Free Retribution Boxed Set (Books One and Two) by Cindy Stark

job.”
    He nodded, studying her, looking for any chink in
her armor. There had to be something.
    He kept the conversation to small talk while they
finished their meal, keeping her wineglass refilled and easing her into a nice
relaxed state, but now it was time to dig a little deeper. “You mentioned you
don’t have family to support you. Just an aunt.” He piled dishes and empty
containers onto the tray. “Where is the rest of your family? Your parents?”
    She eyed him directly. “They’re both dead.”
    He already knew that, but the way she spoke, like
she was warning him not to delve into that subject intrigued him. “What
happened to them, if you don’t mind me asking? He was never one to heed a
warning.
    A quick flash of pain, real or fake, crossed her
face. “It’s a long, not very happy story that I prefer not to think about.” She
glanced at her watch. “Besides, I’ve taken enough of your time. I should go.”
    He’d hit a raw nerve, no doubt. She started to
stand, and Stormy jumped to her feet, prepared to follow her. Xander placed a
hand over Nicole’s. “Do you have to go now? I’m happy to drive you whenever
you’re ready, but I’d really like it if you’d stay a while longer. This house
can get pretty lonely at times.”
    She seemed to consider his request and then the
tension left her shoulders. “I understand. My place can be kind of empty
sometimes, too. Stormy helps.” She reached down and scratched her dog’s ear. “Maybe
you should think about getting a dog? They’re great company, and it’s nice to
have someone waiting for you at home.”
    The affection she had for her pup was genuine,
that much he could tell. “Maybe I will.” He’d actually considered the idea off
and on during the past year. “Maybe you could help me pick one out.”
    Her eyes brightened. “I’d love to. There’s a pet
store not far from here that lets the local shelters bring in puppies on Saturdays
to help find them homes. Have you thought about what breed you’d like to get? If
you work long hours, you’ll want one that’s okay being left alone for long
periods.” She glanced toward his back door. “Might want to consider getting a
doggie door, too, so it won’t have accidents.”
    He couldn’t help but grin. She might be a
multi-million dollar thief, but she definitely had a soft spot for animals. “I’d
love a dog like Stormy. Australian Shepherd, right?”
    “That’s right.” She seemed impressed with his
knowledge of canine breeds, which was a point in his favor. The more she liked
him, the more likely she’d divulge information. “She’s a very good dog.” Stormy
seemed to recognize that she was the subject of the conversation and barked as
though to join in. Nicole rubbed her coat as Stormy’s tail thumped against the
side of Nicole’s chair.
    “Tomorrow is Saturday.” Now that he’d found an
in, he intended to exploit it. “Would you want to go then?”
    “Only if you’re not afraid to be seen with me in
public. Might want to think about that after what happened at the coffee shop.”
    He caught her gaze and held it. “People don’t
scare me.”
    She snorted. “I wish I could say the same. There’s
at least one person out there who terrifies me.”
    He nodded, not knowing what else to say. If she’d
been telling the truth, he would have been frightened for her. “I’m going to
talk to my friend. Have him do some investigating.”
    “Who is he? Why is it you think he can help when
the police haven’t been able to?”
    “He’s a former cop.” Or at least Sam would be at
some point in the future. “He knows people. People who can look into things
without being questioned.”
    She nodded, but didn’t seem completely convinced.
“I suppose it’s worth a shot. At this point, I’ll take all the help I can get. Please
make sure he keeps things above board, though. I don’t need any more trouble.”
    “Besides, if the police have you as a prime
suspect, they