A Lover's Vow

“And they were things that got him killed,” Shana said pointedly, staring across the table at her sister.

“Yes,” Carson said, nodding. “Sheppard certainly believes that, and from what you’ve garnered from that police report, Jules, there might be something there. If so, I hope you understand the risk you’re taking by becoming involved in this case.”

“The work I do does involve a certain amount of risk so, yes, I understand.”

“And I hope you understand there’s a strong possibility that once I share everything with Sheppard, he might not want you handling the investigation.”

Jules nodded. “I’ve thought of that, too, considering how protective he is of everyone, and I can understand and appreciate that. But regardless, Carson, I intend to finish what I started, with or without Mr. Granger’s blessing. And you can tell him that.” She paused briefly and then added, “Respectfully, of course.”

Carson grinned. “I most certainly will.” She leaned back to relax in her chair. “So now, is there anything any of us can do to help move the process along?”

“Yes, there is,” Jules said, pulling out her cell phone to check the notes she’d made earlier.

Dalton had been with her then. He’d watched her, fascinated by how her fingers had moved on her smartphone, although he didn’t have a clue what notes she’d made. All he could think about while watching her was how those same fingers had gripped him, stroked him and led him to her mouth.

The thoughts made him shift in his chair. They had left his house at the same time today and had grabbed something to eat at one of the restaurants nearby. He felt the least he could do was feed her since he had been responsible for her missing two meals. And he had to admit he’d been pretty damned hungry himself.

“First of all, Jace and Shana.”

Dalton could tell his brother and sister-in-law were surprised when Jules called out their names.

“Yes?”

“Yes?”

“I would like a list of everyone who attended your dinner party. I understand there were some people there you didn’t know because of uninvited guests tagging along, but I want a list just the same.”

Jace nodded. “No problem. And just to make you aware, there were video cameras in place that night.”

Dalton sat up straight. “Video cameras?”

Jace shifted his glance to Dalton and smiled. “Yes, video cameras.” He paused as if he wanted that to sink in with Dalton before swinging his gaze back to the others. “It was Quasar’s idea.”

“And a good one,” Jules said, nodding.

She wouldn’t think so if there had been a camera out on the patio that night, Dalton thought. He cleared his throat. “Where were the cameras located?”

Jace shrugged as he glanced back at Dalton. “They were strategically positioned in various places.”

Cut the crap, Jace, Dalton wanted to say. “Exactly where?”

Jace smiled. “Here and there. Is there a particular place you’re interested in?”

Dalton figured his brother knew what he was getting at, since he had walked in on him and Jules kissing on the patio. “We’ll discuss this later.”

Jules, who at some point had caught on, hurriedly said, “And Caden?”

“Yes.”

“I retrieved my audio notes when I interviewed you regarding that attempt made on your life. You mentioned how the Greenes were treating you rather poorly at Shiloh’s wine boutique open house, and you led me to believe others were doing so, as well. I’d like names.”

Caden nodded. “The only other person whom I recall acting like a bit of a jerk that night was Sedrick Timmons. Everyone else was pretty friendly.”

Jules lifted a brow. “Dr. Sedrick Timmons? Shiloh’s brother?”

“Yes, but I will admit he thought he may have had a reason to feel some animosity toward me. He wasn’t too keen on Shiloh and me getting back together. He spent quite a bit of time hanging out with the Greenes that night, and I’m sure they were filling his head with lies about me.”

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