by Rebecca Deel
“Coffee, please. Get lunch while you’re out. You might not have a chance to eat otherwise.”
“I’ll pick up lunch for both of us. We’ll squeeze in lunch somehow.”
“You’re the best.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just remember that when it’s time to review my salary.” With a wave, Dawn left.
Nicole grinned and glanced down at the German Shepherd. “All right, Patty. Time for your beauty treatment.” The dog barked.
While she brushed the dog and shampooed her, Nicole thought about Rod’s statements and questions, and wondered if she would face a lot more questions in an interrogation room.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Mason used his screw gun to secure the outlet cover. When finished, he wiped sweat from his brow with his forearm and stood. He set the screw gun aside and glanced at his partner. “How’s it going?”
Dean got to his feet and stretched. “Finished. What’s next?”
Before he could answer, Mason’s phone signaled an incoming call. He glanced at the screen. “I need to take this. Next on the list is installing closet doors in each of the units.”
“I’ll get started in here.”
“I won’t be long,” Mason promised as he strode toward the door and swiped his screen. “Kincaid.”
“It’s Zane. Can you talk?”
He answered when he stood outside Building 6. “Go ahead.”
“I traced the emails sent to Gage Fitzgerald and Ivan Dannon.”
“What did you find out?”
“It appears that Nicole sent them.”
Mason froze. “No chance.”
“I don’t think so either, but law enforcement might be inclined to think she’s guilty.”
“She wouldn’t do that.” Knowing his history with the Fitzgeralds, Nicole wouldn’t contact them for any reason, especially to confirm Mason’s location. Based on her last experience with Ivan, he was the last person she would want to exchange emails with. “What’s the proof?”
“I tracked the IP address to the Otter Creek public library. While the emails weren’t signed, I tracked the account through several layers to the original owner who claimed to be Nicole Copeland.”
Mason sat on the step in front of unit 3 and dragged a hand down his face. This was crazy. Who would try to throw Nicole under the bus and why? He was the major threat, not her. “It’s not Nicole. Someone is doing his best to muddy the waters and send the police on a rabbit chase.”
“Any idea why?”
“Not yet, but I will find out.”
“Watch your back, Mason.”
“Always.” He’d learned to do that in prison to survive.
“Think about who stands to gain the most if you’re out of the way and no longer have Nicole’s full support.”
He scanned the area to be sure he was still alone. “Look into a couple of men on Elliott’s crew. Gene Patton and Ed Fisher. For some reason, I’m getting a ton of animosity from them. Could be they just hate my guts or don’t trust me because of my prison record.”
“Anyone else?”
“Nicole’s former boyfriend, Ivan Dannon.” He explained about the last argument between the couple. “I want to know if he’s harboring plans for revenge against her. With his ego, he wouldn’t be able to tolerate Nicole getting the best of him. He fought with her over money. With her inheritance, she doesn’t have money issues now. He might think if he wins her back, he’ll have access to her bank accounts.”
“I’ll check them out and get back to you.” Zane ended the call.
Mason returned to unit 3 and helped Dean install closet doors.
When they finished the first set, Dean said, “Everything okay?”
“Not really.”
His friend frowned. “Want to talk about it or should I shut up and mind my own business?”
“Nicole’s former boyfriend is in town. He showed up at Linc’s at midnight and scared Nicole.”
“What does he want?”
“What do you think? Nicole.”
Dean stared a moment, then shook his head. “Incredible. How did she handle it?”
“Told him she’d never take him back.” He scowled at the memory of her confession. “During their last encounter two years ago, Dannon hit her.”
“Is he still alive?” Dean’s tone was wry.
“For the moment. I told him that if he ever touched her again, I’d take him apart.”
“Think he believed you?”
Mason’s lips curved. “He got my message. The problem is Dannon received an email that he assumed was from Nicole. The email implied that she missed him and would welcome him back into her life.”
“Fat chance of that happening. She’s crazy in love with you. Since Nicole didn’t send the email, then who did?”
“Zane looked into it. He said the trail ends with someone who claims to be Nicole and sent the message from the Otter Creek library.”
“The library might have security cameras. If Zane can tell you what time the email was sent and the computers are under camera surveillance, you should be able to see who was using the computers at the time.” He shrugged. “At least it would narrow your search to less than the population of Otter Creek.”
“That’s a great idea. I should have thought of that myself.”
“You would have if you’d slept more than five hours over the past few days.”
Yeah, probably. “If the library has security footage, I’ll have to figure out how to obtain a copy of the recording.”
“That’s easy. Leah is good friends with the head librarian, and the lady is a customer of Nicole’s. I don’t think Leah will have a problem getting what you need.”
A surge of hope swept through Mason. If he could get the recording, he could prove Nicole wasn’t the one who sent the emails. The police would eventually get the footage, but Zane could obtain information without warrants. If Mason found the evidence he needed, he’d have Z pass it along to the police anonymously. The Fortress tech wizard had ways to erase his electronic tracks so the police wouldn’t be able to trace the information to him.
