Free A Promise to Protect (Logan Point Book #2): A Novel by Patricia Bradley Page A

Internet, even. They’re not expensive, and from what I hear, a fairly decent gun.”
    Ben cocked his head slightly, studying the older man. Maxwell held his gaze, not flinching. “Do you mind if I ask a few questions about Billy Wayne around the plant?” He didn’t have to ask permission, but it cost him nothing to defer to Maxwell’s position.
    Maxwell gave a faint nod. “Help yourself.”
    Ben extended his hand. “Thanks. Do you suppose someone could let me into Tony’s office?”
    “I’ll instruct the receptionist to show you the way.” Maxwell grasped his hand in a firm grip. “One more thing. You and Danny go way back, so you know he’s hotheaded. Your dad always cut Danny a little slack. I’d appreciate it if you carried on the tradition.”
    Ben released Maxwell’s hand and crossed his arms over his chest. He’d observed Danny breezing through town in his SUV or a little red Lexus convertible, just barely over the speed limit—not enough to pull him over and have to argue with him about. “I hope you’re not asking me to break the law.”
    He palmed his hand up. “Of course not. I never asked your dad to break the law. I’m just asking for a little grace now and then. I don’t want him to lose his license.”
    “Then I suggest you tell him to slow down.” He started toward the door and stopped. “I know Ian manages the plant, but I’ve never understood Danny’s job here.”
    “He oversees the international aspect of our operation. The shipment of raw supplies to Mexico, the points of distribution all over the world, that sort of thing.”
    Which probably fed his roving nature. “He doesn’t handle the rifle sales and distribution?”
    “I still handle that aspect of the business.”
    Ben opened the door. “Don’t forget to tell him to slow down.”
    He felt Maxwell’s eyes on him as he walked down the steps and across to Tiffany’s desk.
    She hung up the phone and stood as he approached. “Mr. Maxwell said you wanted to see Tony’s office?”
    “Please.” As he followed the petite brunette, he couldn’t help but notice that she kept herself distanced from him. Rigid back and shoulders, cool demeanor. “Were you and Tony dating, Tiffany?” he asked as they stopped for her to enter a code before going into the office complex.
    Her fingers missed a button, and she had to start over. “What makes you think that?” She pushed the door open and allowed him to go through first.
    “Am I right?”
    She lifted her shoulder in a half shrug. “A few times.”
    “Is that allowed here?”
    “Tony did pretty much what Tony wanted to do, but he never, you know, abused it. He just had that kind of personality. I don’t know why anyone would want to kill him.” Unshed tears brightened her golden eyes.
    Ben studied the receptionist. “How was your relationship lately?”
    “It was fine.”
    The tremor in her voice indicated their relationship was definitely not fine. “When did you last see him? As in a date?”
    “About six weeks ago.” The corners of her mouth turned down. “Tony had been acting a little strange lately, but he’d been busy getting his sister and her son settled in, so he didn’t have much personal time.”
    “Did that bother you?”
    “Of course it bothered me, but I didn’t kill him over it. I knew sooner or later, he’d be back. Of course, now . . .” She heaved a sigh.
    “Who do you think will get Tony’s job?”
    Her eyes narrowed. “Geoffrey Franks. He’s been eying Tony’s job ever since he worked his way into management. Not that he would’ve ever gotten it as long as Tony was around.”
    “This Franks, has he worked at Maxwell Industries long?”
    “He was here before I came, and I’ve been here eight years.”
    Ben nodded. “That’s a long time to work as a receptionist. I imagine you see a lot that goes on.”
    She sniffed. “Well, you know, I do more than just sit at that desk and greet people. I coordinated Tony’s flights, and