“And your point is…?”
“You’re distracted.”
“Yes.” He couldn’t deny it. Not with how forgetful he’d been lately. He couldn’t believe she’d had to remind him about another meeting.
“What’s going on?” She frowned and met his gaze unflinchingly. “You’re usually on top of everything.”
He shrugged. “Guess that means you’ll give me a break when I’m not.”
“As your friend, I’ll give you that much. As your director, I feel the need to point out that you had a great story yesterday and totally fucked it up. Since when do you forget to bring a cameraman when you get a tip?”
“I wasn’t thinking.”
“Damn straight you weren’t. First you screw up a story, then you completely forget about a meeting with your producer when you’ve got three stories you want to pitch.” Her expression softened a bit. “This is about Zach Caldwell, isn’t it?”
He nodded. Of course she’d figured it out, the way Jesse’d nearly interrogated him about Zach over drinks the night before.
“You know I won’t interfere in your life.” She sighed. “And I’m really glad you’re thinking about something other than work for a change. You need balance. Hell, I want that for you.”
“But?”
“But balance, Brand. Balance. That means when you’re working, you’re focused. And if you can’t handle a story because it’s too close to home, fucking ask me for help, okay?”
“Okay.”
She smiled and stood. “Good. And remember”—she leaned over his desk—“next time things go down and you’re tempted to act like an idiot again? Call me.”
“You got it.” He pressed his lips together and smiled.
“Good.” She walked out of the office and waved over her shoulder. “And don’t forget to give me an update on that house collapse story you’re working.”
He took a few deep breaths, sipped his cold coffee, then began to tackle the dozens of emails he’d been ignoring. One of the replies jumped out at him—Ronny Vandevender, the contractor he’d used to do some upgrades to his condo before he’d moved in.
I’ve got a buddy who’s a building inspector. He knows the construction guys pretty well. Name’s Jack Blanson.
Brand shot Ronny an email thanking him, then immediately called Jack Blanson’s cell.
“Never heard of Euclid or Vanguard Builders,” Jack told him over the din of a noisy construction site. “That’s Terry Warfield’s territory. He moved down this way about six years ago.”
Brand scribbled down the number Jack gave him. “Thanks. I appreciate the help.”
“Sure thing.”
Terry Warfield’s number rang a few times, then went to voicemail. “This is Brand Josephson with CCBN. I was hoping to speak with you. If you have a minute, I’d appreciate a call.” He left his number and set the phone down.
Brand sent an email to Craig Myree, an architect he’d met doing a story when he first moved to Wilmington. They’d gone out on a few dates, but Craig had moved to Raleigh and they hadn’t seen each other much since. It was a long shot, but Craig had a lot of contacts in the construction business around the state.
About a half an hour later, a response from Craig popped up in Brand’s email.
I don’t know Terry Warfield personally, but a friend of a friend says he’s over at Waterview Fields on Emerald Isle this week inspecting some new construction. Hope this helps.
PS: You now officially owe me a racquetball game. Give me a call when you’re not so busy.
“Bingo.” Brand rubbed his eyes, downed the rest of his third cup of coffee, and sent Craig a thank-you with a promise to set up a time to meet for a game. Then he took a deep breath and dialed Zach’s number.
“Zach Caldwell.”
“It’s Brand.”
“Hey, Brand.” Zach sounded surprisingly upbeat. “What’s up?”
“How do you feel about a trip to Emerald Isle today?”
“Nice place. Mind telling me why you’re suddenly wanting to head to the beach?”
“I’ve got a lead. One of the building inspectors who works in the area where Tessa’s house was built is supposed to be out that way. I left him a message, but I figured it’d be better to try to speak with him in person.” Better also because it gave Brand an excuse to see Zach again. Not that he planned on sharing that.
BRAND EXPECTED things between them to be incredibly awkward, but Zach seemed his usual self on the drive over to Emerald Isle. “Did you have a chance to speak to Jesse?” Brand asked as he drove.
“He agreed it’s suspicious.” Zach gazed out the window, clearly deep in thought. “They haven’t had any muggings on the Riverwalk in over a year.”
“You told him about the story?”
Zach nodded. “Enough that he suggested having someone swing by the paper to check up on me.”
“You turned him down, didn’t you?” Brand tried not to sound overly concerned.
Zach raised his eyebrows and shook his head, a hint of a smile on his lips. “He also said someone might want to keep an eye out for you.”
“Me?”
“Don’t play dumb. You and I both know I wasn’t the only one poking around Haynes’s office.”
Brand grunted. Of course he realized he’d be a target too, but he wasn’t worried about himself.
“We both need to be careful. But you know as well as I do that having a cop drive by my offices every so often isn’t going to stop whoever wants to end this investigation. Assuming that’s what the attacker wanted.”
“I’ll be careful too. Promise.”
Zach touched Brand’s arm. “I appreciate that.” He paused a moment as if trying to gather his thoughts, then added, “And thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being there yesterday.”
“You’re welcome.” Brand was grateful Zach didn’t bring up their kiss. He’d meant to give Zach some breathing room, not pressure him into something he wasn’t ready for.
