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

might not be considering other avenues.”
    Her brows drew together in a frown. “That’s what
my aunt said, too.”
    “Sounds like she’s a smart woman.”
    A wistful smile turned her lips. “She’s the best
thing that ever happened to me. I hope this whole disaster I’ve become
embroiled in doesn’t affect her too much.”
    “You said she’s been sick?”
    “She was in a serious car accident eight months
ago. Broke both legs, and her recovery has been slow. She’s the strongest lady
I’ve ever met, but she doesn’t need to be worrying about me.”
    A sliver of sympathy shot through him for the
woman who’d raised the beauty sitting next to him. If she was an innocent
bystander, then Nicole’s crimes were all the more heinous.
    A strong breeze rounded the side of his house
sending the trees into a crazy dance, forcing them to drop more red and yellow
leaves. He raised his gaze skyward, confirming the early evening light had been
smothered by dark clouds.
    Nicole widened her eyes. “I think the storm is
finally coming in.” A few splatters of rain punctuated her words.
    “I think you’re right. Perhaps we should move
this party indoors.” He stood and picked up the tray.
    She followed suit, grabbing their glasses and
rousing Stormy from her slumber at Nicole’s feet. “Thank you, Xander, but it’s
time for me to go. I’ve drank more wine than I should have, and I’m sure you’re
tired of hearing about my woes.”
    Damn it. “Are you sure?”
    The warm smile that tilted her lips, reached out
to him, and he had to shield his heart. “I should go. I promised my aunt I’d
call her, and it’s getting late.”
    “I’d be willing to brave another trip to the
coffee shop and get you a latte.”
    “You’re definitely a man used to getting his way,
aren’t you?”
    Was he? Her statement momentarily caught him off
guard. “At least tell me I’ve charmed you enough for you to agree to go puppy
shopping with me tomorrow. It is Saturday, and I’m sure cute, little puppies
will do a much better job than me of keeping you distracted.”
    She seemed to consider his request and then
nodded. “I’d love to.”
    *        *        *
    The windshield wipers moved back and forth,
filling the quiet car with swishing sounds as Xander drove her home. Nicole
supposed he was as lost in his thoughts as she was in hers.
    She was surprised how much their date had
distracted her from the relentless nervous chatter she’d been burdened with
since the questioning. Even when they’d talked about the theft, things hadn’t
seemed quite so bad. Maybe having someone to talk with had helped more than
she’d realized.
    He’d been the perfect date, attractive, attentive
and enjoyable. She wasn’t so sure about his friend that he thought might help
her. Having a complete stranger rooting around on her behalf seemed kind of
shady, but she was certain whoever had really committed the crime was using
every bit of arsenal available to stay undetected.
    “How do you suppose the person who really did
steal the money was able to get into First Freedom’s building without being
noticed? They have a video of me entering the building. Wouldn’t the real thief
be on the video, too?”
    Xander shifted his gaze to her face for a quick
moment before he refocused on the wet streets. “I would think so. Maybe that’s
something my friend can look into.”
    She nodded. It couldn’t hurt to have several
people viewing the video. “Do you think whoever did it worked there? It could
be someone I know.”
    He turned the steering wheel as they reached an
intersection near her home, his jacket rubbing against the leather seats of his
car. “It does sound like an inside job. Do you know what kind of security they
have besides cameras?”
    “They have a night person who comes on duty about
eight. Up until then, I think it’s just cameras. Usually, there are plenty of
people and janitorial staff around.”
    “Who did you see