He sent a text to Zane, asking for the times the emails were sent. “I’d appreciate Leah’s help, but only if she agrees. I don’t want her to help if it makes her uncomfortable.”
Dean waved that aside. “I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”
Later, as he and Dean sat under a tree to eat lunch, they talked about the work in Building 6 and discussed ways to streamline their process to save time.
Patton and Fisher walked up. Mason eyed them as he finished the last of his tea.
“Where’s your thug friend?” Patton said.
“If you’re talking about Linc, he’s working.”
“You sent him after us,” Fisher accused. “All we did was stick around to see if you needed help, but you turned on us.”
“Linc was protecting his girlfriend from someone watching us in the darkness.”
“Oh, come on. That’s not a crime.”
“He’s responsible for Dawn’s safety and takes that job seriously since she ran into Riva’s killer. If your woman’s life was in danger, you’d check a potential threat to her, too.”
He snorted. “Please. That little dog groomer don’t have a thing to be scared about. Not like your woman.”
Mason stiffened. “What does that mean?”
“Don’t play dumb, Kincaid. Your lady got up close and personal with a killer. Dawn just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up on her very fine backside.”
“Wouldn’t be wise to let Linc hear you talk about Dawn that way.”
“Maybe your woman poked her nose in where it doesn’t belong.” Patton folded his arms.
Mason leveled a stare at the belligerent construction worker. “The only thing Nicole is guilty of is doing a favor for a friend.”
“You sure about that?” Glee gleamed in Fisher’s eyes.
“If you have a point, get to it. My lunch break is over.”
“Rumor has it your woman is ready to dump you and date someone better, a real man.”
The Otter Creek grapevine was working overtime these days. Mason stood and picked up his lunch box. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”
He and Dean left the other men, locked their lunch boxes in their trucks, and returned to Building 6.
“Patton and Fisher wanted to get a rise out of you.”
“They were blatant about it, too. The question is, why?” Mason picked up the checklist from Brian. “After we hang the closet doors in unit 12, the next task is installing the pantry shelves.”
“Let’s get to it. I’d like to get home before 8:00 tonight. Leah is complaining about us working so much overtime.” Dean glanced at Mason as they opened another box containing closet doors. “Have you given more thought to Brian’s offer?”
He nodded. “I’m still not sure I want to take that on.”
“Why not? You’re perfect for that position, Mase.”
“Customers might refuse to hire Elliott Construction because I’m the project manager and in charge of the home rehab division.”
“Some customers might refuse to hire us but not all of them. They can search for another contractor. Too bad for them Elliott Construction is the best in the area. They either take us with you at the helm or they settle for second best.”
Mason smiled. “There’s a long wait list for contractors.”
Dean clapped him on the shoulder. “Take the promotion. You deserve it and will love the work.”
They returned to the work at hand, using the tactics they’d worked out during lunch. The plan to cut the time required for various tasks worked so well, Mason and Dean had nearly completed the entire checklist by the time Brian walked in an hour before the end of the workday.
“How’s it going?” their boss asked.
“Nearly finished with the list.” Mason turned to face his boss. “Do you need anything?”
“An answer.”
He stilled. “To what question?”
“Will you accept the promotion I’m offering?”
“I thought I had until the end of the week to make my decision.”
“You did. I have to move up the decision deadline.” Brian’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
A slow smile formed on Mason’s mouth. “We got the project?”
“It’s ours.”
“Congratulations, Brian.” Dean grinned at his employer. “When do we start?”
“I’m meeting with the architect tonight. The client has the construction loan already secured. If they’re satisfied with the architect’s recommendations, I’ll start applying for permits by the end of the week. Provided we don’t have any delays and the town council agrees to the plan, we start construction in a month. I need your answer, Mason.”
“Come on, Mase,” Dean murmured.
He drew in a deep breath. Dean was right. Mason loved the home renovation and repair work. While they’d been working side-by-side for the past few hours, he had considered and discarded several options. In the end, there was only one answer. If the clientele refused to work with him at the helm, he trusted Brian to let him know. He could rejoin the regular construction crew. “Yes.”
Brian grinned and slapped Mason on the back. “Great news! You won’t regret it, buddy.”
“I’ll take it on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“Dean comes with me. I want him permanently assigned to me.”
“I don’t have a problem with that. You two are a great team.” Brian rubbed his hands together. “This is perfect timing. Our company cookout is tomorrow evening. I was going to announce the new project. Now, I’ll be able to announce the establishment of the home rehab division of Elliott Construction and your promotion to division head and project manager.”
Mason held out his hand. “Thank you for trusting me, sir.”
“You earned it several times over, Mason. Hiring you was one of the best decisions I ever made. Finish your list and get out of here. I’m sure you want to celebrate with Nicole.”
Brian shook Dean’s hand. “Congratulations, Dean.”
“Sir?”
“Your new job in the home rehab division comes with a promotion as well.”
After a few more instructions on the remaining work in Building 6, Brian left.