They left the car at the edge of the development and walked down the dirt access road to several dozen houses in various stages of construction, some just frames, others nearly complete. At least one had a blue tarp tied over the roof, and bits of construction materials littered the lots. More hurricane damage.
A man dressed in work pants and a dirty T-shirt walked over to them as they neared the first of the homes. “Can I help you gentlemen?” He paused, then said, “I know you. You’re that reporter for CCBN, aren’t you?”
Brand nodded. “Brand Josephson. This is Zach Caldwell.”
“John Golden. Good to meetcha.” John shook their hands. “What can I do for you?”
“We’re looking for a building inspector, a Mr. Warfield?” Brand said.
“Terry? Sure, I know ’im.” John gestured to the end of the nearest row of houses. “He’s been workin’ the site since yesterday. We’re hopin’ to get back to work after the storm, an’ he’s checkin’ to be sure there ain’t no issues with the bones of these babies. Florence and Michael made a mess of things.”
“Thank you.” Brand smiled and nodded. “I hope you get good news.”
“I do too.” John waved as they headed over to the house at the end of the street.
As they neared the front yard, a man walked around the side of the nearly built house, making notes on a clipboard.
“Mr. Warfield?” Brand asked.
The man looked up. “Yes?”
“I’m Brand Josephson, and this is my colleague, Zach Caldwell of the River Watch. I was wondering if you might be able to help me with a story I’m working on.”
“Don’t know if I can do anythin’ for you folks, but I’m happy to answer whatever questions I can.”
“Much appreciated,” Brand replied. “Mind if I take a look around?” He had suggested Zach take the lead on the interview. No need to make Terry any more nervous, especially if he had some connection to Tessa’s house or the house in Kure
Beach. Besides, Brand wanted to keep an eye on things after the attack.
“Suit yourself.”
Zach pulled out his notebook and pen. “Looks like there’s some damage out here.”
“One storm after another ain’t been good for business,” Terry replied. “Keepin’ me busy, though.”
“I can imagine.”
“So what kind of questions do you have for me?” Terry glanced at Brand, who smiled, then walked to the back of the house.
The construction site was noticeably devoid of any heavy equipment. The company doing the build had probably moved it all ahead of Hurricane Florence and was waiting on the necessary inspections before they hauled it back. Inspectors certainly held a great deal of power over companies like the one working on this development.
About five minutes later, Zach waved to him, and Brand headed back over. “Y’all take care,” Terry said after Zach thanked him for his help.
“Anything else you’d like to see here?” Brand asked as they walked back toward the car.
“No. I got what I needed. At least for now.”
Brand unlocked the car and they climbed inside, then headed back onto the highway toward Wilmington. “I take it your conversation with the inspector was illuminating?”
“I wouldn’t call it that exactly.” Zach tapped his finger on his notebook. “I didn’t expect him to remember Tessa’s house in Wrightsville. He probably inspects hundreds of houses a year. Maybe more.”
“So why do you have that cat-who-swallowed-the-canary grin on your face?”
Zach chuckled. “Because he also claims to know nothing about the Remingtons’ house in Kure.”
“And that’s interesting because…?” Brand prompted.
“Because I went back and reviewed the complaint in the Remingtons’ lawsuit after you called me. Guess whose name pops up?”
“Mr. Warfield’s.”
“Bingo.” Zach grinned.
“He may inspect lots of houses, but it’s pretty hard to forget about a case where you could be the star witness.”
“He’s hiding something. I’m sure of it.” Zach tapped his notebook again. “Do you need to be back at the station anytime soon?”
“No. Why?”
“I’m hungry. Interesting in joining me for some sushi?”
“Is this another date?” Brand did his best to hide his excitement. His patience was finally paying off.
“Might be.”
Chapter Sixteen
“WHAT’RE YOU thinking?” Brand sipped his sake and leaned over the table, eyes bright with excitement.
“It’d be nice to find a connection between the company that built Tessa’s house and the company that built the Remingtons’ place. Other than a close-lipped attorney, that is.” Brand’s excitement was contagious. Zach couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so excited to crack a story. He’d worked solo for too long.
“There’s more to it than just Warfield.” Brand set his cup down. “There has to be a way to figure out who’s pulling the strings.”
Zach nodded. He’d been enjoying more than just working on the story. He genuinely liked having Brand around. But the kiss yesterday morning made him nervous. Being interested in more than just sex with another man—even thinking about the possibility that he might take a chance again—terrified him.
“Even if we can only nail Warfield, that’d be quite a story in itself.” Brand snagged a piece of a tuna roll from the giant wooden sushi boat between them.
“Rogue inspector taking bribes to overlook construction defects.” Zach nodded. “Not a bad start.”
Brand set his chopsticks down. “Warfield clearly doesn’t have enough money to shut the Remingtons up. There’s got to be a connection between Euclid and Vantage other than Warfield.”
“Did I tell you I checked Vantage and they’ve also disappeared from the radar?”
“Another dissolution?”
“Yep.” Zach picked up the bottle of sake and refilled their cups, then took a sip. He’d been taking it slow with the alcohol. He had no intention of throwing himself at Brand again. If this thing between them was going to happen, it would happen because he made a conscious choice. “They also didn’t pay their North Carolina taxes. I’d bet good money the IRS has some sort of action against them as well.”
