To Save His Mate(19)

“It kind of depends on the situation with the shoot,” Lacy replied. “Trust me, I could use a break, but my first priority has to be the safety of these models until the killer is caught.”

“I understand. Perhaps you could invite Jose to your place for a poker game with Adam?” Stephanie asked Ethan. “If he’s with the two of you, then he’ll be safe, and Lacy can cut loose with us for a few hours.”

Truthfully, Lacy would have no problem with leaving Jose with these men. She had no doubt they could protect him if needed, but her sense of responsibility still held strong.

“Go,” Ethan coaxed, his voice soft. “You need to take a break every now and then, for you as much as for your cover.”

“And what do you expect me to do with the women back at the house? They may not be the current targets, but this person has tried to kill twice now. If the killer loses their temper, then who’s to say one of the girls won’t be next?”

“If we can arrange to have them watched would you go?” Stephanie asked.

Lacy shook her head, truly regretting her inability to have a night out. It really had been a long time since she’d just hung out. “I can’t risk a cop or patrol potentially scaring this person off.”

“My husband can keep an eye on them, and nobody would ever know. He’s an ex-Navy SEAL and a damn good sniper, too. He’ll keep them safe. Besides,” Stephanie was grinning like a loon now, “it wouldn’t hurt for him to get a little taste of it again. I think he misses it.” She leaned in to whisper, “And I’m sure that he’ll be very grateful if I can get him this little ‘assignment’.”

“I’ll think about it, but that’s all I can promise.”

The women exchanged numbers before she and Ethan headed for the SUV. Once they were underway, Lacy dialed her superior.

“Murphy, it’s Lacy. Listen, there’s another victim heading your way. Someone released a swarm of bees into one of the dressing tents, and he was allergic. I’m not sure if that was general knowledge around the shoot, making him the latest target, but I’ll try to find out.”

“Watch your ass out there, girl. Shit. I’m not entirely comfortable with you having no official back-up.” His deep baritone carried well over the line, and Lacy adjusted the volume on her end. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

“I’m fine, Chief. Besides, we have a new lead.” Now, she knew she had his undivided attention. “We found footprints near the scene. They’re small, so the perp is either a man with very small feet or we’re dealing with a woman.”

“Shit!” Man, he was really enjoying that word today. Murphy was mumbling to himself, but the resulting sound came out more like a menacing snarl. “Lacy, do you realize what this means? You could be bunking down with the killer in that damn house!”

Actually, the thought had already crossed her mind, but there was hardly anything she could do about it. “Relax, I’ve got this under control. I even have a cover story for when I’m out between shoots. The local sheriff is very helpful, and I may just have a secret weapon handy.” Lacy smiled, thinking that Stephanie’s husband could potentially turn out to be a real asset. “I’ll let you know when I get things hammered out. Gus—the sheriff—should be forwarding his reports to you later today, so keep your computer handy.”

“You keep your phone handy. This is giving me a really bad feeling,” he griped.

“That’s just your ulcer, Murphy. Pop a Tums, and I’ll check in tomorrow.”

“You better check in regularly, or I’m pulling you, do you understand? If I can’t be assured of your safety, then this is over.”

“I hear you. Bye, Murphy.” Bless the man. He was like a father to her. He was just as protective as one, too, never wanting her to go into dangerous situations unless it was absolutely necessary and only then with the best backup he could find.

Lacy would miss that man for sure, but it wasn’t enough to keep her from moving on. After this case, she’d be more than ready to take her leave from the big city. Maybe, she would take Gus up on his offer, after all.





Chapter Eight





“Here we are,” Ethan announced.

They pulled up to the house the female models were occupying, and Ethan reached over to take her hand.

“I hate that the time we spent together today wasn’t under better circumstances, but it did have its moments.” Ethan fully intended to send her inside, but not until he indulged in another “moment” with her.