Free Her Master Defender (The Masters Men Series) by Sandra S. Kerns Page B

you were home when they tried to break in there, it could be you they want. You’re in danger until they’re caught or they get whatever  or whomever  they are after.”
    Copper could see his point. It did seem a little strange for someone to burgle her house the night after her office had been trashed. And they could clearly see her car was there. The thought frightened her, but she refused to let it show. She was the Colonel’s daughter after all. 
    “Well, I guess they’re just going to have to ask me for whatever it is, because I can’t imagine.”
    Dos leaned toward her and stared into her eyes. “They get within ten feet of you and they’re as good as dead. I told you, these people are professionals. You need protection. Give me the phone.”
    She held it up, but not close enough for him to get. “Not if you’re calling my father. I said I’ll take care of that in the morning.”
    “I’ll probably get hell for it, but fine. I want to call a friend of mine on the police force.”
    “You mean your brother.”
    “No,  a friend, not my brother. I don’t need an inquisition tonight.”
    Copper didn’t have to wonder about the reference having met one of his brothers this morning. She had seen the true concern Ace had for his brother Dos. No doubt his other brother felt the same.
    Dos punched in a speed-dial number while Copper watched him. Reaching up he turned on the lamp between them. With the dull light from the stove hood and the fire the only illumination it felt a little too cozy for his comfort.
    “Hey, Gina.”
    “Dos? Hey what’s up?”
    “I need a favor. There was a break-in last night at a Therapeutic Massage on Laurel Street.” He watched Copper as he spoke. She was chewing on the corner of one of her lips again. Why the hell did it turn him on?
    “Yeah, I saw the sheet. Neevers caught it. Why?”
    “We both know what the Masters clan thinks of Neevers. Anyway, the owner is a neighbor of mine. Someone tried to break into her house tonight.”
    “Anybody hurt?”
    “No, we’re okay.” He ignored Copper’s rolled eye expression. “I got a couple shots off, but they split through the trees. I guess they had a car waiting. Anyway, they seemed somewhat professional for a simple burglary. There wasn’t a mark on the back door, but they slipped both locks. And they were armed.”
    Silence greeted his last statement. “No, G, I was not shot,” he said, knowing she wanted to ask.
    “Thank God,” Gina said. “Okay, so why are you calling me? Did you forget you’ve got a brother who’s a cop and also my partner?”
    “No, I was hoping you could check it out so I didn’t have to deal with his . . .”
    “Concern? Dos, they’re both worried about you.”
    “I know. I’m just--"
    “A Masters?”
    Dos grinned at the easy out she gave him. “Yeah, so can you check it out before making an official report or telling your partner?”
    He heard her resigned sigh on the other end of the line. Being his brother’s partner Gina didn’t like keeping things from him, but she knew Tres had been carrying a heavy load lately.
    “Fine. I’ll call you back when I’m done.”
    “Take someone you can trust with you. Tres will kill me if something happens to you.”
    Gina’s laugh told him she understood. “Only after he killed me if I were that stupid. I have someone I can call.”
    “Thanks, G. I owe you.”
    “Don’t worry, I’ll collect.”
    Dos grinned as he flipped the phone shut. Gina had been his brother’s partner for three years. His mother had all but adopted her as one of the family. He didn’t doubt she would find a way to collect.
    “Close friend?”
    Glancing over at Copper he shook his head, “My brother’s partner.”
    “A partner he’s sweet on?”
    “Geez, you never give up, do you? No, but she’s like family,” he said. “She’ll call back after she checks it out. If you’re tired feel free to go to bed. I’ll wait for the call.”
    “Not that I think