“Good reason to disappear. Or reappear as another corporation before the authorities figure out what’s going on. Which,” Brand added, “leads us back to Warfield. And speaking of which, I have an appointment tomorrow morning with the contractor who worked on my condo. He’s built a good number of homes in this area. He can give us some background information, maybe help us understand what caused those houses to collapse.” Brand dipped a piece of yellowtail nigiri into the mixture of soy sauce and wasabi, then popped it in his mouth and chewed it slowly. “You interested in tagging along?”
“Sure.”
“Listen, Zach,” Brand said. “About yesterday… I’m really sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t.” Zach’s throat tightened and his palms felt suddenly damp. He needed to take ownership of his feelings. It wasn’t fair to let Brand keep thinking he hadn’t wanted the kiss or that it was somehow Brand’s fault. “And you weren’t the only one who wanted the kiss.” The admission felt surprisingly good, in spite of his discomfort.
Brand stared at him but didn’t immediately respond.
“I don’t remember the kiss quite the way you do. I….” Shit, why was this so difficult to put into words? “I know I said I was happy with keeping things the way they were. But yesterday… I wanted that too.”
“Are you saying you want this to be about more than friendship?” Brand was understandably careful in how he phrased it, but Zach sensed the surprise and need in his words.
“Yes.” Zach wanted to say more, to explain why he’d hesitated, but he found himself at a loss. It was always the wrong time, the wrong place, the wrong—
“I understand.”
“What?”
Brand nodded. “I understand. At least I think I do. There’s something holding you back.”
Zach nodded and swallowed the sigh of relief that welled up from deep inside. He’d never told anyone the entire truth of why he’d left New York. Maybe someday he’d be able to handle that, but it felt good knowing Brand understood he wasn’t ready now.
“I can wait.” Brand’s smile was so reassuring and kind, Zach took a few deep breaths to rein in his emotions. “When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.”
The Riverwalk was nearly empty by the time they headed back to their building. The moon danced off the water, making it look like liquid glass, and the warm breeze felt like a tender caress. A perfect romantic evening.
Zach ignored the shot of adrenaline that made his heart race as he reached out to take Brand’s hand, lacing his fingers through Brand’s. Brand gazed back at him, his face a mixture of surprise and happiness.
“You didn’t have to walk me to my door,” Zach protested as the elevator stopped on his floor.
“Just making sure you’re safe. Once you’re inside, I’ll feel better.”
Brand’s concern made Zach’s chest warm. Anyone else and Zach might have suspected an ulterior motive, but true to his word, Brand stood a few feet away from Zach’s door and waited until Zach opened it.
“Good night, Zach.”
“’Night.” In spite of the angry butterflies in his gut, Zach’s need for Brand compelled him forward. He turned and walked up to Brand.
“What?”
Zach kissed Brand, who wreathed his arms around Zach and drew him closer as Zach explored Brand’s mouth with his tongue. The last time Zach had been too conflicted to appreciate how good Brand’s body felt against his own. But the hunger was the same. He wanted to possess Brand, or have Brand possess him. He didn’t really care, he just wanted to be with Brand and explore that beautiful body and the kind, sexy man who inhabited it.
And then the k
iss was over. Zach knew he wasn’t ready for more, and Brand, ever patient, didn’t push. “Good night,” Brand repeated.
“Good night.” Zach stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
Arlo sidled up to him and meowed. “I know, I know. He’s a pretty good guy, isn’t he?” He reached down and picked the cat up, then walked over to the sliding glass doors. Arlo stayed put for a few minutes, then hopped down and trotted off to the bedroom. He’d wait on Zach’s bed, probably on his pillow, until Zach was ready to go to sleep.
Outside, the Cape Fear River shimmered and a gentle breeze rustled the few remaining leaves on nearby trees. What a waste of moonlight! The thought flitted through his brain and made him laugh out loud. He, of all people, with a romantic thought like that?
Just goes to show how far gone you really are.
Chapter Seventeen
“THANKS FOR being willing to talk to us,” Brand told Ronny Vandevender as he and Zach stepped into Ronny’s office before eight the next morning. “Sorry to bother you so early.”
Zach looked tired, and he’d barely said a word on the car ride over. Brand had suggested they stop for a caffeine fix, but Zach had grumbled that he’d “already had two cups, and the piss-poor crap that masquerades as coffee at any of the places on the way isn’t worth the paper cup they pour it into.” Maybe the discussion about their relationship the night before had kept him awake. Brand hoped not, but grumpypants didn’t even come close to describing this morning’s version of Zach.
“We usually get an early start around here,” Ronny replied. “Besides, it’s the least I can do considering how much work you sent my way.”
“You got him work?” Zach frowned.
“I meet a lot of people in my job.” Brand grinned. “They ask me all kinds of things. And if they ask if I know any good contractors in the area, I give them Ronny’s name. He did a great job on my condo.”
“Sounds like a glowing recommendation.” Zach held out his hand. “Zach Caldwell. I do my best to hold things together at the River Watch.”
Chasing the Story Page 8