“I can’t wait to tell Leah about this. She’ll be thrilled.”
“Nicole, too.” Mason glanced at his friend. “We’ll be scrambling to keep up with the work.”
“Can’t wait. Home rehab is a challenge.”
“The best kind.” The work involved taking something old and restoring it to usefulness or replacing it with something better. Sure, there were roadblocks along the way, problems to work around, but in the end, the result was beautiful, functional, and rewarding.
Home rehab reminded Mason of his own life. Once broken, Nicole had helped him heal.
His jaw clenched. Now someone was determined to destroy his life a second time. No matter what the cost, he wouldn’t let that happen. This time, he had too much to lose.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Nicole straightened with a groan and dumped the last of the dog clippings into the waste bin. “Finished. Finally.”
“Same here,” Dawn sighed. “I think we set a new salon record. Thirty dogs in twelve hours.”
“And that included the Great Danes with a water phobia.” She smiled. “We deserve a pat on the back.”
“I’ll settle for a hot shower, dinner, and Band-Aids to cover the scratches from Elmo.”
“Same. Would Linc mind stopping at the grocery store?”
“Not if we tell him we’re cooking dinner tonight.”
“I’m craving Mexican food, and I’m not in the mood to put up with people staring at us while we eat.”
“I’m in as long as I shower before we cook. I smell like dog shampoo.”
“Talk to Linc about the grocery store stop while I make sure everything is secure.”
With a nod, Dawn headed for the reception area.
After collecting trash from the bins, Nicole walked through the salon, checking windows and doors in each room. Reaching the store room, she headed for the exit.
In the alley, Nicole set the bags of trash on the ground and attempted to lift the Dumpster lid. She failed, needing a couple more inches in height. She’d use the door on the side and pray the bin wasn’t stuffed full.
“Let me give you a hand with that.” The gruff voice at her back startled her.
Nicole whipped around to face one of the two men she’d seen at the steakhouse the night before. Was this Patton or Fisher?
The man with sandy hair and piercing green eyes crowded closer to her and easily lifted the Dumpster lid as Nicole eased away from him. Something about this guy made her skin crawl.
“There you go.” He picked up the bags of trash and tossed them into the container before turning back to her. “Need help with anything else?”
She edged toward the door. “No, thanks. I appreciate the assist.”
He moved closer, and Nicole retreated until her back hit the wall. Oh, man. She should have side-stepped. Now, her escape route was cut off. “Back up.”
The man gave a low laugh. “Or what?” His smile sent shivers up her spine. “Your man isn’t here.” He lifted his hand and trailed his fingers down her cheek to her neck. “You deserve better than Kincaid.”
She pushed against his chest. He seemed as immovable as a boulder. If she engaged him in conversation long enough, Dawn or Linc would come looking for her. “You know Mason?”
“I don’t want to talk about him.” He leaned closer, breathed deep, and groaned. “Oh, baby. You smell good.”
If you liked the scent of dog shampoo. “Move.” She shoved harder.
“Don’t be like that, sweet thing. I won’t hurt you.” Another slow, suggestive smile. “Unless you ask me to.”
Nicole opened her mouth to scream for
help. Before she uttered a sound, the man was gone, his body sprawled on the ground with Linc standing in front of her.
“The lady asked you to back off,” Linc said. “Get lost, Fisher.”
“I’m just trying to be neighborly.”
“By pawing her?”
“I did her a favor.”
“You test my patience. Unless you want my fist in your face, leave.”
Fisher stood. “Threatening me isn’t smart, Creed.”
“I’m shaking in my shoes.”
Fisher’s gaze shifted to Nicole. “See you later.”
Nicole sagged against the wall as the man sauntered out of the alley.
Linc turned. “Did he hurt you?”
“Thanks to you, no. Why is Fisher hanging out in the alley behind the salon?”
“I don’t know, but you need to tell Mason about this. I guarantee Fisher will brag to Mason.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to add to the pressure he’s under.”
“He’d rather hear the news from you than be blindsided by a man looking for reasons to goad Mason into reacting. Did Fisher say anything to you?”
“Aside from telling me I smelled good, no.” She glanced away. “I really need a shower now. I feel dirty.”
Linc wrapped his big hand around her upper arm and urged her toward the salon door. “Let’s go. I understand we have another stop to make.”
Right. Important things first. Food. “I’m craving Mexican, and I don’t want to eat out.”
“Sounds great. Everything secure?”
She nodded. “The trash was the last thing on the list.”
“For the record, that’s the last time you take trash to the Dumpster. You don’t have any security cameras or lights back here.”
Nicole frowned. “I have a business to run. I can’t stop doing my job because someone scared me.”
“Until Mason learns what’s going on and the police arrest Riva’s killer, have Ryan dispose of the trash.”
Wise words from an experienced bodyguard. “All right. You sure you don’t mind stopping at the grocery store, Linc?”
“Are you kidding? I benefit from the detour. I also ran two extra miles today as part of PT. Trust me, I’m more than ready for dinner, especially one that’s homecooked.”
