continue that way. No witnesses and so far he’d only taken out intended targets. Not one bystander harmed, although it would not have bothered him in the least if one had been.
He glanced at his watch. The person he was waiting for was late. She was his contact at police headquarters and the only one who knew his identity. Normally he worked alone, but Erickson’s hit list was a huge one, so a network had been implemented to stay abreast of what the feds and local police were doing.
He would admit she’d been rather useful so far. Thanks to her, he pretty much knew what was going on at police headquarters. He also knew all about that psychic who’d been brought in. It didn’t matter to him. He had no reason to believe in some weirdo’s abnormal abilities.
He and Erickson had a long history of working together. These weren’t the first hits he’d done for the man, and if things worked out the way Erickson planned, they wouldn’t be the last. He grinned at the thought that Erickson had things under control even from behind bars. There was no doubt in his mind that eventually Erickson would be set free. They would be stupid not to release him. But then, the feds and the local officers had shown him they weren’t too bright. Since he was still a free man getting ready to take care of his next victim.
He heard the knock on the door. It was about time she arrived.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
STONEWALL LOOKED UP when the office door opened. He’d been expecting Roland, although he’d wished otherwise. “I was hoping you’d keep driving to Sutton Hills after leaving Margo Connelly’s place.”
Roland walked into the room. “You would hope that. Do I need to remind you whose chair you’re sitting in?”
With a chuckle, Stonewall leaned back in said chair. “You can have it back but only when you’re physically ready. I prefer being out there where the action is instead of in here pushing papers.”
“You’ve been doing more than pushing papers and you know it,” Roland said, sitting down in a nearby chair.
Yes, he knew it, Stonewall thought. The only downfall in spending so much time here at the office was that he’d put his family as well as his social life on hold. His grandmother and sister understood how things went whenever it came to his work. So they weren’t his major concern right now. Detective Joy Ingram, on the other hand, was. Although he talked to Joy often, they had yet to go out on what he considered a real date. And lately her work schedule was becoming just as hectic as his.
“I stopped by Granger Aeronautics and talked to Sheppard and Jace,” Roland said, interrupting his thoughts. “Jace thinks he has the perfect place for Margo to go into hiding. It’s a cabin Jace owns in the mountains near Shenandoah.”
Stonewall wasn’t surprised that Roland had already started putting plans into action. Sheppard Granger was a man of great integrity, for whom Stonewall had the highest respect and admiration. Jace was Shep’s oldest son. Stonewall was convinced he would be dead now if it hadn’t been for Sheppard Granger.
“I want things in place to move Margo into that cabin within eight hours, Stonewall.”
Stonewall released a groan. He knew Roland had sat in this chair a lot longer than he had and was fully aware that what he was asking for would require a hustle on everyone’s part. But they would get it done. “It’s going to be important that we make sure no one knows where she’s being relocated.”
“And more than anything, we need to make sure that when the move is made, Striker isn’t followed,” Roland tacked on.
“All that will be taken care of. I’m hoping the authorities capture the bastard soon.”
“There still aren’t any major leads?” Roland asked.
Stonewall knew Roland was well aware that he spoke often to one of the female detectives working the case. “Nothing major.”
“How are things going with that psychic?”
“Okay, from what I understand. I hear she’s good at what she does and has a favorable track record.”
“That’s good.” Roland stood. “I think I’ll go lie down on the cot for a minute.”
“Okay, you do that.” Stonewall watched as he left the office.
*
LIZ TILLMAN SWEPT into Frazier’s office with a frown on her face. “Honestly, Frazier, you need to do something with Goldwyn. He can be rather rude. I was in the middle of watching a very important television show when he interrupted to say you needed to see me immediately. When I told him I’d be there once the show was done, in a mean tone he told me you needed to see me immediately.”
Frazier stood from behind his desk and for a minute he didn’t say anything because Goldwyn, who’d been his trusted butler for a number of years, had been following his orders. “You won’t have to worry about Goldwyn bothering you any longer, Liz.”
Her frown turned into a huge smile. “Are you finally getting rid of that god-awful man, sweetheart?”
“Goldwyn isn’t going anywhere, but you are.”
Her smile quickly reverted to a frown. “What do you mean?”
“Because you are leaving. I want you packed and off the estate in less than two hours. If you dare to linger I’ll call security to make sure that you don’t. And don’t take anything that you didn’t bring with you.”
Liz’s frown was now replaced by shock. “Frazier? What is the meaning of this? What’s wrong?”
When he didn’t say anything but continued to stand there and stare at her, she straightened her spine and lifted her chin. “I’m being replaced, aren’t I? Your niece told you to get rid of me and—”
“Leave Margo out of this.”
Liz lifted her chin higher. “And why should I? She’s a bitch and has never liked me. I tried to get along with her, but you can’t blame me if she didn’t accept my friendship. As far as I’m concerned, she should have stayed in New York. We were doing great before she decided to move back to Charlottesville.”
Frazier crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ve said enough, Liz. I want you gone. You’re no longer welcome here.”
Rage, the likes of which Frazier had never seen before from her, covered Liz’s entire face. “You’re going to regret this.” And then she angrily stomped out the room.
Frazier rubbed his face, hoping he’d seen the last of Liz. After what Goldwyn had caught her doing, Frazier knew she could no longer be trusted. He then switched his thoughts to what had transpired at Margo’s house earlier that day and how she had so easily figured out things about Roland. Frazier had never thought that seeing them together would make Margo suspect anything.
He picked up the phone on his desk to call Striker and give him a heads-up, just in case Liz got it into her head to pay Margo a visit.
*
STRIKER CLICKED OFF the phone with Frazier a few seconds before Margo walked out of her workroom. He wondered if there would ever be a time he wouldn’t get a stirring in his gut when he saw her. “Was that Stonewall?” she asked him.
There was no reason for him not to answer truthfully. “No, that was Frazier. He wanted to warn me that Liz Tillman might try paying you a visit.”
Margo lifted a brow. “Why?”
“Apparently they broke up, and she feels you’re responsible.”
Margo dropped down on the sofa, shocked. “Uncle Frazier and Liz actually broke up?”