Free Protecting Plain Jane by Julie Miller Page B

course.”
    “They’re about the wealthiest family in Kansas City,” Randy pointed out. “Don’t they have their own security?”
    Alex nodded. “Gallagher Security Systems—the same private outfit that protects the estate where Audrey’s father lives. They’ll provide extra guards at the house, in addition to all the electronics Gallagher designed. But they’re more gadgets than manpower—they don’t have the resources to secure a cemetery the size of Mt. Washington as well.”
    Rafe Delgado leaned back in his seat, a frown settling back on his expression. “Didn’t Gallagher provide the security at the estate where Gretchen Cosgrove was murdered, too?”
    Randy picked up on his suspicion. “That’s not a very good recommendation for Gallagher’s company.”
    “Gallagher’s wife was the Rich Girl Killer’s first victim,” Captain Cutler reminded them.
    “If his company had access to all the crime scenes, maybe the second murder and other attempts are a cover for his wife’s death.” Randy wasn’t getting the hint stamped on Cutler’s unsmiling face. “Has anyone investigated him?”
    The captain cleared his throat and simply looked at her.
    Randy wilted in her chair. “Too soon in our relationship to speculate about something like that, hmm?”
    “Quinn Gallagher is a friend of mine,” Cutler explained. “Any connection between his company and the murders is a cruel coincidence. Or a plot to discredit him.”
    Trip’s gaze instinctively shifted across the room to the table where Spencer Montgomery and his partner were sipping drinks. Son of a gun. The red-haired detective was looking over the rim of his glass, meeting Trip’s gaze—as if he knew the conversation around SWAT Team One’s table centered on his investigation.
    The detective didn’t so much as blink before turning back to his partner. A guy that unflappable would have no qualms about exploiting Charlotte Mayweather’s grief if it meant solving his case.
    Uh-uh. He had the stitches in his arm to prove he was the man Charlotte could count on if there was any other threat to her person or sanity—from killer or cop alike. Whether she believed it or not.
    Trip pulled back to answer Alex. “I’ll volunteer.”
    The mood around the table grew sober. They were all shifting back into wary-protector mode.
    “Jackson Mayweather is looking for some off-duty officers to help with crowd control, in exchange for a generous donation to KCPD’s widows and orphans fund.”
    “Whatever the Mayweathers need. I’m there.”
    “Thanks, Trip.”
    Captain Cutler was nodding, pushing away from the table and standing. “Call or text us with the times and setup. We can coordinate our efforts once we’re on-site. And remember, protecting the Mayweathers is strictly voluntary.”
    “I’ll be there,” Trip repeated, rising.
    Alex stood, too. “Audrey will be there all day, so that means I will, too.”
    Randy shrugged and joined in. “It’s not like I’ve got a hot date tomorrow.”
    Rafe was looking over his shoulder, watching Josie serve a beer and a smile up to one customer before hurrying behind the counter to greet someone new and fetch the next drink. Whatever was troubling him didn’t appear to be a concern for her.
    “Sarge?” the captain prompted.
    Rafe stood as well. “I’m in.”
    Trip grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair and shrugged into it. With thoughts of Charlotte distracting him from his normal routine, he hadn’t really been in the mood to celebrate, anyway. As the others headed for the door, he picked up his book and fell into step behind them. Any mental thumbing of the nose as they filed past Spencer Montgomery’s table was a silent bonus.
    This was a team he could trust. Just like that drill this afternoon—they’d get the job done. Together.
    Sure, maybe he was looking to redeem himself in Charlotte’s eyes. Maybe he couldn’t make her feel safe, or put the woman at ease, but he damn sure could